Darts star marries long term partner on stage moments after being knocked out of World Championship
LAKESIDE played host to a stunning wedding ceremony after a darts star was knocked out of the World Championship.
Amanda Loch was eliminated from the WDF Women’s Championship on Friday.
Loch, who was born in England but represents Australia, went up against Finn Kirsi Viinikainen in the opening round of the tournament but fell to a 2-0 defeat.
However, while many stars would have packed their bags and gone home, Loch still had plans for the Lakeside venue.
She shocked the crowd by tying the knot on stage with long-term partner, Laurie.
Loch and Laurie celebrated their union in front of players, officials, friends and family.
A heartwarming social media post from WDF Darts said: “We had a slice of history on the Lakeside stage earlier today as Women’s World Championship participant Amanda Loch married her long time partner, Laurie!”
Loch told the WDF: “It was crazy. Getting married in England was somewhat planned.
“We were going to go for it when the feeling was right. We had a few ideas, and a few things fell through.
“We saw the lake, and we thought it’d be a lovely backdrop for a wedding.
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“When that didn’t come to fruition, someone suggested the Lakeside stage. We thought ‘we’re crazy, let’s do it!’”
Another darts star was also involved in the ceremony with fellow Aussie Peter Machin – who made it to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Shane McGuirk – acted as the best man.
Laurie added: “Peter Machin was always going to be my best man.
“I asked him a couple of years ago, and it just happened he was here at the time.
“Everyone here has come together to make it happen for us, and we can’t thank everyone enough. It’s been fantastic.”
The men’s WDF has seen 70-year-old Paul Lim make a remarkable run to the semi-final.
He faces Jason Brandon hoping to fire himself into the final tonight.