Bride and groom blessed with a bright idea (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bride and groom blessed with a bright idea

11:30am Tuesday 31st August 2010 in

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ELECTRICITY as well as love was in the air as one switched-on couple had their wedding blessed in Christchurch.

Jessica Rees and Ricci Riccardi, both 29, exchanged wedding rings not at the altar but on the top deck of the Museum of Electricity’s electric powered tram at the weekend.

More than 100 guests, plus pageboys and bridesmaids, joined the couple of eight years at the unusual Bargates venue, a childhood favourite of Jessica’s.

Jessica said: “I’ve always loved it here, since I was a schoolgirl in Christchurch.

“Museums are like cathedrals to me – they’re just so beautiful, and as a musician Ricci loves the fact that Michael Faraday’s invention of the electric coil gave power to rock and roll. Without him, he wouldn’t have his electric guitar.”

Jessica got the bright idea from London museums that have registered as marriage venues, and the museum, in a former Edwardian Power Station, opened specially for the ceremony.

“It’s a bit of a hidden gem,” Jessica added.

“Everyone was really surprised by the venue and can’t believe we’re doing it.

“I hope they can all learn some things about electricity while they’re here.”

Wearing a beautiful, traditional, long wedding dress made getting on to the top level of the 1914 tram a bit of a challenge.

“It was a bit of a mission getting up the tight staircase,” Jessica said. “But I wanted to do it because it’s just so pretty.”

Museum curator Ian Peterson said: “I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea and we’re more than happy to make it a really special day for everyone.”

The couple had a formal register office signing at Bournemouth Town Hall.