Megan and Matthew’s wedding at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe was made truly unforgettable when internationally acclaimed harpist Alis Huws performed live during their ceremony. Megan won a national competition that awarded them this rare and special gift. Known for playing for royalty, including King Charles III, Alis’s presence added a royal touch to their special day.
The couple now lives in Lytham St Anne’s, where Megan grew up. Matthew, originally from the Isle of Man, has lived in several countries including Greece, Spain, and Ireland. Megan shared her love for their local area, appreciating the beauty of the nearby sea, especially on sunny days.
The competition was discovered by a close friend on Instagram, who encouraged Megan to enter. With no real expectation of winning, Megan decided to try her luck. When Alis began playing just after Megan said “I do,” she was overwhelmed. “I was in shock! I’ve never won anything, so it was a huge surprise and so exciting,” she said. “To hear such beautiful music from someone who has played for the King, at our own wedding, was surreal. Alis was incredible and added a truly special moment to our day.”
In addition to the royal harp performance, Megan designed and co-sewed her own wedding dress with her friend Beth. Together, they created the bride’s gown and every bridesmaid’s dress from scratch. Megan said, “It was very much a joint effort. Beth worked tirelessly over the last couple of months to help bring my vision to life. We collected fabric, adjusted patterns, and made all the dresses.”
Their wedding day was filled with unique, heartfelt moments — from golden hour portraits to a playful ride around a Sainsbury’s car park in full wedding attire. The highlight was Alis’s surprise rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” on the harp.
Local talent also played a big role in the celebration. Photographer Erica from Zoom Snap Flash beautifully captured the day, while George from View Forever Productions filmed his first wedding. Friend Scarlett created the handmade floral arrangements, Gill styled the hair, and Jasmine from Moxie Wellness & Beauty handled the makeup.
What began as a DIY wedding vision turned into an extraordinary event, crowned by a royal musical performance that Megan and Matthew will remember forever.
