Today we found ourselves at the beautiful Church of St Marys in Stoke by Nayland. St Mary’s majestic tower, reckoned to be one of the fifty finest medieval church towers in England, dominates the skyline of Dedham Vale and can be seen from miles around.
In the words of John Constable, who painted the church on a number of occasions ‘The tower is the church’s grandest feature, which from its commanding height seems to impress on the surrounding country its own sacred dignity of character’. He also described the soaring and supremely elegant arch beneath it as “the crowning beauty of the interior”. There is known to have been a church on the site for over 1000 years, but today’s building is largely 15th century, in the perpendicular style. Its patron during that rebuilding was Sir John Howard, raised in the village, and right-hand man of both Edward IV and Richard III, who created him Duke of Norfolk in 1483. His coat of arms of Howard impaling Tendring may be found in several places.
The Wedding
Natasha and Thomas
St Mary’s Church, Stoke by Nayland, Essex
Saturday 25 May 2024
Church Ceremony with Hymns
Our role today was to provide music for Natasha and Thomas’ Wedding ceremony which was our absolute pleasure in such a fine building!
The Ceremony Music
Pre Ceremony
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman
Bridal Entrance
Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Signing
Always Remember Us This Way – A Star is Born (Lady Gaga)
Tale as Old as Time – Beauty and the Beast
Exit
Skye Boat Song
We really enjoyed providing music for Natasha and Thomas and wish them every happiness as they embark on their married life together.
