A couple recently tied the knot in a unique charity shop-themed wedding in Chester, with the bride wearing a £2 wedding dress.

Gina and Jacob Dodds, who graduated from the University of Chester in 2016, met as students and recently got married at Chester Storyhouse.

The bride bought her wedding dress from a Hope House Children's Hospice charity shop, while Jacob also bought his engagement ring from the charity.

Guests were also encouraged to wear clothes bought from charity shops or second-hand retailers, supporting charitable causes and reducing waste.

Gina said charity shopping is already a regular part of their lives..

"Charity shopping is already a big part of our day-to-day lives because you can find some real gems and it's nice to know that the money is going on to help people and that you're not contributing to landfill," she said.

"Most of our clothes and household items are from charity shops or second-hand as we already try to live as sustainably as we can where possible.

"There's something so satisfying about finding something in a charity shop and we wanted our guests to experience this and realise how fun it can be whilst giving to charity."

The couple said Chester was an important part of their relationship, having met while studying at the university.

Gina said: "Our time at Chester Uni are some of our most treasured memories, especially as it's where we met, although I can't say it was love at first sight as it took us almost two years to get together!"

The newlyweds say they were overwhelmed by the positive response from family and friends to their unconventional wedding plans.

"They couldn't believe it when I told them because both the dress and the ring are so beautiful in their own right," Gina said.

"I was most proud of how everyone embraced the theme and, in doing so, embraced us as a couple and what we stand for. That really meant the world to us."

Manager of Hope House Chester, Nia Davies, said the team were "very proud" to be apart of the couple's wedding.

She said: "This is such a beautiful story and one we are very proud to be part of. Gina is one of our lovely regular customers who has been shopping with us for a while.

"It really does go to show that shopping sustainably can unearth some real treasure, as well as supporting a great cause.

"We wish Gina and Jacob all the best for a wonderful future! And we look forward to welcoming them both back to find more treasure in our shop!"