Two key workers became the first couple to marry after the United Kingdom (UK) coronavirus lockdown was lifted.
Jennifer Wilson and Louise Arnold, who are both 22, tied the knot in a midnight ceremony in the grounds of a town hall.
The couple, who had been engaged for three years, had planned to marry on Friday but they cancelled the nuptials when travel restrictions meant Ms Wilson’s parents and brother wouldn’t be able to come over from their home in Australia to attend.
Instead, the two, of Widnes, Cheshire, were presented the chance to wed at midnight today after the authorities identified the opportunity.
Ms Wilson, who is a care home worker, said: “Last week the registry office rang and asked if we wanted to be the first couple in the UK to marry after lockdown and we just said yes.
“We both work nights normally so the time suited us.”
And the couple said “I do” at the Peace Garden Pergola in the grounds of Runcorn Town Hall, Cheshire, in front of 16 guests.
Ms Arnold, who works as a security guard for lorry firm Eddie Stobart, said: “With it having just been Pride month, this felt like something we couldn’t really pass up. Not just for us but for other LGBT people who haven’t been able to get together to celebrate Pride.”
Ms Wilson’s family, who watched over Facetime, wore their wedding outfits in their home in Australia.
Plans for a reception with 120 guests have been postponed until a year’s time and their hopes of a honeymoon in Mexico have been swapped for a few days’ staycation in Blackpool, Lancashire.
The childhood sweethearts met eight years ago while Ms Arnold was on holiday in New Zealand, where Ms Wilson was living, and had a long distance relationship until Ms Wilson moved to England to study nursing in 2017.
She has been working as a senior dementia care assistant in Trewan House, Widnes, throughout the pandemic.
“It has been hard because the residents have dementia and they know something’s different but they don’t know exactly what,” Ms Wilson said.
“Their families can’t come in and see them and a lot of them don’t really understand Facetime.
“Thankfully we haven’t had any cases of coronavirus there.”
She added: “I think everyone has been excited to be able to celebrate something positive after the past few months.
“We didn’t realise how many friends we had until we had so many offers of help to get ready for the wedding.
“It’s hard to put into words how much this means to us.”
Registration service manager for Halton Borough Council Andrew Lucas, said: “We are delighted to help Louise and Jennifer say ‘I do’ on what we think is the first wedding after the lockdown period and help make sure that their special day will be one they would remember forever.”
