Find out more about the men and women who will taking the lead in helping to organise the big day on August 22.
Best man: Gordon Simpson
Gordon has known Dan ever since they began work at the same newspaper on the same day in 2008.
As the hat indicates, he’s Scottish. He also enjoys Bruce Spingsteen, though not as much as he does Bruno Mars – a fact he likes to keep quiet. Other interests involve San Diego Chargers and Rangers – although that is less than celebrated, these days.
Usher: Chris Curtin
Chris and Danny have been friends since the end of secondary school – despite going to different ones. Since then, their friendship has been based on watching sport in pubs.
Chris is still recovering from having three foot of hair chopped off two years ago, as well as now living in the cultural wilderness of Fareham.
Usher: Simon Oldham
Simon and Danny met a college in 1999. Since then, he has developed an interest in sport and has become a worthy member of society, mainly thanks to the guiding hand of his wife, Marcia.
His hobbies include cider, expensive spirits and Sid Meier’s Civilisation IV.
Usher: Jon Reeve
Dan first met Jon in court – they were both covering the same case for their respective newspapers in 2007. Before long, they were working and drinking together.
Jon’s talents include instigating huge drinking sessions and getting others to take the blame for them.
Usher: Julian Robinson
Julian first appeared in Dan’s life in 2007 – when he barrelled into his flat in Portsmouth as a guest of Pete Edney.
A huge fan of UK Garage music and rom-coms starring Hugh Grant, his hero is Notorious B.I.G, whom he does a superb impression of, after copious amounts of alcohol.
Maid of Honour: Nicola Howson
Nic is one of Verity’s oldest friends, having grown up together in the idyllic surroundings of Leek. Mum to Tommy, she has extensive knowledge of the world of Fireman Sam.
She is possibly the most recognisable face in her home town, as she knows everyone.
Bridesmaid: Marcia Calvino Oldham
Marcia went to primary school with Danny, before they met again at college in 1999. It was here she met her husband, Simon, who she is now completely responsible for.
She lists her interests as vintage fashion, subtle and sarcastic put downs, and rolling her eyes at Simon’s antics.
Bridesmaid: Naomi Rooke
Naomi worked with Verity at Itchen Valley, where they spent their days talking and occasionally working, while planning nights out and putting the world of country parks to rights.
Her own hen do is the stuff of legend, and Verity still marvels at it to this day.
Bridesmaid: Melanie Adams
Melanie, wife of Gordon, made friends with Dan and Verity as she desperately tried to win the affections of the Springsteen loving Scot.
She works with Dan, where she can often be found making inappropriate jokes and telling everyone that she was once on TV.
Family
Father of the Bride: Martin Cope
With a love of all things outdoors, Martin gave more to Verity than just red hair.
His love for his daughter is matched only by his passion for his dogs and for hating Manchester United, although he is also a Stoke City fan, to a lesser extent. He also loves a good cheese and a passable wine.
Mother of the Bride: Jill Cope
There is almost nothing Jill enjoys more than creating – as you’ll see in many of the wedding decorations.
She spends countless hours making outfits and furnishings for children’s toys and will go out of her way to make sure you enjoy some of her Millionaire Shortbread.
Brother of the Bride: Mark Cope
Verity’s younger brother had to put up with a lot during his younger years – almost completely down to a bossy older sister who never gave him a minute’s piece.
Understandably, he is delighted she is now someone else’s problem.
His lack of Facebook profile makes finding a usable photo of him quite difficult.
Mother of the Groom: Moira Kerins
Moira raised Danny on her own, explaining his impeccable dress sense and collection of Motown music, which she made sure he listened to from a young age. She even went as far as making up synchronised dance moves for the pair in her car, over a number of years.
From He-Man to Saints, Ghostbusters to journalism, she’s been through it all and supported him throughout.
Grandfather of the Groom: James Earl
Growing up, there were only three ambitions for Danny – to be the next Packie Bonner, an Irish Michael Jackson and a maker of Ford Transit vans, just like Grandad.
Hailing from the small Irish village of Leighlinbridge in Co. Carlow, Jim moved to England with his late wife Kathleen in the early 1950s.
Uncle of the Groom: Desmond Earl
A memory like a sieve, but a heart of gold, Des is best known for insisting on being the last man standing at the end of the night.
A soft voice hides a love of debating absolutely anything – regardless of whether or not he’s right – especially when it comes to football and politics.