Here comes the bride.... and the bed of nails and the wall of swords

Gently does it . . . Nigel Doughty (left) and his bride Emma Hopkinson help Victoria Johnson stand on entertainer Kevin Burke — on a bed on nails

A pair of Oldham newlyweds were determined to show that life was more than just a bed of roses.

When the 84-strong party arrived to celebrate their big day, guests were invited to take part in an unusual set of challenges — including walking on a bed of nails.

After each course was served during the wedding breakfast at the White Hart, Lydgate, a team of specially-hired professionals launched a fresh rib-tickling test.

Guests rocked the inn’s Oak Room with laughter as they were called to help in a series of daring feats including assisting the show’s organiser and star, Kevin Burke, to climb a wall of swords in his bare feet.

And the bride and groom found themselves assisting one of their guests, Victoria Johnson, to stand on Kevin’s chest as he lay on a bed of nails.

After the wedding celebration, groom Nigel Doughty (28), and his bride, Emma Hopkinson (25), talked about the unique entertainment before flying off on a Kenyan honeymoon.

Nigel, an accountant, and his bride now live in Stoke. But he said: “Emma and I wanted something really different on our wedding day to celebrate with our family and friends back home.

“We wanted all our guests to feel completely involved in the wedding breakfast itself.

“None of them knew what was going to happen until they sat down after our wedding ceremony.

“But they took part in everything from medieval dances to helping Kevin with some highly-professional stunts. It was like something from a major theatre production and included fire-eating and even joining in helping to break a slab of concrete on Kevin’s chest.

Bride Emma, a school teacher from Royton, said: “Everyone had a tremendous time. The whole place was rocking with laughter.

“We had seen some of Kevin’s act at a wedding before and were determined we wanted something really unique. The music and acts themselves were really imaginative and went down a treat with our family and friends. ”

Kevin, who is based in Northampton, said: “I was delighted the bride and groom were pleased.

“I am sure they have got acres of video footage and pictures as a keepsake.”