Duke Weddings: Mr and Mrs Higgins
As one of the Westcountry’s most remarkable wedding venues, the Duke has played a proud part in couples’ love stories. We’re pleased to introduce you to some of the people who have chosen the hotel as the setting for their big day – this time meeting Dawn and Mark Higgins, who got married on 1st September 1990.
Mark was serving with the Royal Navy when he proposed to Dawn. While stationed in the US, he had invited Dawn for a holiday, during which he surprised her by popping the question. Mark’s proposal spot was fittingly water-based for a seafaring man – the Mississippi boat ride at Disneyland!
The couple were married at Plymouth’s St Andrews Church on a beautifully bright late summer’s day. Dawn’s young nieces were bridesmaids, carrying pink flowers, in keeping with the colour scheme chosen for the day. The page boy wore a custom Navy uniform, a smart match for Mark’s own Naval attire.
For the reception, the wedding party came to the Duke, making the short trip across from the church. Our Ballroom made the ideal setting for the large assembly of friends and family attending the couple’s celebration. Dawn said:
“The staff were so attentive and the size of the venue was perfect – we had over 100 guests for the breakfast so the location was key and everyone could stay under one roof.”
This choice of reception room had a special significance for Dawn’s family as her mum used to attend dances in the Duke’s Ballroom. Dawn has since returned to the same room with her mum for a special mother’s day lunch, with the pair now both having fond memories of this grand space to look back on.
Dawn and Mark say they can’t imagine their wedding day having been any better, and they were delighted with the Duke as a venue for this momentous occasion. Dawn said:
“It’s just a beautiful hotel! And being so close to Plymouth Hoe was a massive plus! The staff were so attentive – they did it all for us. We didn’t have to think about anything and it all ran so smoothly.”
The couple enjoyed a fairy-tale ending (quite literally!) as they went back to Disneyland to share their honeymoon, staying at the Grand Floridian Resort. Returning to the location where their wedding journey began, Dawn and Mark rounded off a magical and memorable celebration of the love they share.
Thank you so much to Dawn and Mark, we are delighted to share your story and wish you many more happy years of marriage. Thank you also to Toby Lowe, the wonderful photographer for our afternoon tea celebration event.