Saturday, May 10, dawned sunny and warm as a number of engaged couples came together to share in a marriage preparation day being hosted by The United Parish of Pembroke Dock. The event, organised and run by Vicar, Rev. Nicky Skipworth, in partnership with Pembroke Dock Mothers' Union, was offered to all couples getting married in one of the parish's three places of worship during 2014. Couples having their banns called in the parish were also invited. One of the couples attending will marry at The Castle in Manorbier but, because they are following their wedding service with a church blessing led by Rev. Nicky Skipworth, they were also invited and made a 150-mile trip from their home in The Midlands to do so! Best of all, the day was completely free of charge for all of the couples taking part. Rev. Nicky Skipworth said: "We are always so pleased to offer this kind of special event and it came off really well with wonderful hospitality laid on by our Mothers' Union. While the focus is, inevitably, on the details of the wedding day, this is an opportunity for each couple to step away for a moment and think about the thousands of little days which will follow their big day. For, much as we are delighted to help make that big day happen, our commitment to these couples goes way beyond it; we believe in a great marriage, not just a great wedding! "Marriage preparation is not about providing answers or about testing a couple's compatibility or lifestyle; it is more about encouraging conversations on issues they may not have discussed before. We have faith in them to take away from the event what they need to grow as a couple. May I express my thanks and praise to the MU team, the couples themselves and the trustees of St. John's Community Hall. Here's to our 2015 marriage preparation day!" Starting at 9.45 am, the event was split into three sessions followed by a fabulous lunch, with wine, served up by the Mothers' Union. Just before making their way home, the Vicar led everyone into St. John's Church where, with some tears of joy, the couples shared in a wonderful celebration of their betrothal to one another. The photos show the three couples who took part, plus the large Mothers' Union team, coordinated by Mrs. Susan Parsell. Mr. Steve Bessant, who is on placement with the parish, is also seen. Sophie Underhill who, with her fiance Lukasz took part, reviewed the day, telling Rev. Nicky Skipworth: "We would just like to say thank you so much for providing a good day on Saturday. We had a lovely time and really appreciated all the effort that went in. I have to say we were a bit skeptical to begin with, but this sparked conversations on our way home that we have never had before, which I think has made us closer. It was good to meet some of the local (Christian) community and the others waiting to be married. Could we ask you to pass on our best wishes to them on their wedding day." It is the second year running that the parish has offered marriage preparation and it will do so again next year. Seven weddings are already booked for 2015 and any couple thinking about a church wedding in Pembroke Dock is warmly encouraged to have a chat with Rev. Nicky Skipworth without obligation. Couples may book their wedding day as far ahead as they wish and, naturally, would receive an invitation to a marriage preparation day in due course. You can visit the parish on Facebook at 'The United Parish of Pembroke Dock' or contact the Vicar on 01646 687825/ [email protected]">[email protected]