Bride shows off her wedding church

Gemma Harvey was so impressed with the church she’s getting married in that she wanted everyone to see it.

That’s why she’s organised the first ever wedding fair at St Mary’s Church in the historic Portchester Castle on Saturday. It will showcase why the 12th century church is one of the area’s most popular venue for weddings.

She’s tying the knot with Simon Guttridge there on July 17, so she may even pick up some extra ideas for her own wedding day.

The Wedding Exhibition and Bridal Fashion Show will see dozens of local wedding professionals including cake-makers, dress designers, photographers and florists packed into St Mary’s to offer their services.

Vintage cars will be parked outside the church, in the castle’s grounds. And models of all ages will glide up and down the aisle to show what outfits for brides, bridesmaids and family members look like in a church setting.

“I do think I’m mad organising this at the same time as organising my own wedding,” said Gemma, 29, who lives in Gosport and works as business development manager at East Horton Golf Club.

“I work full-time, and the final six months before your own wedding are hectic. But I wanted to do this to show off what St Mary’s is like, and to raise money for the building.

“We started coming to the church 18 months ago. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, and we enjoy the services. We know it’s such a pretty church that it will be perfect for our wedding.

“Because of my previous experience as a fundraiser, I joined the committee raising funds to repair the church roof. I thought of a wedding exhibition, which would also raise money for the church.

“I’ve got most things sorted out for our wedding, but I might be looking out for some entertainment for our reception, or perhaps some wedding favours for our place-settings. Simon will also be helping out in the background. I don’t think he minds being roped in!”

The wedding fair happens between 11am and 4pm on March 20. Admission is £2, with all proceeds going to the church.

Outfits are being supplied by House of Weddings in Havant, and Portchester firms The Wedding Project and Barringtons Limousines are among the exhibitors.

St Mary’s Church already stages 50 weddings each year, a figure which has increased recently with relaxations on the church rules about where couples can marry.

Couples meet each other at wedding preparation sessions in January and February, where they have the opportunity to prepare, not just for the big day, but for the rest of their lives together.

St Mary’s Church is trying to raise £78,000 to re-roof the nave. Its fundraising committee had already thought about asking wedding couples to sponsor roof tiles, but it was Gemma’s idea that couples could add tiles to their official wedding present lists.