Two couples celebrated their big days against the backdrop of the biggest birthday party of the year.
Sian and Stan Kostov tied the knot at the exact moment that Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations were cheered on by the crowds whilst Lee Torrance and Chris Handyside were married at the same time on the other side of Stratford-upon-Avon.
The annual Birthday Celebrations take place every year in Stratford and this year the proceedings were joined by the two happy couples.
Sian and Stan, who met through work in 2015 were married at Stratford Registry Office whilst Chris and Lee were married at the Tower of the Royal Shakespeare Company during the event.
Sian Kostov, said: “We have always loved Stratford and it has become our special place to visit with our children as well so it was the only choice to celebrate our wedding day there too.
“Although we were unaware that we had booked our wedding on one of the busiest days of the year for Stratford it was great fun to be married on such a special day for the town and it made our wedding day even more special.”
In Shakespearean style Chris Handyside and Lee Torrance met over 20 years ago through a mutual friend and instantly fell in love.
Lee said: “We had this date in mind for our wedding for a while and when it was confirmed that this would be the weekend for the Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations too, it sealed the deal as we know that it is an important day of celebrations in the town and we knew that it would add to the day for us and our guests.
“We decided on Stratford as it's a beautiful historic town and the RSC is such a unique and interesting choice of venue for an unforgettable day. We’re looking forward to rekindling Shakespeare in our lives with Stratford and the RSC playing such a major role for our wedding day.”
Flair Gougoulia, Owner of El Greco in Stratford who hosted both the wedding breakfast for Sian and Stan and the pre-wedding meal for Lee and Chris has expressed her delight at being involved in the couple’s big day and the connection it has with the biggest celebration weekend in Stratford.
She said: “We love hosting weddings at El Greco and to be able to help this lovely couple celebrate on one of the biggest celebration weekends in the town was wonderful!”
Kate Logan, Business Development Manager at the RSC, added: “As Shakespeare would say: 'With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls; For stony limits cannot hold love out.' – Romeo and Juliet.
“Welcoming couples to our unique venues for their special day is always a delight, and we were particularly pleased to host Lee and Chris across the birthday weekend, when the whole town comes together to celebrate Shakespeare’s legacy.”
Sarah Summers, Town Clerk for Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council who help to organise the celebrations, added: “We’re thrilled that such a key event in the couple’s lives coincided with our biggest weekend of the year here in Stratford-upon-Avon.
“Storm Hannah made the event challenging to say the least, but nonetheless it was still a great success and it was wonderful to see so many loyal supporters and visitors who were determined to enjoy the occasion, despite the weather!”
The celebration weekend also included the National Living Statue Competition, Quill Ceremony, food court and markets, community scarecrow festival and lots of free workshops and performances.