‘Del Boy’ took the groom to the church in his Trotter van
Although Sandra and Michael Hodkinson had been together for 14 years before they got married, they wasted no time when Michael finally proposed.
Two children, Kane and Keira, and 14 years later they finally made it down the aisle.
Sandra, a shop assistant said: “When Michael did propose while we were on a boat in Chester, we ended up planning the wedding in just four months.”
The pair were married at St Ambrose Church, Leyland on May 25.
And just as Michael, a fork lift truck driver, had surprised Sandra with a proposal, she had one more trick up her sleeve for the big day.
“I booked a the Trotter Van from Only Fools and Horses to surprise Michael,” says Sandra.
“It even came with its very own Del Boy to escort him to the church.”
But just as the bride arrived at the church, Michael realised he had forgotten a couple of vital items.
“As I arrived, he realised he had forgotten our wedding rings,” adds Sandra.
“One of the photographers had to make a mad dash back to our house for them as I was taken round the block in my wedding car – twice!”
Eventually the service got underway and the new Mr and Mrs Hodkinson were announced to their waiting friends and family.
Later, they celebrated with a wedding breakfast and evening reception at the Leyland Hotel.
“Everything – apart fromt he little hiccup before the ceremony – went exactly to plan,” say the newlyweds.
“We both felt very happy but really quite nervous at the same time but, thankfully, the vicar who married us is also a family friend.
“He just made the whole ceremony even more personal and made us feel at ease.”
The couple’s children also managed to get their hands on the iconic 1938 Leyland Motors TL Fire Engine, outside the hotel.
Bride’s parents
Anthony & Margaret Crook
Groom’s parents
Brian & June Hodkinson
Best man
Christopher Hooley
chief Bridesmaid
Sharon Millar
pageboy
Kane Hodkinson
flowergirl
Keira Hodkinson
Honeymoon
The Lake District