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Fathers give away ‘bride and groom’

Lisa Woodhouse
28/12/2005

SAME sex couples across Stockport tied the knot on Wednesday, taking advantage of a change in the law.

Brinnington couple Jane and Carol Shortini, who have been together for eight years, made the official commitment at Stockport Register Office.

Jane, 35, wore a traditional ivory dress, with beaded detail on the bodice, and veil. Carol, 27, wore a cream pinstripe suit and maroon cravat.

The happy couple were surrounded by family and close friends for the ceremony which included eight bridesmaids, one page boy and two ushers. Both women were given away by their fathers.

Jane said: "It was the best day of my life. It was fantastic. We couldn't have wished for anything more.

"Being the first gay couple in Stockport wasn't a concern. It wouldn't have made a difference if we were the last. It's the fact that we have made the commitment. We have waited long enough."

The wedding party made their way to the Moorside Grange hotel in Disley for a wedding breakfast and evening reception where they were congratulated by friends and work colleagues.

Moorside Grange general manager John Miall said: "Everything went great. It was all exactly as it should be.

"We wish Jane and Carol all the best for the future."

Although the couple were blessed eight years ago and share the same surname, the civic ceremony will end the legal and tax inequalities for same sex couples by entitling them to a range of rights and duties - including inheriting without a will, inheritance tax exemptions and even 'divorce' settlements.

The couple hope to go to Florida for their honeymoon early in the new year with their children from previous relationships.

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