Couple's wedding makes history as first reception held in The Hopmarket

Alice Pond and Lewis Minton held their reception at No 13 Emporium in The Hopmarket hosting an Alice in Wonderland themed wedding breakfast in the shop’s vintage tea rooms.

Bill Simpson, trustee at The Hopmarket Charitable Trust claimed it was the first time The Hopmarket has hosted a wedding reception.

The Hopmarket has been a place to do business since 1731 where dealers came to trade hops.

In the early 1900s the site was replaced with the current building to become a hotel and bank before being converted to a thriving shopping courtyard.

Happy couple Alice and Lewis both grew up in Worcester and now live in Birmingham.

Mrs Minton said: “The story of how we chose No 13 still makes us smile.

"Our original reception venue had fallen through and my mum just happened to pop into the tea rooms and got chatting to the owner Caroline.

"Although she had never hosted a wedding reception before, we knew Caroline would make an absolute success of it.

"We also felt very passionate about supporting a local business.

“Our reception theme was Alice in Wonderland and we had the most wonderful mad hatter tea party.

"There were so many memorable parts to our evening, our favourite being walking into the tea room before our guests arrived to see the final set up.

"We were both filled with tears of joy that our vision had been made reality. It was more than we could ever have wanted.”

Caroline Wickham, owner at No 13 Emporium, said: "We were so humbled and honoured to be the chosen venue for Alice and Lewis’ wedding reception. It was such a special day and so wonderful to be part of it.

"We wish Alice and Lewis lots of happiness in their married life.”

Trustee Mr Simpson said : “This is the first time The Hopmarket has hosted a wedding reception and it was a huge success.

"We would like to thank all those who made it such a special and memorable for Alice and Lewis."