Tag: Weddings

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

Congratulations Kieran and Imogen – A Magical Wedding Day at Rufford Mill!

‘Thank you again so much. You were fab and everyone loved it.’

Kieran and Imogen, Rufford Mill, Nottinghamshire, 21st September 2024

It was wonderful to be part of Kieran and Imogen’s big day at the magical Rufford Mill, Nottinghamshire in September last year. The lovely couple and their guests were a joy to entertain during both drinks reception period (immediately after the wedding ceremony) and throughout the early evening reception (after wedding breakfast).

Rufford Mill is a fantastic venue for weddings and special occasions. Find out more at: Rufford Mill Nottinghamshire

Close-up ‘mix-and-mingle’ magic is ideal for wedding day entertainment, and it was a tremendous privilege to amaze Kieran and Imogen’s family and friends during the day reception. Curious card effects, intriguing illusions, and mystifying mind-reading routines were delivered both inside and outside the wonderful venue!

Situated within Rufford Abbey Country Park, there are plenty of outstanding locations for wedding day photos!

Magic is versatile and perfect for all age groups and situations on a wedding day. It can bring guests together who may have never met, and is always an interesting topic for discussion. Find out more at: wedding day magic!

Table-side magic for Kieran and Imogen’s lovely guests.

It is always a pleasure and a privilege to create some magical memories for the newlyweds – particularly during early evening reception when they can relax after the speeches! Child-friendly magic and balloon modelling are two other options I have within my repertoire – in order to entertain any younger guests who may be present too.

It is always magnificent to entertain the newlyweds along with their guests during evening reception on a wedding day.

Overall, it was a fantastic day at the enchanting Rufford Mill. Congratulations again to the lovely Kieran and Imogen! Thank you for investing your trust in me and inviting me to perform on such an important occasion.

Congratulations again Kieran and Imogen! What a fantastic day it was at Rufford Mill.

Rufford Mill is an exceptional wedding and events venue located in north Nottinghamshire, UK. Find out more about this unique location at: Rufford Mill Weddings and Events

David Fox is a professional entertainer who is based in Nottingham, UK. Find out more about him and his unique services at: David Fox Magic

Dave Fuller – First Class Photography!

IMG_9478

It is always a tremendous privilege and a pleasure to work alongside the immaculate photographer Dave Fuller. Dave is based in Nottingham and is available for weddings, parties, special occasions and corporate shoots across the East Midlands and beyond.

Find out more about Dave and his work at: Dave Fuller Photography

IMG_9477

I was delighted and extremely flattered when Dave told me he had decided to include my magic in his latest blog article! Dave has taken time to create a guide for couples planning their weddings and looking for entertainers. Visit ‘Awesome Wedding Entertainment in Nottingham‘ to read his recommendations.

IMG_9476

The exceptional images on this blog post are a fitting testament to Dave’s talent, dedication and commitment to his craft. The gifted lens-man captured me in action at Gem Vending’s summer celebrations at Langley Mill United Cricket Ground in 2018.

Contact Dave Fuller now for your next red letter day event!

 

Gillian and Andrew’s Christmas Wedding at Hotel Van Dyk

‘Thank you for making our day so perfect!’

Gillian and Andrew, Hotel Van Dyk, December 2017

pc0316261.jpgI was delighted when Gillian and Andrew asked me to entertain everyone on their wedding day last December at the stunning Hotel Van Dyk near Chesterfield. It truly was a magical Christmas marriage, and the newlyweds’ nearest and dearest were a real pleasure to befriend. The warmth of Gillian, Andrew and their guests – coupled with the tremendous hospitality of this exceptional venue – ensured it was a perfect day.

PC031668[1].JPG

The affable Matt Rogers (wedding photographer) was on hand throughout the day to capture the essence of the proceedings. They say a photograph speaks a thousand words – and they most certainly do in Matt’s very capable hands. Not only is Mr Rogers a magnificent master of his craft, but his wit, charm and friendly persona ensure that the guests are always very relaxed in his presence. Matt kindly permitted me to use some images on this blog post. Find out more at: www.mattrogersphotography.co.uk. Telephone number: 07943 669486. Or visit and ‘like’ Matt on Facebook at: Matt Rogers Photography.

 PC031841[1].JPG

Hotel Van Dyk is a splendid venue for close-up mix-and-mingle magic in the bar area, function suite, garden and patio. It was a real pleasure to mix closely with Gillian and Andrew’s guests after the wedding breakfast period prior to the first dance. It truly was a tremendous privilege to be part of such a special day, and I wish the newlywed couple all the very best for the future.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

If you are planning a wedding or special event, visit Hotel Van Dyk’s website today at: Hotel Van Dyk. Or contact Michelle and the exceptional events team on: 01246 387386.

Find out more about David Fox and his magic at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone/text David: 07946 686 258.

Wedding Rings and Superstition

wedding ring 1

The Russian Prince Urussoff was a worried man indeed. Whilst honeymooning on the Black Sea, his wife’s wedding ring slipped from her finger and vanished beneath the waves. Deeply distressed, the nobleman solemnly recalled the family superstition that the loss of a wedding ring would inevitably lead to the break-up of the marriage. What could he do to reverse such ill fortune?

After much deliberation, the Prince decided to purchase both shores of the Black Sea from several hundred owners. Despite paying approximately $40 million, he reasoned that if he owned the entire sea, he also laid claim to everything in it – which included his wife’s wedding ring.

wedding ring 2
The superstitious Prince purchased the entire 168,500 square miles of the Black Sea

It is small wonder that something as special as the wedding ring has become an object of mystery, intrigue and superstition. Rings have been utilised as potent symbols of alliances, oaths and matrimony since time immemorial. The ancient Egyptians venerated the ring as the sacred symbol of eternity.  They chose to place a wedding band on the third finger as they believed this contained an artery which ran directly to the heart – a custom we continue to observe in modern times.

wedding ring 3
Rings have been a symbol of marriage, fidelity and allegiance since Ancient Egyptian times

Superstitions associated with wedding rings vary through time and space. In parts of medieval Europe, dropping the ring during the ceremony was said to be a good omen which warded off evil spirits. However, in other cultures this was looked upon less favourably. If the ring was too tight, it was a warning that your partner would become overbearing and the marriage would fail. The inverse – a loose fitting wedding band -implied a very high probability of infidelity.

Incredibly, wedding rings are one of the few personal items inmates in prison are permitted to retain at all times. Such a demonstration of their power helps to maintain the universal superstition that the loss of a ring is a terrible omen indeed. But what of Prince Urussoff? Did he manage to outwit fate?

His marriage appears to have been successful and, what’s more, the loss of the ring proved to be extremely lucrative for his family. After the Prince died, his heirs sold the Black Sea for $80 million – securing a handsome profit.

The author of the article is David Fox. Visit his website at: David Fox Magic.