This was a cracker.
In the build up I had found myself thinking that there was something unusual about the way I had been booked for this party in Leicestershire. They wanted me there very early and I did just wonder if there was more to it. I packed all my gear, just in case.
Thank heavens I did, because on arrival Tom took me to one side and revealed that although guests had indeed been invited to a lunch party to celebrate Piggy’s Badminton victory, a select few knew that as part of her speech, Pig would reveal that they were also using the opportunity to get married.
Owners, grooms, friends and fellow riders had travelled the country to come and let their hair down at a relaxed marquee party at the couple’s Northamptonshire base but they were going to get even more than they bargained for.
I loved the opportunity to capture the reactions around the marquee when Piggy revealed that her and Tom were going to tie the knot within the hour at the village church at the end of the drive. With impeccable timing, two London buses drove up the drive as guests were still coming to terms with what they’d just been told.
Everyone loaded up and headed down the drive in the open-topped buses, a great photo opportunity.
Bridesmaids, ushers and various other friends with wedding day roles, had been in on the surprise, and immediately got on with their jobs, while children at the neighbouring school all watched on with surprise.
A beautiful service over, the buses filled up again as we all made our way back up the drive, this time in full knowledge that it was now a wedding reception. Confetti was thrown and guests all sat down on long bench-style tables to enjoy lunch and speeches before dancing into the evening.
