‘You surpassed all expectations and thank you for making it so special for my mum Marion as well’
David and Tara, Rufford Mill, 7th June 2025
Close-up magic during evening reception. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
I was delighted when the lovely Tara and David asked me to perform close-up magic during their evening wedding reception at the fantastic Rufford Mill. This is always a wonderful time for some ‘mix-and-mingle’ prestidigitation – when bride, groom and guests are relaxing after the wedding breakfast.
‘It was a lovely, complete surprise, your magic is amazing’ Marion (Tara’s Mum) Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
The evening would be even more special as Tara’s Mum Marion is a big fan of magic, and has recently celebrated a very important birthday. The newlyweds had managed to keep my presence a secret, so it was a tremendous privilege to provide entertainment for the VIP guest!
It’s always a pleasure to entertain on wedding days! Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
The exceptional Rachael Phillips Photography were present throughout the evening reception, and I am very thankful that Rachael has shared these tremendous images to display in this article. Do you require a first class photographer for your wedding or special event? Find out more about Rachael and her magnificent service at: Rachael Phillips Photography.
Entertaining Tara, David and close family and friends. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
One of the benefits of entertaining during the early evening reception is that I normally have an excellent opportunity to amaze the newlyweds. It was wonderful to provide both close-up sleight-of-hand and larger parlour illusions for Tara, David and close family and friends in the charming function suites of Rufford Mill.
It’s a privilege to create magical memories! Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
Tara and David’s family and friends were a wonderful group to enthral with a variety of intriguing magical routines and illusions. Indeed, the delightful halls and rustic environs of Rufford Mill always provide the perfect backdrop for plenty of magical amazement on a wedding day! Awarded ‘Best Historic Wedding Venue’ in the 2025 Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards, find out more about this lovely locale at: Rufford Mill Venue.
A parlour show of magic for Tara and David. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
Many of Tara and David’s friends had a natural fascination with magic, and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to perform mysterious mind-reading and prediction effects later in the evening. This branch of the magical art is known as Mentalism, and one of its most famous modern day practitioners is Derren Brown.
Some intimate psychological effects later in the evening. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.
It truly was a wonderful evening at Rufford Mill celebrating the wedding of David and Tara. Congratulations and best wishes again to the newlyweds, happy birthday Marion, and thank you to Rachael Phillips Photography, and Seana, Carmel and the staff of Rufford Mill.
Rufford Mill. Artwork by David Fox. David creates his own artwork and it often appears within his magic shows!
Rachael Phillips Photography are based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
‘We just wanted to send a massive thank you for everything you did to make our day so magical’
Will and Amelia, Stubton Hall, 29th May 2022
It was a pleasure to be part of the lovely Amelia and Will’s wedding day celebrations in May at Stubton Hall. I was delighted when Laura (Amelia’s close friend) very kindly recommended my services to the bride. Amelia wanted the magic to be a special surprise for fiancé Will who is a big fan of prestidigitation.
Close-up magic in the beautiful gardens of Stubton Hall.
Throughout the many months of preparation for the wedding day, Amelia managed to keep my inclusion a secret from Will – a fantastic feat of magic in itself! It was tremendous to see the look of surprise on the newlywed groom’s face when we met during the drinks reception period. Indeed, this was a great time to mingle freely with Will and Amelia’s family and friends: performing close-up magic in the enchanting environs of Stubton Hall.
Mix-and-mingle magic for Amelia and Will’s guests.
Performing table-side entertainment was a massive pleasure!
Table magic throughout the wedding breakfast period was a marvellous privilege to perform. Amelia and Will’s guests were a fantastic group to entertain and it also provided an exciting opportunity to deliver some special routines for the top table. This is always great to do on a wedding day, particularly if the couple and close family have been engaged in group photo shots during the drinks reception period.
Laura takes the mysterious envelope out of the safe…
A very special thank you to Laura and Lee for keeping two predictions I made, and delivered to the venue two weeks prior to the wedding, securely locked up in the safe of Stubton Hall. These mysterious predictions had been sealed inside two envelopes and would later be magically revealed to Amelia and Will…
Amelia managed to keep my inclusion as a secret from Will throughout the many months of wedding planning – incredible!
I also really appreciate Amelia and Will’s decision to share these fantastic photographs for this article. The exceptional Darren Creswell Photography did an outstanding job in capturing all those very special moments throughout the wedding day. Find out more about the services they provide at: Darren Creswell Photography
Congratulations again to the lovely newlyweds Amelia and Will!
Congratulations Amelia and Will! It was fantastic to be part of such a magical and very special day at Stubton Hall.
Stubton Hall is a first class wedding and events venue located close to Newark, North Nottinghamshire, UK. Find out more about the outstanding services they provide at: Stubton Hall Venue
David Fox is a professional entertainer based in Nottingham, UK. Find out more about him at: David Fox Magic
Katherine and Alan enchanting the guests at Stubton Hall.
