How Claire’s date with a Mr Wright ended up down the aisle with Tony

Claire, a visual merchandiser from Fulwood, Preston, had arranged a blind date with Mr Wright when Tony, a company director from Cheadle Hulme, offered to help her out with directions.

“It was the night before the date and I helped her write out directions to Alton Towers where she was meeting her blind date,” says Tony.

“In the end, the date turned out to be quite like a rollercoaster - but with more downs than ups - which meant I got my opportunity to ask her out.”

With their first date faring a little better, the couple hit it off and Tony decided the time was right to get down on bended knee.

“I went with tradition and asked Claire’s father for his permission to marry Claire,” Tony says.

“I also took the brave step of choosing the engagement ring all on my own.

“I think it just about paid off as Claire hasn’t asked to swap it...yet!”

Tony then popped the question at their home in Leeds.

On May 24, the couple exchanged vows at St Mary’s Church, Fernyhalgh, Fulwood in front of family and friends before heading off to the bride’s parent’s house for their marquee reception on the lawn.

And for the wedding breakfast, the newlyweds decided to stay local, choosing a Lancashire catering firm.

“Marcus Moore from Chorley provided the main catering for the day,” say the new Mr and Mrs Lyons. “All of his staff were fantastic and the food was suberb.”

The foodie theme carried on into the evening where pizzas dished out from a burning clay oven kept the party goers fuelled into the night and proved a “huge hit” with all of the guests.

For the evening’s entertainment, Liverpool live band, ‘Superted’ went down a storm, keeping the dancefloor packed until the early hours.

Bride’s parents

Andrew & Victoria Kok

Groom’s parents

Karen &, Sidney Aarons (stepfather) & Steve & Anne Lyons (stepmother)

Best Man

Andrew Taylor

Ushers

James Kok & Dave Brocklehurst

Honeymoon

Crete, Greece

Where they will live

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Would you like to tell us about your wedding? Email Rachel Hurst at [email protected]