Craig Critchley and Kelly Baylis are getting ready to walk down the aisle in style on Valentine’s Day, after being chosen as winners of the Win a Wedding competition run by the City Council and Go CV.
There were dozens of entries, and judges had a tough time reading through all the incredible stories before finally selecting Craig and Kelly as winners.
In fact – both of them had sent in applications in the hope of being selected for the great prize, which is worth over £5,000.
It includes a marriage ceremony hosted in the Black Prince Room at Cheylesmore Manor House (Coventry Register Office), a wedding reception venue at Drapers’ Hall including buffet, dining set-up and service staff, plus overnight accommodation in a Junior Suite at the Telegraph Hotel with breakfast.
In submitting her entry, Kelly told how the couple had first met as 13-year-olds 37 years ago.
She said: “We’re both 50 this year and never got the chance to get married. Craig actually proposed to me on February 14th many years ago, but then life got turned upside down.
“We started saving for our wedding and we were trying to start a family, but things didn’t quite go as we planned.
“At 25 weeks our little girl was born weighing only 1lb 6oz and we named her Harriet. She was tiny and so sick. She fought so hard and had numerous surgeries and other procedures. It was the hardest time of our lives but we never gave up hope.
“Craig was amazing. He was my rock. Finally, Harriet began to improve and after months we got to bring her home. We want to marry so much and to have our beautiful 12-year-old daughter there as our flower girl on our engagement anniversary would be so special.”
In Craig’s entry, he said: ““Our journey has been so tough, filled with heartache, sadness and pure elation. We were told Harriet would not make it, but she defied all odds and is our little miracle. “So to complete our dream and to get married when we are 50 and on the anniversary of my proposal would be something very special indeed.”
On hearing they had won the prize, they said: “We couldn’t believe it, the best surprise you could ever imagine. It means the world to us that our love story will come full circle, a wedding on Valentine’s Day, the same day we got engaged! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The lucky winners will also have flower bouquets provided by Isabel’s Flower Studio, photographs by UR Rosa Photography, precious moments to share on social media by Electric Joy Moments Content Creator and Brody Swain as Wedding Toastmaster at the ceremony and reception.
People had to enter on the Go CV website, saying in no more than 300 words why they deserved to win. They also had to be a Coventry resident and hold a fully validated Go CV card.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member, Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “It really is a fantastic prize, and I am delighted for Kelly and Craig to have their dream come true after everything they have been through.
“Thank you to everyone who entered – there were some very moving and inspiring stories – and congratulations to our winning couple. I know they will have a fantastic day at some truly wonderful venues, and with the help of some very talented local businesses.”
To learn more about Go CV and how you could get some great discounts and enter competitions in the future, visit go-cv.co.uk