A bride from Merthyr, South Wales, tied the knot in a dressing gown and slippers with hair rollers and no make-up to give her husband a 'reality check' of married life. Ashleigh Stanley, 29, married childhood sweetheart Jake Stanley, 29, on April 24th at Llanerch Vineyard in Cardiff. The couple originally planned a civil ceremony with 150 guests, walking down the aisle to 'Calon Lân', a Welsh hymn that held special meaning for Ashleigh's late grandmother. However, because the song is religious, it could not be played during a civil ceremony.
An Intimate Legal Ceremony
To incorporate the personal song, the couple decided to host an intimate legal ceremony before their larger celebrant service. Ashleigh chose to make the first ceremony relaxed, wearing a white robe and slippers with rollers in her hair and no makeup. Jake wore black gym clothes and white trainers. Their mothers and Ashleigh's daughter also wore pink bridal pyjamas, while fathers and brothers dressed casually. The venue staff noted it was the first 'dressing gown wedding' they had ever hosted.
A Reality Check for Married Life
Ashleigh explained that she often wears pyjamas at home and wanted her husband to see the real her. 'I gave him a reality check of what married life would be like. Everyone was very chilled,' she said. The couple had been together for 13 years, and the song 'Calon Lân' was deeply personal as it was the only song her grandmother, who had dementia, remembered by heart.
Second Ceremony and Wedding Reception
For the second ceremony and the rest of the wedding, Ashleigh had her makeup done, hair curled, and wore a white off-the-shoulder gown. She said the relaxed ceremony took the pressure off the big day, making her not nervous for the main event. Guests praised the short 10-minute service, which allowed more time for partying.
Social Media Reaction
After posting photos on social media, users called the idea 'iconic' and 'absolutely brilliant'. One commented: 'This is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.' Ashleigh now urges other brides to consider a relaxed ceremony before their celebrant service to ease nerves and add a personal touch.
