The Lakeside stage morphed into an altar on Friday (Image: Getty)
The oche became an altar at the WDF Women’s World Championship on Friday as participant Amanda Loch tied the knot on stage. The Lakeside has experienced some famous scenes over the years, but most of those are confined to the darts board itself.
This year’s edition has proved equally as entertaining, with Paul Lim making it to the semi-final and the continued dominance of Beau Greaves. But something slightly different happened on Friday.
Loch, who was born in England but represents Australia, faced off against Finnish ace Kirsi Viinikainen in the opening round earlier in the tournament but loss 2-0. Yet, her tournament wasn’t over, as she and her partner Laurie were married in front of players, officials, friends and family on Friday.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“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,” Loch excitedly began, speaking to the WDF.
“We saw the lake, and we thought it’d be a lovely backdrop for a wedding. When that didn’t come to fruition, someone suggested the Lakeside stage. We thought ‘we’re crazy, let’s do it!’”
The bride wasn’t the only estemeed arrowsmith at the ceremony, however. Fellow Australian Peter Machin – who engineered a stunning run to the men’s quarter-finals before being knocked out by Shane McGuirk – acted as best man.
????????????????????????, ????????????????????????, ?????????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????????????… ???????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????! ??????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!
— WDF Darts (@DartsWDF)
“Peter Machin was always going to be my best man,” Loch’s husband Laurie added. “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,” he continued. “It’s been fantastic.”
The WDF themselves also issued a statement to the happy couple, which read: “All at the WDF congratulate Amanda and Laurie on their special day and wish them all the best for a happy life together.”