Restored park pavilion used for couple’s quiet wedding

WEDDING bells chimed out at the newly-restored Japanese fishing pavilion at Saumarez Park for the first time last week.

Authorised civil celebrant Annette Henry with Paul Georgiou and his new wife Eileen, previously Walton, after their wedding ceremony in the restored Japanese fishing pavilion in Saumarez Park. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 30768919)

Hampshire couple Paul and Eileen Georgiou have been together for 14 years.

They got in touch with local tour guide and civil celebrant Annette Henry in search of a unique spot for their celebration after a law introduced in March last year made it possible for people to get married anywhere in the Bailiwick, including its airspace and waters.

‘We have been coming to Guernsey for holidays over the years and we just love it. The pagoda is a magical place, we added some artificial flowers to make it less plain but we didn’t decorate it too much,’ said Mr Georgiou.

Decoration was kept to a minimum with artificial flowers. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 30768909)

The pair have both been married once before for lengthy periods of time, which led to their desire for a smaller wedding setting.

They hoped that their special day would invigorate the island’s wedding tourism and attract more people to use the scenic spot for marriage ceremonies.

‘There were 12 individuals there, including us, it was really tiny. We liked the idea of an intimate wedding. We didn’t want to get married on a beach or a church because we aren’t church people, we wanted to get married somewhere a bit different,’ he said.

After proposing at the Little Chapel, Mr Georgiou hoped the celebration could take place there, but they began seeking other options when that was unable to happen.

Mrs Henry has been an independent civil celebrant for a year, and said she had been bowled over by the variety of ideas for the celebrations coming to her.

‘I thought what a fantastic place – they just fell in love with the background and the ambience. As a tour guide of 22 years, to now have couples interested in coming and taking up the history, it’s a win-win,’ said Mrs Henry.

Paul and Eileen Georgiou’s wedding ceremony in the restored Japanese fishing pavilion might not have been traditional, but the confetti was.(Picture by Sophie Rabey, 30768810)

‘The Japanese pavilion was just perfect for their very intimate ceremony, as it provides shelter and shade to accommodate all weather condition.’

Local artist Michelle Schofield, of Piccalilli Designs, painted a piece of the restored pavilion, with an original print presented to the couple by their families on the day.

This week the newly-weds are honeymooning in Alderney and having a separate overnight stay at St Pierre Park Hotel.