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Lesbian couple are proud to be making history

MARRYING someone you love is nothing out of the ordinary – but for a couple from Brinnington it will be a defining moment.

Jane and Carol Shortini will not only be celebrating their love for one another but will also be making history by becoming the first lesbian couple to get married in Stockport, when the law changes later this year.

The couple from Trent Close, who were blessed eight years ago and share the same surname, have been keeping an eye on the changes in law and are wasting no time in securing their commitment by getting married on the first day possible - December 21.

Jane, 35, said: “It is going to be such an occasion. We can’t stop thinking about the wedding now, we are very excited and our family and friends are really happy for us.

“It is nice to know that we will be married in the eyes of the law, just like any other couple, it is the ultimate commitment. It feels brilliant and we can’t wait.

“We didn’'t think it would come this soon, we thought it would probably be in five or ten years down the line.”

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Jane and Carol, 27, who have been together for nine years, plan on making it a day to remember.

Jane, who has three children from a previous relationship - Craig, Stefan and Rebecca - and Carol, will be marrying at the registry office at Stockport Town Hall in front of all their family and friends. Jane will be wearing a traditional dress and Carol will be in a cream suit.

Jane added: “We also have a four-year-old daughter, Caitlin - through donor - together, and she is one of many family members who are involved in the wedding. She is excited about being a flower girl and we are also having a lot of bridesmaids and we have pageboys.”

The couple, who met through a friend, will be celebrating their union at the end of the month by going out for the Pride festival in Manchester’s gay village.

Jane said: “It was love at first sight, I just knew that we were meant to be together. We are very much in love and it is a nice feeling that we will be making history.”

Andrew Gilliver, communications manager for the Gay and Lesbian Foundation, said: “We are very happy for the couple and welcome this move, it has been a long time coming.

“Other than being in love, a lot of people want to get married to make sure that they can protect their partner’s legal rights and finances. It is good news, it is bringing more equality but there is still a way to go, like allowing gay and lesbian couples to get married in a religious buildings.”

Stockport Council said some details have yet to be finalised about the civil partnerships but if people have any questions a member of staff from Stockport Register Office is to attend the Manchester Pride event over the August Bank Holiday weekend to provide information on civil partnership legislation.