A Welsh church was transformed into a Star Wars-inspired setting for a wedding with a difference. Super fans Tina and Kevin Rankin wanted to renew their vows in a church and they wanted a ceremony that reflected their shared love of the space fantasy franchise.
And when the Reverend Charlotte Ruston agreed to preside over the service at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, she had one condition - that she could dress up as The Force Awakens character Kylo Ren.
Kevin is a member of the UK Garrison of the 501 Legion, an international Star Wars fan organisation. Their members describe themselves as ‘Bad Guys Doing Good’ as members dress as the bad guys from the Galactic Empire to raise funds for charity. And the Rev Charlotte was only too happy to help as she is a big fan herself. You can get more local news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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She said: "Being a massive Star Wars fan myself, there was never any danger of me saying no to this wedding. Tina and Kev were married almost 20 years ago in a registry office, and they especially wanted God’s blessing upon their marriage, which I was delighted to give.
"The whole day was full of fun and laughter. When Jesus talked about the fullness of life, I think that he was referring to days like this. Even though we had fun and suspended reality to live in the Star Wars word for a short while, Jesus was at the centre of it all – just as he should be."
Tina said: “We are thankful for everyone at St Catherine’s for helping us renew our wedding vows in a style which reflected not only our faith, but also our personalities and hobbies as well. The whole day was full of joy and merriment. It was definitely a day no-one will forget. We feel really blessed.”
The Garrison are available for hire and 100% of their fee is donated to charity. If you fancy a storm trooper at your wedding, in a galaxy far, far away, visit them here.
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