University of Chester graduates Gina and Jacob Dodds, who met while studying Popular Music Performance, have married in a sustainable wedding at Chester's Storyhouse arts centre. The bride wore a pre-loved gown that cost just £2, and her engagement ring came from a Hope House Children's Hospice charity shop.
A Love Story Rooted in Music and Sustainability
The couple first met on campus while completing their BA in Popular Music Performance, graduating in 2016. Their shared interests in music, sustainability, and community action grew into a lifelong partnership, culminating in a wedding designed around their values.
Gina and Jacob encouraged guests to wear outfits from charity shops or second-hand retailers, aiming to raise money for charitable causes and reduce waste. The couple, who formed the band Ozlona with fellow University of Chester alumni Jamie Eley, Joe Walsh, Annabel Guilor, and Ben Matthews, said they were overwhelmed by the positive response to their unconventional plans.
Charity Shopping as a Way of Life
Gina said: "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. 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."
She added: "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."
University Memories and Lasting Friendships
Reflecting on their time at Chester, 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! Being put into different bands and mixing with other people on the course with such an intense schedule is what made the experience so unique and we are lucky enough to still be friends with a lot of them."
The newlyweds said they were proud of how everyone embraced the theme. Gina said: "They couldn't believe it when I told them because both the dress and the ring are so beautiful in their own right. 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."
Advice for Students and Community Response
Gina advised current students to "be unapologetically yourself, the right people will find you and love you for who you truly are. Do the thing, even if it's scary. Opportunities don't always present themselves when you're feeling your most confident and refined self. Don't aim for perfection, learn as you go and the rest will follow." She also encouraged frugal living: "Be mindful about how and where you spend your money and try to live frugally (buy second-hand, charity shops, the reduced section in supermarkets…) oh, and your freezer is your best friend!"
Associate Professor Ben Broughton, head of division for Communication, Screen and Performance at the University of Chester's School for the Creative Industries, said: "Everyone at the University of Chester is delighted to congratulate Gina and Jacob on their marriage. It is wonderful to see a relationship that began during their time studying Popular Music Performance develop into such a meaningful partnership. Their story reflects the lasting friendships, creative collaborations and life-changing opportunities that can emerge from the university experience."
Hope House Chester store manager Nia Davies 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!"
