Chester Zoo wedding is Winnington couple's 'dream come true'

Alice and Peter Foreman moved to Northwich from London nine years ago, and Chester Zoo was one of the first activities they discovered which they both loved. 

After their original wedding plans fell though during lockdown, it took them a while to buck up the courage to go through it again.

But when the time was right, they realised their favourite place in Cheshire was the perfect venue to assemble all their family and friends for their special day on Friday, May 2. 

“We’re so glad we did,” said Alice.

“I know it sounds really cliché, but it was so perfect. 

Peter and Alice Foreman with their flower girl, Poppy Ivens (Image: Alice Foreman) “The weather was beautiful, and having all our friends and family there for us is the weirdest feeling."

The ceremony and reception were in The Oakfield, the former home of the zoo’s founder, George Mottershead, now a country pub and wedding venue. 

Forty daytime and 60 evening guests enjoyed a safari-style barbecue, and a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the zoo.

Groom, Peter (centre) with best men Toby Ivens (left) and Peter Cage (Image: Alice Foreman)

“The zoo is really close to our hearts," Alice added.

"When we first moved up here, it was one of the first things we found we loved to do together. 

This curious snow leopard, a new arrival, nearly stole the show (Image: Alice Foreman) "And it's not-for profit. All the money from weddings goes back into the zoo’s charity, not to a wealthy lord like when you get married in a stately home.

“We both love the red pandas. The keepers keep having to remake their enclosure because they're always escaping at night. 

Bride, Alice, with her dad, Alan Latham (Image: Alice Foreman) “It’s so important for the local economy, and it provides tremendous education opportunities. We're delighted our wedding was able to help support that.

“Inside the Oakfield, they still have claw marks from a tiger cub which once lived in the house.

“I love buildings which are alive with history. It has such a story to tell."

Asked about fun animal encounters on the day, Alice said: “The guests seemed to like the penguins best.

Bridesmaids Lauren Watts (left) and Zoe Van Leth with an impressive Komodo dragon (Image: Alice Foreman) “Though at one point, in the monkey enclosure, one of the chimpanzees defecated into its hand in front of everyone. 

“There were videos of it circulating round the wedding breakfast. It’s an awful story, but also hysterical.

“There're also two new snow leopards who were very curious.

“She came right up to us. It was so surreal.”