On a sun-drenched Thursday in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley, 49, exchanged vows with her long-term partner Mark Perez, capping off a remarkable personal transformation with a picturesque country wedding. The ceremony, held on August 28, 2025, at the Gothic Our Lady Of Lourdes church, marked not only a new chapter in Lorraine’s life but also celebrated her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and love.
According to Daily Mail and Mirror, Lorraine looked radiant as she walked down the aisle in a white ruffled gown featuring a boat neck and chic polka dot print. She paired her dress with a traditional veil and elegant pearl jewelry, exuding a classic yet modern bridal charm. The actress, who played Karen Taylor on EastEnders from 2017 until her departure in 2024, was the very picture of joy as she clutched her bouquet and showed off her new wedding band to guests. The event, attended by family, close friends, and familiar faces from her soap days, was described by Lorraine herself as a “small, intimate wedding at a church, then a pub with a tepee and barbecue.”
Mark Perez, Lorraine’s partner of 12 years, matched the occasion’s warmth and style in a green three-piece suit, crisp white shirt, and gold tie. He was, by all accounts, beaming throughout the day—never once able to wipe the smile off his face. Their daughter, ten-year-old Nancy, played a starring role as the flower girl, donning a pale pink princess dress adorned with floral accents in her hair. Lorraine joked to The Mirror ahead of the big day, “She’s the one wearing the big white wedding dress – well, the flower girl dress. Mine’s modest, really. But I’m so excited.”
The guest list included Lorraine’s former on-screen son, Danny Walters, who played Keanu on EastEnders until his character’s dramatic exit last Christmas. Danny, 32, arrived in a pale blue suit (deciding to forgo a tie for a more relaxed look) alongside his partner Maddi, just five months after welcoming their first child, baby daughter Autumn. The atmosphere, as captured in photographs and recounted by attendees, was one of celebration and genuine happiness—a fitting tribute to Lorraine and Mark’s enduring partnership.
For Lorraine, the wedding was more than just a personal milestone. It was the culmination of a profound transformation, both physically and emotionally. Having left EastEnders 18 months earlier, Lorraine embarked on a determined quest to improve her health and well-being. She revealed to New! magazine that she underwent gastric sleeve surgery two years ago after her efforts with the weight-loss injection Wegovy reached a frustrating plateau. “I went to a London clinic, paid an awful lot of money and had it done. It’s hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done, both for me and for my family,” she shared. Lorraine candidly admitted, “It got to the point where I was injecting myself and eating at the same time.”
The surgery proved to be a turning point. Over two years, Lorraine shed a remarkable 6.5 stone (about 91 pounds), transforming her health and outlook. She credits her success not only to the operation but also to a disciplined new lifestyle—one marked by daily workouts, a balanced diet, and the support of friends and professionals. Speaking to Woman’s Own magazine, Lorraine offered insight into her routine: “My mate Louise is my fitness guru. I’ve got her to thank for it.” She added, “I’ve eaten a lot of boiled eggs, fish, chicken, no carbs, no crisps and no chocolate.” Her nutritionist friend also played a key role, helping her make informed choices about what she ate day-to-day.
Lorraine’s journey wasn’t just about weight loss. In late August 2025, she proudly announced she was five months sober, marking another milestone in her lifestyle overhaul. On Instagram, she declared, “I’m five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.” Her former EastEnders co-stars were quick to praise her transformation. Diane Parish, who plays Denise, wrote, “You look incredible!” while James Bye (Martin Fowler) chimed in, “Look at you skinny minny xx miss you mate xx.” Lorraine herself reflected on the changes, saying, “What a difference a year makes. Five stone down, feeling good, clean living, healthy choices, new me, healthy mummy.”
Beyond the personal victories, the wedding also held special meaning for the couple’s daughter. Lorraine explained her motivation for finally tying the knot after more than a decade with Mark: “Nancy wanted us to get married, I wanted his surname – I know some women don’t want that but I do. I want to be Mrs Perez. I’ve been abroad a few times with Nancy and was asked if she’s my daughter as we have different surnames on our passports. But it’s not just practicalities, it’s love.” She added, “We’re just in a really good place. You know, every couple goes through their ups and downs, but it feels right, we’re happy.”
The day itself unfolded with all the charm of a classic English countryside celebration. After the church ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed champagne, laughter, and the simple pleasures of good company. Lorraine mingled with her friends and family, her happiness unmistakable as she basked in the glow of the occasion. The bride and groom later departed in a vintage car, waving to well-wishers as they began their married life together.
For fans of EastEnders and admirers of Lorraine Stanley, the wedding was a moment to celebrate not only the actress’s new marital status but also her resilience and openness about the struggles and triumphs of personal change. Lorraine’s willingness to share her story—her battles with weight, her journey to sobriety, and her embrace of a healthier lifestyle—has resonated with many. As she steps into her new role as Mrs. Perez, Lorraine stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the courage to reinvent oneself.
The countryside wedding in Harpenden was, in every sense, a celebration of new beginnings—proof that sometimes, after years of waiting, the right moment to say “I do” arrives exactly when it’s meant to.
