Wedding at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth

The Panto Party

A blind date at the pantomime brought Annette and Jason together – so it was entirely fitting that their festive wedding took place at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal bang in the middle of panto season. Their distinctive celebration even caught the media’s attention, resulting in appearances on regional television and local and national press.



Annette had a wonderful surprise on the morning of the wedding. Jason had commissioned a painting by the artist Sue Mills: a beautiful abstract representing the pantomime and intertwined with sentences inspired by their time together.





In keeping with the seasonal theme, mistletoe and holly were woven into the arrangements of cream flowers, which matched Annette’s stunning gown. The five bridesmaids wore green dresses, while the groom and his four best men – the crew on Jason’s yacht, Jellybean – donned shades of rich brown and gold.



A vintage city bus whisked the party to and from the church where a festive ceremony took place. “We had carols instead of hymns,” says Annette. “We also walked halfway up the aisle with the vicar and said some of our vows, then toasted our guests with champagne in special glasses.”



The bus transported the party to Plymouth’s Royal Parade where the newly weds were greeted by the press. While guests supped on Gluvine, Annette and Jason took to the stage with Christopher Biggins to be filmed for BBC Spotlight.



After the media frenzy, the happy couple joined their guests for a delicious roast beef dinner. Guests were treated to a box of chocolates and a pantomime programme as favours while children took home a fairy wand or lightsaber from the pantomime shop.



All 60 guests watched the performance of Aladdin and tucked into wedding cake and a champagne toast during the interval. After the show, Christopher Biggins and the principal members of the cast joined the party for a drink in the bar and presented the couple with a signed programme.



The next day, the newly weds jetted off to New York for five days. Highlights included Christmas dinner at The Ritz, a helicopter ride, a horse and cart trip around Central Park in the snow and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Extravaganza.



Where it comes to advice for other couples, Annette and Jason say, “Just enjoy yourselves – it’s the best day of your life. Also, listen to the experts in the wedding industry as their advice is invaluable.”



The venue
St Mary and All Saints Church, Plymstock followed by Theatre Royal, Plymouth
01752 668282 www.theatreroyal.com

The dress
Prudence Gowns, Plymouth
01752 558858 www.prudencegowns.com

The flowers
H. Watts Floral Design, Plymouth
01752 403617 www.hwattsflorist.co.uk

Photography
Andrew Hawker
01637 877228 www.andrewhawker.co.uk

Copyright WED Magazine 2010