Following the announcement of its new marital licence last year, Manchester’s world-famous independent emporium, Afflecks, hosted its first ever wedding on Saturday 1 June 2024, and it was pretty beautiful.
Sean Berry, owner of Panic Posters at Afflecks for over 31 years, and his long-term partner Millie were the first happy couple to say “I Do” at the iconic retail venue in the city centre. The wedding took place at 6.15pm beside the iconic poster wall on the first floor − close to Sean’s store.
Sean and Millie’s family and friends descended on Afflecks to celebrate the couple’s nuptials once the building was closed for business. With Afflecks’ famous owl, Aurora, and Sean’s dog Willow as ring bearers, and a fairy godmother presiding over a dancing procession out of Afflecks into the street to close the ceremony, the wedding was as independently spirited as Afflecks itself, and it was the perfect way to kick off the emporium’s first wedding season.
A registrar from Manchester City Council officially presided over the ceremony and legally married Sean and Millie in what was a very special day for the happy couple as well as Afflecks itself.
Sean Berry, groom and owner of Panic Posters, said: “Discovering that our second home, Afflecks, would start hosting weddings inspired Millie and I to finally tie the knot. We’ve been together as long as I’ve had the Afflecks store, and it’s been a huge part of our lives. We couldn’t think of a better place to get married.”
AJ Martyn, General Manager at Afflecks, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have hosted our very first Afflecks wedding, especially celebrating the marriage of one of our very own Afflecks family members.
“Sean, Millie, and the team planned an incredible day that really showcased how unique and eccentric a marriage celebration can be here at Afflecks. We encourage anyone looking for an extra special, alternative wedding day to get in touch.”
So, if you’re after a particularly Mancunian, inclusive and beautiful wedding venue, perhaps Afflecks could be the one for you. Take inspiration from Sean and Millie, to whom we wish all the very best for their married life!
To enquire about weddings at Afflecks, contact weddings@afflecks.com.