Shrek wedding in Barnstaple
A BARNSTAPLE couple gave the "fairy tale wedding" idea a new twist when they made their vows dressed as two green cartoon monsters from a hit American comedy film.
Children's hospice nurse Christine England, 40, and builder Keith Green, 44, wore bright green make-up and costumes in order to look like the animated ogre Shrek and his bride, Princess Fiona.
The 100-plus guests who attended the ceremony at Broomhill near Barnstaple were asked to dress like characters from TV or film, meaning the eclectic guest list included Snow White, Noddy, Nora Batty, Robin Hood and Maid Marion.
The couple, both from Barnstaple, had been engaged for nine years.
Christine said: "I had always wanted to throw a big fancy dress party for my 40th birthday and when I asked around a few venues they kept inquiring whether it was a wedding or normal party.
"It got me thinking — Keith and I had been engaged for so long that I suggested to him we have the wedding half way through the party as a massive surprise.
"However, we thought it would be too hard to keep a secret that big and decided to be honest with everyone."
The first Shrek film was released in 2001 with the tagline "the greatest fairy story never told".
Self-confessed Princess Fiona look-a-like Christine said she always teased Keith saying that he looked like Shrek so picking their characters was not difficult.
Christine said: "When we told our photographer what we were planning to do he was worried that we might not be able to carry it off.
"However, we had a friend make replicas of the wedding costumes from the film and even hired professional make-up artist Jan Saunders, from North Devon College, to make us look the part — it took nearly three hours but the results were stunning.
"The guests were great and made an effort too. It was such a memorable occasion."
Keith and Christine walked down the aisle to REM's Shiny Happy People, walked out to a song from children's film Toy Story and even enjoyed "witty poems" in place of traditional readings.
Keith said: "It was a very strange experience to say the least, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
"I never expected my wedding to be like this but everyone really threw themselves into it and it turned out great."
Christine added: "Normal weddings are great but no one will ever forget this one."
39 Comments
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by Maria, Southampton
Friday, July 24 2009, 10:49PM
“Fantastic, good on you. Ignore petty minded individuals who have nothing better to do than bring everything down to a bitter level.”
by emma, bideford
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 6:18PM
“I think this is a brilliant idea - very very original and looks great fun too - congratulations to you both x”
by Emma and Fran, Bideford
Monday, May 04 2009, 8:01PM
“"Claws" and Sue are clearly just jealous, you all looked absolutely amazing and it looks like the best wedding and wedding party ever!
Shut up Sue and "Claws", if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Also so what you have your own company "Claws" do you have any friends???
I know the make up lady for this wedding and she said that Christine and Kieth were a lovely couple and everyone loved the idea.”
by Christine, Barnstaple, Devon
Monday, April 27 2009, 8:31PM
“Thankyou to everyone for their good wishes it is really kind of you. The last week has been overwhelming for Keith and I and at no time did we expect anyone, other than friends and family, to be at all interested in our day.I t is very strange, and not entirely pleasant, to have your photographs for the whole world to see and to comment on, and not something that either of us would have chosen. It was most certainly not a publicity stunt! We just wanted to do something less traditional and wanted to create a day that everyone would enjoy. I think that everyone who came would confirm that a great time was had by all. As for dressing up as a big fat green thing, it was either that or a big fat white thing, and frankly green's more my colour!”
by Claws, ND
Monday, April 27 2009, 12:17PM
“old.... not me... get out more.... i have my own company so getting out is what I do.... married.. ohhh yes... but dressing up as a big fat green thing.. umm yes okay!
How cheap.”
by hannah, england
Monday, April 27 2009, 6:14AM
“wonderfull idea!
and also people who make negative comments about others happiness need to grow up! oh and claws! they do have a life!! TOGETHER!!!”
by tamlyn, nottingham
Sunday, April 26 2009, 5:31PM
“oh and paul too, clearly also a miserable sod.”
by Andy, Stafford
Sunday, April 26 2009, 3:05PM
“What a fantastic idea! I've never been a fan of the "traditional wedding". Too buttoned down and Victorian for my liking. If you're going to make a lifelong commitment, why not do it in a bit of style? Congratulations to the both of you, and I hope you have a long and wonderful life together!”
by Rebecca, Oxford
Sunday, April 26 2009, 12:57PM
“This sounds lovely, happy and fun- just what a wedding day should be! Congratulations, I hope your marriage offers more of the same!”
by Roy, Penzance
Sunday, April 26 2009, 11:41AM
“Absolutely brilliant! Well done and hearty congratulations to you both. A shame some of the earlier comments didn't even have the good grace to wish you both well. It's those Nobby No Mates who should 'get a life'. Sounds to me as if you're already thoroughly enjoying yours.”