A COUPLE who turned to Facebook for help to get married tied the knot at the weekend after being inundated with offers of support.
Simon and Julie Winters became Mr and Mrs on Sunday at the Oxford Belfry Spa and Hotel in Milton Common.
As reported in the Oxford Mail last month, the Upper Heyford couple turned to social media to help their wedding dreams come true after having to twice rearrange their big day.
Initially they were supposed to get married in July, but had to postpone it to December after Mr Winters’ father was in a car accident.
Then they had to bring the wedding forward because of a family illness.
In less than 24 hours after the post went online, the couple were inundated with more than 100 offers of assistance.
The appeal, which was posted by Mr Winters’ brother Steve, was shared more than 400 times and liked more than 300 times with more than 100 people offering to help the couple.
Generous strangers stepped in to help with everything from the venue to photographers, caterers to make-up and hair for the bridal party.
Mr Winters, 37, said: “We only had 10 days from when we were told the day could go ahead to the actual wedding.
“It was absolute chaos, but then the wedding was just amazing.
“It was more than we were hoping for, it was wonderful.”
The freelance chef, who cooked the day’s food, said: “We were in awe, we felt so humbled and thankful for what everyone did for us. It’s really hard to say how thankful we are and how generous people have been.”
The couple, along with their two children Jack, four, and Lily, one, and Simon’s son Harry, 10, enjoyed the outdoor service with 80 close friends and family.
Mr Winters added: “It was perfect and both families loved it.
“We wanted a day where both families could get away from the normality and it worked – everybody has a smile on their faces.”
Mrs Winters, nee Willoughby, said: “It’s amazing to finally just have our day and see our families happy.”
The 35-year-old, a service assistant at St Edward’s School, in Woodstock Road, North Oxford, added: “We just want to say thank you for such an amazing day that we’ll always remember. We really can’t put it into words.”
The donations included:
Use of the Oxford Belfry Spa and Hotel was given free of charge
A cake was made and donated by Kelly Cook, from Wantage
Mike Ling Photography took the pictures
Katie Russell from Katie Aldridge Make-up Artist travelled from Swindon to do the bride’s and bridesmaids’ make-up
Angela Martin from British Classic Cars of Swindon provided the car
Emma Carter made and donated the butterfly-shaped cookie favours
Charlotte Wright donated the ribbon and photo albums
The artificial flower decorations were supplied by Sue Grimes of Kidlington
Emma Carter made and donated the butterfly shaped cookie favours
Kirsty Rickets from Kirsty’s Wedding Supplies donated cake pop favours
Charlotte Wright donated the ribbon and photo albums.
Audrey Guire from Valentinos Candelarbras and Fairies and Frogs donated the bridesmaids’ hair garlands.
Lucy Merry created the table plan and stand.
Kirsty Wren from the Sweetest Cart provided a popcorn cart
Angel Staffing Solutions provided the chocolate fountain
Bev Quarterman made and provided all of the bridal party’s flowers and button holes.
Patricia Keys provided and fitted all the chair covers and sashes.
Sarah Doyle of Fizzy Whizzy Sweet Cart provided the sweet cart
Marion Allitt donated the butterfly table confetti
Jamie Turner from Suits Direct Swindon lent the suits and shoes.
Sophia Dean from Brackley donated the table centre pieces
Ryan Dale gave his services as the DJ
Ben Boggs, an old school friend of Simon’s who now lives in America, donated 11 bottles of champagne.
Angel Staffing Solutions provided the chocolate fountain
Cara Cox from Hair by Cara Leigh did the bride’s and bridesmaids’ hair
Tash Whitaker from Bicester donated two bottles of Champagne
Vickie Wallace from Swindon donated three bottles of table wine.
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