Same-sex couple are first to marry in West Sussex

Chloe and Tyff Booker were married on Friday, April 4 at a legal ceremony in Crawley. They dressed in dressing-gowns with ‘Bride’ and ‘Groomette’ embroidered on the back and the marriage was witnessed by their mothers.

They then travelled to Worthing Dome where 50 people observed a blessing performed by Chloe’s uncle Mitch Jenkins.

Chloe wore a wedding dress while Tyff opted for a white shirt and black skinny jeans.

The bridesmaids wore yellow with converse shoes underneath.

Tyff, 23, who delivers hot meals, said: “We originally were having a civil ceremony and it was all booked for April 4, then in December we got a letter through saying that the law was changing and that we could apply for a marriage.

“We looked at each other and said why not.

“It was really strange that we ended up being the first same-sex couple to give notice of marriage and the first to get married in West Sussex, but for us it only made everything mean more.

“It means that we are more equal to everyone else now although I cannot belivee it has actually taken this long for it to happen.

“The amount of support we have had has been unreal.”

The couple, of Hamilton Close, Worthing, have been together for a year and got engaged while on holiday in Portugal.

Chloe, 21, a full time mum to son Alfie, 3, said: “It was the best day, the whole thing was amazing.

“We both felt so excited that we could actually get married and be the same as everyone else.

“It was a really good feeling and it definitely made us want to make a lot more of the day.”

The women thanked their family and friends for their love and support.

Chloe said: “My mum Helen in particular has been amazing, she sorted most of the day our for us and I know she was really proud.

“She tried to make our day as good as possible and it was really special.”