Extra care housing couple who moved in together during lockdown get married

A couple who met two years ago when they both moved into the same extra care housing accommodation have tied the knot lockdown style with residents and friends wishing them well from the garden.

Dennis and Yvonne Shelton, both 67, weren't able to invite their 100 guests as planned, but residents and friends at were able to watch the proceedings from the garden as the wedding venue, Larkfield Priory Hotel, is just around the corner from Lawson House.

’We wanted the staff and residents to come but we had to limit the number of guests'

Ms Shelton said: "We were going to cancel but I said 'we are going ahead with it', everyone was looking forward to it.

“We wanted the staff and residents to come but, in the end, we had to limit the number of guests so unfortunately, only a few could join us.

"The manager of the hotel was wonderful, she managed to do an excellent job whilst keeping with the government guidelines, it was such a wonderful day.”

Mr Shelton added: “Brian, a resident here took photos for us and Jed, another resident and friend, was my best man.

“He’s always losing things, so we made sure we didn’t give him the rings until just before! Of course, we were disappointed that all the other residents couldn’t join us for our special day but we’re going to hold a big party for everyone when all this is over.”

Mr and Mrs Shelton are not originally from Larkfield in Aylesford but upon meeting, they realised they both used to frequent the same pubs in Welling many years ago and they most likely crossed paths in their younger days.

The couple began spending more time together and they introduced their families as the romance ensued. Breaking with tradition, Ms Shelton proposed to Mr Shelton and the couple were married earlier this month.

“I always said I’d never marry again but then I met Dennis and I knew straight away,” says Ms Shelton. “We both moved into Lawson House when it first opened in August 2018, but Dennis had a partner, so I stayed away. A year later he was single, we found ourselves having drinks in our friend’s apartment together and the rest is history.

“Our families get on so well and whilst I think they were a little surprised I was planning to marry again; they love Dennis and my grandchildren even call him grandad.”

Residents and staff helped the couple move in together in March, as lockdown gripped Britain.

Ms Shelton admits it has been tough for them and residents as activities in Lawson House have stopped, and some communal spaces have shut to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

She also didn't see her daughter and grandchildren for several weeks.

"That was awful. After about six weeks you could see family outside in the car park but keep your distance, and to see your grandchildren and not cuddle them, that was hard.”

Mr and Mrs Shelton have decided to postpone their honeymoon this year and are now planning a cruise to the Fjords for their first anniversary next year.

Jill Stanley, housing officer at Lawson House said: “Lawson House has only been up and running for a couple of years but the residents have developed such a wonderful community and built so many friendships, so we’re delighted for Dennis and Yvonne’s very happy news, particularly after such a difficult few months.

“It’s been hard on everyone, but we’ve managed to keep COVID-19 out, so we’re all looking forward to being able to celebrate the news together when it is safe to do so.”