We're the first couple to get married in iconic Manchester building - it's our second home

Manchester institution Afflecks Palace played host to its first ever wedding this weekend. And in true Afflecks style, the ceremony was wonderfully unconventional, involving a fairy godmother, an owl ring bearer and a dance procession. 

The happy couple, Sean Berry and his long-term partner Millie, are no strangers to Afflecks. Sean is one of the building’s longest serving traders, having owned Panic Posters on the first floor for 31 years. 

Sean and Millie said “I do” in front of friends and family on the iconic band poster staircase next to Sean’s shop. It took place in the evening, once the building had closed to customers and presided over by a registrar from Manchester City Council.

The wedding party included two ring bearers – Sean’s dog Willow and Afflecks’ resident owl Aurora – as well as a fairy godmother, who led a dance procession out into the street after the ceremony. 

Sean said: “Discovering that our second home, Afflecks, would start hosting weddings inspired Millie and I to finally tie the knot. We've been together as long as I've had the Afflecks store, and it's been a huge part of our lives. We couldn't think of a better place to get married.”

Afflecks Palace announced it had been granted a wedding licence last August and it came into force this summer. The unique wedding venue offers a variety of options for anyone looking to get hitched in the home of Manchester’s counter-culture. Like Sean and Millie, couples can choose to get married on the band poster staircase or even the Japanese-inspired Animaid cafe. 

AJ Martyn, General Manager at Afflecks said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have hosted our very first Afflecks wedding, especially celebrating the marriage of one of our very own Afflecks family members. Sean, Millie, and the team planned an incredible day that really showcased how unique and eccentric a marriage celebration can be here at Afflecks. We encourage anyone looking for an extra special, alternative wedding day to get in touch.”