May The 4th Be With You: Tilly and Lewis’ Epic Star Wars Wedding at Escot Park

Today is May the 4th, which means there is only one blog I could possibly write! Last summer I had the privilege of performing what I can only describe as one of the most joyful, creative, deeply personal ceremonies of the year. Tilly and Lewis got married at Escot Park in Devon and it was, from start to finish, completely and utterly epic in every sense of the word. Their celebration was infused with star wars wedding elements from the decor to the heartfelt moments shared.

Celebrating a Star Wars Wedding

This epic star wars wedding was not just an event; it was a celebration of love, creativity, and fandom that resonated with every guest in attendance.

Drawing on all their interests they wanted dark and stormy. They wanted music and creativity and fantasy. They wanted Star Wars woven throughout in a way that felt completely natural rather than novelty. It was clear that their love for the saga inspired many aspects of the day, reflecting their unique style and passion for the star wars wedding theme.

And they wanted it all at Escot Park, a venue that holds real meaning for them because it is where the Beautiful Days Music Festival takes place every year. As die-hard music fans and musicians themselves, Beautiful Days is not something they miss. So holding their wedding on that same lawn, in front of Escot Park House, was not just a practical decision. It was a deeply intentional one. This was their place.

How It Started 

Tilly and Lewis were introduced by a mutual friend, and their first date was at a small bar behind Hard Rock Café in Mayfair. When Lewis saw Tilly walk in, dressed head to toe in black on a very hot day, his first thought was apparently “wow, she must be roasting.” They spent the evening talking about music and looking at everything on the walls, something they have turned into a ritual ever since. Whenever they go away, they find the nearest Hard Rock Café, have a meal and a cocktail and do the same thing all over again.

A few months in, Tilly was heading to university and told herself the grown-up thing to do would be to end things. But she could not. She came up with a little test: she asked Lewis how he felt about her going. If he shrugged, she would pretend to as well, cry about it later and never return to Surrey. But if he was willing to travel to the Midlands to see her, she would know he was someone worth holding onto. He said he would come. She felt a rush of pure relief and has not looked back since.

Fast forward to their fifth anniversary and a proposal planned for Lake Como at Villa del Balbianello, yes, the Star Wars one where Anakin and Padmé marry! Romance and geekery, perfectly balanced. But the villa was closed for a private wedding. Then Tilly rolled her ankle the night before and ended up on bed rest. Lewis briefly considered proposing in the hotel room but, very wisely, decided against it. The next morning he walked two miles to find her a walking stick, guided her slowly to Villa Melzi, propped his phone on a bench pretending to set a photo timer, and got down on one knee. The heavens opened. They got soaked. She said yes. Perfect.

A Wedding That Looked Like Them

Tilly and Lewis are the kind of couple whose home tells you everything you need to know about them: subtle and not-so-subtle nods to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, DC and Pokemon. They play Dungeons and Dragons with friends. They have a bedtime routine called Memes Before Bed, sharing the funniest things they have saved on their phones that day so they always go to sleep laughing. Lewis games while Tilly reads, side by side, in what I think is one of the most beautiful expressions of a happy relationship I have ever heard described.

Their wedding reflected all of it.

The flowers and buttonholes, created by the brilliant Maddison Rocks, were filled with Star Wars motifs. Tilly’s bouquet was built around a lightsabre that lit up and made the noise. I want to say that again. Her bouquet made the lightsabre noise. It was EPIC! The bride squad had all decorated their own boots on the hen weekend, every single pair was unique. 

Lewis and his groomsmen walked into the ceremony to the Imperial March. And Tilly made her entrance to the Princess Bride Theme – just perfect for both of them

Saging the Space

Before a single guest took their seat, I was out on the lawn with sage, a shell and a lighter, walking the ceremony space and blessing it. I do this for a number of couples whose ceremonies call for it, and there is something about doing it outside, on a summer’s day, on land with such history and meaning to the couple, that always feels significant.

Tilly had also selected a collection of crystals from my growing collection, amethyst, quartz, aventurine and more, each chosen with intention and placed on the ceremony table to bring calm, clarity, connection and protection to the day. These little details mattered to Tilly and Lewis. They set the tone before a single word is spoken.

The Ceremony: Joyful, Moving and Star Wars Infused

In their vows, they promised to cherish each other, drawing on the love that the force of a star wars wedding inspires.

The surprise elements added a whimsical touch, characteristic of the fun that a star wars wedding brings to the celebration.

I will never forget the look on Lewis’ face when he first saw Tilly walk around the corner and down the aisle on her proud father’s arm. In an incredible black dress by Legend Bridal, Tilly absolutely rocked! And his reaction when Tilly demonstrated her unique Star Wars lightsaber bouquet was priceless!

We opened with a paparazzi moment, which by now you will know is something of a signature of mine, giving everyone thirty seconds to get their best photos of the couple before I asked them to put their phones away and be fully present.

