Fancy getting wed tomorrow? Ben and Sally marry with 24 hours’ notice to beat lockdown
A COUPLE married in rollercoaster fashion after a Derbyshire wedding venue allowed them to tie the knot with just 24 hours’ notice.
Ben Thomas and his partner-ofseven-years Sally Maddock were planning to get married on Saturday, November 7, after their initial date on June 6 was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The couple, who have one child together, set their sights on getting hitched at Lower Damgate Farm in Ashbourne, and had everything set for their big day – albeit a smaller guest list than first planned.
But more disappointment was to come when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another full national lockdown to take place throughout November and into December – just days before their re-arranged date.
The shock announcement meant that Ben and Sally, who live in Macclesfield, had to postpone their wedding for a second time.
The pair were understandably upset when they had to make the dreaded phone call on the Monday morning, November 2, to postpone it once again.
The owners at Lower Damgate Farm offered them the chance to get married the next day – Tuesday November 3 – two days before the lockdown officially started.
Ben, 34, who works as a conveyancer, said: “It was a fantastic day and a rollercoaster 24 hours. The owners of Lower Damgate Farm pulled out all the stops, as did my wife, our parents and the local chippy in Ashbourne – Market Place Fish and Chip Restaurant – who delivered our wedding breakfast of fish and chips in a taxi, as our original caterers couldn’t come with such little notice.” ”
Ben and Sally y met seven years ago when they used to work with each other at Main and Main Estate Agents.
So how do you plan a wedding in just 24 hours?
Sally, 43, said: : “It was all a bit bonkers but it was the best td day ever – I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Ben phoned me on the Monday morning saying ‘they can do tomorrow at 3.30pm’ and I was like ‘okay then, let’s make it happen’.
“I remember saying to my mum ‘do you fancy going to my wedding tomorrow tomorrow?’ and I think she’s still getting it over it. We w were lucky becaus cause nobody had any real plans so w we could have th the 13 of the 1 15 guests we w wanted.
“We managed to get the wedding dress and flowers sorted and I made a wedding cake – but it wasn’t anything too fancy.
“The catering company we hired couldn’t do it, which was understandable, at such short notice so Ben rang the local chippy in Ashbourne and they said they could do it for us.
“It was crackers. We hope to have a big party next year with all our friends and family.”
The pair’s plans for an official honeymoon are on hold for now but Ben surprised his new wife by booking a hot tub at their home with some champagne treats along the way.
The couple say they have been touched by Lower Damgate Farm’s struggles this year due to the pandemic and are urging people to donate to its animal sanctuary during what is a difficult time.
Ben added: “The weddings and accommodation goes towards the animals’ upkeep and with what has happened this year, they are struggling so we would like to show our support and encourage donations as a thank-you for allowing us to hold the wedding with such short notice.”
The catering company couldn’t do it at such short notice but the local chippy stepped up for us. Sally Maddock a th dr mad t “Th t i