LOVE Live, Laugh, An unexpected illness led to wedding bells for Nicola and Ian Images courtesy of Creative Images Photography Nicola and Ian met at school back in the 80s. “We then went to the same college, where Ian asked me out on the steps in front of his friends – and I said, ‘No!’” says Nicola. “Years passed, then one day Ian popped up on Facebook as a friend suggestion. Messaging each other, he explained he was getting divorced, so being a lawyer I offered my help and suggested a coffee date. That first coffee was lovely; a great catch up while talking about the legal stuff. The next time we met was to get his divorce and conveyancing moving. Ian then asked me out for a third time for no reason, saying we should go for a walk the next morning. We talked for hours, then as we said goodbye he kissed me. Boom – that’s when I knew this was something special.” Ian proposed after Nicola became seriously unwell. “I was so ill I was put on life support,” continues the bride. “When I woke Ian gave me a rare tanzanite promise ring, explaining how he’d even asked my parents’ permission to marry me while I was in a coma. His promise was that when I was better, he would ask for my hand properly, but not until I was well enough for it to be a romantic moment. Months passed, with me having to learn to walk and talk again, until one day Ian suggested we look at a few wedding venues. I explained that he was doing things the wrong way round – you get engaged and then you go looking! – but we still set off, arriving at Whitley Hall and with me determined to leave my wheelchair in the car. We stopped in the bar for a drink, and Ian instantly dropped to his knees and asked me. It was a beautiful moment, and we booked the date there and then for the 6th December.” 31 REAL WEDDINGS
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