A couple from Bury chose an unusual mode of transport for their wedding day, hopping on a Bee Network bus to reach their reception. Melanie Pyott, 39, and Christopher Fleming, 40, were married at Bury Registry Office on June 15, then stopped for a quick drink at Wetherspoons The Art Picture House before boarding the 472 bus to Walmersley at Bury Interchange to get to The Sundial Pub.
Surreal but joyful journey
Melanie admitted it was 'a bit of a surreal moment for the wedding', but said the 'driver was giggling and smiling' and all the guests enjoyed being part of it. Around 10 of their guests joined them on the bus journey, which was planned as a special part of their day.
The unusual wedding transport was the idea of Christopher's mother Dagmar Fleming, who had always said 'we're getting bus back'. Despite the couple bringing the wedding forward after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, she sadly passed away four weeks before the big day, with her funeral held a week before the wedding. She would have celebrated her 68th birthday on the big day.
Honouring a promise
Melanie said: 'We brought the wedding forward for her. She was holding on for the wedding. She kept saying we're getting bus back. So we did.' She added: 'It's not every day you get married and use your local Bee Network bus to get to your venue with some guests.'
The couple, who have five children between them – Melanie's four daughters and Christopher's son – got engaged last October. They planned to marry in September 2027, but unfortunately Dee's health took a turn, prompting them to move it forward.
'She was our world, full of life,' said Melanie. 'She had the biggest heart. It was a whirlwind of a day, but an amazing day to celebrate Dee's birthday, our wedding and to keep to her promise ride the bus back. To be married to my best friend means so much more.'
A celebration of love and life
After a few tough months and losing Dee, they celebrated her on their special day 'full of love and laughter'. Christopher said: 'It was a wonderful day to not only celebrate my mother's birthday and life but to also marry my beautiful partner. My mum was life and soul of any occasion. Family and the grandkids were her world.'
