There’s nothing we love more than a feel-good story, and they don’t get much better than that of Esther and Simon! The couple, who met at the New Meadows supported living accommodation in Bristol, are celebrating their first wedding anniversary!
Bonding over their love of football and Star Wars, the pair became good friends before deciding to take the next step. After attending external relationship classes – where they learnt about respect and safe sex – they became boyfriend and girlfriend, with Esther taking the plunge and proposing to Simon in March 2016.
“It was a leap year,” laughs Simon. “It was at a club that my mate runs, and our friends and family were there too. I said yes!”
And when it came to their big day, there was no question about who was on the guest list. Their Dimensions support worker, Elizabeth Daly, was at Bristol Register Office with two colleagues to watch proudly as Esther was given away by a close family friend. Simon adds:
Following the ceremony in August 2018, the newlyweds headed back to the same club where Esther had proposed two years earlier for their reception. They’ve since settled into married life while busy with their jobs and watching football, with Simon also playing for a team managed by Esther’s son.
The wedding was certainly heartwarming for Elizabeth, who says: “I felt very privileged that Simon and Esther invited me to spend their special day with them. They both looked lovely and seemed so unfazed by it all – they did a great job of putting it together.”
By Charlotte Brazier, Volunteer Storyteller