A YORK couple said they are “absolutely delighted”

to have won The Press Win A Wedding competition.

Michelle Stannard, 37, and Adrian Elliott, 38, from Acomb, received the most votes out of the final 11 couples to win a wedding complete with venue, catering, outfits and much more.

The couple say they had hoped to marry for years to give them and their children security as a family.

The pair met after Adrian’s marriage ended six years ago and he and his three children, Samuel, Rebecca and Joseph, moved in with Michelle and her daughter, Lauren.

Michelle said: “I’m so happy. Words cannot express how I feel. It means so much to us both. I would like to thank everyone who voted to make our dream come true. Our commiserations go out to the other finalists and we would like to thank The Press for this opportunity.

“It’s the final commitment and I know it’s mushy to say but we know we have found each other and we are soulmates. Adrian is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Adrian and Michelle, who live in Stuart Road, met as they both work for Parcelforce – Michelle as a contract manager and Adrian as a delivery driver.

Michelle said her father, Gerald Stannard, is especially excited as she will be the first of four daughters he will walk down the aisle.

Adrian said: “Michelle means the world to me. She took on me and my three children at a time when I needed someone in my life. I’m unbelievably grateful to Michelle. She has pulled us together, she is a remarkable woman.

“Words cannot express how much it means to be marrying Michelle.”

The Press has teamed up with top wedding suppliers to ensure Michelle and Adrian will be treated to everything they could need on their special day.

The wedding will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012, with a ceremony in the Bootham Suite at York Register Office and a reception at the Park Inn, York.

The prize includes a wedding breakfast for 30, and an evening buffet for 80 people worth about £2,200. An evening disco will be organised by Club Class Entertainment.

A bridal gown worth up to £1,000 will be provided by Perfect Day Bridal, and bridesmaid and flower girl dresses worth £300 will be available from Plush bridal boutique.

The groom and best man’s suit hire worth £240 will come from Young’s at Suit Direct, and a mother of the bride outfit worth up to £400 will be available from Forevermore. Two wedding rings to the value of £500 will be provided by Asquiths and jewellery worth up to £150 by Vintage.

To make sure everyone looks their best for the big day, Kuki will provide a hair and make-up package worth around £400, and Diamond is offering teeth whitening worth about £250 for the bride and groom.

A cake worth £275 will be provided from Angela’s Angel Cakes, flowers to the value of £450 from Buzzy Bees Flowers, and chair covers and decorations to the value of £350 will also be on offer from Ambience.

A photographer and prints worth £1250 will be available from Visual Image Photographic Services, and a classic limousine worth £375 from DoveCote Wedding Cars will be provided.

York Press: The Press - Comment

Wedding winners

IT is traditionally the most magical day of your life: the day when you pledge to share your life, for better or for worse, with another person.

Michelle Stannard and Adrian Elliott’s wed-ding will be particularly special, however.

Following a popular vote, they beat off ten other couples in the final of our fantastic Win A Wedding Competition.

So when Michelle walks down the aisle on April 28 next year, she will be doing it in style, in a wedding dress worth up to £1,000.

The bride and groom will exchange rings worth £500, and there will also be a wedding breakfast and evening buffet laid on.

The couple, who have four children from previous marriages, have hoped to marry for years.

This wedding will be a dream come true, Michelle says – and will give their children the security they need.

We hope Michelle, Adrian and their children have a wonderful day – and a wonderful life together as a family.