The three-day wedding, held at the historic 13th-century Rose Castle in Dalston, brought celebrities to Cumbria as the Phats & Small frontman tied the knot with Vanessa, a local entrepreneur and founder of the award-winning VL Aesthetics clinic on Kingmoor Road.
The couple’s story came full circle in Carlisle, where they first met at the Carlisle Elite Awards, where Ben was performing as part of supergroup Boyz on Block.
“We met in Carlisle, so it was only right that we got married here,” said Vanessa.
“This city has given us so much: community, memories, love, and we wanted to show the world just how amazing it is,” she said.
Guests were welcomed to the wedding, which has been reported to have cost £100,000, by Dumfries bagpiper Callum Watson.
The grounds were transformed with floral displays by local florist Vandella Flowers, while Carlisle’s Shades of Sax delivered a soulful soundtrack during the cocktail hour on the castle lawn.
The couple exchanged vows in Rose Castle’s private chapel. (Image: Supplied)
The real showstopper came when Ben’s fellow Boyz on Block members, Dane Bowers (Another Level), Shane Lynch (Boyzone), Abz Love (Five) and Ben himself joined forces with S Club 7’s Bradley McIntosh and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy for an impromptu set of their greatest hits.
“There was no plan to perform – it just happened,” said Ben.
“We were surrounded by our best mates, so when the music started and the vibe was right, we all just jumped in. It was pure joy.”
The couple exchanged vows in Rose Castle’s private chapel before hosting a sunset cocktail hour and an evening of dancing and celebration.
The stunning Rose Castle near Dalston (Image: Jenny Woolgar Photography)
“This wasn’t just a wedding, it was a reflection of our story, our values, and the incredible community we’re proud to be part of,” said Vanessa.
“Carlisle gave us our beginning and now it’s part of our forever.”
The happy couple praised the support of local businesses in making their special day a success, highlighting the role of Cumbrian Marquees for the marquee setup, Explosive Productions for staging and sound, Print Point for the custom wedding stationery, and makeup artist Hailey Williamson for preparing the bridal party.