An Image That Will Last Forever
By Never teh Bride
The first sight of the bride is one that many grooms treasure forever, but few will treasure it more than Pwllheli, Wales resident Paul Jenkinson. A rare eye condition puts pressure on Jenkinson’s pituitary gland, and it is likely that he will eventually lose his sight completely. His dream was to have the vision of his wedding day impressed indelibly into his memory before he lost the ability to see.
“When I proposed to Angela I wanted us to marry quickly before I lost my eyesight but I only thought we would have a small do.
“I don’t know how long my sight will last. I have had some treatment to improve it but doctors can’t seem to give me any answers. I just wanted to be able to see Angela in her wedding dress.”
Jenkinson did see his bride in her wedding gown, and thanks to both his mother and Diane Roberts, from Wedding Belles in Llandudno, that “small do” became a grand event. Thanks to said mother, he won a national competition to win a fairytale wedding worth over £20,000 from Roberts. That money paid for cars, suits, jewelry, the reception, a harpist, a chimney sweep…and, of course, the dress.
Only fate can say what will happen to Jenkinson’s eyesight, but I think it is so wonderful that he not only got to see his bride in all her finery, he also had the wedding of his dreams.
(Kudos to mkb for the tip, and photo via the talented Bobby Earle)
November 11th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
“We even had a harpist and a chimney sweep as well as a one-and-a-half hour car ride from Pwllheli to Llandudno it was fantastic.”
What is the role of the chimney sweep in a traditional marriage? I don’t remember reading anything about that in iDo!
This is a sweet story… I wish the best for both of them.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:01 am
The chimney sweep is a tradition in parts of Britain – it’s supposed to be lucky to see a sweep on your wedding day, and as they don’t roam the streets much these days some brides hire them for the occasion.
(Remember “A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be” from Mary Poppins?)
November 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Thanks for clearing that up, MissPrism!
November 12th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Darn it. I take a day off from reading the boards and look what a touching story I find when I get back!
And Miss Prism beat me to the punch in explaining a bit of wedding tradition.
For what it’s worth, I wish Paul and Angela every happiness.
Now I have to go dab at my eyes with my hanky. They seem to be running for some reason. Damn allergies.
November 14th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
What a beautiful post. I have to say that one of the best parts (if not the best) of my wedding was when my husband saw me for the first time as a bride. He was absolutely speechless. I will never forget.
Jessica
11-01-08
13 days married!
November 15th, 2008 at 9:27 am
What an endearing story!