ASTONISHED wedding guests almost fell off their chairs as cinematic romance was brought to life in front of their eyes.

A scene straight from the film Love Actually was re-enacted at the outdoor wedding of a Colchester couple, much to the surprise of the bride.

Cunning groom Rob Chamberlain, of Gratian Close, High Woods, arranged for Halstead gospel choir Exaltation! to disguise themselves as guests for his wedding to Lorraine Harris.

The 12-strong group, who were at the back of the congregation at Braxted Park, Witham, stood up as the bride and groom walked down the aisle, and sang the Beatles’ All You Need Is Love, backed by a string quartet. Mr Chamberlain, who met his wife at the Letting Shop, in Colchester, where they both work, knew she loved the scene where Keira Knightley is surprised by a gospel choir.

He explained: “I was searching for gospel choirs, as I had the idea after watching Love Actually a few times. The wife loves it. She had commented on how amazing it was, so the idea was born.

“I found Jen and Exaltation! on the web, and after a few e-mails I met with them at their church in Halstead.

“I explained the idea and they sang a few songs for me to get an idea of what they do.”

Mr Chamberlain continued: “As we started down the aisle after the ceremony, the string quartet started playing and they all stood up and started singing.

“The row in front nearly fell off their chairs and Lorraine’s face was a picture. It was a complete surprise for all our guests and a talking point for most of the night.”

Jen Skingsley, who conducted the choir at the ceremony, said: “We loved doing it – I think it’s our favourite wedding performance so far.

“Lorraine, the bride, actually jumped backwards and several of the guests sitting directly in front of the choir looked like they might fall off their seats.”