Enjoying the day they dreamed of
ALL the frills is what they wanted, and all the frills was what they got — and for free, too.
When they woke up on Saturday morning Layla Twigg and Michael Bowen were single people.
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Wedding of the Year competition winners Michael and Layla Bowen at St David’s Church, Morriston, Swansea.
But just a few hours later they were husband and wife after 11 years together, and the Evening Post picked up the bill.
They were the winners of the paper’s 2008 Win a Dream Wedding competition.
Dylan Thomas Centre kitchen worker Layla said: “We entered the Evening Post competition in 2007, but didn’t win.
“We thought we would give it a last go in 2008. We are over the moon about winning.’’ Michael added: “It was going to be the day I have always wanted to give Layla, but could not afford. I think we might eventually have settled for a small, civil ceremony at County Hall with just a few guests had it not been for winning the Post competition. The budget would have been really tight.
“Just getting married would have been great. But this really has made all the difference.”
The pair were married at St David’s Church in Morriston by the Rev Hugh Lervy.
The groom arrived in a copy of the Trotter’s Robin Reliant van from Only Fools and Horses, while the four bridesmaids arrived in a vintage Daimler.
Two of them were the couple’s children, Alicia, aged five, and Chloe, aged eight.
And the bride and her mother — who walked her down the aisle — arrived in a Beauford. All were provided by SMJ cars.
“It’s meant everything to be able to do this,” said Layla after the ceremony.
The couple, of Goole Road, Ravenhill, Swansea, met at work.
They had been planning to tie the knot for a while, but the cost had stopped them from going ahead.
But on Saturday, in addition to the ceremony, the competition winners were treated to a plush reception for 70 guests at Swansea’s Marriott Hotel.
The cars, flowers, outfits, photographer and videographer were also included in the £16,000 prize.
“I would definitely say to other people to enter the competition if they can’t afford to get married,” added a beaming Michael.
And one other lucky couple is to follow in their footsteps.
The winner of the Evening Post’s 2009 Win a Dream Wedding competition will be announced on Wednesday.
The lucky winners will get a £19,000 package of prizes, which will include all the wedding essentials to make it a day to remember early in 2010.
25 Comments
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by huwwuh
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:54PM
“Extra, extra.
The Evening Post had asked cwtch to provide the catering at the Dolphin Hotel, but due to the move to JT Morgan they were unable to find enough tea cups.
Congratulations to you both.”
by antanddec1
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:39PM
“lol and just to let u know its me layla bowen the one who got married user name wouldnt except my name xx”
by antanddec1
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:37PM
“pmsl i only now seen this ha ha”
by anon, swansea
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 8:24PM
“Oh my god,Some of you really need to get a life, if it woz ne of u that won that competion would all u jealous lot be moaning so much en???? Dont think so!!!!”
by cath, swansea
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 7:55PM
“I think that the evening post need to set the record straight for a lot of people who are a bit thick to understand.
They did not give them the money, it has not cost the post a penny, so cliff how can they donate something to the community that they did not have in the first place,
im sure that there are many deserving people in this world but none so than mike and layla who have worked hard for all they have got, why shouldnt they get something for a change, not like the people you see who win the lottery and have never worked a day in their life, this is well deserved,
Lighten up and stop trying to spoil their happiness.
Mike and layla this is one marriage that will go the distance a match made in heaven, well done and ignore the sad little lonely people, those who know you know that the best two won.
All the best for your long and happy life together.”
by elaine, birchgrove
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 4:49PM
“What a nation of people have we become when all some people can do is moan about someone else's good fortune. There could be many reasons for this couple not being financially able to marry before so who are we to judge. I would like to wish them every happiness for the future and congrats on your wedding day. How many of you whinging about it would have turned it down if it was offered to you, i'll be honest i wouldnt have said no.
So well done to the post and the couple, and don't let any negative comments spoil your memories of your day.
Congratulations also to the couple who have just won, I hope you enjoy your day as much as this couple obviously did.”
by Hayley, Swansea
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 4:03PM
“Get a life CLIFF,,Michael and Layla are very close friends of mine and I cud'nt think of a more desrving couple to have won this prize. Like many people have stated they are hard working parents who ask for nothing and give they children everything they can,,they dont claim benefits and ask for hand outs. You should realise that the evening post did not give them £1600, it was a wedding to that value which cost the evening post nothing,,it was the companies supplying the dress cars and venue that gave towards the wedding. I shared that magical day with Michael and Layla and like I said before what well deserved winners. CONGRATULATIONS Both
Love from Hayley and family xxx”
by Ranon, Swansea
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 11:47AM
“Question:
How do you put a negative spin on a couple's big day?
Answer:
Put it to the people of Swansea.”
by steph, glais
Tuesday, March 03 2009, 10:58PM
“you sad pathetic little people!! get over yourselves i went to the wedding and it was lovley throughly deserved by layla and mike!! your all just jealous!! any one of you people moanin won it you wouldnt be saying half the stuff you are!! grow up!!
congrats layl and mike totally deserved!!”
by patrick, gorseinon
Tuesday, March 03 2009, 9:16PM
“i find it very disheartening that some sad and narrow minded individuals have seen the need to comment negatively on this happy feelgood story that swansea so desperately needs in this current cash strapped climate
perhaps the people who do know the full inside story of this lovely couples should stand up and be counted and put the wingers and dissenters in thier place”