The Marriage at St Peter's Church, Swepstone

Words and Images by
Site Editor: Louise Smedley-Hampson
All unauthorised reproduction prohibited

One of the magnificent flower arrangements created specially for the occasion by Assistant Church Warden, Eileen Hodgkinson

Church Warden Trish seated at the organ, ready to strike up Clarke's 'Trumpet Voluntary'

One of the ushers, Barnaby, with his wife Rebecca and their little flower fairy, Amelia. James, the groom, is Amelia's godfather. It was a long day for such a tiny tot, but Amelia behaved impeccably throughout. No doubt her parents were glowing with pride.

Five good men and true - all Cambridge men - standing in the church porch from left to right are Barnaby, Matthew, the groom James, Tony and Benedict

A portrait of the Setchell family - from left to right are Matthew, parents Richard and Pam then James

Newton Burgoland residents and long time neighbours of the Scattergoods are Doris, Dennis and their granddaughter Sarah

In the grey, wet, windy summer of 2008, the day of Saturday 30th August dawned clear, dry and warm. One could be forgiven for thinking that here was the hand of divine intervention indeed - the weather was just perfect for a wedding celebration.

The Scattergood family have lived in Newton Burgoland since 1986. They are well known and well liked, which is why so many local people gave up their Saturday afternoons to make the occasion so special; everyone from Reverend Robert and Hazel Hughes, the Church Wardens and their team, the singers of the choir, the bell ringers etc.

Well wishers and passers-by who had gathered in Church Street, Swepstone were first alerted to the arrival of the bride by the gentle clip-clop of horses hooves. As two plume bedecked black horses came into view, pulling an open carriage seating the slender bride, there was an audible sigh of admiration.

Lara, an exquisite, ethereal, blonde beauty was wearing a Pronovia strapless, empire line, form-fitting gown with a ribbon sash and bow detail beneath the bust. Created from embroidered, jewelled lace, it flared out at the hemline to form a sweeping train. The upswept golden hair was intricately arranged, decorated with diamante combs, from which fell a lace-edged, cathedral length veil. Accessorized by a simple chain with diamond dewdrop pendant and discreet diamond earrings, Lara carried a bouquet of white roses, freesias, gypsophila and asparagus fern. This was created by florist and Newton Burgoland resident, Jillian Clark.

The two adult bridesmaids, Helen and Lydia, wore strapless, empire line gowns of dark turquoise, with satin sashes which tied in a bow at the back. Two child bridesmaids, Mackenzie and Ella wore white dresses with turquoise sashes, while tiny tot flower girl, Amelia, wore a white silk, pink embroidered frock. The bridesmaids all carried bouquets of pink roses and white gypsophila, also created by Jillian Clark. For the fashion conscious: amongst the congregation there were more fabulous outfits and distinctive millinery than one could see at Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot.

James, the handsome and distinguished groom, stood at the foot of the chancel steps, supported by two best men, friend Tony and brother Matt, as well as ushers Benedict and Barnaby.

Lara's refined, delicate beauty can be seen in this romantic portrait

Alighting from the carriage, the bridesmaids make the final adjustments to Lara's gown

The bridal procession halts at the chancel steps. Under the Gothic arch, before the ceremony begins, the Reverend Robert Hughes welcomes the entire congregation to St Peter's.

The bridal procession walked into church to the notes of Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary", played on the organ by Church Warden and Newton Burgoland villager Trish Newbold. Celebrant Reverend Robert Hughes welcomed the congregation into St Peter's. As photography was not allowed during the service, at this point a description must suffice.

The first hymn chosen, sung enthusiastically by the huge congregation was "Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven", which was followed by Dr David Snowden reading the ever popular Bible passage 1 Corinthians 13. Marriage vows were exchanged in voices of decisive clarity.

Having exchanged their vows, Lara and James are now man and wife. Reverend Robert Hughes watches as they sign the Church Register, along with their chosen witnesses.

Lara and James sign the Church Register

During the signing of the Register, Lara's friend Helen, formerly of Girton College, Cambridge, sang with confident aplomb Handel's Aria from "Semele": "Where e'r You Walk". Dr Rona Smith then read "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", the final hymn, was followed by prayers. Now man and wife, Lara and James returned down the aisle to the triumphant Wedding March from Mendelssohn's "Midummer Night's Dream". A glorious peal of bells rang out from the tower, announcing the completed union.

Outside the church, with the tensions of the day evaporating, Lara and James poses for pictures

An enchanting portrait of the happy couple

Lara's 93 year old Nana greets her and her new husband. Nana is father Ian's mother.

Adults bridesmaids from left to right are Helen and Lydia

James' Uncle David and Aunt Joy pose on the lawn of St Peter's Church, Swepstone