Cupid's arrow flies into Shottle
Love is certainly in the air here at Shottle Hall – with a marriage proposal, a wedding and a very special anniversary!
The romance began at our Valentine’s Dinner when a plucky diner got down on one knee and proposed to his gobsmacked girlfriend.
Michael Cooper (36) planned his romantic request well in advance, even delivering a bouquet and the ring to Shottle Hall beforehand for safe-keeping.
His partner Jane Brough (39) was stunned when a member of our staff brought out dessert – along with flowers and an engagement ring!
Jane, of Aldwalk, said: “I was totally staggered when I saw the ring, because Michael isn’t the kind of person to do this sort of thing.
“He’d picked the ring himself – a platinum, diamond solitaire from Avanti, in Ashbourne – and planned the whole thing. I had absolutely no idea!
“We’ve actually known each other for 26 years, although we haven’t been together for that long.
“I booked the table at Shottle Hall myself, which was why it was even more of a shock when Michael got down on one knee.”
There was barely a dry eye in the house when Jane’s answer was a resounding yes and we hope to see the happy couple back at Shottle Hall again one day - perhaps for their wedding.
On Valentine’s Day itself we were delighted to welcome Abigail Cooper and Jonathan Kite who had picked the most romantic day of the year to tie the knot.
But theirs wasn’t the only celebration at Shottle Hall on Valentine’s Day. For our very own Joanne and Steve Nicol were also marking their silver wedding anniversary that day.
Joanne said: “Steve and I had a wonderful wedding on February 14th 1987 and because our anniversary is on Valentine’s Day it’s inevitable that we are almost always working, although neither of us would have it any other way.
“It gives us both pleasure to make sure all the couples who marry here at Shottle have an equally special day.
“Shottle is very much a family-run business and we pride ourselves on the personal touch – it wouldn’t feel right to take the day off.
“Abigail and Jonathan’s wedding brought back wonderful memories of our own big day and we hope their first 25 years of married life are as happy as ours have been.”
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