Elijah Wood, best known for his role as Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings films, surprised a bride and groom during their wedding ceremony held at the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, New Zealand. This unexpected encounter happened on a Monday, adding an unforgettable moment to the couple’s special day.
The Surprise Unfolds During the Ceremony
Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride recounted their experience to the Waikato Herald, describing how Wood unexpectedly walked down the aisle as they were finishing signing their wedding paperwork.
“We were just finishing the signing of the paperwork when all of a sudden Elijah Wood started to walk down the aisle,”
they said. Sharik admitted he initially doubted it was the actor, but then realized with excitement,
“At first I thought, ‘Nah that’s not him.’ Then, ‘Oh s—t, it is him!’”
Elijah Wood’s Visit Tied to Local Events
At the time of the wedding, Wood was visiting Hobbiton as part of its role as a tourist attraction. He was in New Zealand to attend the Armageddon Expo in Auckland, accompanied by other Lord of the Rings cast members. This provided an opportunity for the actor to interact with fans and unexpectedly join this wedding celebration.
The Photographer’s Role in the Surprise
The couple’s photographer, Cath Ullyett, played a key part in encouraging Wood to take part in the event. She explained on Instagram that Elijah and his family had paused to watch the ceremony garden while Jess and Sharik were signing their documents. Ullyett quickly approached Wood and invited him to join the couple for a few photos.
Jess and Sharik had the most welcome surprise guest at their Hobbiton wedding yesterday,
Cath Ullyett wrote.
While they were signing their wedding documents, Elijah and his family were escorted past the ceremony garden, and had stopped to watch. After the couple had finished signing, I rushed around to meet him and asked him to come and have a few photos with the couple.
– Cath Ullyett, Photographer
She also added,
Being the gentleman he is, he didn’t want to interfere, however with some friendly encouragement he stepped in and was welcomed by all. Thank you Elijah for making their special day that much more memorable. We all loved it!
Lasting Impact of the Unexpected Visit
This spontaneous interaction between Elijah Wood and the newlyweds not only created cherished memories but also highlighted the unique charm of Hobbiton weddings. For Sharik and Jessica, the surprise guest appearance turned an already remarkable day into an extraordinary event. With Wood’s gentle approach and willingness to join the couple, the occasion will surely be remembered by the couple and guests for years to come, reflecting the lasting impact of connecting iconic film history with real-life celebrations.
