'I got to my wedding on a 131-year-old tramway'

One woman went full steam ahead on her big day last weekend, when she used a funicular tramway that is more than a century old to get to her wedding.

Bradford bride Stephanie Alder, 41, got married in Saltaire, and used Shipley Glen Cable Tramway to travel with her bridesmaids from their accommodation in the glen to the venue, Victoria Hall.

Funicular fans Stephanie and David Alder, 39, from Leeds, had been together three years before their big day on Saturday and had their second date on the tramway.

Stephanie said the team behind the 131-year-old heritage tramway, which is run by volunteers, embraced the idea enthusiastically.

"They were just so lovely. They were so excited straight away. And they put on a really special thing. They said: 'We can decorate the tram in your wedding colours. We'll have a glass of fizz for you.'," she said.

"Dave and I went on the tramway on our second date, it sprung to mind about how lovely that would be for me and my bridal party to be able to have a little walk down to the tram, have a go on the tram and then walk up to Victoria Hall.

"It was also reflective of mine and my friends' friendship because we like tramways and funiculars and walking. So it was a full circle moment for us," she added.

The couple, who have visited funiculars in Cornwall, Portugal and Canada, said they loved the transport because it was a novel way to get around.

"They're just really lovely modes of transport to be able to get from A to B, but also they're always near stunning scenery," said Stephanie.

Before moving to Leeds, artist David lived in the UNESCO World Heritage Site village of Saltaire for 12 years and said he loved the accessibility to green spaces and historic buildings.

"One of the reasons we chose Saltaire was because we wanted our whole wedding to reflect us as a couple and our values," said Stephanie.

"So we wanted a venue that was community focused. So when we were giving the money, it was going back into the community and Victoria Hall met that."

The couple arrived at their reception on Victoria Hall's Wurlitzer, which was built in 1937.

Shipley Glen Tramway trustee Fiona Lidstone-Green said it was a "fabulous day".

"They are a lovely couple and wanted their wedding to be all about community which is so nice," she said.

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