Tinie’s big day Playgroup shock at celebrity wedding near venue
FAMOUS rapper Tinie Tempah tied the knot in the Cotswolds, according to the owner of a preschool.
Tempah, whose real name is Patrick Okogwu, was spotted at St Peter’s RC Church in Cirencester – and amazed staff by “using their loo ahead of his wedding”.
Children at the pre-school and playgroup, which is next to the church on St Peter’s Road, were “mesmerised” by the spectacle and “waited beautifully” as the “stunning” congregation arrived.
The owner of Sunflowers, Lisa Mckie, said: “It was a complete surprise.
“I rent the hall from the church and this morning the priest came round and told us there was a big celebrity wedding happening at 1.30pm.
“Then after our morning children left at 12.30pm, we were aware of lots of security in the normally quiet residential street in Cirencester – then a tall gentleman wearing an amazing white suit came and used the loo.
“We were unaware of who he was – he was very lovely and polite.
“Then at about 1.15pm the bride appeared with her family and she
sorted her dress and veil out in the hall foyer.
“She looked stunning and the bridesmaids were just beautiful.
“Then two London double-deckers drove down the cul-de-sac and, wow, the family and friends were arriving in all sorts of stunning and beautiful outfits.
“All of our children were watching from the garden gate and I have never known them so quiet. They loved every moment and the bride gave them all a big smile and wave as she came past the gate to get into the church.
Lisa added: “The security drivers then used the loo once everyone was in the hall and informed us who the music star was – Tinie Tempah.
“We were amazed and at the end of our day, when the children were collected at 2.30pm, we all stood and waited for the happy couple to leave the church.
“It was a really happy family wedding with lots of love and warmth.”
Lisa said the ceremony lasted around 45 minutes, and a gospel choir could be heard singing, “which was amazing.”
The pre-school added on Facebook that it was an “exciting day” seeing the rapper, who is known for smash hits like ‘Pass Out,’ ‘Written in the Stars,’ ‘Earthquake’ and ‘Not Letting Go.’
Eye-witnesses in the town also recalled seeing two large red doubledecker buses driving through the streets, with the sign ‘Wedding Special’ on the side, transporting a number of smartly-dressed guests.
Speaking to the BBC, Father Isidore, who conducted the service, said he had known Tinie Tempah for several years.
He said: “It wasn’t a secret marriage, they just wanted to keep it as private as possible and just for family and friends.
“They’re devout Catholics and really lovely down to earth people and it was a beautiful wedding.”