Couple get married at McDonald’s after their wedding venue is shut due to Covid pandemic
A COUPLE got married at McDonald's this weekend after their wedding venue was shut due to coronavirus.
Melissa Russell and Shannon McKenna faced multiple setbacks after a marquee in their garden went against restrictions, and the hotel they booked instead cancelled.
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McDonald's worker Melissa, 27, told her boss about the difficulties the pair were facing.
She was stunned when Kate decided to come to their rescue and organise a wedding reception at her fast food branch in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.
Guests had a three course meal with Mozzarella Dippers or Chicken Selects for starters, anything off the menu for a main course, and ice cream sundaes served in crystal glasses, or apple pie and ice cream.
Melissa, who wore a white Grecian-style wedding gown, said: "It was an absolutely fabulous day.
"Kate is such a lovely, helpful person and she went above and beyond, she did so many things we didn't expect, she got the tables decorated.
"We had a three course meal with cutlery, there was a choice of starters which were served on a bed of salad.
"I think the guests were more excited about having a sit-down meal at McDonald's."
Her dad, Charlie Russell, 55, is ill, which was why the pair wanted to get married sooner.
'FABULOUS DAY'
And he was able to walk Melissa down the aisle at the humanitarian wedding and be a part of the day.
Shannon, who works as a dog groomer, said: "It was so out there and different, I really did appreciate everything about it."
The couple made many of the decorations at home ahead of the ceremony on October 31.
Kate organised a piper to entertain guests as they walked from their cars to the fast food restaurant.
The newlyweds then spent a night in Loch Lomond, Argyll and Bute, for a brief honeymoon, before returning home.
Melissa, now Mrs McKenna, added: "It was a day we will never forget.
"It took for us to get through a pandemic to think 'what are we waiting for?'
"We wanted to make sure my dad could be there to walk me down the aisle."
Kate said: “We were delighted when they asked us to use the restaurant, especially after hearing the trouble they’d had trying to secure a venue and a date."
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“Mel has been a valued part of my team for six years now and it’s great to be able to give something back as a thank you for all her hard work."