A couple taking the train on their first date tied the knot aboard a service on the West Coast Mainline.
Laura Dale and Jane Magnet did, got stuck in Avanti’s “Marriage Carriage” after winning a competition to celebrate their wedding on a train.
The Pendolino train hosted the ceremony in a reserved car with multiple guests as they returned from London to Birmingham on the West Coast Mainline, which also runs through Stoke.
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Much like the train they were on, preparations were moving fast as they found out last week they had won the competition and signed up for their big day on the rails for Tuesday.
Peter, a former pastor who now works for Avanti West Coast, married the couple on board, who says they are delighted to see everyone at their ceremony after a long year stuck indoors due to the pandemic.
There was a tailor-made photo box on board for anyone who wanted to capture memories of their special day, as well as colorful flower arrangements that adorned the carriage.
Laura and Jane tied the knot on their return flight from London Euston to Birmingham New Street
(Image: Avanti West Coast Trains)
One tradition that remained intact was the moment they walked down the aisle, be it a slightly different aisle, where they met Peter at the end of the carriage for negotiation.
Laura and Jane shared a traditional wedding moment with a special kiss before going to first grade for their wedding breakfast followed by cutting the cake.
They then stopped at Birmingham New Street Station for a photo shoot on the platform before making the return journey to London Euston, arriving just after 2pm.
The couple still had to plan their honeymoon but had discussed the idea of visiting Scotland; no bonus points for guessing how they’d get there.
Laura said of the special day, “As a huge train fan, it was a dream come true to have Jane and our friends and family with us while we celebrated our wedding at high speed.
“Trains are a big part of my life. When Jane and I first met in person, we were traveling on the West Coast Mainline to a video game convention in Telford and often traveling to Birmingham Comic-Con with friends on board.
“Jane used to travel to Birmingham New Street to see her Nan so this route has a real place in her heart and the day will forever bring us to our happy place as we think back to the ceremony.
“We had to postpone planning our wedding due to the pandemic, finances and marriage logistics. And this followed years of logistical work to obtain gender recognition certificates, a very slow and stressful process so that we can be both wife and wife on our side could special day. “
Traditional wedding celebrations took place on board, including vows and the cutting of the cake
(Image: Avanti West Coast Trains)
Natasha Grice, Executive Director of Customer Experience at Avanti West Coast, said, “It’s been a tough 18 months for everyone, including couples.
“We wanted to put a smile on people’s faces again and what could be better than helping a happy couple to finally celebrate their special day and reunite them with loved ones they haven’t seen since the pandemic?
“It was incredibly exciting and heartwarming to have Laura and Jane, two big railroad fans, celebrate their dream wedding aboard an Avanti West Coast Pendolino.
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Jane Fry, Editor-in-Chief of Affinity Weddings Magazine, said, “It has been a tough 18 months for all of us and I have so much joy that friends and families can now get back together to celebrate weddings.
“It was difficult to select a winning couple to get married aboard the Avanti West Coast Marriage Carriage as hundreds of incredible stories were told from every corner of the UK.
“The story of Laura and Jane really brought to life all of the struggles couples face and overcome, and seeing them with family and friends was heartwarming, especially given their love for trains!
“It was the first day Laura had seen her two sisters since before the pandemic, and it was emotional to say the least!
“With the lifting of the wedding restrictions, I hope that all other participants will soon be able to enjoy their special day with their loved ones.”
