When/how did you first meet?
In 2003 I was working at a local garden centre. One on my friends started seeing one of the chaps from the garden centre, and persuaded me to go on a ‘double date’ — that was where Lee and I met. We talked on the phone each night, running up big phone bills until a few weeks later he asked me out again.

When in the relationship did he ‘pop the question?’ How did he propose?
Six years later I had been at work and came home to find Lee acting very strangely. He told me to come into the lounge, he gave me a big hug and presented the ring. I don’t think he had intended to propose that evening but I was very close to where the ring was hidden. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone!

Which elements did you decide upon first?
Firstly we wanted a church wedding, we had a couple in mind but settled on Algarkirk church. It’s a beautiful building, which could seat just about the right amount of guests we would invite, it’s also situated 100 yards from my parents’ house so the location was perfect. We then set about looking for a small country pub with bedrooms for our travelling guests. We couldn’t find anywhere that came close to the Tally Ho; there was great food and the staff are amazing!

Was planning your big day fraught or enjoyable? Did you both contribute ideas with equal enthusiasm?
When it came to the planning Nikki, did most of the work. We decided on the major elements together and made sure they were perfect; the church, restaurant and photographer. Nikki then set about planning all of the little things with the help from her mum Elaine and grandma Margaret. Elaine and Margaret made invites, sorted the table plan & place names, and helped to organise the cake; they were fantastic.

Any pre-wedding nerves?
Bride’s View: Although I hadn’t slept very well I was fairly calm. Even the girls who came to do the hair and make-up mentioned how calm we all were, but the nerves really set in when Cindy and Heather started to help me into my dress, from that moment I was very nervous.

Groom’s View: I thought I would be fine, but when the morning came round things weren’t quite so easy. I started feeling a little nervous but fortunately my mum Kim and my best man & brother, Jordan, were on hand. Danny and Lester, my ushers, turned up and calmed me down even more. We then went for a drink to steady our nerves before heading to the church. People were commenting that I looked nervous, which only made matters worse. I was again comforted and calmed down by Jordan, Lester and Danny. I am not keen on being centre of attention and it was a strange feeling!

How did it feel to walk down the aisle and take your vows?
I was physically shaking as I walked down the aisle. If it wasn’t for my father holding my hand I think I would have cried all the way down. Once I reached Lee I turned to look at him he whispered to me how beautiful I looked as he held my hand to calm me down. I had a slight wobble while taking my vows but managed to keep it together. The Vicar was lovely made us feel very relaxed.

Where was your reception held?
Our reception was held at the Tally Ho in Aswarby, a beautiful little restaurant with excellent food and lovely staff. We had a marquee on the back which one would have thought would be cold in February but actually proved really cosy!

Did anything funny or particularly memorable happen?
Bride’s View: My father made a lovely speech although slightly embarrassing in places, mentioning my childhood toys and how I was not the most affectionate with them. He also presented Lee with his famous ‘yes dear’ sign, which had ‘yes dear’ on one side and ‘yes dear’ on the other… the secret to a happy marriage, apparently!

Groom’s View: My brother’s speech was fantastic but I think it was one of the most embarrassing times of my life. Everything was going well until he asked me to reach under my chair, only to discover a very embarrassing modeling photo of me when I was about 10. Not only had he stuck it under my chair but there was at least two under every table, I had to strike the pose I was doing in the photo in front of everyone. Everyone seemed to really enjoy this… except me!

Did you have a honeymoon? If so where, and most importantly, did you enjoy it?
We went to Kenya on our honeymoon where we enjoyed a four day safari which was amazing; a once in a life time experience. One thing that remains in our minds from the safari was a pride of 12 lions walked right passed the safari bus, not even batting an eye lid at us, we were in shock at how close we got, even our safari guide took his camera out, as he had not been that close to so many all at once in his 25 years. After the safari we stayed at a beautiful resort called the Neptune Palm, where the staff were wonderful, the food was lovely, just the perfect place to relax.

Any friends or family you’d like to thank or recognise?
We would love to thank all of our guests for attending our special day it meant the world to both of us to see everybody there. We would now like to say a special thanks to our parents, Elaine and Stephen Walker, and Kim Winter for all of their help and generally making our day so memorable.
Also massive thanks to Margaret Sabey for all her help with the build up to the day and the day itself. Other people we couldn’t have been without are Cindy Robinson, Heather Prue, Jordan Winter, Danny Murphy, Adam Lester, Woody and Kitty Thornton, Jasper Robinson and Mary and David Robinson.
Last but by no means least John, Julie and all the staff at the Tally Ho for making our day amazing, Reverend Robin Whitehead for a beautiful service, and Michael & David our photographers.

Anyone you wish to recommend?
We would like to recommend the people who help make our day special. Firstly the Tally Ho; we couldn’t think of a better wedding reception venue, John, Julie and their staff offered an amazing service, the food was beautiful! Next we would like to thank Michael & David from MFJPEGS Photographers in Skegness, they were very professional and fantastic at what they do. Also our DJ was brilliant so thanks to Freddie!

How are you finding married life?
Bride’s View: After returning from our honeymoon we both felt a bit deflated as it was all over. However once we went to see our photos it all came flooding back and we have some fantastic pictures to remind us of our day.

Groom’s View: Things haven’t changed a great deal for us, as we have been together for over seven years and have lived together for five of those years. Nikki has always ‘worn the trousers’ in the relationship so I doubt anything will change now!