I love writing about some of the couples and families whose services I officiate. So I am absolutely delighted to write about Kate & Mike Hoskins and their super relaxed, absolutely beautiful Vow Renewal Ceremony, that I created and officiated, at the beginning of last November (2025).
Sharing in someone’s love story is a privilege, connecting with them so well as a celebrant , that you and your partner get invited to the event is a gift and a joy. Like all the couples and families who approach me to be their celebrant, whatever the capacity, my first suggestion is a relatively brief video call so we can all meet each other. I get to learn a little about what they want and they get to see if they have a connection to me.
We hit it off immediately. Their vibe fitted my style exactly. fun, laid back, a little quirky, very open.
They became Mr & Mrs in August 2007, then, whilst on stage performing the last gig with his old band, Mike reproposed, calling her up on stage and, in front of a packed venue, asking “Will You Marry Me Again?”
Her response was very loud and clear as she exclaimed, “ALWAYS”
The location
When I finally met them in person, in was at their venue, The Victory Pub in Hereford (formerly The Jolly Roger). It had always been Mike’s local. It was also a venue in which he regularly gigs himself and had become, their place for socialising, late night drinking and enjoying quality live music. They view it as an extension to their home. With the bonus of a well stocked bar. Never mind that it is decked out like an old galleon. I felt like I needed to ask the captain (landlord’s) permission to board! What a magnificent, quirky, friendly place. John was in tow at the meeting as we were on our way back from a few nights away. He offered to sit elsewhere, but we all hit it off and so enjoyed discussing their plans with him quietly supping his beer.
The Plan
The plan was simple, drink plenty, laugh a lot, enjoy the friendly hospitality of the place, and try and outlast the wedding which finished at 4am!!!
They had asked their original photographer, the very approachable and relaxed, Russell Lewis to do the honours, to take candid , unposed pictures and capture the relaxed atmosphere.
Everyone, including Mike and Kate were chilling around the pub before the ceremony. There was plenty of banter and interaction and, as is theirs and my style, we were running on Welsh “ish” time. The ceremony about be sometime around 5pm, once everyone had arrived and got themselves a drink. At the far end of the galleon is a stage area, surrounded by a raised gallery deck, Kate had added twinkly autumn lights and a collection of gourds and pumpkins to the ships deck. I’d laid out a table with a commemorative certificate for signing and the handfasting cords make by herself and sister Sharon.
Music was of the utmost importance at this event. This couple go to gigs, perform at gigs, roadie gigs and Mike also writes his own stuff. Live music and personalised playlists were the order of the afternoon evening. Their band for the night was exceptional. I’m hoping they will remind me of their name!
Captain Craig graciously let me take the lead whilst on board his ship and equally graciously agreed not to do a speech (apparently the man knows too much!)
So there you have it, Mrs and Mrs Hoskins, Mike and Kate, together, forever, in love, respect, friendship, partnership. Through the fun and the hardship. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, “You & Me”, ALWAYS
