A GRAYS couple’s garden resembled a scene from a Harry Potter film, as they tied the knot Pagan style.

Steve Beedan, 50, and Kerry Church, 18, invited 70 of their friends and family to their home in Rectory Road to share their Wiccan wedding with them.

Guests, many of whom wore cloaks, watched as the couple took part in traditional Wiccan wedding rituals, such as handfasting, where the couple’s hands are tied together to symbolise their union, the sharing of bread and wine, and the ancient practice of “jumping the broom”.

After the hour long ceremony, the guests, 12 of which were Pagans, were treated to a barbecue.

Love blossomed between the couple soon after they met, through one of Steve’s two daughters.

Steve has been following the Pagan faith for around two years, while Kerry does not follow the religion but is “Pagan friendly”.

Steve said of their day: “It was a really nice day, and we had nice weather in the end. Everything went to plan.”

The couple are planning a legal ceremony at Grays Registry Office followed by a honeymoon in October.