If you require first class music for your wedding, black-tie event or corporate function, Arkangel will most certainly fit the bill – and much more. Providing a stunning repertoire which ranges from classical to contemporary, an exquisite musical package can be customised to suit your unique requirements.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Katherine and Alan on numerous occasions. Their professionalism, warmth and supreme dedication to their art always shines through. As well as being highly accomplished musicians, their customer service skills are truly second-to-none.
So, make sure you book Arkangel for your next special occasion. Katherine and Alan’s diary fills up very quickly and they are in hot demand! To avoid disappointment, visit their website at: www.arkangel.uk.com or alternatively give them a call now on: 07977 226 110
Jason Parnell is an exceptional photographer who captured the climax of this magical routine perfectly. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.
If you are currently organising your wedding, party or corporate event, Forever Green offers exceptional facilities. Nestled away in the idyllic location of Ransom Wood Park, the venue boasts a tranquil yet highly accessible environment for your next red letter day. This central location makes Forever Green an excellent choice for a very special occasion as it is so close to the urban areas of Mansfield, Nottingham and Newark, as well as being within 15 minutes drive of the M1 motorway.
Forever Green boasts a friendly approachable team who are committed to providing first class service. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.
The events team provide a first class service, and I have been very fortunate to have entertained guests on several occasions at this fantastic venue. Indeed, I was delighted to be invited to perform magic at their Christmas market last December, and it truly was a day to remember. Forever Green promote a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to business, and have forged an excellent relationship with local enterprise. The festive market provided an opportunity for small business owners from around north Nottinghamshire to showcase their talents and fantastic services.
The Christmas Market was an exciting opportunity for local businesses and people to come together – some magic for the guests. Photograph courtesy of Jason Parnell.
Local photographer Jason Parnell was on hand to capture the fun and festive spirit. Jason is available for events and promotional shoots around Nottinghamshire and beyond. As well as being a wizard with the camera, Jason is also a friendly, approachable and highly professional gentleman. Indeed, I was delighted when he offered to provide some excellent photographs from the day to post in this blog article. For more details, visit Jason’s website at: www.jasonparnell.co.uk or phone Jason on: 07515313511.
To find out more about how to make your wedding, party or corporate event a magnificent occasion, visit Forever Green’s website at: www.forever-green or contact their exceptional events team on: 01623 675323.
For customised magic at any occasion, visit my website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone me on: 07946686258.
A tranquil and friendly cafe. Visit Carriages when you are next in Newark.
Newark Castle Station is one of the most vibrant transport hubs in the East Midlands, and it now boasts a truly exceptional dining facility. Carriages Cafe provides a first class service from within the elegant interior of the station building.
There is ample space for functions such as parties, business events and club nights.
The friendly team are now serving an extensive range of hot and cold beverages, as well as a mouth-watering array of delicious meals and snacks, from 7.30pm to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8pm to 5pm on Saturday. Why not pop in for a tasty treat when you are next in the area? The cafe is perfectly situated for local business people, commuters and visitors to enjoy.
Suzie Jones has invested much time and effort in restoring and enhancing the beautiful building. Her fantastic artwork is on display throughout the cafe and function room, and has created an enchantingly magical ambiance. Relax and watch the world go by at Carriages… but make sure you don’t miss your train!
Suzie’s elegant artwork adorns the walls of Carriages and it has a truly unique character.
The venue also offers ample function space for social events, business promotions and family gatherings. With plenty of parking space available, contact Suzie and the team now to find out more about how you can make your next red letter day function in Newark one to savour. Their website is: www.carriagesnewark.co.uk Telephone number: 01636 676129.
David Fox is a professional entertainer and freelance writer who lives in Nottingham. Website: www.davidfoxmagician.co.uk Telephone number: 07946 686 258.
‘thank you for being part of our special day… you truly were amazing’
Tom and Sarah Shaw, Kelham House Hotel, 27th May 2017
I was delighted when Tom and Sarah asked me to perform magic on their special day at the beautiful Kelham House Country Manor Hotel near Newark. It is always a tremendous honour to be selected to entertain on a wedding day, and I was well aware of how meticulous the bride and groom had been in their preparations. Indeed, no stone was left unturned in order to ensure that their family and friends would be treated to a truly magical occasion.
Arriving in style. Sarah looks outstanding before the ceremony. Luxury wedding cars provided by: www.redroseweddingcarhire.co.uk
On arriving at Kelham House Hotel, the party was in full swing. Tom and Sarah had requested that I perform magic after the wedding breakfast throughout the early evening reception. This was an excellent time to ‘mix-and-mingle’ with guests and provide close-up magic both inside the bar area and around the extensive grounds of the venue. One of the highlights was undoubtedly performing a special routine for the newlyweds which culminated with a magical bottle of Champagne!
