Huge congrats to Yorkshire couple Ryan and Ben who won their wedding at Victoria Leeds

In the summer, Victoria Leeds launched a competition to find the perfect couple to tie the knot at the shopping centre to celebrate Leeds Pride. It was inundated with hopefuls, but in the end it was Ryan Clay and Ben Bagshaw who warmed the judge's hearts and won the money-can't-buy wedding.

"Ben and I have been together for 14 years and engaged for 13 years," Ryan explained in his entry. "Various things have happened in that time to put a wedding on the back-burner. I think Ben thinks I've forgotten or I'm not interested, but it's actually the opposite. It would be amazing to surprise him with a wedding to finally commit to our love after all these years, and look forward to our future as best friends, soulmates and husbands."

The ceremony took place under a rainbow-coloured floral arch and was conducted by TV host and equal rights advocate Anna Richardson. With a navy and burgundy colour scheme throughout, and a string quartet playing, the happy duo were finally pronounced husband and husband.

Anna says, "I'm delighted to have had the privilege to marry Ryan and Ben. A wedding day is always memorable, but getting married on the same day as Leeds Pride is the icing on the (wedding) cake!"

After the ceremony, the newlyweds were treated to a three-course meal with 20 guests at The Ivy, a champagne reception at Harvey Nichols and an after-party at Victoria Gate Casino, along with lots of other amazing gifts from stores at the centre.

Visit www.victorialeeds.co.uk

Images courtesy of www.bevancockerill.com