With its wide nave and soaring Norman pillars, Romsey Abbey is an inspiring place to get married. Laura and Nicolas did just that on Saturday 4 August, and clearly loved the experience.

I know Laura’s mother Diane well; she and her late husband Graham were great supporters of the Abbey Choir, of which I am a member. Both Laura and her younger brother Stephen, who gave her away, were Head Choristers a decade and more ago. It was thus very rewarding for me to play a small part in their day.

Laura looked stunning in a figure-hugging dress with an embroidered bodice and long train. She carried a bouquet of blue and cream flowers to which charms were attached, including one of her father, who was there very much in spirit. The blue theme carried forward into her bridesmaids’ dresses and the tie Nicolas wore. In further celebration of the occasion, the Cornish flag flew above the Abbey, Laura’s family being proud of their origins in the county.

During the service, taken by the Reverend Brian Taphouse, the hymns were Parry’s Jerusalem and Guide me O thou great redeemer. Rowena Bermingham and Keith Jones read from the Bible and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and the anthem during the signing of the registers was The Lord bless you and keep you, by John Rutter. Friend of the family and former Organist at the Abbey Jeff Williams played the organ, while his daughter Jenna, a friend of Laura’s, played the flute and sang.

Laura and Nicolas emerged afterwards to a great confetti shower from their families and friends. After greeting their guests, they set off for their reception in a vintage Jaguar.

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