Church of England flashmob wedding video goes viral

Posted Jun 24, 2013

[Church of England] A vicar in Worksop, England, has become an internet sensation after a video of her conducting a wedding ceremony has gone viral on YouTube.

The Rev. Kate Bottley conducted the wedding of Gary and Tracy Richardson on June 15 at St. Mary’s and St. Martin’s, in Blyth. A three-minute video shows Bottley declaring them man and wife then breaking into a dance routine to club classic Everybody Dance Now by C&C Music Factory. Now the video is proving a web hit in the style of a “flashmob” – a big impromptu public ­dance that become internet sensation.

Richardson said: “We have been ­together for 11 years and engaged for eight and never got round to getting married. As soon as we met Kate, we knew she was exactly the type of vicar we wanted to marry us. She was amazing.

“When we were rehearsing for last weekend’s service, she half-heartedly suggested doing a flashmob. We had no hesitation. Now we see how well it worked and how the ­congregation got ­involved, we were obviously right. The look on some people’s faces when Kate started and we joined in was a picture.”

Bottley, who combines her part-time role at the church with that of a chaplain, is also an ambassador for the Church of England’s Wedding Project.

Commentating on the service, Bottley said: “We had a great time. I do about 30 weddings a year and I’m happy to accommodate what people want at their weddings. Some want to have their dogs outside so they can get them in the photos. As long as it’s within reason I’ll do what they want to make the day memorable. I’m known for having an unconventional approach but I was joking when I said I wanted a flashmob at a wedding. But they went for it.

“We were in rehearsals for eight weeks and Tracy and Gary worked really hard on it with their family and friends from Blu Crew who raise funds for Sheffield’s Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospital. We made sure it was done sensitively and waited until they had exchanged their vows before starting. There is a balance to be struck. The Church of England has a reputation of being a bit grumpy, but that’s not what we want. We believe passionately in marriage and its importance but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be some room for fun.”


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Comments (1)

  1. Rev. Brian McHugh says:

    Blessings and cheers to Priest Kate! And to the couple. I’ve been a priest for over 40 years (Episcopal). And yes, I know that there are important things to be communicated in a marriage ceremony. But as well, times change, and there’s no reason that a flashdance shouldn’t be part of the celebration! (In my ministry, I was an AIDS chaplain for 8 years … and our funerals developed into terrific celebrations, full of joy and sharing and love.) My husband and I (civilly married) will have our church Blessing in July. Maybe the congregation will break out in a flashdance … in California you never know!

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