A newlywed couple got an unlikely and raucous surprise after their wedding party was crashed by viking invaders.
Sam and Anna Shepherd were strolling across a nearby beauty spot for their perfect pictures when they were startled by loud horns blowing.
Before they knew it more than 200 Nordic seafarers were running towards them with swords drawn.
A newlywed couple got an unlikely and raucous surprise after their wedding party was crashed by viking invaders
Anna, 32, said: ‘When we heard the horns going off and saw them running towards us we really didn’t know what to think.
‘But everyone was so friendly and polite we just decided to go with the flow and get our photo taken together. After they had gone I asked Sam ‘did that just really happen?’
‘I don’t think many people will have a wedding photo like ours and everyone has been talking about it ever since.’
The couple, from Chorley, Lancashire, had opted to have their special day captured in film at Lancashire beauty spot Rivington Pike.
But unbeknownst to them, their unexpected Nordic guests were taking part in a Viking march in the area on the same day.
It was one of a series of events organised by Rivington Heritage Trust to encourage more families to visit and enjoy the iconic landmark.
Sam and Anna Shepherd were strolling across a nearby beauty spot for their perfect pictures when they were startled by loud horns blowing
Anna has been with heating installer husband Sam, 34, for ten years. And fancy dress was somewhat of a theme their wedding.
They held a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the theme of Alice and Wonderland.
Guests also enjoyed Tweedledum and Tweedledee picture boards, an Alice in Wonderland cake and even croquet on the lawn, complete with flamingo mallets.
The loved-up duo also surprised their four-year-old daughter Niamh with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who announced a honeymoon at Disneyland Paris.
Anna, a teaching asistant, said: ‘We wanted the day to be a celebration and a party.
‘And it certainly turned out that way – you can’t take life too seriously.’
Teaching assistant Anna said the pair opted for donations on the day to charities close to their hearts including Dementia UK in memory of Sam’s grandfather who they lost to the degenerative condition.
Before they knew it more than 200 Nordic seafarers were running towards them with swords drawn