Couple celebrate the anniversary of their history-making St George’s Hall wedding

When bride Jen McPartland walked towards her husband-to-be Ste Gough four years ago to exchange vows, they became a part of Liverpool history.

The couple from south Liverpool were the first to ever to be married on the spectacular 19^th century Minton tiles in St George’s Hall.

Made up of 30,000 hand-crafted tiles, the mosaic flooring is one of the city’s rarest hidden gems, only on show every few years to members of the public.

After winning a competition organised by the team at the hall, Jen and Ste didn’t just get to look at the spectacular Victorian mosaic, they had it as an unforgettable wow factor at their wedding.

Now four years later, they’re about to celebrate their anniversary with a return trip to see the tiles, which have reopened this month for the first time since their big day.

Jen says the pair still pinch themselves over what a special location they had for their wedding.

“It’s hard to believe it actually happened to us, it was such an amazing day.

“We were the first to be married there and so far we’re the only ones – it’s still just us, holding that title!

“It was such a brilliant experience to be able to share with all our family and friends and I think they were just as overwhelmed as us to be a part of it.  Even now, whenever I post pictures, they say it brings back so many happy memories for them too.”

Jen, 33, and Ste, who’s 38, had been together six years and were still in the very early stages of planning their wedding when she spotted the competition online.

“We hadn’t really decided on anything, we weren’t even sure whether we might get married abroad, but then I stumbled across the competition. I mentioned it to Ste, and thought I’d give it a go never in a million years thinking we’d win something like that. I was over the moon when they picked us.”

The couple didn’t just win their incredible venue, they got a wedding package worth £10,000 which included flowers and decoration, invitations, reception drinks and what Jen describes as her ‘dream dress’. They even had St George’s Hall’s famous organ playing as she walked down the aisle, and Liverpool mezzo soprano Danielle Louise Thomas sang in celebration.

“So many people reached out to help and be involved, we couldn’t believe it,” adds Jen.

“The day itself just felt so special, we didn’t get to see Minton tiled floor until the rehearsals because it wasn’t open earlier, and then on the day was the first time we’d walked on it.

“They were closing the doors after each bridesmaid went through and I was in the court area, just rattling with nerves! I didn’t want to look until it was my time to step out. When I heard the organ playing Here Comes the Bride, it was so nerve-racking to be in this stunning place but amazing.”

With their anniversary coming up, Jen says they’re never short of reminders of their history-making day.

“We’ve got pictures all over the house and a beautiful one of us standing right in the middle of the tiles. My favourite one is in the kitchen, I love to cook so I spend hours out there, but sometimes I take a break and I’ll just be staring at this big canvas.”

With the Minton tiles back on display until August 18 (the day before their anniversary), Jen and Ste are planning a return to see them again – this time as Mr & Mrs.

“The last time I saw them I was walking on them and because I was so nervous, I don’t think I got to take in the true beauty of them. It’ll be nice to have time to be able to take it all in properly.”

Find out more about how and when you can see the Minton tiles at St George’s Hall HERE.