When two true blue Everton supporters decided to tie the knot, the choice of venue was obvious; Goodison Park – even though they would have to cross the sea to get there.
Now, the famous stadium, home to the premier league team, is preparing to welcome bridal couple Ian Pressley and Laura Goldsmith and around 80 wedding guests for a love match – all the way from the Isle of Man.
Although the Island is only around 86 miles away from Liverpool, the wedding party’s journey will take around five hours including a three-hour ferry journey across the Irish Sea.
“We’d travel twice that distance,” said Laura, a 24-year-old accounts administrator. “We’re absolutely dedicated to the club, as are both our families and when we found out we could actually get married at Goodison Park it was a dream come true. It’s the perfect venue for us and we’ll swim there if we have to.”
Although it has long been a popular choice for wedding receptions, the club’s main function suite is now licensed to hold wedding and civil ceremonies and its events team is meeting Laura and 39-year-old plasterer Ian in the coming weeks to help them plan their ceremony and reception.
Guests will be welcomed with sparkling wine or Bucks Fizz while the main bridal party will enjoy privileged access to the Directors’ area of the world famous stadium for a truly memorable set of photographs capturing the unique setting.
The couple will enjoy free hire of its licensed suite for the ceremony and a function suite for the formal, seated wedding breakfast and evening reception – all of which will boast a blue colour theme in keeping with the team’s strip.
The club is also arranging a DJ so their friends and family can dance the night away.
In addition, the catering team from Sodexo Prestige, which manages the conference and banqueting facilities at Goodison Park, will meet Ian and Laura when they visit the mainland in August to help create a bespoke wedding breakfast menu and evening buffet for their big day in July 2013.
Laura, who was enrolled in Everton FC’s Young Supporters Club at birth, said: “We’ve travelled to Goodison Park for lots of matches over the years but none as special as this one – it really is a love match and we couldn’t think of anywhere we’d rather get married.”
Jacqui Boyle, Sales and Marketing Manager for Sodexo Prestige, said: ”It’s wonderful to be welcoming a wedding party who are such devoted fans of the club – so much so that they’re prepared to cross the Irish Sea to get here.
“We will really push the boat out for them - so to speak – and give them a premier league day they’ll remember for ever.”
For further information about weddings and events at Goodison Park call the events team on 0151 530 5251 or email weddings@evertonfc.com.
