THE Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Jackie Searle, Acting Bishop of Exeter, conducted the marriage ceremony for a member of the Crediton clergy team and his bride at Crediton Parish Church.

It is believed to have been one of the very first occasions in the long history of the church that a Bishop of Crediton has conducted such a service at the parish church.

Members of the Stoyle family with Lewis and Catherine. AQ 0481
Members of the Stoyle family with Lewis and Catherine. AQ 0481 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Lewis and Catherine with many of the wedding guests. AQ 0488
Lewis and Catherine with many of the wedding guests. AQ 0488 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Crediton Benefice Assistant Curate Lewis Scott Eden married Catherine Mary Stoyle during the hour-and-a-half long service, which included the Celebration of Holy Communion, singing led by two choirs, the holy Cross Church Choir and St David’s Singers, Bible and other readings and prayers.

Lewis and Catherine with some of their family members. AQ 0472
Lewis and Catherine with some of their family members. AQ 0472 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Making the first steps out of the church. AQ 0453
Making the first steps out of the church. AQ 0453 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The parish church was full for the ceremony, many travelling from Scotland, Lewis in his family tartan kilt.

Bishop Jackie was assisted by the Rector, Rev Matthew Tregenza, who led the prayers with Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie.

Walking through a cloud of confetti after leaving the church. Image: Hannah Frost
Walking through a cloud of confetti after leaving the church. Image: Hannah Frost (Hannah Frost)

Signing the register with The Bishop of Crediton, left, and Rev Matthew Tregenza, right. Image: Hannah Frost
Signing the register with The Bishop of Crediton, left, and Rev Matthew Tregenza, right. Image: Hannah Frost (Hannah Frost)

Readings were by Jack Ashworth, Katie Morison and Rev Matthew Gaze.

Organists were Dr Barry Rose and Greg Susevee.

Paul Eden was Best Man and Rhyan Drummond was Maid of Honour with Bridesmaids Ashlyn Mitchell and Caroline Richardson.

Walking down the aisle after their marriage. Image: Hannah Frost
Walking down the aisle after their marriage. Image: Hannah Frost (Hannah Frost)

Grant Eden and Robert Stoyle were Ushers and Alison Stoyle and Fiona Eden were Witnesses.

There was a “Winnie the Pooh” theme to the service and afterwards a piper played and the church bells rang.

Refreshments by the Holy Cross catering team followed in the Boniface Centre before a family and friends reception at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

A solemn moment during the ceremony. Image Hannah Frost
A solemn moment during the ceremony. Image Hannah Frost (Hannah Frost)

Mr and Mrs Eden have, since the ceremony, enjoyed an overseas honeymoon.

They thanked everyone who joined them as they begin their married life together and were especially grateful to all who made their wedding day possible.