Couple stage UK’s first charity shop wedding

A “community minded couple” have staged what is believed to be the first UK wedding in a charity shop.

Nina and Stefan tied the knot this month at the second-hand superstore of Emmaus Mossley on Greater Manchester, which is a member of homelessness charity network Emmaus UK.

At the store the sustainable wedding’s more than 100 guests sat on recently donated church pews and “an eclectic mix of dining chairs”.

The couple have shopped at the store together for more than 15 years and volunteered at its events.

Nina says the wedding cost around £200, which mainly covered her second-hand dress, two wedding rings, Stefan’s outfit as well as naan breads, orange juice and lemonade refreshments.

“Our wedding day was beyond all expectations,” she said.

“Thanks to everyone at Emmaus Mossley, we were able to have a sustainable wedding, temporarily using all the stuff that’s available within their charity shop to make the most nourishing, wonderful and diverse space.

“The engagement ring, my earrings, Stefan’s waistcoat, all room decorations, glassware, crockery, and a lot of our guests’ outfits all came from Emmaus. Basically, everything that made our wedding shiny came from their second-hand superstore.”

Nina added: “You can only get to have a wedding like that by being part of a really strong community and by having some amazing friends.”

All money raised at the store is used by Emmaus Mossley for its 26-bedroom community.

“Nina and Stefan’s wedding was such a lovely event and a real honour for our community to host,” said Emmaus Mossley’s retail manager Hazel Hodkinson.

“This is the first time in our charity’s 27-year history that we’ve held a wedding, and we believe it may be the first wedding in a UK charity shop too.

“Nina and Stefan have always supported Emmaus Mossley, shopping with us, donating items and giving their time and skills to volunteer when we have events. Their wedding was a lovely way to show our appreciation to them both as they are an integral part of the Mossley community.

“This wedding event was definitely a one-off for our charity but many couples have sourced wedding items, tableware, dresses and clothing from our second-hand superstore.”