Couple who had first date at Oxford bookshop return on their wedding day

Janine and Joe Shuter decided to make their wedding day extra special by returning to an incredibly sentimental spot.

The couple ventured back to an Oxfordshire bookshop where they had their very first date – five years ago.

It goes without saying that the couple are big book worms, so it felt only right for them to include the venue in their big day.

The newly-hitched Mrs Shuter says: ‘That first date was really special because we had both grown up with a massive love of literacy, even though we are both dyslexic.

‘We both love local bookshops, sitting in and having a cup of coffee.’

The couple also asked guests for vouchers that they could use towards books at the shop – despite them already having a 880-strong collection at home.

Janine added: ‘For us, Blackwell’s means everything.

‘It is history, and because it is local – and don’t get me wrong, we still shop at Amazon, it’s about what you can afford – but we know how important local bookshops are.

‘We really wanted to make sure we found some sort of way, even on a Covid-restricted wedding day, to give back, by spending money at a local bookshop.’

Janine and Joe say that it took a moment for bookshop staff to notice the wedding day visit.

But as a treat for the newlyweds, staff generously gifted some books and offered a discount on their purchases, which included Romeo and Juliet, An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine and Sudden Traveller by Sarah Hall.

Bookseller Charlie Bush said: ‘The wedding day visit from the newlyweds completely made our day here at Blackwell’s. We were so delighted that they spent some of their special day with us and picked up lots of books as wedding presents.

‘Janine and Joe had their first date at Blackwell’s five years ago so it was so lovely for us to welcome them back on their big day.’

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