The Sentimental Shields 

There is a moment in the first Captain America film where Peggy Carter tells a scrawny Steve Rogers, "I’ve been looking for the right partner." For Delcey "Dee" Orchard-Smith, that search ended in 2015 when she met Rich on a dating site. But it would take another nine years, and a fair bit of courage, for the duo to step into the roles that now define them in the UK cosplay circuit.

Based in Westbury, Dee and Rich have become a staple at MCM Comic Cons, proving that the best accessory for any costume isn't a prop or a wig—it’s a supportive partner.

Dee’s fascination with Peggy Carter wasn't a passing whim. "I wanted to cosplay her since 2011!" she tells us, though the path to the con floor wasn't always clear. For years, she lacked the support system to turn that dream into a reality. Everything changed in December 2024.

When Dee finally decided to "pluck up the courage" to debut her Agent Carter, Rich didn't just cheer from the sidelines; he suited up. "He was really supportive and encouraged me to give it a go," Dee says. "He offered to do a cosplay that matched my character, and we gave it a go." Since then, they haven't looked back, having already brought four different versions of Peggy and Steve to life.

Every cosplayer remembers the moment they realized they’d "arrived." For this duo, it happened at MCM Birmingham during their very first outing. Spying an American flag at a vendor’s stall, they stopped for what they thought would be a quick photo op.

"Everyone else thought it would be great for pictures, too!" Dee laughs. "We ended up there for about 45 minutes while everyone wanted photos of us. It was very flattering."

It was a baptism by fire that solidified their place in the community. Since then, they’ve expanded their repertoire—Rich recently took a turn as the "Merc with a Mouth," Deadpool, while the pair also explored the world of Thunderbolts as Valentina and Bob.

Cosplaying as a couple isn't just about matching color palettes; it’s about navigating the chaos of a convention hall together. While they describe the experience as "easier than expected," they are candid about the logistical side of being a duo.

For Dee and Rich, success comes down to communication and self-awareness. "Rich has a smaller social battery than me," Dee observes with the kind of affectionate insight that only comes from a decade-long relationship. "He has to take time to recharge at cons."

By supporting one another's needs—whether that’s a quiet moment away from the crowds or a pep talk before a photo shoot—they’ve managed to turn high-stress events into cherished family memories (even if the kids might roll their eyes occasionally).

For those looking to bring their significant other into the fold, the Orchard-Smiths offer a simple, tactical tip:

"Make sure you pick characters that complement," they advise. "It doesn’t have to be a couple, but the same universe or show makes it so much easier at cons."

As they look forward to their second year in the hobby, one thing is certain: whether they are wielding a shield or a blaster, Dee and Rich have found the "right partner" for the journey.