A Railway Mission chaplain has officiated the UK’s first wedding to be held entirely on board a train.
Charity chaplain John Roe blessed sweethearts Leah Anderson and Vince Smith on the special Great Western Railway (GWR) Pullman Dining train travelling at 125mph between London Paddington and Swansea.
The couple were joined by 14 guests for the memorable ceremony which was followed by a drinks reception and three-course meal prepared by the specialist dining crew.
Leah and Vince, who travelled to their first date on a GWR service and shared their first kiss on the journey home, had approached the rail operator on social media to ask for a train-related centrepiece for their wedding table.
Instead, touched by the key role it had played in bringing the pair together, romantic GWR organised for the couple to celebrate their entire wedding on a GWR train service.
“For Vince and Leah, a tentative enquiry to GWR hit the marriage jackpot,” says John, Railway Mission Chaplain for Paddington and the South West, which covers the majority of GWR’s network.
“Romance for them had blossomed through many rail trips together and they shared their first kiss aboard and they approached GWR for a memento to mark their forthcoming wedding.
“Little did they expect to be offered a special chartered Pullman train for them and their families, wedding cake, three-course meal with bubbly…and the services of a chaplain.”
John was invited to officiate at the ceremony by GWR communications team with whom he works closely, including officiating at Paddington Station annual Remembrance Day service.
“It was my first wedding ceremony as a Railway Mission chaplain and lovely to meet Vince and Leah online beforehand to tailor the service to their needs.
“I feel very honoured and privileged to be part of what was a fun, yet very moving and powerful ceremony,” adds John.
Railway Mission Business Manager Claire Keville comments: “Railway Mission chaplains support the entire railway family – including passengers – on life’s journey through the highs and lows.
“John had the incredible opportunity to share in Leah and Vince’s wonderful celebration and everyone at the charity sends our love and best wishes to the happy couple.”
Amanda Burns, GWR Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “When we heard of Leah and Vince’s story, we asked ourselves what more we could do to help them as they embark on this very special journey together.
“Rail and rail travel is often romanticised, offering a gateway to new adventures, so what better way to embrace this than by actually holding their wedding on board?”
Leah and Vince were legally married a few days before their romantic rail ceremony.
Railway Mission is a national charity which provides a regionally-based chaplaincy service aiming to be an impartial ‘friend’ to those who work on the railway. Regardless of faith, gender, sexual orientation or position in the industry, chaplains offer face-to-face year-round support, especially during an individual’s time of loneliness, stress, depression, bereavement or illness.
A Christian faith-based charity, Railway Mission offers pastoral care to the entire railway community and members of the public affected by rail operations.
For more information about Railway Mission and its work visit www.railwaymission.org.
