I have known Colin and Emma for many years, in fact, I used to work with them in a specialist department in the Police, in a former life of mine, and I was delighted to be asked to perform magic at their wedding party.

Colin and Emma actually got married in June at the Rockefeller Centre in New York, and had meticulously planned their wedding party on the beautiful glass structured Thames boat, ‘Symphony’ to celebrate their wedding with friends and family

However, all didn’t go to plan – with boarding being undertaken at 7 pm and the vessel leaving at 7.15pm, London’s traffic unfortunately meant that the Happy Couple were delayed, and the boat had to leave Embankment Pier on the dot to allow another boat to load, so the plan was to return to the pier and collect the delayed couple.

Hastily, the Best  Man, Mark Andrews, coerced both sets of parents to take Colin and Emma’s place in the receiving line, and they rose to the task of meeting and greeting the guests on behalf of their children.

With everyone, except the Bride and Groom on board, Symphony set off for a short jaunt down the Thames, however, after about 5 minutes, the James Bond theme tune blasted out over the boats PA system and guests were suddenly aware of a Rib speeding towards the Symphony, riding the bow wave from side to side, reminiscent of a scene from the 007 film, ‘The World Is Not Enough’

As it got closer, two figures could be seen standing on the bow of the rib, smartly dressed, the woman appeared to be wearing a wedding dress, the man a suit, and suddenly the guests realised that this was our Bride and Groom making a dramatic entrance, and the delay has all been cunning misdirection without anyone knowing.

Having joined us on the boat, and greeted their guests, dinner was served and I entertained everyone with some Close Up Magic at the Tables, and it was great to see the reactions from the guests, who appeared to thoroughly enjoy the entertainment I provided.

Speeches followed, and with timings worthy of a Royal procession the Best Man’s speech began as we passed under Tower Bridge, the glass roof giving us a unique view of the underside of one of London’s iconic buildings

The dramatic entrance of the Bride and Groom was not the only surprise of the night, and again with amazing timing the boat stopped mid river, where Colin had arranged a special surprise for his Bride, looking out on to the north embankment, Emma and all on board were treated to the most amazing firework display to the music of ‘Royal Britannia’

I have attended and entertained at hundreds of weddings, but without doubt, this was the most amazing. What more of a perfect setting to celebrate their wedding than a trip along the River Thames in a boat which allowed us all to enjoy the views of what without doubt is the finest city in the world. It was a pleasure to be asked to be part of Colin and Emma’s celebration.

Wishing the newly married Mr and Mrs Charles, every happiness in their future life together, with their lovely son Samuel