Today’s wedding was a two venue setup for us as we were playing for the ceremony at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Woodford Green followed by the drinks reception at nearby Mulberry House.
The Wedding
Gemma and Mason
St Thomas of Canterbury Church and Mulberry House
Monday 28 April 2025
Ceremony and Drinks
The Wedding Ceremony
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church in Woodford Green stands as a testament to the revival of Catholicism in northeast London during the late 19th century.
Origins and Founding
The inspiration for the church emerged in 1878 when a member of the Third Order of St Francis highlighted the absence of Catholic worship facilities in the area. This concern resonated with Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, Archbishop of Westminster, who, during a visit with Lady Henrietta Pelham-Clinton, the Dowager Duchess of Newcastle, in 1893, discussed establishing a Catholic mission in the Epping Forest region. A recent convert to Catholicism and a member of the Franciscan Third Order, the Duchess generously offered financial support for this endeavor.
In 1894, the Duchess acquired several properties, including “The Oaks” on Woodford Green’s High Road. A temporary iron chapel was erected in the garden, marking the establishment of the mission in March 1894. The foundation stone for the permanent church was laid on 18 May 1895 by Cardinal Vaughan, and the church was consecrated on 7 July 1896.Designed by Canon Alexander Scoles, the church and adjoining friary were constructed in the Early English Gothic style, with the entire project costing £10,000, funded by the Duchess.
Development and Community Role
Following the Duchess’s death in 1913, she was initially interred at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Leytonstone but was later reburied in the church’s St Francis Chapel. The parish continued to grow, with the Franciscans serving the expanding Catholic community. In 1919, the parish was officially erected, and over the decades, it played a pivotal role in education and social services, establishing schools and engaging in various charitable activities
Significant developments included the acquisition of Ivy Lodge in 1931 as a parish center and the establishment of the Becket Centre in the 1980s, following the demolition of Ivy Lodge and The Oaks in the 1970s. The church underwent reordering in 1976 to align with liturgical reforms, including the installation of a new altar and the creation of a Blessed Sacrament chapel
Present Day
Today, St Thomas of Canterbury Church remains an active parish within the Diocese of Brentwood, continuing its mission of worship, education, and community service. The Franciscan Friars still serve the parish, maintaining the legacy of its founders and benefactors.
Music for the Ceremony
Pre Ceremony
-An irish blessing
-Ave maria
-how long will i love you (leave this one out if there is only time for 5)
-canon d
-what a wonderful world
-beautiful in white
Bridal Entrance
Thousand years – Chrstina Perri
Signing
River flows in you
You are the reason
Exit
This will be an everlasting love
As well as piano and cello during the ceremony, Jules played hymns on the organ.
Here i am lord
Shine Jesus shine
Amazing grace
Give me joy in me heart
The Drinks Reception
For the reception which followed the service we relocated to nearby Mulberry House in High Ongar.
Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside, Mulberry House offers an enchanting setting for your wedding day. This award-winning Georgian manor, set within 22 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes, and ancient trees, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern elegance.
Licensed for civil ceremonies accommodating up to 130 guests, Mulberry House provides versatile options for your nuptials. Exchange vows in the beamed Cedar Suite or beneath the Lakeside Gazebo, surrounded by natural beauty.Receptions can be held in the Mulberry Suite, featuring exposed beams and chandeliers, or in the starlit Marquee, adorned with white drapes and fairy lights.
The venue boasts 23 en-suite bedrooms, ensuring comfort for you and your guests. Dedicated wedding coordinators and attentive staff are committed to making your day seamless and memorable. With its picturesque grounds and exceptional service, Mulberry House stands as a premier choice for couples seeking a romantic and refined wedding venue in Essex.
During the Drinks reception we set up on the terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens at Mulberry House. Here we played a selection of upbeat contemporary covers whilst the guests enjoyed canapés and champagne.
We really enjoyed being a part of Gemma and Mason’s wedding and we wish them every happiness as they embark on their married future together.
