All the fun of the circus...

One of the things I love most about my job is the fact that I get to meet so many wonderful and extraordinary people.  This couple are definitely no exception!    The groom Beau is from a circus family and is Gerry Cottle’s nephew.  Gerry Cottle is the former owner of Gerry Cottle's Circus, the Moscow State Circus and the Chinese State Circus.  Beau, following in his Uncle’s footsteps, now runs Zippos Circus and has indulged my family with ringside seats and all the candy floss they can eat.  Thanks Beau, it’s much appreciated! 

Iona, his lovely bride, is from Mongolia and is a contortionist who has appeared in the Semi Final of Britain’s Got Talent (check out http://wn.com/britains_got_talent_iona_the_amazing_contortionist if you’d like to see her in action!)  She is considered to be one of the best and you can see why.  I also once saw her niece/bridesmaid climb into a bottle at the circus.  Absolutely mind boggling!

Zippos Circus have been involved in television programmes such as Blue Peter,
Masterchef, The Gadget Show and The Alan Titchmarsh Show.  They tour the world and provide free visits to schools to explain the traditions of circus and entertain or demonstrate circus skills to children.  They also have various charity programmes which means they visit hospitals to entertain patients and staff and also are involved in a scheme called The Community Admission Scheme to offer free seats to differently-abled or disadvantaged children. 

Laughter certainly does appear to be the best medicine and there were plenty of smiles and laughter at this wedding which was full of characters from the circus world.  The venue was the stunning Hampton Court House (which is also a school) and it was such an enjoyable day (even the best man was a clown!)

Wishing you a very Happy New Year,

Roger