It was magnificent to perform intimate close-up effects for Tom and Sarah’s friends and family
The idyllic Kelham House Country Manor Hotel was the perfect venue for such a momentous occasion. As well as boasting exceptional event facilities, the wedding party can also stay in the luxury bedrooms. The convivial staff at the hotel are always a joy to work with and ensured that Tom, Sarah and their guests were very well taken care of. To find out more about this tremendous location, visit the website at: www.kelhamhouse.co.uk or contact Fran or Grace, the excellent Wedding and Events Team, on 01636 705266.
The tremendously talented photographer Mark Walker was on hand to capture everything.
A wedding day requires a dynamic, diligent and dependable photographer to immortalise those special moments. Sarah and Tom had called upon the gifted Mark Walker to perform these duties, and he did so with aplomb. Mark formed a wonderful rapport with the guests and ensured that the essence of the day was captured for eternity. Indeed, the photographs in this very article illustrate his tremendous talents. Visit Mark’s website: www.markwalkerphotography.net or call him now on: 01623 825109.
Sarah and Tom created a warm family atmosphere on the day with their choice of suppliers and it was fantastic to see the children enjoying themselves.
It is always fantastic to see children at weddings, and I enjoy entertaining them as well as the adults. Tom and Sarah went to great lengths to ensure the younger guests had a fantastic time and their choice of suppliers was very impressive to say the least. The innovative Hucksters Firepot were there to amuse the little ones and provide outstanding face painting. Visit their website: huckstersfirepot.co.uk or phone on: 0795 457 3305. Everyone loves a bouncy castle – even the adults – and Bounceabout Inflatables provided hours of fun for everyone in the garden. Find out more about them at: www.bounceaboutnewark.co.uk or phone on: 07855 955474. Truly an amazing addition to a unique day.
The cutting of the cake. And what a cake it is! Created by Choccywoccydoodah Cakes.
A sensational selection of confectionery ensured that Tom and Sarah’s guests could indulge themselves accordingly. Even Willy Wonka would have struggled to have produced such a fine array of tasty treats! The tremendous wedding cake was provided by Choccywoccydoodah. Their website is: www.choccywoccydoodah.com, telephone number: 01273 329 426. The Little Cupcake Company of Mansfield delivered an astonishing assortment of mouthwatering delights: TheLittleCupcakeComp13. telephone number: 07850 560883. It was lovely to meet David Allwood too during the evening reception and share a little magic with him. David is the affable owner of Pure Chocolate Indulgence and created a wonderful doughnut stand for Tom and Sarah’s guests to enjoy. David’s website is: www.pure-chocolate-indulgence.co.uk or phone him today on: 07427668997. Bliss Chair Covers also provided a chocolate fountain which went down a storm with the guests. Guests with a sweet tooth could also be found congregating around the magical sweet cart assembled by Simply Sweet Cart Hire. They also crafted stunning Ferrero Rocher displays. Website: www.simplysweetcarthire.co.uk and telephone number: 0771 906 6384.
The first dance is a special moment. DJ and love letters by Diverse Entertainments
Tom and Sarah’s choice of exceptional suppliers ensured that Kelham House Hotel was looking incredibly elegant and vibrant on their big day. Diverse Entertainments create bespoke packages for all sorts of events, and the dance floor, lighting and love letters created a stunning mise-en-scene for Mr and Mrs Shaw’s first dance. Website: www.diverse-entertainments.co.uk, phone number: 01636 643720. Bliss Chair Covers provided elegant table and chair decor, as well as a photo booth and chocolate fountain. Find them at: www.blisschaircovers.co.uk or phone now: 07850 178030. A wedding day would not be complete without flowers, and the exquisite Flower Barn ensured that enchanting arrangements adorned the venue. Their website is: www.flower-barn.co.uk and can be contacted on: 01636 679779.
Kelham House Country Manor Hotel looked vibrant on Tom and Sarah’s wedding day.
As you can see from the wonderful photographs, Sarah looked radiant for her wedding day. The exceptional Maxine Holland was the beautiful bride’s make-up artist and more details can be found about Maxine on this link: www.facebook.com/maxinehollandmua
Sarah looked stunning for the big day. Maxine Holland who is based in Sheffield was make-up artist for the wedding.
Elegant high heels fit for a princess to walk down the aisle. Courtesy of Jimmy Choo.
It truly was a wonderful wedding to be part of and I will always consider myself to be very fortunate to have been part of Tom and Sarah’s special day. I wish them both health and happiness for the future, and do hope that I will have the opportunity to entertain them and their fantastic family and friends again in the future.
Congratulations Tom and Sarah.
The author of the article is professional magician David Fox. The winner of the 2014 Wedding Industry Experts Awards, David performs his unique brand of magic at weddings throughout the UK and beyond. Visit his website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone him today on: 07946 686 258. For Facebook updates and testimonials, please do ‘like’ and follow: www.facebook.com/MagicianMidlands.
David Fox Magic 