Grimsby Live and the Grimsby Telegraph’s Win a Wedding couple finally became husband and wife after the pandemic led to their big day being rearranged four times.
Keri Topham, 46, and Nathan Wales, 31, became Mr and Mrs Wales on Friday, November 19 at Healing Manor Hotel.
The couple won the competition hosted by Grimsby Live and the Grimsby Telegraph in conjunction with Healing Manor Hotel in 2020 which saw them win the £15,000 dream wedding experience.
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The couple had an all expenses paid wedding, form the invitations to the rings, thanks to a host of North East Lincolnshire sponsors.
Keri and Nathan first got together after a friendship through work.
Healing Manor is a venue close to the couple’s hearts.
It is where Nathan proposed to Keri and it is where she feels close to her late mum. Her ashes are at the church next door.
The couple won the competition after collecting an incredible 9,597,580 tokens between them.
Although it didn’t happen in quite the fashion they thought it would, the pair were extremely excited to finally tie the knot.
Whilst getting ready on Friday with her bridesmaids, Keri said: “I’m incredibly excited to get married, I was up at 5.30am this morning, but I’m not nervous at all. I just can’t wait to see Nathan and everyone else.”
The pair have been together three years and met whilst working at Louth Police Station.
Keri said: “We were both working at Louth Police station and I was Nathan’s mentor.
“At first we were just friends and it wasn’t love at first sight, but now we’re here.
“We never even asked each other if we wanted to get together officially, it just sort of happened as we knew we both wanted to be with one another for the rest of our lives.
“The wedding itself has been postponed three times now so there has been a lot of anticipation getting ready for this day.
“It’s been such a long build up so I’m even more excited that it’s finally here.
“Nathan also proposed to me under a handmade pergola here at Healing Manor in December 2019.
“Being back here means it all ties in nicely.”
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Nathan arrived at the venue on Friday with his attendants.
He said ahead of the ceremony: “I’m more excited than nervous, but that might change when I’m standing at the aisle.
“We couldn’t believe it when we were told we’d won the competition. Getting married is something we both wanted from the start and were more amazed than anything that we’re finally here.”
Events Operations Manager at Healing Manor, Kirsty Leo, was equally as excited for the couple’s day.
She said: “It’s exciting to be a part of their day and having already helped Nathan with the suggestion, it’s great to see them on their special day too.”
Keri Topham and Nathan Wales wedding at Healing Manor
After the ceremony, the newly weds spoke of their happiness.
Nathan said: “It’s absolutely amazing and we couldn’t be happier now.
“I was massively nervous and did start shaking while I was waiting for Keri to come in.
“It was also an incredibly emotional moment, but it couldn’t have been done any better and it’s great we’re finally married.”
Keri added: “I’m absolutely elated, it’s been perfect.
“My legs were shaking under my dress, but I feel very relaxed now it’s done.”
The couple are looking forward to their honeymoon in Alnwick, Northumberland.
The sponsors for the Win a Wedding £15,000 package were:
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