THIS time last week Les Heaps and Debbie Bradshaw were looking forward to tying the knot.
The happy couple said I do last Saturday and have been Mr and Mrs for a week.
Here, Les and Debbie, who are both 49 and live in Birchwood, tell us their wedding story, in their own words.
If you’ve tied the knot this year or are planning to get married in the next few months, and would like to appear in ‘Our Wedding Day’ feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
Debbie and Les tied the knot on Saturday, August 24
When and how did you meet?
Debbie: We met in July 2021 at rugby where Les coached my son’s rugby team. Our relationship started in August 2021.
What did you think of each other when you first met?
Les: I knew when I saw her that she was the one I wanted to spend rest of my life with.
Debbie: I thought he was quiet and funny and he had great legs!
READ MORE:
Latchford couple say I do before seeing the Northern Lights
Where and when did you get engaged?
Les: We got engaged in October 2021 at home.
How did one of you propose?
Debbie: Les made a romantic candle lit meal, got down on one knee and then proposed.
What was the date of the wedding and reception?
Les: We got married on Saturday, August 24.
Les and Debbie were married at St Peter's Church in Formby
What was the location of the wedding and reception?
Debbie: We got married at St Peter’s Church in Formby and had the reception at The Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport.
How were you feeling on the morning of your wedding?
Les: I felt very nervous but also excited to see Debbie. It was an emotional day - my legs and hands were shaking.
Debbie: I felt calm but excited and I couldn’t wait to see Les’ reaction to my dress. I wasn’t nervous until I got to the church doors.
How would you describe your wedding?
Debbie: It was magical – simply amazing. It was everything we had dreamt about - very emotional and heart-warming to share our special day with our friends and family. My sister Dawn and my nephews had travelled from Canada.
How many guests did you have?
Les: We had around 70 to 80 guests.
The reception was held at The Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport
What did your guests eat?
Les: We had a buffet.
Did you have a first dance?
Debbie: We chose Beautiful in white by Shane Filan. I liked the words as they made my heart melt.
Did you have speeches? How did they go?
Debbie: Yes, they went down a treat and brought tears to our eyes and to the guests’ eyes. I even had a speech for Les and it brought tears to his eyes too.
READ MORE:
From proposal disaster to wedding day perfection for former Wolves star
What are your favourite memories of the day?
Les: Seeing Debbie walking down the aisle to me, having our first dance and hearing the vicar say the words “you are now husband and wife”.
Debbie: Seeing Les for the first time and his reaction, our first kiss as man and wife and our first dance.
Tell us a little bit about your outfits on the day
Les: I wore black and grey top hat and tails with a pink cravat.
Debbie: I tried five dresses on before finding the one but made a lot of alterations. It was glitter tulle on the bottom and the bodice had black roses and black ribbon.
Debbie's dress had black roses and black ribbon
Did you go on honeymoon? Where did you go?
Lee: Debbie surprised me in her speech with a honeymoon to Turkey booked for October.
Please tell us a little bit about the things you have in common. Why do you love each other? Why did you want to get married?
Debbie: We both have a good sense of humour - we like to wind each other up – and we like the same music. We have the same values.
Les: I love Debbie because she is so caring and makes me smile, even when I feel down. She will always be there for me and took my three boys on as her own.
Debbie: I love Les as he always makes me feel special. He makes me smile, does anything for me, took my two sons on as his own and I know he will always be there for me. We wanted to get married as we are both madly and deeply in love with each other and want to grow old and spend the rest of our lives together.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your day or your relationship?
Debbie: We would just like to say a big thank you to all our family and friends who shared our magical day with us.
Photo credit: Jordan on behalf of Photos by Liam Gingell
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here