A WOKINGHAM bride and groom keen to protect the environment are keeping everything within walking distance on their big day.
Christie Oakes and her fiancé Stephen Murray will wed in the town this month, and have decided to make their special event a truly local affair.
The wedding day will begin with a stroll to the ceremony, where they will say ‘I do’.
“The environment is very important to us both,” said Ms Oakes.
“We have one car between us, and whenever possible, we prefer to walk.”
The couple live in the town centre, and Ms Oakes will walk across Elms Field, wearing her wedding dress.
She will meet Mr Murray at Wokingham Town Hall, where the ceremony will take place.
“I’ll have my two bridesmaids aged six and nine with me, and my dog Luther,” she said.
“And we’ll be joined by three other dog walking friends of mine as we pass through Elms Field.
“And two older gentlemen we often meet outside Brown Bag café in the Plaza on Sunday mornings, have promised to walk with us too.
“Stephen and I got chatting with them on Christmas Day, and they have both followed our wedding story since then.
“We’re delighted that they will be there to cheer us on.
“Friends from Energie Fitness have also said they will come outside to wave as we walk by.”
Christie’s dress maker was struck by how local the couple were making their wedding.
“She said it was a real showcase for Wokingham businesses, and a celebration of the town itself,” said Christie.
“And it’s true, we always wanted our wedding to stay local and benefit businesses in the town.
“Stephen was born and grew up in Wokingham and we love living here.
“We feel very much a part of the community, and we would love the town to benefit from our celebration in some way.”
The wedding is supported entirely by local businesses.
“My dress is made by Debbie Rees Bridal, and Rebecca Eve is doing my hair and make-up,” said Ms Oakes.
“Our wedding cake is made by Honeysuckle Blush Cakes, and Funky Flowers are providing the bouquet and flowers.
After the ceremony in Wokingham Town Hall, the wedding party will move to The Outhouse Brewery for post reception drinks before walking from there to Chalk restaurant for the wedding meal.
“It feels so lovely to be able to go everywhere on foot, and to be in the town with the community all around us on the day,” said Ms Oakes.
Family guests are all staying locally.
“My parents and siblings will all be at The Premier Inn, Wokingham, and Steven will be getting ready on the wedding morning at The Hilton Hotel,” she added.
Even the groom and best man outfits were bought locally, sourced from Reading, during a shopping trip by train.
Dress maker Debbie Rees said: “ It has been such a pleasure to work with Christie.
“Many brides get very stressed during the preparations, but Christie is so lovely, relaxed, and down to earth.
“By keeping everything so local she has just been able to enjoy the whole process.”
Ms Oakes’ unusual wedding dress has been specially created.
“It’s very different, definitely theatrical, and she looks absolutely stunning in it,” said Ms Rees.
“Until you see it, you can’t really understand how amazing it looks.
“It will be a real moment for everyone who sees it.”
Christie’s dog, Luther will wear a matching bow tie.
Ms Oakes and Mr Murray will celebrate their wedding on Thursday, July 20.
