Key worker couple set to say ‘I do’ at Delapré Abbey
Member News
Wedding bells will soon be ringing for the winners of Delapré Abbey’s Wedding with Thanks competition – launched at the start of the pandemic to thank and celebrate carers, key and essential workers.
Nurse Megan Williams and police officer Ryan Warren scooped the top prize back in 2020 and in just three months the couple will be walking down the aisle and enjoying a wedding with all the trimmings.
This week the duo visited Delapré Abbey to make last minute arrangements and to meet the caterers, florist, photographer, jeweller, DJ, stylist and event planners.
Megan said: “My mum and a few friends nominated us but we never thought we would actually win. We’ve now met with all the businesses supplying the prizes and we feel so emotional, spoiled and so grateful.”
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive, Delapré Abbey, added: “At the start of covid so many couples had to put their weddings on hold, so this was our way of giving back and saying thank you to those who have worked tirelessly to make an extraordinary difference during the pandemic. Now, finally and after a long wait, the wedding is on. Congratulations Megan and Ryan.”
The ceremony will take place in Delapré Abbey’s Bouverie Suite, followed by a reception and a three-course meal for 65 guests.
The prize package also includes everything from wedding rings and stationery to a hair stylist, wedding cake, DJ, wedding band and flowers – all generously provided by Northamptonshire businesses.
Tom Hewer of THE Hospitality said: “Megan and Ryan have chosen their wedding menu and we are just so proud to be helping and to be thanking and celebrating a couple that worked so hard during the pandemic.”
Stuart O’Grady, MD of Michael Jones Jewellers, said: “We are a local business and have been here for over 100 years. We always try to support local charities and when covid hit back in 2020 we really wanted to support Delapre Abbey and treat front line workers to the wedding of their dreams.”
Claire Moch, of Florry, added: “We’re providing all the flowers for the lovely couple, including bouquets, centre pieces, buttonholes and even a half-covered arch.”
Macey Butcher, Salon Manager of Seckingtons, said: “We’re doing the hair for Megan and her bridesmaids and Megan has already been in for her trial style, although I’m not allowed to share any secrets. This is all about giving back, we are proud to be involved.”
Wedding with Thanks – the full package:
• Delapré Abbey – the venue and bridal suite.
• Photography – courtesy of Sky Photography
A £1,349 photographer package, which includes nine hours on the day coverage and 400+ edited Images on USB and a gallery for friends and family to download and save photos.
• Stationery and invitations – courtesy of Tangerine Red
Bespoke wedding stationery – design, paper consultation, Bespoke printed samples of invitations and envelopes, Printed Save the dates, Invitations, RSVPs, Envelopes, Menus for the day.
• Wedding rings – courtesy of Michael Jones Jewellers
• MC and DJ – courtesy of Potter Group Events
This will include entertainment planning and management and lighting, a prize worth £1,500.
• Wedding band – courtesy of White Room
A two x 45 set performance by White Room – covering a variety of modern and classic rock songs.
• Bridal hair – courtesy of Seckingtons
The bride will be given the royal treatment, with a bridal package that includes a hair trail and bridal hair on the day.
• Wedding meal – courtesy of Tom Hewer Hospitality
Enjoy a 3-course meal from this awarding winning wedding menu (up to 70 people) plus a glass of prosecco after ceremony, a package worth £2,800.
• Three tier wedding cake – courtesy of Gardners Bakery
This family-rung bakery will bake a three-tiered treat for the lucky couple and their guests, worth around £300.
• Floristry and styling – courtesy of Florry
This package, worth around £1,000, includes a bouquet for the bride, two bridesmaid bouquets, six buttonholes, five table centrepieces and a top table centrepiece. There will also, if required, be arch and entrance flowers.
• Venue dressing – courtesy of ForeverMore Events
Full venue styling including fully dressed chairs (many styles and sashes to choose from), styled centrepieces, candles, wedding arch with draping or flower wall and 4ft Light up Letters or Flower Letters.
