Powerboat ace Shelley Jory weds in style (From Hampshire Society)

Powerboat ace Shelley Jory weds in style

1:15pm Saturday 2nd January 2010

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Shimmering in a platinum coloured designer dress adorned with Swarovski crystals and worth an estimated £10,000, Shelley Jory was truly a vision to behold.

Mostly at home in her racing overalls, the British Powerboat racing champion and the world’s top female racer was more than happy to slip into something a little more feminine when she married Trevor Leigh, her long-time marine engineer.

The beautiful dress was a gift from designer Justin Alexander – 45 yards of dupion silk created the coat and dress ensemble, which featured 3,000 Swarovski crystals – usually wedding dresses are created from just 10 yards of fabric.

It’s a mark of the respect that Shelley commands in the world of weddings that so much of her wedding outfit was given as gifts.

She has managed Brides of Southampton for the past 19 years and grew up with a clear idea in her mind of how she wanted her wedding day to be.

She planned everything down to the last detail and was determined it would be a day to remember for all her guests.

“Being in the business, I had a great opportunity to see what was available and I really enjoyed planning all the details that really made a difference.

“One of the best things we organised was a special dancefloor with LED lights – it had a real 80s feel,” she said.

But any fears that Shelley, 39, might be thinking of taking life a bit easier and giving up the powerboat racing are instantly dismissed.

“Being married won’t make the least difference to my racing.

“Trevor will still be looking after my engine and when I get back from my honeymoon, I will be concentrating on the new season.

“In the build-up to the wedding I was juggling preparations for the big day with working with one of my new sponsors, Rotary watches, and that was really exciting.

“I am the most un-maternal person you can ever imagine so I can’t see myself starting a family – besides I have just acquired two stepchildren who refer to me as their wicked stepmother – and that suits me fine,” she said.

The congregation of family and friends included world powerboat champions Steve Curtis, Peter Phillipson and Neil Holmes. Managing director of Honda (UK) Ken Keir gave a reading during the service at Wimborne Minster and there was a poignant “nautical” reading, written and read by the BBC’s H2O co-presenter Tracey Clarke. Shelley’s maids of honour were Darrell Elmes, Libby Keir, Louisa Edmonds and Sarah Curtis.

“It was quite simply the best day ever.

“I had high expectations having dressed literally thousands of brides over the years but it exceeded everything I had hoped it would be.

“So many of our guests have said it was the best service they have ever heard and they wished it could have lasted longer,” she said.

Shelley admitted planning her own nuptials has given her a greater insight into what brides go through in their bid to create the perfect occasion for their guests.

“It has been a real experience – and I feel I am even closer to the brides-to-be who come to me for help when they are planning their own wedding.

“It’s taught me a really good lesson.

“I can understand now why some customers can arrive at our shop like coiled springs,” she said.

After the service Shelley, Trevor and guests set off for the Chewton Glen in the New Forest for their top-notch reception and dancing to sounds from Wave 105’s Steve Power.

Shelley and Trevor spent their honeymoon aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 around the Caribbean and during the cruise Shelley arranged to do a talk about her career as a powerboat racer.

“It’s the ideal honeymood for us. Trevor can get excited about the engines powering the ship and I can do my talk and tell everyone about the sport I love – and I’m bound to mention the wedding, too,” she said.

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