We married at our children's baptism
Mark and Collette
When Mark and Collette Pratt had their three children christened, they surprised family and friends on the day by marrying each other during the same service.
After their three daughters, then all under 8, had been christened at St Kew church, Port Isaac, Cornwall, guests were invited to step outside the church where Collette was waiting, sitting in a horse-drawn carriage and wearing her wedding outfit ready to re-enter the church as a bride.
“We knew we wanted to get married but simply hadn’t got around to it,” said Collette, who had been together with Mark for 15 years before the wedding.
“I didn’t want the fuss of an elaborate wedding, with all the gifts and the clothes. The christenings were the priority, so we thought it would be simple but special if we married in church during the same service. It got it all done at the same time.”
I didn’t want the fuss of an elaborate wedding, with all the gifts and the clothes.
The service took place on a Sunday, which is usual for christenings, and is the second most popular day for weddings.
“Only my Dad and my best friend knew about our plans to be married, so when the guests came outside the church and saw me, they were gobsmacked!” Collette added.
The Revd Judith Pollinger conducted the service and said: “The christenings took about 20 minutes and when Collette came back into the church, we went straight into the marriage service. When guests were told what was happening there were some tears and laughter because it was such a big surprise. It was extra special that the three girls were bridesmaids to their parents.”
Since the wedding, the couple have had another child, a son, who Judith also christened.