Who says romance is dead?
Yes, I am a romantic at heart – hence I work as a live event artist – and I like to sprinkle some magic on everyday life too. Just before Christmas, I surprised Ben, my husband of 18 years with a new wedding ring on stage at Theatre Royal Winchester.
Ben lost his original wedding band just six months into our marriage, and we had never replaced it.
On December 23rd, we returned to the very stage where we exchanged our vows in 2006. In front of our three sons and a handful of friends, I unveiled the new ring as a festive surprise, news that even made it into the local Hampshire press!
Will you take this ring and never lose it?
IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
Where it all started. On 9th September 2006 Ben and I took to the stage at Theatre Royal Winchester to tie the knot in front of our family and friends who were in the audience, which is still the best view I have ever seen.
Our guests waiting patiently for me to make an appearance. Our wedding was front page news in the Hampshire Chronicle and my recent festive surprise was also newsworthy!
Right: We were only the second couple to exchange vows on stage at TRW
THE LOST RING
Just six months into our married life, Ben lost his wedding ring in the dunes at Zandvoort Race circuit. I was there with him, and despite our efforts, we never found it.
The years passed by, and the ring was never replaced – until now. Just a few weeks ago, out of the blue, Ben said he was keen to have a new ring made.
I contacted jeweller Daniel Musselwhite who made our original bands, and despite the busy festive season, Dan – like a true hero – managed to create and deliver the new ring in time for Christmas.
A THEATRICAL SURPRISE ON STAGE
The fantastic team at Theatre Royal Winchester was incredibly helpful and kind in accommodating my surprise. Just after the pantomime “Mother Goose” had concluded and the theatre had cleared, a handful of our friends entered the auditorium to await our arrival.
I lured my husband to the theatre with a small white lie, telling him I needed to drop off a print of a painting I created as a retirement gift for the theatre’s technician not long ago.
It all worked out perfectly. As we entered the auditorium, our song was played live, accompanied by an acoustic guitar. I then invited Ben up on stage and presented him with the ring; he was quite emotional and very surprised!
Our friend Gill read the updated version of our wedding poem, after which we invited everyone on stage for a glass of Bollinger.
Apart from giving us our children, this was the most amazing thing you have ever done for me. – Ben
The reason I love working in events is that I enjoy helping to create magic and make moments memorable. I believe it’s important to celebrate milestones and create as many joyful moments in life as possible. Organising this surprise in our beloved theatre felt just right, and I am very grateful to the team at Theatre Royal Winchester for making it happen.
Ben has reassured me that he will take care of his new ring, and after all these years, I enjoy seeing it back on his finger every time I look at him!
What a great way to start the new year. Happy 2025!
If you would like to find out more about Theatre Royal Winchester and see some of the artworks I have created there over the years, please read my blog: Theatre Royal Winchester, an Edwardian Grade II listed gem, filled with cherished memories.
