Piggy French’s surprise wedding to Thomas March

Posted on 12th July 2019 in News, Popular, Society Events, Wedding Photography. So far there are 0 comments.
Mr and Mrs March

In May I was phoned by Thomas March, Piggy French’s long term partner, who asked me if I was free to photograph a party which was being held to celebrate Piggy’s win at Badminton Horse Trials a couple of weeks previously. I said I was and the date was duly secured.

Nearer the time, Tom rang again and asked me to arrive a couple of hours before the guests. There were a few things he needed to brief me about, and things to show me.

I don’t know why but I already had my suspicions, so it was not a complete surprise for me when, on arrival, Tom explained that they were not only going to celebrate the Badminton victory, they were also going to get married!

After the guests had arrived and drinks were distributed Piggy made a speech which included stories of her first experiences of top level events as a spectator, and her obsession with Mary King. She talked about the Badminton experience and thanked all her owners and staff for their loyalty and support. Amy Phillips was presented with a framed picture to commemorate the Badminton victory.

Moving on, Piggy spoke about Thomas, how they got together and what a rock he is to her. At this point she announced that it seemed like a good time to get married! There was a moment of silence and then wild celebration from all present. Luckily I was ready for this because some of the reactions were priceless.

We were all packed off into a pair of London buses which came up the drive and took use to the church in the village. Here it became clear that bridesmaids and ushers were in on the secret as guests were shown to their seats and given orders of service. A beautiful service followed.

After the service the buses took us back to the yard from outside the local primary school where pupils and teachers were fascinated with the goings on, London Buses and all!

The full set of images are password protected at this time but may be available at a later date.

The Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials Trophy
The Badminton Trophy was on display on arrival
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Piggy spoke very well. She was very funny about how she “stalked” Mary King and read out some of Mary’s replies to her letters and gifts.
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Vanir Kamira’s owner Trevor Dickens was thanked and presented with a framed set of Badminton images…
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Vanir Kamira’s groom Amy Phillips was also given a framed collage of Badminton action prints – many of which were taken by me too.
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Towards the end Piggy talked about Tom and what a difference he had made to her life…
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Before dropping the bombshell that guests were here for a wedding too! Cue lots of screaming and no shortage of tears.
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The close families and bridesmaids were in on the surprise and went off to quickly get changed. Dizie Woodhouse and Holly Campbell flank Piggy’s Mother Kate.
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The bridal party included son Max (obviously), Piggy’s nieces and two oldest friends. Father Wally gave her away.
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Possibly the loudest celebration of a first kiss I’ve ever heard in a church. Thanks Angus.
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The happy couple leaving the church
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Max being swung between them as they made their way to the wedding car.
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Tom and Piggy went off on a short excursion in their car while guests were quickly transported back to the marquee in buses which were now marked up as “just married” and “Mr & Mrs March”
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Wally French gave a speech
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Followed by the Groom and finally Best Man Tom How.
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Riders present included Tom McEwen, Kitty King
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Gemma Tattersall and Tina Cook
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Ros Canter and partner Chris.
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Harry and Rosie Meade
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Yogi Breisner and William Fox-Pitt
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Pippa (and William) Funnell
Matthew Heath, Piggy French and Angus Smales.
Matthew Heath and Angus Smales.
Willa Newton.
Willa (and Chloe) Newton.
Piggy's vet Alex Knott and Richard Jones were pressed into service as ushers.
Piggy’s vet Alex Knott and Richard Jones were pressed into service as ushers.

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