A West Lothian woman who met the love of her life while working in Asda was given a dream £10,000 wedding free of charge.
Nicola Vaughan, from Livingston, met Steven Findlay in 2005 when he joined as a new manager at the supermarket and her colleagues helped set them up on a date.
Now an NHS nurse in Dundee, Nicola was over the moon when an Apex Hotels initiative that helps reward those who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic covered the cost of her dream wedding, including the venue, food, a photographer and evening entertainment.
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The Scottish Sun reports how the pair planned to tie the knot before the pandemic hit, but earlier this month, they were gifted their dream wedding in Dundee with all expenses covered.
Nicola, 47, said: "We spent eight weeks working together in total and got along so well. I really looked forward to spending time his company not realising, that he would turn out to be the love of my life.
"On his last day with me, my colleague at the time suggested a drink after work. Unknown to me, it was a set up and my colleague left us on our own.
"The rest they say is history, a whirlwind romance with him moving in after accepting his role in Livingston."
Nicola left Asda in 2006 to pursue a career with the NHS while Steven remained with the supermarket. They eventually got engaged on Christmas day in 2013 and had to put their plans on hold to work on battling through the Covid pandemic.
Nicola worked nights as a theatre practitioner at Ninewells hospital in Dundee, while Steven continued working in Asda. But the couple finally tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa in Dundee on Saturday, November 12.
Apex' Operation Recuperation has helped frontline workers across the country celebrate in style as a reward for their efforts, with several weddings taking place in Edinburgh as well as further afield.
Steven said: “It’s been a while coming, but we both felt now was the right time to tie the knot. We’ve already got four beautiful kids so had the luxury of taking our time.
"When we heard about Operation Recuperation and Apex Hotels giving away free wedding packages, we jumped at the opportunity.
"To be honest we didn’t think we’d win. I’ve never won anything in my life so when we got short listed then finally won the wedding, it honestly was a dream come true.”
Nicola said: “The wedding was perfect. We were bowled over by the level of service, the venue and food, everything. It was more than we could have wished for.
"We all had a lovely day surrounded by our family and best friends. We’re so grateful to Apex Hotels and Operation Recuperation for such a wonderful gift.”
Steven said: “We had an amazing day. I was cool, calm and collected until the moment I saw our daughter Katie as a bridesmaid.
"Then when our son Ciaran and my father in law gave Nicola away, the tears started rolling. It was an emotional moment. Thanks again to Apex Hotels and all the fantastic suppliers who made this such a perfect day for us.”
Michael Stott, Commercial Director, Apex Hotels said: “I can’t think of two more deserving people than Steven and Nicola.
"We wish all of them the very best and many happy years together.”
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