A Perfect Day at Ye Olde Plough House
The Wedding of Claire & Graham Sansom
(Links for venue and all suppliers at bottom of page)
Entry 6: 6 October 2024
Liam stands with Mr and Mrs Sansom who were delighted to have him as the host for their special day.
Some love stories take unexpected turns, and Claire and Graham’s wedding was the perfect testament to that.
The couple, who tied the knot in May 2023 at the stunning Ye Olde Plough House in Essex, shared a day filled with love, laughter, and more than a few memorable moments. I was delighted to host their whole day as their Magical Wedding Host, and made sure that everything went exactly to plan.
In a delightful twist of fate, Graham, who had been the best man at Claire’s first wedding, now found himself as the groom—standing beside the love of his life, ready to begin their new chapter together.
Working with Claire and Graham was so much fun, and here is a roundup of their wedding day, and how wonderful it was.
A Charming Ceremony & Sunny Reception
Claire and Graham’s ceremony took place in the exquisite Ye Olde Plough House in Essex, a venue known for its beautiful, historic charm. With 12 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, it provided the perfect backdrop for their big day and an exceptional venue to host their celebration.
It was a beautiful ceremony, and after exchanging their heartfelt vows, Claire and Graham made their way outside with their guests, where the sunshine greeted them for a delightful drinks reception.
Stunning views of Ye Olde Plough House, a truly delightful wedding venue in the heart of Essex.
The atmosphere was elevated by the soulful acoustic sounds of Bee Arnold, whose live music added a layer of warmth and elegance to the outdoor gathering. Bee’s performance carried seamlessly into the wedding breakfast, where she continued to enchant guests with her melodies as they devoured a stunning meal, cooked by the in-house chef at Ye Olde Plough House.
Unique Entertainment to Delight the Guests
In addition to the live music, Claire and Graham wanted their guests to have fun and feel truly involved in the celebration. Putt Party set up a mini-golf course, which was a hit with everyone! Guests of all ages enjoyed putting around, creating a relaxed and joyful vibe throughout the reception.
Of course I was there as well, wowing the guests and performing minor miracles which had them pinching themselves in disbelief as they saw impossible things happen right before their eyes, in their hands, and under their noses!
When it came time for the couple’s grand entrance into the reception, they truly made an impression. I got their guests warmed up, and after introducing the bridal party, they took the room by storm, walking in to “Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas, setting the tone for a lively evening ahead.
After dinner I performed a short pre-speech show and then Graham, along with his two best men, gave heartfelt and humorous speeches that had everyone laughing and reflecting on the journey of Claire and Graham’s love story to date.
Evening Entertainment that Kept the Party Going
As the sun began to set, the evening celebrations kicked off, and Steve from A1 Discos made sure the dance floor stayed packed all night long. From the first dance to the final song, Claire and Graham couldn’t help but hit the floor to dance the night away with their guests.
There was no shortage of entertainment, with Blinding Lights Entertainment providing a photo booth where guests could capture fun, light-hearted memories throughout the evening. Meanwhile, the couple’s stunning wedding cake crafted by Jay's Heavenly Events, was a show-stopping feature that not only looked incredible but tasted delicious as well.
Capturing Every Moment
The day was beautifully captured by photographer Gary Derbridge, who was an absolute pleasure to work with. His natural style and keen eye for detail ensured that every special moment was preserved. From the emotional ceremony to the laughter-filled reception, Gary’s photographs truly tell the story of the day in all its glory.
A Personal Note from Claire and Graham
I had such a wonderful day hosting Claire and Graham’s wedding and at the end of the day, they were more than happy to give me a video testimonial, sharing their thoughts on the day and how much it meant to them. You can watch their heartfelt words here.
They were so very happy with the contribution that I made to their day, and it is always a pleasure to see such a beautiful day unfold and to be such an integral part of someones love story.
Claire and Graham’s wedding at Ye Olde Plough House was a day filled with joy, laughter, and love—a celebration that reflected their unique story and journey together. From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively evening party, every moment was a testament to their bond and the love they share. With live music, mini-golf, and a packed dance floor, it was a day their guests will remember fondly for years to come.
If you’re looking for an experienced wedding host who can help you create a seamless, unforgettable celebration like Claire and Graham’s, let’s work together to plan and host a wedding that reflects your unique love story. Book a free consultation using the link below to explore how I can bring elegance, magic, and charm to your big day.
Every wedding has its own unique story, and it’s an honour to be a part of making those stories come to life. If you’re planning your own special day, I’d love to help you create memories that last a lifetime.
Yours in elegance and enchantment,
Liam Ball, The Gentleman Magician