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Lynette and James Pickard, from Bapchild near Sittingbourne took to the ice rink in Tunbridge Wells for their wedding reception

A newlywed couple held a pretty "cool" reception after their wedding in Tunbridge Wells on the weekend.

James and Lynette Pickard got married in St Peter's Old Church, Pembury on Saturday and celebrated by taking to the ice rink in Calverley Grounds - along with 35 guests in Christmas jumpers.

Mrs Pickard, who was born and bred in Pembury, admits to being "Christmas mad" and said her reception was always going to be something festive.

The happy couple on the ice. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography
The happy couple on the ice. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography

Her wedding dress was even altered with a pin so she could pull it up ready to skate.

The happy couple, who live in Bapchild near Sittingbourne, had 96 guests attending the day ceremony, 125 at the reception and 35 who said they would definitely be happy to take to the ice.

After being married the service went on to the Hotel du Vin for a meal before walking down through the park to the rink for 6pm.

Mrs Pickard, 33, added: "I am obsessed with Christmas I always have been so I knew my wedding reception would be something like this.

"On November, 1 my tree is up every year without fail. We were all really excited about it, all throughout the day I kept thinking about it. My family were just happy it wasn't karaoke."

James and Lynette skating after their wedding. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography
James and Lynette skating after their wedding. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography

The newlywed, who works at IML publishing in Tonbridge said the bridesmaids wore snowmen outfits bought from Primark, fitted with special orange noses.

She added: "It was so funny, I got a spray tan the day before we went to buy the snowmen outfits, I went out in the freezing cold with my legs out looking orange asking for snowmen suits.

"It was just great fun we've had really nice feedback from everyone saying how much they enjoyed the day and evening. "

Neither James or Lynette fell during their reception, much to the delight of the groom who hired his suit for the day.

The bridesmaids all dressed up as snowmen for the skate. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography
The bridesmaids all dressed up as snowmen for the skate. Picture: Samuel Taylor-Photography

The 34-year-old added: "As an inexperienced skater who has only been a few times in his life, I wasn't confident about skating after a few champagne toasts and glasses of wine with the wedding breakfast but I thought I'd give it a go.

"We went to that ice rink last Christmas with some friends and I did tumble a couple of times but this year I was much more steady on my feet.

"Also, having hired the suit I don't think they would have appreciated it coming back all ripped and torn."

Mr Pickard, who works as a copywriter for CFA marketing, said he loves Christmas but not quite as much as his wife.

The happy couple will be travelling to Austria on Sunday for their Honeymoon to enjoy the snow, mulled wine and festive scenes.

Mr Pickard added: "We absolutely love all the snow, mountains and mulled wine so it'll be the perfect way to celebrate the best day of our lives."

It comes just weeks after crowds at the Calverley Grounds ice rink sang "Let it Go" from Disney's film Frozen when the music stopped in the middle of a skater's routine.

It seems people in Tunbridge Wells are really getting in the Christmas spirit.

Did you hold a unique wedding or reception? Let us know at messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

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