The Actuary’s Wife – Theo & Peter

Turners Hill wedding

Turners Hill, a village in West Sussex, sits on a ridge of the High Weald, overlooking the Sussex countryside. Just near East Grinstead, with a view of the North Downs and Gatwick airport in the distance. Here, Theo and Peter got married at St Leonard’s church, on a bright but cold winter’s day.

Coverage begins at Alexander House hotel, on the edge of the village. Here Theo got ready with her sister, Emily. Her father, Chris,  joined them – the champagne (won in a raffle) – turned out to be a bit off – plenty later though! On the bed, a present for Theo from Peter. A paperback, ‘The Actuary’s Wife’. According to an Amazon review it is “James Bond meets Soap Opera” – a romantic drama about a woman who marries a man “who calculates risk for a living“!!!

It is described as ‘a rural English mystery.’ But no mystery as to why Theo was about to become the Actuary’s wife! Because as Theo revealed during the speeches later that evening, after their first date, she texted, “OMG, I’ve met my perfect man!” (Paraphrasing a bit – I was taking pictures at that point rather than taking shorthand).

Theo was driven to the church by her father. But before entering the church, an emotional visit to the graves of her mother Jo and sister Louise. (After the ceremony, Theo would bring her husband back here for a moment’s reflection). Tears wiped away with Chris’s hankerchief, it was on and into the church for the wedding ceremony. A dual Anglican/catholic service, with Canon David and Father Aidan.

Afterwards, in distinctly chillier sunshine, and shivering flowergirls, a confetti run towards the marquee in the church grounds. The Church Hall became the kitchen. (The original wedding reception venue, Kingscote Vineyards, had cancelled on them some time ago). But a nice distance between the church door and the glass of fizz! Drinks inside – too cold out – as the sun dipped away. Speeches after the meal and Theo’s confession about the text message. Then the dancing….and Peter stayed on the dance floor longer than he suggested he would! 😉

Here are a few images from the day….