There was plenty of excitement at BEAM on Saturday 11th July 2026 as two very special members of our extended family tied the knot. Alicia Whyatt and Pat Connolly married in glorious sunshine among the rolling hills of the Derbyshire countryside.
We’ve had the joy of working alongside both Alicia and Pat, watching their careers flourish—and seeing their relationship grow along the way—so we couldn’t have been happier to celebrate their wonderful wedding.
The aptly named Whonnolly Wedding was a three-day celebration, beginning on Friday with a pre-wedding barbecue and pub quiz hosted by their friend and matchmaker, Owen Baldwin. The wedding day featured an outdoor ceremony beneath a beautifully decorated wooden gazebo, followed by confetti, drinks, heartfelt speeches, garden games, mini golf, dancing and plenty of singing.
Music and travel—two of Alicia and Pat’s shared passions—were central to the festivities. Atomic Brass performed live throughout the day, entertaining guests with pop and indie bangers, while a guest-curated playlist provided the soundtrack to an unforgettable party. The wedding breakfast also offered a taste of their forthcoming Greek honeymoon, with guests enjoying a delicious selection of meze and gyros.
Every detail reflected the couple’s warmth, humour and creativity, from their personalised spoof newspaper and colourful decorations to the invitation for guests to share their own photographs. Alicia looked beautiful in a flowing lace gown and veil, carrying a colourful bouquet, while Pat looked equally stylish in a burgundy three-piece suit and floral tie.
Alicia and Pat met through Owen just before the COVID lockdown. Predominantly a sound engineer, Owen also guest-stars as a BEAMie, supporting us with recruitment and fieldwork when needed. Their first date was in a pub—which, if you know Alicia and Pat, will come as absolutely no surprise!
Alicia joined BEAM in August 2018 as a Project Assistant and has since progressed to Senior Project Manager, becoming an MRS Research Hero in 2023. Pat later joined BEAM on Alicia’s recommendation after hanging up his chef’s whites following 11 years in hospitality. After supporting recruitment for a large automotive study, he quickly became an office favourite and progressed to Project Manager. He later moved to Give Opinions, where he now helps facilitate recruitment for BEAM’s projects as Panel & Project Operations Manager.
BEAMies past and present Amy Middleton, Kay Middleton, Caitlin Patterson, Kirsty Antrobus and Amy Cartwright were delighted to join the celebrations. Those who couldn’t be there were kept up to date with photographs and videos as the big day unfolded, ensuring the whole team could share in the occasion.
The weekend included everything—and then some—to honour the very special couple we’re so lucky to work alongside.
Congratulations, Alicia and Pat!
Everyone at BEAM wishes you a lifetime of love, laughter, music, travel and excellent pub dates! 💍🥂