Manchester couple celebrate innovative wedding day with socially distanced dining

Many wedding receptions are having to be delayed or even cancelled at the moment, thanks to rules on social distancing.

But one innovative couple from Manchester found the perfect, Covid-safe way to celebrate their love with their families. 

Ellie and Lauren Kidsley were sadly forced to cancel their wedding day twice, unable to find a way to realise either their dream Cornwall wedding day or even a small family reception at home in Bury.

However, a solution was closer than they thought, thanks to an innovative new socially distanced dining destination in MediaCityUK.

Vertigo is one of several restaurants and bars taking part in Box On The Docks – a brand new socially-distanced dining experience and piece of public art with more than 30 self-contained deluxe sheds and greenhouses, decorated by Salford-based artists.

And that’s where Ellie, a supervisor for a new branch of the plant-based restaurant at MediaCityUK, found the perfect solution.

After hearing about the couple’s plight, Michael Jebelli, Vertigo’s managing director, kindly offered to reserve four of the colourful boxes, enabling Ellie and Lauren to invite four households to dine separately in celebration of their marriage. 

“It was so heart-breaking cancelling our plans twice and knowing we weren’t able to have the wedding we had hoped for, but we truly ended up having the most wonderful day,” said bride Ellie Kidsley.

“Being able to share it from a distance with our parents and siblings in such a uniquely stunning location was incredibly special.” 

Earlier in the day, the couple tied the knot at Bury Register Office, before heading over to MediaCityUK.

“Everyone deserves the day of their dreams and I knew we had the perfect solution with Box On The Docks to give Ellie and Lauren a day to remember,” says Vertigo’s managing director Michael.

“The whole Vertigo team wish them every happiness.”

In accordance with government guidelines, Box On the Docks welcomes single households and support bubbles of up to six people to dine in style, each served by MediaCityUK’s restaurants and decorated by local artists. 

“We were so thrilled to hear about Ellie and Lauren’s wedding plans,” said Stephen Wild, managing director at MediaCityUK.

“Our aim with Box On The Docks is to support the local hospitality industry by providing a safe and welcoming environment for diners to begin eating out again, so it is wonderful to see people truly enjoying the space during these uniquely challenging times.”