A UNIQUE wedding, which took place in Sampford Courtenay, saw a brave bride climb a narrow tower stairway in her dress and train to join the bridegroom and members of their families, to ring the church bells.
The wedding of Nicola Stoneman and Stuart Bennie took place at St Andrew’s Church in the village of Sampford Courtenay on Saturday, October 1.
The couple, who met as a result of their love of bell-ringing, joined members of their families after the official wedding service in the bell tower, to ring a special peal.
Tolling the bells were the bride and groom alongside the bride’s father Joe Stoneman, the groom’s father Laurence Bennie, the bride’s brother Garry Stoneman, Ben Squire and the groom’s brother Graham Bennie.
Stuart was taught bell-ringing from the age of seven by Julia Endacott of Chagford and Nicola was taught from the age of one by the late Chris Clayton of Sampford Courtenay.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a beautiful lace gown with a train and veil that had been worn by her mother at her own wedding.
The bridesmaids were Hannah Benfield and Rochelle Woolacott, the best man was the groom’s brother, Graham, and the usher was the bride’s brother Garry.
The organist for the wedding was Roger Cleverdon. He played The Prince of Denmark’s March, by Jeremiah Clarke, for the entrance of the bride and Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba for their departure. During the signing of the register the choir sang Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring.
After the service people gathered to hear members of the wedding party ring the church bells.
A reception was held at Beaford House and afterwards the couple jetted off to enjoy their honeymoon in Jersey.
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