27 Mar 2020

Friday 27 March 2020

In the midst of anxiety and stress caused by the national COVID-19 lock down on March 24, something very wonderful and special happened in the King’s College Chapel. 

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Old Collegian Hayden Whitecliffe (Parnell, 2002-06) married his beautiful Japanese bride Misa Aoki at 12pm.

A small number of us gathered to witness this special union. Along with Rev Warren Watson and the Bride and Groom were Rev’s son Andrew Watson (Marsden, 2015-19) taking photos, Rev’s wife Sarah playing the processional and recessional music on the organ, the Best Man, plus a very small number of Hayden’s family.

Sadly, due to travel restrictions, Misa’s parents and family could not travel from Japan. However, they were delighted to watch the service on a live-stream throughout.

The happy couple were to be married in the Chapel on March 28, but with the nation closing down, we all agreed to push the service forward.

The wedding was very brief and we all kept our socially correct distance, except of course the Bride and Groom. They held hands, said their vows with emotion and truth, exchanged rings and kissed.

Hayden and Misa then retreated for a four-week honeymoon!

A Service of Blessing and Renewal of Marriage Vows is now booked for August when Misa’s family will travel from Japan and gather with Hayden’s family and their friends. The service will be held in the Chapel and then we will all gather for a reception at the Northern Club.

May God’s blessing be upon Hayden and Misa in their new life together,   

Rev Warren Watson