By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 11:14, Saturday, 28 July 2012

When Laura Hayes and Phil Smith decided to tie the knot they wondered what to do with their wedding marquee the day after their celebrations.

Laura Hayes and Phil Smith

Designer Laura, 29, didn’t want her marquee roof and intricate table settings in Scotby Village Hall to be taken away straightaway.

Her mum Angela Hayes, of Wetheral, said: “I know Val Boyd who is on the Hospice at Home committee and we were talking about Laura’s wedding and she said what a shame it would be for the decor to be taken down the following day. It got me thinking that maybe the charity could use it in some way.”

And indeed they will.

The charity, which helps provide a free nursing service for people at the end stages of life who prefer to be cared for in their own homes, has organised a Vintage Afternoon Tea tomorrow from 3pm to 5pm.

Guests will be served a glass of prosecco when they arrive and there will be a raffle and music from Harps North West.

Mrs Hayes said: “I spoke to Cumbria Marquees and they said it was fine to leave the marquee roof up until the Monday. If Hospice at Home can make £1,000 out of it that will be great.

“The flowers, table linen and settings are also all being left.”

Julie Blundell, from Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, said: “This is a very unique and truly generous offer.”

Laura, a senior store designer for Ted Baker, and Phil, a 29-year-old European website manager for Urban Outfitters, will marry today at 3.30pm in All Saints Church in Scotby.

Mrs Hayes said: “It’s been all systems go this week. There are about 95 guests and Laura has been working away on business in New York. She came home on Wednesday and was stressed because she had mosquito bites.”

The couple met at university in Manchester and now live in London.

Laura’s bridesmaids will be Lucy Yardley, her friend from nursery school, and Verity Rol, her friend from primary school.

Laura’s dress has been designed and made by Jackie Young. Catering at the wedding is being provided by Pink Leaf and music is from the Purple Supper Band.

The cake has been made by Carol Rol and iced by Mrs Hayes and the cars are being provided by Wolfgang Bauer, a family friend.

Tickets for the Vintage Afternoon Tea are available from Boyd Hair & Beauty on Bank Street or from the Hospice at Home fundraising office on 01768 210719.

The event has been supported by Vintage Blend China Tea-Ware Hire, Harps North West, Cumbria Marquees, Boyd Hair & Beauty and Casanova menswear.

First published at 10:52, Saturday, 28 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk