One woman who “got married” in a ceremony followed by a lavish reception says that she is still happily committed to herself 11 years later.
Always dreaming of being a bride, Karen Reed, 51, decided to take matters into her own hands when she was 40 and single in 2010. She spent about £ 800 on the solo wedding – she splashed on a dress, limo, and champagne brunch at the 5 * Morgan Hotel, Swansea, for the reception.
Karen invited 16 guests, including her father Brian, 80, who was leading her down the aisle, for her big day on May 1, 2010, when she read vows.
After the reception, the wedding reception got free entry to a local club after Karen jokingly said the groom ran away at the reception with a bridesmaid. The mother of two claimed the wedding was the ultimate act of “self-love” and “feminine empowerment”.
Always dreaming of being a bride, Karen decided to take matters into her own hands when she was 40 and single in 2010
Karen says her wedding was the “ultimate act of empowerment for women,” and she’s still celebrating her anniversary with a trip to Bluestone
Karen spent around £ 800 on the solo wedding – she drank a dress, a limo and a champagne brunch at the 5 * Morgan Hotel in Swansea
Karen has had a few relationships since the big day, but nothing serious enough to get a divorce – and she’s still married to herself to this day.
Karen, a Port Talbot business owner, said, “I was nearly 40 years old and ready to settle down for a while. I thought, “Why not marry the person I love most in the world?” Not big-headed, but I’ve learned to love and put myself first. It felt like the ultimate act of female empowerment. I got dressed and had the best day to celebrate with the people who are most important to me. “
Karen had been single for a few years when she decided to marry herself in 2010. She was in a really “happy place” and wanted a wedding while she could. She admits her family and friends weren’t on board at first, but they quickly hit on the idea.
After that, everyone celebrated the wedding at a local club
Karen always dreamed of being a bride
Karen said, “I got my hair done and wore a nice dress. We had photos outside of the hotel and we must have had 100 people watching us – it was amazing. That day was about celebrating yourself and finding happiness inside. ‘
Karen said, “Of course my family thought I was a little crazy about it. I was getting older and wanted my father to walk me down the hall. Now my parents have put the pictures from the day in their house.”
Karen organized the wedding with the help of friends and spent around £ 800 on the dress, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and a reception.
She invited 16 guests, including six bridesmaids – one of whom was her daughter Evie, 21 – and her boyfriend, Dr. Gareth Thomas (48) was the best man. The engagement ceremony and reception took place at the Morgan Hotel, where Karen and the guest arrived in limousines. The blushing bride walked down the aisle and was “given away” by her father Brian, 80, before reading vows. A lavish champagne brunch followed, during which the guests roasted the bridal couple and heard a speech by the best man.
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Karen said, “I got my hair done and I wore a beautiful dress. We had photos outside the hotel and we must have had 100 people watching us – it was amazing. That day was all about celebrating yourself and to find happiness in it. “
At the end of the night, the wedding reception went to a local night club to continue the celebrations. Karen even got free entry and drinks after telling the doorman that the groom had made a runner.
“I jokingly said my new husband ran away with a barmaid,” explains Karen.
“They felt so bad that they let us in for free and played whatever songs we wanted.”
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After the wedding, Karen planned to go to Jersey with the family on their honeymoon. Unfortunately the flight was canceled so they celebrated the week at Bluestone Resort in Pembrokeshire, where they now return every couple of years for their anniversary.
Karen has had a few relationships since marrying herself, but nothing serious. A decade later, she is still happy to herself.
Karen said, “I know some people think it’s a little crazy, but I promise I am not. It’s so important to love yourself and not settle for less than you deserve. My dad can no longer walk, so I’m glad it happened when it happened. I want to show people that it is okay to do something for yourself – to celebrate and love the person you are. Getting married and having the perfect wedding day is every girl’s dream – that’s exactly what I did. “