Us together
Rachel and Peter met online in 2021 when there was something of a global pandemic occurring. Whether their love was sparked by the threat of imminent apocalypse or a shared enjoyment of hiking will never be clear, but after enough dates and even more lateral flow tests they had a snog and that was that. Several years later, on an extremely miserable night on Brighton Beach by the old fishing boat in which they had their first date, Rachel asked Pete if he would like to be civil partners. He said yes! Then he asked her later, too (as it wasn’t fair only she got to do it) after walking the South Downs Way as part of their journey west. Luckily, Rachel also agreed, which was good as by then they’d told their families.
RSVP
Please let us know you can make it, thanks!
Schedule
24.08.25
2:00pm
Arrival
Please enjoy a drink at the pub if you're early
The Fleece Inn
The Cross, Bretforton, Evesham WR11 7JE, UK
2:30pm
Civil Partnership Ceremony
With musical accompaniment by Gemma Rands and Laura Beeching We’d be grateful if you didn’t take photos - we’d rather see your faces, and we have a wonderful photographer and can share her shots.
3:00pm
Celebration drinks and snacks
Wines selected by Tim Johnson
3:30pm
Optional sidequest: Tour of The Fleece
Our friend (and yours!) Matt Cooper is doing a PhD on medieval inns - get out of the sun (or possibly rain) for an educated look at the Fleece
3:30pm
Optional sidequest: Kids' paddling pool and games
4:00pm
Optional sidequest: Nature and wildlife talk
Naturalist Jacob Funnell will take guests around the Fleece's gardens to explore the flora and fauna
4:30pm
Vegan BBQ buffet
Vegan burgers and sausages with corn-on-the-cob, wood-fired flatbreads, salads, roasted veggies, couscous and more!
5:30pm
Speeches and cake
Cake lovingly baked and decorated by international woman of fondant Lynn George
6:30pm
Optional sidequest: Wedding wine tasting
Sommelier extraordinaire and Pete's dad Tim Johnson will go through the wines he chose for the day
7:00pm
Ceilidh
Celebrity caller Anthea Hicks-Beasant will be providing some dances while Ross Grant will lead the band
8:30pm
Disco and fire pit
The brazier in the middle of the garden will be lit at sunset as some great tunes are played
9:00pm
Evening snack
Chips are coming! With a range of sauces to keep you going
11:00pm
End of the celebrations
We'll wrap up around 11pm
Accommodation
The Fleece Inn is in Bretforton, a village in rural Worcestershire. The village itself has some AirBnbs, but there's also plenty of campsites, hotels and bed and breakfasts locally. If people would like to camp in the field next to the pub, that's fine - just let us know and we can link you up with the pub. The field hasn't got facilities, but you can use the pub loos and water. If you're struggling to find a place to stay, please drop us a line - we can help.
FAQ
The whole day will be held at The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Evesham WR11 7JE: https://www.thefleeceinn.co.uk
Are children invited to the wedding?
Yes! Please discuss with them the best way to control your dancing so it doesn't scar them too much.
Are dogs invited to the wedding?
Yes, the Fleece is dog-friendly and we'd love to welcome your hounds to our special day! The beer garden will be ours for the day but it does have a way out to the road so please be careful if they're off lead.
When do we need to RSVP by?
Please RSVP by 24th July if you can.
Where is all this?
Both the ceremony and reception will be held at the same venue: The Fleece Inn. It’s an old pub in the village of Bretforton. We’ll have the run of the barn, and a good chunk of the garden.
What on earth should I wear?
Whatever makes you feel good! There’ll be a ceilidh, dancing and mingling, so comfortable shoes are probably a good plan. We’re hoping it will be warm so we can spend much of the time outside. There’ll be shade and we can use the barn all day, but suncream and hats will hopefully be needed. We’re planning a paddling pool for the little ones, so do bring their swim stuff if they’d like to join in, but they don’t have to wear swim stuff all the time. The groom will not be wearing a tie - you don't need to either!
How do I get there/back to my hotel/campsite?
If you're planning to have a drink, please book a taxi well in advance! As it is a rural area, it can be tricky to arrange this on the day. The local taxi companies are: Emerald Taxis: 01386 761 705 Vale Taxis: 01386 852 958 Elite Taxis of Broadway: 01386 853 057 There's not a lot of parking in Bretforton so please get in touch if you need a lift or can offer one to the venue and we can try to link folks up.
Why a civil partnership?
It just feels right for us. Weddings have a history of patriarchy behind a lot of the symbolism, such as the veil. So, we decided we want to celebrate our love in a different way, while still getting the tax benefits.
Are there events happening the day before?
If anyone fancies a walk up nearby Dover’s Hill, the groom is planning a hike and a picnic in the late afternoon with anyone who wants to, to work off some nerves. Just let Peter know if you’d like to join. The bride will likely be hibernating but loves you all dearly.
What's on in the area?
Nearby you can find a few hillforts, a stately home with a large collection of samurai armour, and a folly with a nuclear bunker: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/broadway-tower https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=8066 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/snowshill-manor-and-garden