NHS workers win a wedding in Cambridgeshire

NHS workers Tia Whiteman and Joel Whittingham are the winners of a competition organised by Chippenham Park in Newmarket and Blossom Wedding Planning  

Photography: Emma Ashdown Photography 

The appreciation of the sacrifices the NHS have made in the past six months has been recognised by the whole nation but Cambridgeshire wedding venue Chippenham Park and Blossom Wedding Planning came together during lockdown to offer a competition for engaged NHS workers to win a free wedding. 

Natasha from Blossom Wedding Planning and the events Manager, Beccy Nicholson at Chippenham Park say: “We are all beyond proud of the NHS and everybody that is involved on the frontline, busy keeping the rest of us fit, healthy and safe. We were adamant we wanted to give something back and of course, in the best way we know how. 

“In early August we invited our winners Tia and Joel to come to the venue to do a short interview to camera under the assumption they had made the final shortlist, but in fact we actually revealed they were the winners.” 

Both Tia and Joel are paramedics for East of England ambulance service, have been together for more than six years and engaged since December 2019. 

On being revealed as the winners, Tia said: “Winning the NHS wedding has meant so much, it still doesn't feel real. The generosity of the suppliers has overwhelmed us and has enabled us to turn what was once a dream wedding, into a reality for myself and Joel. 
“It's caused such a excitement for us, family and friends and given everyone close something to look forward to in this odd and challenging time. 

Some of the suppliers who were able to make the reveal to Tia and Joel at Chippenham Park

Tia and Joel’s wedding is due to take place on Wednesday April 7, 2021 at Chippenham Park, a venue on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border. The venue has been given free of charge and Blossom Wedding Planning have also offered their planning services free of charge as well. There are also a host of other suppliers who are offering their services free of charge or at a discounted rate for this wedding. They are: 

Venue: Chippenham Park  
Wedding Planner: Blossom Wedding Planning  
Photographer: Emma Ashdown Photography  
Videographer: White In Motion Films  
Disco: Wedding Party Events 
Florist: Augusta Hope Flowers  
Catering: Crown Catering Cambridge  
Hair stylist: Katrina Kelly Wedding Hair  
Make-up Artist: Amelia Bethany Makeup 
Cakemaker: Sparkles Cake Boutique 
Stationery: The Luxe Paper Co 
Bridal Dress: Blush Ely 
Harpist: UK Harpists  
Singer: Truly Romantic  
Photobooth: The Snap Booth  
Groomswear: Golding of Newmarket  
Chair Covers: Lulabelles Wedding and Events 
Entertainment: Matthew Le Mottée  
Entertainment: Joey the Confetti Pony  
Linen: Northfields Linen 

Beccy sums up the competition by saying: “In a year of not so good news, it was a lovely morning putting a bit of ‘feel good’ back into one couple’s lives.”