A WOKINGHAM bride who chose to keep her wedding entirely local, delighted onlookers last week as she stepped out across a borough park with her wedding party.
Even groups of children playing ball games stopped their activities to applaud the group, last Thursday, on a warm and sunny afternoon.
Choosing to stay local meant that Christie Oakes’ walk from home to the wedding ceremony in Wokingham Town Hall took her through Elms Field.
She was greeted with applause from people visiting the park that day, and from friends who had gathered to witness the event.
Ms Oakes and her husband Stephen Murray decided to make their special day a local affair, choosing to use only local businesses.
As residents who love living in Wokingham, they wanted to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum, and to support the town’s businesses,
Local businesses who contributed to their celebrations were: Debbie Rees Bridal dress, Rebecca Eve Hair and Make-up, Honeysuckle Blush Cakes, Funky Flowers, The Outhouse Brewery, Chalk restaurant, The Premier Inn Wokingham, The Hilton Hotel, Wokingham, and Wokingham Town Hall.
Friends at Everyman cinema that overlooks the park also shared the couple’s joy, putting up a special message on their bill board.
Mark Brown, neighbour and friend of the couple said: “It’s been a lovely event.
“Christie and Stephen chose a wonderful sunny day.
“How lucky were they with the weather?
“There was a great reception from people in the park, it’s been something really special.
“She looked gorgeous, the dogs looked gorgeous.”
Mr Brown is among a number of the couple’s dog walking friends who frequent the park.
“We all live around here,” he said.
“We tend to gather at 7am to walk our dogs, and we’ve developed a real friendship between all of us.
“For Christie to walk through the park as she did, was just a lovely community event.”
Dog walker friend Helen said: “Our dog Derick has become friends with Christie and Stephen’s Luther.
“We all moved into the area at around the same time, and between us we have a number of pandemic puppies.
“It’s a great community, and a fantastic redevelopment in terms of getting people together.
“The park is always busy and lively, and a lovely place to come.
“Had it not been for the new development, none of us would know each other.
“The event has been amazing.
“What a great thing to do, to have their wedding so local and to aim to be so environmentally friendly.
“Christie and Stephen are such a lovely couple.”
Lenina and Angela, more dog walking friends, came to support the couple, along with their dogs, Kevin and Paddy.
“The dogs loved the wedding walk, and were very excited to come,” said Lenina.
“And Luther looked amazing in his wedding outfit.”
