Former Manchester City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has married his long-time partner Rebecca Gibson in a ceremony held at Westminster Abbey in London at the weekend. The couple shared photos of their wedding day at the abbey, which is typically reserved for royals and close connections to the royal family.
The abbey was the site of Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, watched by a global audience of billions, and of Queen Elizabeth II's wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. It has hosted 16 royal weddings over the past 900 years and has traditionally been the location for most English and British royal coronations since 1066.
Family Connection Secures Permission
Shay and Rebecca were granted special permission to marry at the historic landmark due to a unique family connection. Rebecca's grandfather held the title of Surveyor of the Fabric at Westminster Abbey, responsible for its care and maintenance, and was later made a Lieutenant of the Victorian Order by the monarchy. The title gave his blood relatives certain access to royal buildings.
With the permission of the Crown, the Dean, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the couple were honoured to marry at the abbey on Saturday, October 10. The Dean himself, the Very Reverend David Hoyle, conducted the formal wedding ceremony, which was reserved for close family and friends.
Reception at Hotel Cafe Royal
The wedding reception took place at the historic Hotel Cafe Royal on Regent Street in London, where guests were invited to the venue's Pompadour Ballroom, known as one of the grandest function rooms in the city.
Despite the London location, there were nods back to the north, where the couple have made their home in Cheshire for the past decade. They first met in Manchester, and Shay proposed to Rebecca in 2015 while on holiday in Los Angeles.
Wedding Details and Guests
The bride wore a lace bodice gown by designer Tom Sebastian, purchased from Knutsford Wedding Gallery, with the day organised by Manchester's Bridal PA boss Amy Ramsey. Entertainment came from Manchester's swing king, Cole Page. Rebecca walked down the aisle in her corseted, full lace dress with a lace-embellished veil, carrying a bouquet of hand-tied white roses, while Shay wore a black velvet tuxedo and bow tie.
Rebecca was accompanied by three bridesmaids: the couple's daughters Gracie, 10, and Cassie, 9, and Shay's daughter Sienna, 19, from his first marriage. Donegal-born Shay, 50, is widely regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever players, winning 134 caps for his country, a total only exceeded by Robbie Keane with 146 caps. Keane was among the guests at the wedding.
Shay enjoyed a lengthy Premier League career, most famously for Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, before retiring in 2017 after a spell at Stoke City.
Since posting their wedding photos on social media, friends and fans have sent congratulations. John Stones' wife Olivia said: "Absolute perfection." Footballers including Robbie Fowler and Erik Pieters sent congrats, while Boyzone star Ronan Keating said: "Congratulations guys." Friend Shari Royle said: "I'm so beyond excited to see these absolutely beautiful pictures. You both look gorgeous what a day to remember in THE most incredible venue can't wait to see you soon for the biggest celebratory hugs." Mark Devlin added: "What an incredible couple of days, filled with so much love, laughter and happiness. Truly unforgettable memories, thanks to you both." Emily Robinson added: "What a mega day... every little detail just perfection."
Football fans couldn't resist goalkeeper gags, including one saying: "Mrs G is in safe hands" and another adding: "I guess she is a keeper too, congrats!"
