Lindsay Slater, 31, from Mansfield, Nottingham, claims she discovered her fiancé and partner of 12 years, 36, had slept with someone else.
She claimed that, after she confronted him, her partner left the family home and she faced having to cancel their upcoming nuptials.
However, in a bid not to be defeated, she decided instead to turn their big day into a party, which she dubbed a ‘celebration of freedom’.
Lindsay messaged all their day guests to break the news – and posted a Facebook status to inform her evening guests.
Around 60 to 70 guests came to the reception – which consisted of a sit down meal, speeches, and a party fronted by a DJ and bongo drum players.
Lindsay even jetted off on her honeymoon on August 20 to a resort in Crete, Greece, with friend Melissa, 31, .
While she isn’t ready to move on just yet, Lindsay said her solo wedding made her feel ‘strong and empowered’.
Lindsay, a solicitor, said: ‘I didn’t know how I was going to survive. I was distraught – it was too late to go back on the wedding plans. All that money had been spent.
‘But there was a big part of me who thought ‘I’m free’ – it’s the start of a better era. I’m glad I did it – I really enjoyed the day.
‘I was so surprised at how supportive everyone was – it was so empowering. I was surrounded by so much love – [it] really reminded me that I didn’t need him.’
Lindsay and her ex got engaged in early 2020 after being together on-and-off since 2012.
She says the pair had their ‘ups and downs’ as a couple but were excited for their wedding day.
She decided to turn the rest of their big day into a party – as a ‘celebration of freedom’
After four years of planning and £35,000 spent on the ceremony, meal, photographer and party, the date was set for Saturday, August 17.
But ahead of the wedding, Lindsay claims her partner confessed to cheating when she confronted him.
After initially wanting to go ahead with the big day despite the alleged infidelity, Lindsay said she came to her senses.
Her ex moved back in with his mother – while Lindsay rang the owners of Car Bank Wedding Park, Mansfield, to cancel the ceremony and the violinist.
However, after a change of heart, she decided to go ahead – rebranding it as her ‘freedom day’ with the help of sister, Beth, 28, a victim support worker.
She said: ‘We spent all that money – £35,000, including the honeymoon.
‘I chose to spend the day with close friends and family – rather than sit at home, crying.’
Guests found out after Lindsay private messaged them about the situation – as well as posting a Facebook status.
Lindsay’s friend, medical secretary Rachel, 33, stayed with her overnight on August 16.
The pair had their hair and make-up done together the next morning – and drove themselves to the wedding venue with Lindsay in her wedding dress and Beth in her maid-of-honour gown.
She said: ‘Just before I’d left the door I said to Rachel ‘you need to calm me down, she gave me a pep talk.’
The day began with welcome drinks about 40 day guests – and a bartender preparing Bellinis and Pornstar Martinis for the guests.
Everyone was kitted out in their original wedding outfits – with the bridesmaids still wearing their dresses, and Lindsay still wearing her £1,200 Charlotte Elizabeth Bridal cropped wedding gown.
Guests then moved into the dining room, where they sat down to a meal of fish cakes, a chicken dinner and chocolate fudge cake for dessert.
People drank and spent time with alpacas outside until 8pm – when they moved on to the reception, hosted by a DJ.
Lindsay said: ‘Beth was maid of honour – she put a sign out saying ‘and she lived happily ever after…”
‘My uncle made me a Victoria sponge cake, with green icing and roses.
‘We moved onto the party – and the DJ played non-stop empowerment anthems.
‘We had ‘Strong Enough’ by Cher, ‘It’s Not Right, but it’s OK’ by Whitney Houston, and ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child.
‘I even read out a speech, written for me by Beth. It was a bit emotional – not helped by the drink.
‘I thanked all my family and friends for being there – I said I didn’t know how I was going to survive this ordeal. But looking out at all those supportive faces, I felt a bit better.’
Lindsay’s ex-partner declined to comment but admitted he had been unfaithful.