We also acknowledged those no longer with us, most especially Tilly’s mum Jo. It was a moment of quiet but profound love, and it set the context for everything that followed.

Of course I shared their story which led into two readings that brought everyone to tears and laughter in equal measure. Lewis’ sister Jess, was introduced with a brilliantly mortifying story involving Echo Falls and a shower, read Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 beautifully. His other sister Emma, whose complicated history with the role of Peter Pan was thoroughly aired, read the first verse and chorus of I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie. Both delivered perfectly.

Vows Written in the Stars

A game of Rock, Paper, Scissors decided the order and Tilly went first.

She said this was a day she always told herself would never happen, and she could not say how much it meant to be standing there. She promised to make Lewis laugh, to hold him when he cries, even if it is at Toy Story 3. She spoke about sharing the same level of nerd and loving that he sometimes exceeds it. She said every day with him is special and she will spend the rest of her life making sure he knows that. 

Then Lewis spoke, and I will be honest with you: I have never, in all my years of doing this, heard vows quite like his. He told Tilly that he had already made these promises once before. In the front bedroom of their flat, nearly four years ago, on the day her mum Jo left home to go into hospice care. He held Jo’s hand, not knowing what to say, and promised her that Tilly was going to be okay. That she was going to be cherished. That he was going to look after her. Jo smiled and said simply: “I know you will.”

There was not a single dry eye on that lawn. Not one.

He went on, drawing on their shared love of Dungeons and Dragons, promising to be her Cleric when she needs healing, her Paladin when she needs protection, her Ranger when she needs guidance. He drew the line at becoming a Warlock via a soul pact with a devil. And he closed by renewing the promise he made to Jo: I will cherish you, I will take care of you, and I will love you always. 

The Surprise Ring Bearers

I had hidden the rings under a seat before the ceremony began, taped to the undersides with gaffer tape, and nobody knew which one. On the count of three I asked everyone to feel under their chair. The rings surfaced under the seat of Tilly’s uncle. I did not know this when I hid it. For his family, given everything they had been through, it was a deeply emotional moment. One of those moments that happens unexpectedly and somehow becomes the most memorable of the day. 

The Handfasting: Fabric From Jo

The Handfasting was the moment that brought everything together.

Four of their closest people came forward to lay cords over Tilly and Lewis’ joined hands, each representing one of the four elements. Earth for foundation and strength, laid by their friend James who introduced them in the first place. Air for communication and understanding, laid by Rhiannon. Fire for passion and courage, laid by Maggie.

Their love story, intertwined with the magic of a star wars wedding, continues as they embark on their journey together.

And Water, healing, harmony and memory, laid by Erika. That cord was made from pieces of fabric from Tilly’s mum Jo’s own collection. Jo had worked in a designer shoe studio in Covent Garden and had been involved in making the shoes for Princess Diana’s wedding. The cord did not just represent Water. It carried Jo’s spirit, her creativity and her love, woven literally into the binding of her daughter’s marriage.

I pulled their hands free and they held the cords aloft. 

As they celebrate their anniversary, the memories of a star wars wedding will always bring them joy and laughter.

Handfastings are wonderfully personal ceremonies which is why I love crafting them – no two handfastings or handtyings are ever the same. 

Mezcal, a Stormtrooper and Broom Jumping

The support from family and friends at their star wars wedding made the day even more special, creating unforgettable moments.

We toasted to love with a mezcal shot poured from a Stormtrooper decanter into skull shot glasses. I explained that a good mezcal is like a good marriage: it warms you from the inside, gives you strength and confidence, and is always forgiven for the occasional headache. On the count of three, the whole gathering yelled SALUD! and Tilly and Lewis drank to their future!

We finished by jumping the besom broom, an ancient tradition rooted in pagan custom, leaping together into their new life. And as they did, the music that played them out was Magic Dance by David Bowie from Labyrinth.

Tilly and Lewis

Tilly and Lewis – you wonderful, nerdy, music-loving, lightsabre-bouquet-wielding, Imperial-March-walking, mezcal-drinking, broom-jumping couple. May your life together be as full of joy, creativity and love as that ceremony was.

Happy Star Wars Day to all those who believe in the magic of a star wars wedding!

Feedback

“I’m so glad that I put my foot down and told my husband I wanted Miranda to do our ceremony. She was so friendly and bubbly when I met her at a wedding fair. Despite being on the pricier side in comparison to others, her service is so tailored, unique, thorough, friendly and professional. We loved getting to know each other to build the perfect ceremony for us – a handfasting complete with a shot of mezcal and jumping of the broom. And we have a little souvenir box with our vows and readings to keep (including the mezcal). We love you Miranda!”

– Tilly + Lewis

The Dream Team

Venue: Escot Park

Bride/Groom Flowers: Maddison Rocks 

Tilly’s Dress: Legend Bridal

Photographer: Lightbox Studios