Southport singer Kelly Bond and fiance Shaun McMahon are sharing details of their wedding next year – where they’re proud that nearly every supplier they’re using is from Southport!
Proud Sandgrounder Kelly says it’s the couple’s own “love letter to our home town” as they look to highlight some brilliant local businesses.
Last week Kelly, along with In demand Radio presenter Clair Simmo, completed a special podcast about Kelly and Shaun’s wedding plans at the CCC Studios in Southport.
The theme was ‘Oh I Do Like To Wed Beside The Seaside – How To Plan The Perfect Southport Wedding’.
Kelly and Shaun, an air conditioning engineer who Kelly describes as ‘a cool guy’, got engaged during a visit to Melbourne in Australia, surrounded by hydrangeas.
Kelly said “my first thoughts when we walked in were ‘it feels like I’m at Southport Flower Show’. It turns out that’s exactly why Shaun picked it.”
As love bloomed, they began planning a memorable wedding to take place at Victoria Park in Southport in 2027.
Kelly said: “The podcast is a one-off episode, and in truth a love letter to our home town.
“It’s no secret that myself and Shaun have booked our wedding for 2027… and proudly, with the exception of our rings, EVERY vendor we are using is local to Southport.
“On the podcast Claire and I talked about why it’s SO important that we kept it all local. And those we are honoured to have making our big day happen!
“For those planning a wedding in the Southport area it could be a bit of inspiration.
“It’s also the perfect way to launch a new venture in the town. CCC Advertising, run by Cerys Catterall, has worked really hard on perfecting the set-up. She has a brand new purpose-built studio space in collaboration with Moonlight Events.
“I am fairly sure that after we produced it, Claire Simmo will be adding ‘podcast host’ to her lengthy skills list and making it a regular occurrence!
“Please keep your eyes peeled on @thecccstudios socials for links & snippets.”
Kelly is a keen champion for her home town.
She said: “I’m a proud Sandgrounder with an unwavering passion to always support my community, whether it be hosting or participating in local events, fundraising, or simply opting to support smaller businesses.
“When we announced our engagement I was contacted by venues and vendors I’d worked with over the years as a wedding vocalist and was overwhelmed with how many wanted to contribute their services.
“In all honesty, from being a little girl I’ve always dreamt of getting married at Victoria Park in Southport.
“I have such an affinity with the location and being there every year supporting the events calendar there I see what it takes to maintain, the love and pride the team have in caring for our iconic landmark.
“Due to the scale of people we really want to celebrate with, we knew we would need to ‘build our own’ venue and thankfully with the help of Elite Events we are doing just that.
“Shortly after, we decided that it would be amazing to use ONLY Southport vendors, a wonderful opportunity to show off Southport and what it has to offer to the friends and family we will have traveling in from as far as Australia – but perhaps more importantly providing a guide to ‘how to create the perfect Southport wedding’ to other couples tying the knot locally.
“Cue the idea to document the experience and give a platform to wedding businesses across our town.
“I roped in my incredible Southport Flower Show Ladies Day counterpart Claire Simmo, the very best local interviewer in my opinion, and together we did just that
“To many it will be of little interest and that’s absolutely fine! But hopefully it will help others, it will give a spotlight to local businesses and an opportunity for them to promote themselves to an audience in need of their services!
“I am currently curating a list of current vendors that can be found at thekellybond.co.uk website.
“I invite anyone who wants to be added to be in touch. I’d love to have a one-stop shop page with the best Southport has to offer.”
For more details visit:
- The Kelly Bond The Kelly Bond | Singer & Actress
- CCC Studios https://thecccstudios.co.uk/
- Victoria Park Events https://victoriaparkevents.co.uk/eventcat/event/?post_type=event
- Elite Events https://www.elite-marquees.co.uk/
- Claire Simmo https://claresimmo.co.uk/contact/
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