Tag: Wedding Entertainer

Congratulations David and Tara! A Magical Evening at Rufford Mill…

‘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.

Website: Rachael Phillips Photography

Telephone Number: 07779 127050

Rufford Mill is an award-winning wedding and events venue based in north Nottinghamshire.

Website: Rufford Mill

Telephone Number: 01623 888525

David Fox is a professional magician based in Nottingham who travels throughout the UK and beyond.

Website: David Fox Magic

Telephone Number: 07946 686258

Steve and Nicola’s Wedding Day – 30th March 2018 at Makeney Hall

nicola and steve
Congratulations Nicola and Steve! Some Champagne magic. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography

‘he kept the adults and kids entertained and captivated the whole time’

Steve and Nicola Fairclough, 30th March 2018

I was delighted when Nicola and Steve asked me to entertain their guests at Makeney Hall. We first met at the hotel on Mother’s Day 2017 when I had the privilege of performing some table magic for them. It is always a tremendous endorsement when a couple decide to call upon my services for such an important occasion – and Makeney Hall is a stunning location for a wedding.

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Magic is perfect for all generations. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography.

Drinks reception magic immediately after the ceremony always goes down very well on wedding days, and it was a real pleasure to mingle with Nicola and Steve’s guests in the bar area and drawing room. Close-up effects and routines are entertaining, but also have the added bonus of bringing together friends and family of both bride and groom who may have not met before. Card magic, sleight-of-hand illusions and feats of mind-reading are engaging, direct and very versatile – regardless of where the guests happen to be; they can be entertained.

After the speeches, it was fantastic to perform table magic and some child friendly entertainment in the Milford Suite. One of the most pleasing aspects of a wedding day is the opportunity to entertain all the generations present – from the youngest guest to the eldest. The presence of children on a wedding day always works well and livens up the proceedings. Balloon modelling is a colourful and vibrant addition which amazes both young and old. By this time the party was in full swing, and Nicola and Steve’s guests were a real pleasure to mix with.

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Visual magic and balloon modelling are always a hit on wedding days. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography.

It is always a great bonus if I have the opportunity to perform a special routine of magic for the newlyweds. The exceptional Jo Brew was the photographer for the day and masterfully captured an effect involving Champagne for Nicola and Steve. Jo is available for weddings and photo-shoots around Derbyshire and beyond, and can be contacted on her email address: jojobrewphotography2017@gmail.com. Her tremendous photographs throughout this blog article reveal her fantastic talent and ability to capture the vital moments on a wedding day.

It truly was a spectacular occasion at Makeney Hall and I am very fortunate to have played a role in Steve and Nicola’s magical day. As always, the highly professional team at the hotel did a sterling job in ensuring everything ran smoothly and the guests’ unique requirements were fulfilled. It is always a real pleasure to work with the lovely Antonia and all the conscientious members of staff.

Congratulations to Steve and Nicola!

Visit Makeney Hall’s website at: www.makeneyhallhotel.com or telephone Antonia and the team on: 0330 390 0492.

David Fox is a professional magician and freelance writer based in the Midlands. Visit his website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone him on: 07946 686 258.