A COUPLE from Bridport who left one vital bit of information off an invitation gave over 100 guests a huge surprise when they turned up for a party.

Sarah Jane Wilson and Dylan Ross, both 40, sent friends and families invitations for their joint birthday party. But what they didn’t mention was their ‘save the date for October 1’ was for their surprise wedding.

Sarah said: “We had the idea about four or five years ago as a surprise. We wanted people to feel relaxed and have a party atmosphere and we thought it would be fun really.

“It was a bit of a gamble but lots of lovely friends travelled and even came from abroad.”

Sarah, who delivers art sessions at care homes in Dorset, said it was a ‘now or never’ decision for her and IT manager Dylan after 20 years of being together.

She said: “There was a lot of crying. Some people still didn’t even realise we were getting married until they were sat down in the chapel – they thought it was a drama production or something!

“Lots of people were very kind and said they felt very honoured to be part of it. We just wanted to thank everyone for coming – and apologise for lying!”

Sarah’s father, Bob, gave her away while Dylan’s mother, Iris, gave him away. The best man and ring bearer was their dog, Trouser.

Their partnership wasn’t the only thing the happy couple, who moved to Bridport two years ago from Thames Valley, were celebrating.

Sarah said: “It was such a lovely day. We wanted to make it a real celebration of Bridport and give something back to the community that has made us feel so welcome. There’s not many places we could have done what we did.

The couple sourced as much as they could for the day from Bridport suppliers. Guests enjoyed cocktails and canapes at the Ballroom at the Bull before moving on to a secret location, Chapel in the Garden, for the surprise wedding.

Angelica Kennard conducted a ‘wonderful service’, and the congregation sung ‘It Must by Love’ by Madness and ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis before walking through Bridport to the Electric Palace together.