On Thursday 18 October 2007, the second wedding (as far as our research goes so far) took place on the isle of Bardsey (Ynys Enlli).  The writer was fortunate to be present on this magnificent occasion, and in fact was honoured to be invited to witness the wedding and the signing of the Official Registers, imported from Aberdaron especially for the occasion.

Come on, I hear you say - and whose marriage was it?   Certainly a well kept secret from many of us and it was only those birdwatchers who had booked to stay on the island who were fortunate to know in advance.  The wedding took place between Emma Bowler and Steven Stansfield.  Best man was their son Connor.  Emma walked down the isle on the arm of Bevan Healey.  Bob Normand rung the Chapel Bell.   Emyr Roberts decorated the Chapel with flowers and lit the candles. Alicia Normand and Bevan Craddock witnessed the signing of the registers.   Neil Healey made the kneeling stool which was used in the Abbey Tower where their wedding was also blessed.  He also videoed the ceremony.  The stool was cushioned and stitched by Emma and Alicia.  Steve Porter was the "official" photographer.  Carol Shearman, Artist on the island, cleaned and decorated the School House where the reception was held in the evening.  "Official" transport was provided by Ernest Evans in the decorated buggy (by Angharad Roberts), from the Chapel to the School House.  Dafydd Phillips transported the Chair and Treasurer (and organist) of the BBFO to the island.  Wedding Cakes were provided by Christine Evans and Alicia Normand.   And the Wedding Feast was provided by Gareth Roberts from Cwrt Farm, his wife Miriel, daughter Angharad, and Helen and Geraint Griffith (all of whom attended the ceremony). 

Oh!, I nearly forgot - the marriage was carried out with a Special Licence obtained from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the clergyman who actually married them was a birdwatcher, member of the BBFO and regular island visitor, The Rt. Revd. David Hawkins, Bishop of Barking.   During the ceremony, Lessons were read by Steve Porter and Rachel Porter.  Christine Evans read a poem written by herself.  Music and singing by Dianne Charles.  Boat transport to the wedding by Dafydd Phillips.

Below are just a few photographs taken during the day. As you can imagine, everyone had a digicamera.  Two videos were also taken as well as lots of still images.  30 persons were present in the Chapel (everyone who was on the island that day), including Chair of the BBFO, Patrick Davies, David Wright, Assistant Warden, volunteer Richard Else, Simon H Roberts, Reg Thorpe and Mark (Igor) Eldridge. 


Photos of the Wedding and the Day by Steve Porter and others
Photos by Bevan Craddock and Bevan Healey

WITHOUT DOUBT, THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN BY THE LUCKY 30 PEOPLE
PRESENT ON BARDSEY THAT DAY

PS - Dot and Tim Tyne, living in Ty Pellaf at the time and running the farm, were married in the Chapel in May 1995.