'We finally have our happily ever after' – Andy and Kaylea enjoy fairy tale wedding

Kaylea’s direct approach led to Andy proposing on holiday in the Caribbean and after four rearranged wedding dates due to the pandemic, the new Mr and Mrs Tomlinson, who live in Keepers Lane in Weaverham, finally tied the knot in front of family and friends at the end of April.

Here is the story of their wedding day, in their own words.

When and how did you meet?

Kaylea: In 2014 on the internet dating site Plenty of Fish. We spoke for a year, he bailed on our first date and I went off the site for a while. Then when I went back on in 2015 he was still there so I messaged him. It seems being direct works as I just said “are you taking me out this time or what?”!

What did you think of each other when you first met?

Kaylea: I thought he wasn’t as tall as I expected but very handsome. I thought he had kind eyes and smelled amazing.

Andy: I thought wow! It was a perfect evening in front of an open fire and it started to snow. Then she sped off in her little convertible and I didn’t think I’d see her again.

Where and when did you get engaged?

Andy: After a 10-hour flight to Barbados on our balcony in the dark.

Kaylea: Andrew took me to Barbados for my 30th birthday as he wanted to start trying for a baby and I jokingly told him that was the deal! We got into the room and he told me to pour us both a glass of the complimentary rum and so we could sit on the balcony. I did and he came out, pretended to spill his drink and got down on one knee. He doesn’t remember me saying yes but I certainly did!

What was the date of the wedding and reception?

Andy: We got married on April 30, 2022, which was our fourth wedding date due to postponements with Covid-19.

What was the location of the wedding and reception?

Andy: Room One, Hartford Golf Course

Kaylea and Andy tied the knot at Hartford Golf Course

How were you feeling on the morning of your wedding?

Kaylea: I was nervous but so excited that the wedding was finally happening.

Andy: I was excited but nervous and there was a tear or two.

How would you describe your wedding?

Kaylea: Rustic, chilled, colourful – perfect.

How many guests did you have?

Andy: 72 in the day and around 135 for the evening.

What did your guests eat?

Kaylea: We had afternoon tea. Bruscetta, pear & stilton , mini burgers and cod a chorizo skewers followed by brownies, lemon tart, strawberry tart and scones with jam and clotted cream. There was lots of prosecco and beer flowing throughout the day. There was a hog roast for evening guests.

Did you have a first dance?

Kaylea: We chose Love by Nat King Cole. The words are just perfect for us. We dance to it in our lounge so I knew it wouldn’t be an awkward first dance, where we just stood there swaying.

Did you have speeches?

Andy: No we had a non-traditional wedding and left out the boring bits.

Kaylea and Andy had their perfect wedding day after postponing the date four times

What are your favourite memories of the day?

Kaylea: Seeing each other for the first time on the day was very emotional. Having time just for us during the meal as we had a sweetheart table and our girls chose to sit with other family members.

Andy: The food was amazing, the vintage ice cream van was gorgeous and the caricaturist was a big hit with our guests. We all loved dancing the night away.

Tell us a little bit about your outfits on the day?

Kaylea: I tracked down my dress to 7th Heaven Bridal in Congleton. It was the only boutique in the north west to stock it. I knew I didn’t want a traditional white princess dress, so as soon as I saw my dress online, I knew it was the one for me. My mum came with me and made me try on all the white fitted and puffy dresses, but I knew the beautiful floral dress was what I wanted to wear on my big day. We ordered the dress when I was eight weeks pregnant with Heidi and I collected my dress when the shop was able to open after lockdown. I was lucky enough to find Nicky at Sew Davenham to do my alterations. She is the most amazing seamstress as nothing was too much trouble.

Andy: Being an electrician I don’t ever feel comfortable in a full suit, so we decided a waist coat with sleeves rolled up was the way for me to enjoy the day and feel like myself.

Did you go on honeymoon?

Kaylea: We had a little 'familymoon' in Wales the week after the wedding with our two girls, but we are off to Rhodes for a few days in September.

Why did you want to get married?

Kaylea: We are best pals. I’m the hot head and Andy is super laid back so he chills me out. It’s very rare that there’s a cross word and if there is, it usually ends up in giggles. Andy is my rock. We have two beautiful daughters - Heidi is three and Eleanor is seven months. I made the mistake of asking Andy what he wanted for his 40th and of course he said another baby! Before I met Andy, I had a little girl who passed away when she was two-and-a-half, as she was born with a heart defect and a chromosome abnormality, so I am super lucky to have found Andy and finally have our happily ever after together. It’s like a fairy tale.

Photos taken by Gavin Alexander Photography. Edited by Paul Wareing Wedding Photography

If you would like to appear in our Wedding Day feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk