Today was a two part wedding, starting with a ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Frampton followed by a drinks reception at Elmore Court in Gloucestershire
The Wedding
Charlotte and Joe
Elmore Court, Gloucestershire
Friday 27 October 2023
The Wedding Ceremony
The day started in the church of the Holy Innocents Church in Highnam, Gloucestershire.
The church of the Holy Innocents, Highnam was constructed between 1849 and 1851 at the request of Thomas Gambier Parry in memory of his first wife and those of his children who died at an early age. The church was built in a Gothic style and designed by Henry Woodyer.
Gambier-Parry adorned the whole of the chancel, including the roof, and much of the nave with frescoes using a new “spirit fresco” method he adapted from his study of Italian fresco painters. Referencing England, the church has been described by John Betjeman as “The most complete Victorian Church in this country”. In Simon Jenkin’s book England’s Thousand Best Churches, Holy Innocents was rated as #4.
A major restoration of the church and frescoes was brought to completion in 1994. The grade I listed church forms an ensemble with its listed Church Lodge, Rectory, Memorial Hall and Old Schoolhouse on the edge of the park of Highnam Court.
We were met by the current vicar Heather de Gruyther. Heather is married to John with two children – Evie (who is 18) and Samuel (who is 12). Heather grew up in Stroud and studied History at the University of Gloucestershire. She trained for ordination on the locally-based Cuddesdon, Gloucester and Hereford course.
Music for the Ceremony
Bridal Entrance
Love of my life, Queen
Signing
Piano Man, Billy Joel
Take on me, Aha
Exit
Friday I’m In Love, The Cure
As well as this Jules was also playing the organ for the hymn – All things Bright and Beautiful.
The Drinks Reception
After the church service we packed down swiftly and made a hasty exit so we could get across town to Elmore Court for the Drinks reception. Arriving just ahead of the first guests we were able to set up in the usual ceremony room which had been laid out for the drinks reception.
Here we were asked to play music from the 60s to the 90s so there was something for everyone to know. We had some lovely positive feedback which is always welcome and we throughly enjoyed being a part of this fabulous wedding. It was also a pleasure to be back in Elmore Court again after only a week since we were previously there!
We wish Charlotte and Joe every happiness as they embark on their married lives together.
