Shrek wedding in Barnstaple

By [jcooper]

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."