What Looe RNLI’s Crew Was Hiding at This Cliff Top Wedding

Ten people in drysuits and lifejackets is not the usual wedding party. But that is who waited quietly in the background as Amber and Alex exchanged vows on a cliff top above Millendreath.

📷Amber and Alex at Looe Lifeboat Station - Photo credit Looe RNLI / Ian Foster

A secret kept until the final moment

On Saturday 20 June 2026, the two Looe RNLI volunteer crew members married in a cliff top setting overlooking Millendreath. As the couple said their vows, 10 crew mates from the station stayed hidden behind them.

When the ceremony ended and the couple turned to acknowledge the applause of family and friends, they found a guard of honour waiting. The crew, in drysuits and lifejackets, had formed an arch out of gig boat oars festooned with yellow wellies. Beaming and laughing, Amber and Alex walked through it, with family and friends following behind.

Amber only worked out what was happening at the last second. “I caught a glimpse of a yellow welly on what appeared to be a pole in the air and then a red jacket before realising what was going on,” she said. The couple thanked the crew and admitted they had no idea how the secret had been kept until the very last minute.

📷Amber and Alex Richardson walking through Looe RNLI’s yellow welly guard of honour after their marriage - Photo credit Looe RNLI / Ian Foster

A proud Father’s Day for the Lifeboat Operations Manager

The surprise meant something extra to one guest. Amber’s father, Clive, is Looe RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, and he spoke of how proud he was to watch the crew march down and form the arch of oars and wellies.

He called it an amazing Father’s Day weekend. He gave away his daughter in marriage to Alex, celebrated with family and friends, and watched his own crew pull off the surprise.

After the formalities, everyone made the most of the moment and followed the couple through the archway of wellies to the wedding reception.

📷Amber and Alex Richardson walking through Looe RNLI’s yellow welly guard of honour after their marriage - Photo credit Looe RNLI / Ian Foster

Two crew members, one sailing club

Amber and Alex are keen sailors with Looe Sailing Club, and both joined Looe RNLI as boat crew around the same time.

Ian Foster, Looe RNLI’s Lifeboat Press Officer, said the crew were delighted to play a small part in the celebrations. “Everyone associated with RNLI Looe Lifeboat Station send their congratulations to the happy couple,” he said.

📷Mr and Mrs Richardson - Photo credit Looe RNLI / Ian Foster