Amazing day that Madge thought she’d never have

IT was a day filled with smiles, love and family togetherness.

And it’s a day Madge Nugent never thought she’d see in a million years.

Her new husband is Alex Crighton, 48, a well-ken’t figure in Dundee — he’s been running the doors at city clubs and pubs for three decades and he’s not the sort of chap you’d overlook.

He’s a man’s man, into his bikes, cars and guitars but when he met Madge he was powerless!

Now, the engine parts have been punted outo of the living room of his man-cave in St Mary’sM and they’ve tied the knot.

Madge is from Fintry and has worked in socialso care for the council for 14 years.

A mum of four strapping sons, her contentedte world was destroyed eight years ago when her partner, Sean, died suddenly of a heart attack. He was only 36 and the couple had been planning to marry.

“I thought that was it for me,” recalls Madge, who celebrated her 50th birthday thisth year.

“I had my sons, of course, but I never imaginedim I would ever have someone specialci in my life ever again.”

It’s a testament to her character that Madge didn’t fall apart. She looked after her children, kept on at work and changed her surname from Whittie to Nugent, whichw had been Sean’s name.

“In a way I kind of retreated and didn’t gog out much,” she said.

“Years went by and friends took me on a night out. I met Alex at the door of the Trades and he was so friendly, so charming, and, well, I had a couple of glasses of wine, as you do.

“And I’m embarrassed to admit that as I was leaving I shouted out of the taxi window ‘I love you!’ at him. Anyway, he tracked me down and asked me out.

“The first date was to an Indian restaurant in Arbroath — that was three years ago and here we are now.

“Alex knows my back story and he’s been incredibly supportive.

“He looks like a scary monster but he’s such a gentleman, caring and kind. You feel safe and secure around him but having bits of car in the kitchen? No, I had to stop that!”

The couple became inseparable and Alex being Alex, proposed in a suitably Alex way. Madge explained: “He texted me and asked me to marry him. It was Valentine’s Day this year and when I picked myself up from the floor I said yes.

“I never saw it coming, I would never have imagined I was ever going to be walked down the aisle. It just goes to show you never know what’s around the corner and to have that network back — children, man and wife — is just amazing”.

The wedding was at The Queen’s Hotel and as it was being prepared, another poignant coincidence popped-up.

“The man I lost was Sean, my youngest son is called Sean and when we met the wedding planner at The Queen’s it turned out he was a Sean too, which was spooky but in a nice way.”

Madge’s dress came from Bridal Bliss in Hilltown and her Maid of Honour was Mo Gordon, from Arbroath.

Alex looked dashing in Grey Spirit tartan from Slaters and his Best Man was nephew Alan Crighton.

Madge wanted to give special thanks to a number of people. The stunning wedding cake was by Gem-ilicious, based at Ballumbie Castle Estate, and her hair was by Sally at Urban Colours & Vanity.

She added: “Photographer Godfrey Mordente was brilliant. He got us all relaxed, took great photos and got everything done in no time at all.

“I’d like to thank my sons – Ryan, Liam, Darren and Sean. The two eldest gave me away and the younger two were ushers.

“It was an amazing day, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.”

Madge and Alex — it was meant to be.