Call the midwife... It was an extra special day for groom Tom Archer

Births and marriages are two momentous occasions in a person's life.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Aug 2016, 12:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:35 BST
Tom Archer with his best men and ushersTom Archer with his best men and ushers
Tom Archer with his best men and ushers

But it is not often the woman who set you on your early path also guides you through your vows.

Tom Archer could not think of anyone better to officiate his nuptials to fiance Katie Black than his midwife Christine McDermott.

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She was the first person to visit Tom at his Tarleton home when he was born in 1987, and she is a family friend.

Katie Black and Tom Archer get marriedKatie Black and Tom Archer get married
Katie Black and Tom Archer get married

Following her retirement, she retrained as a marriage registrar.

As Tom and Katie, 29, wanted to make their wedding day special, and maybe unique, they chose Christine to marry them in a wedding service set in the Fife countryside. Christine was sworn in to officiate in the wedding, which was held at Pratis Barn, in Leven.

The service was especially poignant because of the long-time connection between Tom and Christine.

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Tom, 28, says: “Having Christine marry us was so special. It just felt right.

Tom Archer with his brother JamesTom Archer with his brother James
Tom Archer with his brother James

“I’ve known her literally all my life and I’ve known Peter, her husband, since I was 11 years old.

“He helped to teach me to play cricket, and when I was older I opened the batting with him when we played for Tarleton. Our paths have crossed in Tarleton Bowling Club, where we all competed in quiz nights.”

The family link was carried throughout the day, as the barn was beautifully and lovingly decorated by relative and friends.

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Tom’s aunt Judith Cotter created the wedding cake, whilst bouquets and button holes were made by family friend Linda Ovens. Table flowers were put together by Tom’s mum Helen, with help by friends and family.

Tom Archer and Katie Black with former midwife and registrar Christine McDermottTom Archer and Katie Black with former midwife and registrar Christine McDermott
Tom Archer and Katie Black with former midwife and registrar Christine McDermott

Best men, brother James Archer and Ben Goodson, both Tarleton-born, travelled from Aberdeen and Doha, Qatar, along with a large contingent of Lancastrians.

The couple enjoyed a few days at The Sun Inn, in Kirkby Lonsdale, and plan to fly to Qatar and Dubai in November to visit friends.

Both Katie and Tom now live in Edinburgh where they met at university. They got engaged during a romantic proposal at Christmas in 2014 whilst at home.

Tom is now a policeman and won the Baton of Honour as the most outstanding recruit during police training.

Katie has trained and qualified as a financial advisor.

Related topics:Edinburgh