IT WAS the big moment for the bride and groom as, vows taken,
and register signed, they prepared to walk down the aisle for the
first time as man and wife.
But, as the priest stood back, he stepped on the bride's train
and went head over heels. The actions of the priest, the Rector of
Stockport, Cheshire, the Revd Roger Scoones, brought the house
down, as many of the congregation did not realise that it was a
serious fall. But afterwards Mr Scoones, who is 66, had to spend
three hours in Accident and Emergency as nurses put a plaster cast
on his right hand and wrist.
"The couple, Jon-Paul and Katie Stoddard, were duly married, and
had signed the register," Mr Scoones said. "All that was left was
the 'Wedding March' and the procession down the aisle; but, as I
moved out of their way, I stepped on the bride's dress and went
crashing to the ground - all 14 stone of me.
"At first, the bride and groom thought I had had a heart attack,
but I was not unconscious, just shaken. . . I wasn't feeling very
comfortable, but then I thought, I must recover myself enough to
let this couple go. They went outside, and I think they all had a
good laugh at my expense."
One of the guests was a nurse, however, and advised him to go to
hospital. The cast has now been removed, but Mr Scoones has to wear
a splint for the next month.
Mr Stoddard told the Manchester Evening News: "The
Reverend Scoones was making sure everyone was in the right place,
when he stood on Katie's train and ended up face down in it. He
completely faceplanted, and just lay there for about 30 seconds. .
. I pulled him to his feet, and he just carried on as if nothing
had happened. He is a real trouper."
