Melissa Drabble and Mark utilized their family’s scrapyard for their big day, with recycled jewelry and decorations saving them tens of thousands of pounds.
Melissa Drabble (40 years old) and Mark (41 years old) live in Derbyshire, England and have been in love since their teenage years, but only recently decided to tie the knot. Their two children, Chloe (21 years old) and Nathan (20 years old), were also present to celebrate with their parents on their special day.
Both Melissa and Mark decided to start a scrapyard business when Mark became interested in the industry. They turned their garden into a junkyard, with Mark handling the buying and selling of scrap while Drabble focused on recycling discarded items. Their business gradually grew as they acquired more valuable items and sold them after restoring them.
When it came to their wedding, both Mark and Drabble wanted to reuse items from their scrapyard to create a grand celebration without spending too much money. They decided to incorporate recycled materials into their decorations, including jewelry made from scrap metal. It was a unique and meaningful way to celebrate their love and their business.
When planning their wedding, the couple estimated that it would cost around 24,000 pounds (700 million VND). However, after utilizing their recycled items, they only spent 6,000 pounds (175 million VND) on the wedding.
Mark and Drabble used tables and chairs from a local pub that was being demolished. Additionally, Drabble scoured the internet for cheap items instead of renting them, as she planned to sell them after the wedding. Some of these items included a 1920s-style carousel and an old electric car. They also searched for chairs, glasses, cake stands, candle holders, disco balls, and even a telephone box to decorate their wedding.
By creatively reusing discarded items, the couple was able to save a significant amount of money and have a unique and environmentally friendly wedding. It was a testament to their resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability.
Mark and Drabble’s friends helped them repaint and refurbish the old items for their special day.
“I received a lot of help from my close friends who made decorations and painted pictures. This event brought us even closer together. The wedding wasn’t about saving money, but rather creating a personalized memory that reflects our work,” Drabble said.
The main ceremony took place in a church, but the couple hosted their reception and meal in their own garden. The dishes were reportedly cooked by close friends and family of Mark and Drabble. According to Drabble, they were not being cheap, but rather trying to save money. They still wanted the wedding to be a special occasion and wanted all guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable time.
Mark and Drabble were gifted some porcelain dishes by a closed café, and they also borrowed plates and glasses from friends to avoid incurring extra expenses.
Even the engagement rings for the bride and groom were made from scrap gold worth around 140 pounds (4.1 million VND). The wedding jewelry was also made from recycled materials.