A group of Welsh wedding suppliers came together at short notice to give a terminally ill bride the wedding day she had dreamed of.

Peterstone Court, near Brecon, donated the use of its Grade II-listed country house for the wedding last month, with dozens of businesses and individuals then stepping in to provide everything from flowers and photography to music, hair and make-up.

The wedding was organised with Gift of a Wedding, a registered UK charity which arranges weddings for people living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.

Suppliers had just three weeks’ notice to pull the day together.

Despite the tight timescale, they donated their services free of charge to make sure the bride, Jessica, and her husband Shakeel could celebrate their wedding surrounded by family and friends.

Peterstone Court provided the setting for Jessica and Shakeel’s dream wedding
Peterstone Court provided the setting for Jessica and Shakeel’s dream wedding (.)

Among those involved were photographer Jo Edginton, celebrant Alisa Cakebread, singer Molly Dyer, florist Alana Coxon, hair stylist Stephie Osborne and make-up artist Jessica Bressington.

There was also a cake from Nathalie Griffith, cupcakes by Rebecca Parry, videography from Jacob Evans, drone footage from Adam Lyons, music from DJ Christopher Lauriello and live illustration by Coloured by Ciaran.

RSR Ceremonies provided the on-the-day coordination, while magician Lance and Teddy the Unicorn also helped provide entertainment.

The wedding cake and cupcakes helped make the couple’s dream day complete
The wedding cake and cupcakes helped make the couple’s dream day complete (.)

Sharon Howells, wedding coordinator at Peterstone Court, said she immediately wanted to help when the request came in.

“We had never been asked to do something like this before,” she said.

Sharon said she had lost her husband during the pandemic and had immediately connected with the couple.

“They came in for a show-around so we could plan the day just as they wanted, and we ended up sharing tears together,” she said.

She said she was “blown away” by the quality of the suppliers who agreed to give their time and services.

A total of 62 guests attended the wedding, with some travelling from as far away as New Zealand.

The couple also have a young child.

Shakeel said the couple had “instantly fallen in love” with Peterstone Court when they first arrived.

He said the gardens and lawn were particularly special as they had always wanted an outdoor ceremony.

“The day itself was everything we could have dreamed of,” he said.

“It all just clicked into place. Everyone worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure it all ran smoothly, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment of our special day.”

He thanked Sharon and the Peterstone Court team, as well as everyone who donated their time.

“There are very few moments that truly last a lifetime, but our wedding day at Peterstone Court was filled with them,” he said.

Peterstone Court is set to open its doors to couples planning their own weddings at its Early Autumn Wedding Showcase this coming Sunday (September 13).

The event runs from midday until 3pm and is free to attend, with no invitation or appointment required.

More than 20 wedding suppliers are expected to be there, while visitors will also be able to look around the house, grounds and rooms.