Camilla & Andrew stun christening guests with their surprise wedding!

When I was approached by a couple to cover a christening that would turn into a surprise wedding I was really excited if not a little anxious about the prospect of being in on the secret.  A surprise wedding would definitely be a first for me as a wedding photographer. We discussing the couple’s plans we all expressed concerns over the numerous ways in which the plans could have been uncovered. How on earth do you even begin to hide all the key elements of a wedding from guests – like a wedding dress for a start?

Luckily, Camilla and Andrew had some fantastic plans and ideas. They would keep their wedding simple and as close to a traditional christening celebration as possible so as not arouse any suspicion or complicate timings. Guests would already be at the couple’s local church and a relaxed lunch at a local pub with no formal seating arrangements would follow.

A Surprise Wedding

So, on a warm springtime Sunday morning we spent some time at Camilla’s parents home as she prepared her hair, make-up and a party dress, ready for her daughter’s Christening. Meanwhile, guests were arriving at the local church in preparation for the Christening of baby Violet. Everything went to plan and Violet behaved impeccably during her Christening.

What the guests didn’t know was that as the Vicar was performing his sermon at the end of the Christening, Camilla had disappeared to a broom cupboard at the back of the church to change from a smart party frock into a Wedding dress.

As the vicar spoke his last few words the organist began to play and the beautiful bride emerged at the back of the church. It was a scene like nothing I have ever witnessed as a photographer, silence only broken by huge gasps and hands covering mouths in utter disbelief.  As each of guests turned their heads upon hearing the gasps and sighs from behind they realised that they were about to witness something really unique and wonderfully special.

Relaxed reception

After the truly emotional service and once everyone had the chance to catch their breath, we had a short walk to the reception while guests excited discussed their surprise at what they had just witnessed and what had actually just happened. The church in Eye is a very short walk from the local pub and restaurant The Swan Inn Of Hoxne 

The May weather was very kind and meant the outdoor drinks reception (as was planned just for the Christening) could go ahead. An informal buffet was the perfect choice for the occasion and a violinist provided some amazing musical entertainment with a series of pedals and loopers to create a fantastic sound.

The impromptu speeches were rapturously received while everyone involved was thanked for their efforts in keeping the secret – including the vicar.

This was such a beautifully simple wedding full of real emotion, love and the wonderful surprise element. I will never forget the faces of the congregation as they realised what was unfolding in front of them.

If you are planning a surprise, secret wedding or any other kind of fun, relaxed or other kind of non-traditional wedding then I would love to be the photographer to capture your memories. I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Cambridge and I shoot weddings all over the UK and beyond.

I create vibrant, natural images the burst with emotion, personality and soul.

Please look around my website to get a feel for my work and style, you can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

I’d love to hear from you.

Damien

Cambridge Wedding Photographer

Shot on location at Eye parish Church in Suffolk and to The Swan Inn Of Hoxne Restaurant