From proposal to wedding in just ten weeks
Nicole and Dan
It took just ten weeks from the moment Dan and Nicole decided to marry, to the big day itself in August this year.
Dan was about to join the Navy and Nicole said that even though they didn’t have much money to spare, they knew that if they were going to marry, they had to take the plunge as soon as possible.
Nicole was raised a Catholic but says she had always dreamed of marrying in St Mark’s, in Cautley, Cumbria. As well as being her parish church, Nicole’s grandparents are close to the church too.
“I wanted God at my wedding,” said Nicole, “And although Dan’s not religious, he knew how important it was for me to be married in church.”
The couple had regular meetings with the Vicar, Alan Fell, over the weeks leading up to the wedding to plan things out.
“Alan was just amazing,” said Nicole, who said he had been exceptionally accommodating to ensure they could have their wedding at the church at such short notice.
“He helped us with everything, we had a rehearsal, and then the day arrived. Alan had prepared the most incredible sermon which we felt was so personal and tailored to us.
“It had a message about how married people have a role to support others in their own communities. I think that sermon struck a chord with Dan too, as he often still quotes bits of it to me!” said Nicole.
...marriage has made us so much stronger, more committed and secure with each other
Nicole said the service, readings and hymns were traditional, acknowledging God’s presence in a way that all the wedding guests could relate to, whether churchgoers or not.
“Dan and I have been together since we were 16,” she added, “But marriage has made us so much stronger, more committed and secure with each other. Marriage does change you, but it’s fantastic. We’re just so happy!”