Leanne Smith, 33, and Lee Churchill, 39 enjoyed the b-ride of their lives on Tuesday when the pair committed their vows to each other at Fantasy Island theme park.
The newlyweds from Derby are huge fans of the Skegness theme park, visiting regularly to enjoy all the thrills on offer from the site’s 30-plus attractions.
So when Covid left their original plans to get married in Las Vegas up in the air it was an easy choice to swap the city that never sleeps for its English namesake of ‘Skeg-Vegas’ and their favourite theme park.
The pair reached out to Fantasy Island last year to see whether the theme park would be willing to host their dream day and, of course, the answer was ‘yes’.
As loved ones ventured into the theme park’s indoor attraction area, The Pyramid, they were met with a wedding scene like no other, adventure themed decorations adorning the venue.
Following the ceremony, the couple got of to a thrilling start by enjoying their first ride as a married couple on The Millennium – a 150ft high and 55mph rollercoaster.
Enjoying a reception in the Explorer Bar, guests were then treated to a wedding meal befitting the location, tucking into the classic seaside dish ‘Fish and Chips’ supplied by local chip shop, Mrs. M’s.
Guests were also able to enjoy other rides The Balloons, Dragon Mountain, Seaquarium, Toucan Tours, new indoor rides Harrington Flint’s Island Adventures and The Guardian and even take part in a spot of mini-golf at the attraction’s Lava Creek Adventure Golf.
Of their special day, bride Leanne, said: “We are so happy to be able to enjoy the happiest day of our lives here at Fantasy Island. The theme park is our favourite place, we come all the time! Being married here is something we only dreamed of; we didn’t know it could be possible!
“We weren’t sure whether they’d let us as we know it’s quite unconventional, however, we saw a post on Facebook asking if getting married here was something anyone had thought of – I emailed straight away! I was over the moon when I got a reply.
“We’re thrill seekers at heart. Whenever we visit, we’re straight on the rides. Toucan Tours is my favourite, whereas Lee prefers The Millennium. We can’t wait to come back to Fantasy Island as a married couple and remember what an amazing wedding day we had here.”
Paige Harris, Head of Marketing at Fantasy Island, said: “It was a true honour to host Lee and Leanne at Fantasy Island for their special day. We know how much they love visiting the theme park, so it was amazing to be able to share their wedding day with them.
“Lee and Leanne are real thrill-seekers, so it felt rather fitting that they tied the knot here of all places. We wish the wedding couple a lifetime of happiness together and we cannot wait to see them onsite once again, this time as a married couple!”.
So when Covid left their original plans to get married in Las Vegas up in the air it was an easy choice to swap the city that never sleeps for its English namesake of ‘Skeg-Vegas’ and their favourite theme park.
5. Fantasy Island weddng
Doing it in style in Skeg Vegas. Photo: John Aron
6. Fantasy Island wedding
Hold on to your dress - Leanne and Lee next to their favourite ride. Photo: John Aron
7. Fantasy Island wedding
Some traditions remain - who caught the bouquet? Photo: John Aron