Children learn about marriage at a special 'wedding'

St Michael's Church in Ingoldisthorpe was the mock wedding venue for the year 3 and 4 children of Ingoldisthorpe School.

“Welcome to the wedding of the year” is how Reverend Mark Capron begins. Quite a start. It’s definitely a service with a difference as the couple tying the knot are just 8 and 9 years old. The Reverend reassures them adding “this isn’t a real wedding though, otherwise I’d get into trouble!”

Before the ceremony begins I chat to the mother of the groom Kirsty Preston, “he’s excited for the big day,” she laughs, “I think it’s really sweet and they’ve really got into the spirit of it. It’s been the talk of the school for weeks.” The bride’s mum tells me “she was very keen to have a fabulous white dress on.”

At the church door is where I meet the ‘wife to be’ with her 5 bridesmaids, all a giggle of excitement. “I’m a bit nervous but also excited, it’s a bit embarrassing doing it in front of my parents - even though I know it’s not real,” the eight year old tells me. The bridesmaids are also feeling a little nervous they say. “Not as much as I am,” says the bride.

The organist starts to play so it’s time to walk down the aisle, past more than 50 class members, friends and family. “It’s not everyday the children partake in a mock wedding so we said to parents who might want to see them to come along,” says Katie Eastward from Ingoldisthorpe Primary, “as soon as the class walked through the door this morning with their outfits and some with their bags, they were so excited.”

For the next ten minutes or so there are hymns and readings from other children. Then the pair read their vows and exchange rings (hula hoops - which are quickly eaten). And to a round of applause they walk back down the aisle, with, I’ll be honest, a slight look of relief on their faces.

Henry and Issac get to ring the bells, which they describe as fun. And once the confetti is thrown outside the church, the bride announces she’s about to throw the bouquet. A group of girls gather behind her and 7 year old Lily catches it, “I think I win a prize,” she turns and says. When I tell her the real significance she scrunches up her face and says, “oh no, I’m way too young to get married!” And runs off.

Afterwards, as squash and cake is served I catch up with the groom, Preston, who says he’ll “drink all the orange squash he can in celebration”. One of the children’s grandmothers thinks “it’s fantastic and lovely that they’re learning these kind of things in a fun way.” Any advice for the couple? I ask. “Give and take - just get on really - laughing’s good.”

Before I leave the rector says it’s been lovely afternoon and “a good chance for them to learn what a Christian marriage is, over the coming years they may go to weddings so they’ll now know what to expect.”

Walking away from the church I see the bride who shakes her head when I ask if she’s looking forward to married life and then turns and giggles with her classmates.

Photos: Ian Burt

Videos: Dani Crawshaw