Couple marry in Star Wars-themed wedding at Fort Perch Rock

May 9 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

THE force was with a Wirral couple who battled the elements to get married in a Star Wars-themed wedding at Fort Perch Rock.

Despite the blustery weather, Diana Collins and Andy Powell became man and wife in New Brighton last Saturday, May 4 – also known as International Star Wars Day: May The Fourth Be With You.

Friend Liz Byrne performed the ceremony and ended the celebration with the words “and on this special day may the fourth be with you”.

The couple were joined on their special day by a Stormtrooper, whose uniform Star Wars fan Andy had joked he might wear for the occasion.

A vintage 1967 Leyland bus was hired from Wirral Transport Museum to drive to the happy couple and their guests to different locations.

The newlyweds were legally married earlier that day.

After the beach ceremony they held their reception at West Cheshire Sailing Club, where they are members.

Diana, who owns New Brighton Books, told the News: “It was brilliant, a little cold maybe but it was great to be married in this way.

“I was a little shocked to see the Stormtrooper because I thought Andy was inside the costume. Thankfully it was a guest though – and it was a lovely surprise.”

It also ended a two-year wait for the couple to wed. They were originally going to marry on May 4, 2010, but the big day was cancelled when Diana’s dad passed away.

They have been together for eight years and have three children – Amber, 13, Brodie, nine, and Carter, six.

For their honeymoon, they will enjoy a long weekend in the Lake District while a friend looks after their children.

Andy, 35, a web developer, said: “We wanted something a bit different and had planned to be married on this day two years ago at Ashworth Valley in Rochdale. We were a month away from getting married.

“We chose May 4 because it is International Star Wars Day and we kept it on the same day from the first time around.

“But this time we decided on a beach wedding at New Brighton. The children were very excited and really pleased it finally happened.

“It is fantastic to be finally married after trying once before – and to have it at one of the nicest, cleanest beaches around.”

Diana, 37, added: “I am stunned and delighted to be married.”