How We Helped Save a Couple’s Wedding Day with Just 25 Minutes to Go
At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, we’re known for rescuing horses and ponies across the South West, but last week, we ended up rescuing something a little different: a wedding day!
On the morning of Wednesday 18 June, Zack Hazell and Hannah Mizen were just 25 minutes away from their ceremony at Teignbridge Registration Office in Newton Abbot when they received a heart-stopping phone call. Their two witnesses had broken down on the M3, miles away and without them, the wedding couldn’t go ahead.
The registrar suggested they try the building opposite. Our Reuse and Recycle warehouse on Brunel Road. That’s when they walked through our doors, a little flustered and full of hope.
“They turned up at the door in a bit of a panic,” recalls our Retail Operations Manager, Dawn: “We offered them a cuppa to calm their nerves, and they chatted with the team, who happened to be on their lunch break. My colleague Simone and I were more than happy to step in as witnesses so their day could still go ahead. They’re such a lovely couple.”
Zack, who runs South West Assistance Dogs, and Hannah, a Social Media Executive, had travelled from their home in Torrington full of excitement. What followed could have been a disaster, but instead turned into a heartwarming story they’ll never forget.
“We cannot thank The Mare and Foal Sanctuary enough,” Zack said. “Our original witnesses were on the M3 for hours, so we would have honestly not been able to get married without Dawn and Simone, and the rest of the team. Everybody was incredibly kind and genuinely, our wedding day could not have been more perfect.”
This isn’t the first time our team has helped in such a unique way. Simone, who manages our Brixham charity shop and was one of the stand-in witnesses, shared: “We’re really connected to our community and always happy to help where we can. I think this was actually our fourth unexpected wedding! It was such a pleasure to be part of their special day, and we wish Zack and Hannah all the happiness in the world.”
As a memento, our Horse Care team is preparing a lucky horseshoe to gift to the couple, a small gesture to mark a truly memorable day.
Alongside our equine work, we’re proud to be a place of kindness, care, and community, whether that means offering a cup of tea or helping two people say “I do.”