"It's like Kings Heath is celebrating with us": Richard and Justin’s unique street wedding plans on York Road

In the vibrant neighbourhood of Kings Heath, a tale of love, identity and fresh starts is being written on the lively York Road.

Richard, a 57-year-old former school teacher who has since become an estate agent in Kings Heath, and his partner, Justin, 54, are eagerly preparing for their upcoming wedding on York Road.

Richard was previously married to Vicki for 24 years and sadly, after a long battle with blood cancer, she died in 2016. Richard and his two sons supported each other throughout these difficult times.

With courage and vulnerability, he came out to his children, who embraced him with love and acceptance. “After my wife had died and I came out as gay, my boys have been amazing and incredibly supportive,” says Richard.

This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Richard’s life.

In 2019, Richard met Justin on a dating app, sparking a connection that grew into a five-year romance.

This love story reached a high point with Justin’s surprise proposal on the main stage at Queens Heath Pride in June last year.

“Justin led me onto the main stage and proposed in front of a crowd of a couple of thousand people. It was truly amazing and a very special moment!” Richard recalls.

The couple’s choice of venue for their wedding picks up from the proposal on the stage in the middle of York Road.

“When we first started discussing the wedding, I suggested that we should have it at Fletchers’ and Kitchen Garden Café on York Road and Justin agreed straight away and then he suggested the idea of holding the ceremony itself in the middle of the street, just like the proposal, and make it a real Kings Heath event,” Richard explains.

They envision a day that will incorporate elements of a traditional wedding but deconstructed and reordered to accommodate and include the whole community.

“We’re planning an amazing ceremony and celebration right in the middle of the street in the evening; everyone dancing and singing; just having the best of times!”

“Finding a celebrant who understands us and shares our vision for the day has been crucial and Rachel Parkin, a local celebrant who fully gets the Kings Heath way of doing things has already been amazing in helping us plan our big day.”

The couple plans to put a fun twist on the wedding cake tradition by replacing the cake with a piñata, adding a playful element to their intimate celebration.

“The love and support from our community have been overwhelming. It feels like Kings heath itself is joining in out celebration,” Richard says.

Their decision to host a joyous, intimate wedding on the street of York Road has been met with enthusiasm, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of Kings Heath.