Couple who met at University of Chester marry in unique charity shop-themed wedding

Gina and Jacob Dodds, both graduates of the University's BA Popular Music Performance degree course, exchanged vows at Chester's Storyhouse arts and cultural centre, surrounded by family and friends who embraced the couple's passion for sustainability and charitable giving.

The pair, who graduated in 2016, first met as students at the University of Chester, where they formed lasting friendships and a relationship that has now culminated in marriage.

In keeping with their values, Gina purchased her wedding dress and Jacob bought the engagement ring from a Hope House Children's Hospice charity shop. Guests were also encouraged to wear outfits sourced from charity shops or second-hand retailers, helping to raise money for a range of charitable causes while reducing waste.

Gina said: "Charity shopping is already a big part of our day-to-day lives because you can find some real gems and it's nice to know that the money is going on to help people and that you're not contributing to landfill.

"Most of our clothes and household items are from charity shops or second-hand as we already try to live as sustainably as we can where possible. There's something so satisfying about finding something in a charity shop and we wanted our guests to experience this and realise how fun it can be whilst giving to charity."

The couple's university experience played a significant role in shaping both their relationship and their creative lives.

Reflecting on their time at Chester, Gina said: "Our time at Chester Uni are some of our most treasured memories, especially as it's where we met, although I can't say it was love at first sight as it took us almost two years to get together!

"Being put into different bands and mixing with other people on the course with such an intense schedule is what made the experience so unique and we are lucky enough to still be friends with a lot of them."

Several years after graduating, Gina and Jacob formed the band Ozlona alongside fellow University of Chester alumni Jamie Eley, Joe Walsh, Annabel Guilor and Ben Matthews.

Gina added: "We just feel so lucky to still have each other in our lives, whether it's musically or not."

The newlyweds say they were overwhelmed by the positive response from family and friends to their unconventional wedding plans.

"They couldn't believe it when I told them because both the dress and the ring are so beautiful in their own right," Gina said. "I was most proud of how everyone embraced the theme and, in doing so, embraced us as a couple and what we stand for. That really meant the world to us."

Asked what advice they would give to current students, Gina encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity.

"Be unapologetically yourself, the right people will find you and love you for who you truly are," she said. "Do the thing, even if it's scary. Opportunities don't always present themselves when you're feeling your most confident and refined self. Don't aim for perfection, learn as you go and the rest will follow.

"Be mindful about how and where you spend your money and try to live frugally (buy second-hand, charity shops, the reduced section in supermarkets…) oh, and your freezer is your best friend! It’s good to practise this early on but most importantly - just enjoy yourself and live."

Associate Professor Ben Broughton, Head of Division for Communication, Screen & Performance in the University of Chester's School for the Creative Industries, said: "Everyone at the University of Chester is delighted to congratulate Gina and Jacob on their marriage.

"It is wonderful to see a relationship that began during their time studying Popular Music Performance develop into such a meaningful partnership. Their story reflects the lasting friendships, creative collaborations and life-changing opportunities that can emerge from the university experience.”

"Not only are they excellent musicians (with a very cool band, check out Ozlona!), they are excellent people making a difference to the planet. Their commitment to sustainability and charitable giving demonstrates the positive impact our graduates continue to have within their communities. We send out love and wish them every happiness for the future."

Hope House Chester store Manager, Nia Davies said: “This is such a beautiful story and one we are very proud to be part of. Gina is one of our lovely regular customers who has been shopping with us for a while.

“It really does go to show that shopping sustainably can unearth some real treasure, as well as supporting a great cause.

“We wish Gina and Jacob all the best for a wonderful future! And we look forward to welcoming them both back to find more treasure in our shop!”

Photo credits: Andy Lawson (@ugotthelove) and Chester-based seamstress Grace Patton, Cordelia Bridal Studio (@cordeliabridalstudio).