A bride surprised her groom on their wedding day – by turning up to the ceremony in a BIN LORRY.
Hilli (corr) Fletcher, 49, wanted to surprise her sweetheart Paul, 50, by transforming the huge 26-tonne truck for the big day.
Binman Paul was reduced to tears when his blushing bride arrived in the dust cart – after thinking she would be arriving in a Bentley for Saturday’s wedding.
One of the bin bosses donned a chauffeur’s tie before picking up Hilli at her friend’s house before driving her to the Register Office in Birmingham city centre.
Hilli from Great Barr, Birmingham, even had a helping hand from Paul’s workmates who spruced up the cart to leave it looking spotless for her big day.
The Birmingham City Council lorry was even decked out with ribbons and a giant banner reading: “Here comes the bride!”
The wedding guests can be heard laughing in shock as the bin lorry drives towards them.
As Paul approaches the van, he can be seen taking a moment to compose himself, before greeting the bridesmaids and his beautiful bride-to-be.
The couple tied the knot followed by a reception at the Loft Lounge venue’s Penthouse in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Speaking yesterday (24/7), Hilli, a bar manager, said: “We met on an online dating site three years ago.
“One of my friends had said to me ‘You seem to be doing everything for the wedding.’
“She asked me if Paul had organised the transport, and said ‘you’ll end up being in a bin wagon if he organises it’.
“I had an epiphany and thought why not?
“It all started off as a bit of a joke but I’m glad we pulled it off.
“Some of his work friends put me in touch with his boss, who said: ‘Leave it with me.’
“He said he would contact head office.
“It took a while but they said yes. Paul didn’t have a clue.
“I just saw him cry – he said he was in complete shock and surprise.
“The bin lorry is normally in use but they put it aside one day to clean it.
“The boys from the yard got it cleaned up.
“My florist kitted out the lorry with ribbons, bows and banners.
“It wasn’t smelly – the florist put white sheets over the seats and the dashboard was clean.
“I told Paul I was going to arrive in a Bentley as I wanted to throw him off the scent.
“He was crying his eyes out so I must have done a good job.
“Everyone was out, honking their horns. I would not have done it any other way.
“The lorry was a real highlight of the day. I can’t thank the council enough – it was a real privilege.”
Paul said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked and speechless.
“My daughter was a bridesmaid so I knew I would start crying when I saw her.
“It was quite an emotional day because I lost my mum a year ago so I wish she could have been there.
“I can’t thank the council enough. This has never been done before.
“When I go to work on Monday I’ll be thanking everyone involved.
“I’m still quite taken aback by it all.”
