From the cocktail sticks to the wedding cake, one same-sex couple from Birmingham paid homage to their passion on their big day. Lisa Piddington discovers a rather unusual wedding theme.
With a passion for the Eurovision Song Contest, it seemed only natural that when David Onion and Andrew Moffat tied the knot the theme would dominate their big day.
But it was the couple's rather bizarre love of Swedish entries in particular that took over the romantic event, from the colour of their cravats down to the design of their cake.
With yellow and blue representing the Swedish flag, everything from cocktail sticks and napkins right through to the music played at the evening disco was a giveaway to their obsession.
Even the guest book took on a Scandinavian flavour - instead of choosing a simple book for people to write in, they had a giant Swedish flag that could be covered in messages from friends and family.
"We probably are obsessed, even though neither of us are Swedish" admitted David, personnel manager at Advantage West Midlands. "We just wanted to share our passion with all our guests."
For the last few years, the couple from Yardley have travelled to Stockholm for the live final of Sweden's regional heats - the night the country votes for its Eurovision entry. "They take it very seriously and to be honest, they do have very good pop songs. The event at the Globe Arena in Stockholm is the highest rated TV show of the year.
"Over the years we have made many very good friends during our trips over there, and many of them were able to come over for our marriage ceremony."
Their civil partnership was held at Birmingham's new register office and the couple walked down the aisle to the theme tune to the Eurovision finals, with other classics from the likes of Cliff Richard and Abba played throughout the ceremony.
David wore a white suit while Andrew, a 34-year-old teacher, was dressed in cream jacket and navy trousers - but their musical passion was highlighted with yellow and blue cravats.
Rather than swap rings, the couple, from Yardley, Birmingham, used a star that had come from the stage of the Eurovision's 50th anniversary party held last October in Copenhagen.
Following the early afternoon nuptials, the couple and their guests dined at Cafe Rouge in The Mailbox before a reception for 120 at the new Radisson SAS hotel at Beetham Tower. "They even organised a Swedish barman for us," said David.
