Kay Lambert and Michael Storey, who enjoyed their first football match together at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, returned to the ground to kick off their new life as husband and wife.
There they enjoyed a three course wedding breakfast in the Stadium’s spectacular James Herriot Suite, followed by an evening celebration joined by 100 family and friends.
The celebration, which marked almost six years since the happy couple started dating, was made even more magical by the fact that it was all free of charge.
“We actually won our wedding in a competition,” said Kay, originally from Hebburn.
“We’d already looked at the Stadium of Light since getting engaged, so to find out we were going to be able to get married there for free was absolutely fantastic.
“I thought getting that news was one of the best times of my life, but the wedding day itself exceeded all our expectations, especially for Michael who has been a season ticket holder at the stadium for the past 10 years.”
Kay and Michael’s prize package, which was given away in a joint partnership between SAFC subsidiary 1879 Events Management and Heart Radio North East, included the wedding breakfast and evening buffet, as well as a welcome drink for all guests on arrival, wine to accompany the meal and toasts and use of a DJ and disco throughout the night.
This was based on the wide range of pre-set and bespoke packages currently being offered at the Stadium of Light, which can cater for anywhere between 20 and 1000 guests for a civil ceremony or reception.
David Moses, General Manager at Sunderland AFC, said: “We host a lot of weddings here at the Stadium of Light but every one of them is as individual and special as the happy couple itself.
“We were absolutely delighted to be able to make all of Kay and Michael’s big day dreams come true and wish them every happiness in their new life together.”
For more information about weddings at the Stadium of Light visit www.safc.com email conf&banq@safc.com or call 0871 911 1555.
Further details about 1879 Events Management and the services it offers for weddings at National Glass Centre, Sunderland or external sites across the North East can also be found at www.1879events.com, by calling 0871 911 1269, emailing info@1879events.com or following @1879Events on Twitter.