Valentine's Day 2022: Four Salisbury love stories to celebrate

We asked our readers if they had gotten engaged or married in Salisbury, and were overwhelmed with mostly beautiful stories. 

From fairytale style engagements, to ones which didn’t quite work out, it is clear there is something special about this city. 

Below are four wholesome love stories that captured this writer’s heart.

Disaster becomes memorable proposal

Leanne Thornborough (31), & Mark Minnican (46) 

Leanne Thornborogh’s fiancé Mark Minnican, 46, proposed to her a few weeks into the 2020 lockdown, and caught her completely by surprise. 

The driving instructor who is a father-of-three spent hours blowing up 100 balloons in secret, and smuggled them into the couple’s caravan. 

He then got Leanne, 31, running out to check for a gas leak, and discovered a romantic set-up where Mark popped the question in style. 

“I was shocked, sniffing around thinking that there’s a gas leak, and it took a few moments to realise this was really happening,” Leanne said.

“Also, because we were in lockdown, and he couldn’t get me a ring yet, he had this little pipe cleaner with tinsel! I’ve got one now, bless him.

“It certainly made lockdown a little bit more memorable in a good way.”

Leanne was relieved to find that instead of a gas leak, she found a romantic proposal from now- fiancé Mark!

Leanne also has three children, who get along well with Mark’s, and said they’re all very excited for the upcoming wedding. 

The couple, who have been together for five years, set the wedding date ahead for July 25, 2022, as they didn’t want to risk it being cancelled during lockdown.

Engagement at first sight  

Abigail Bird, 51, and her partner Nick, 55, got engaged whilst she was still a student nurse at what used to be Salisbury General Infirmary on Fisherton Street. 

In 1993, medical services transferred to the Odstock site which is now known as Salisbury District Hospital and the Fisherton Street site was closed. 

The couple had only known each other for six weeks when they got engaged, but July 11 this year is their 30th wedding anniversary. 

On what drew her to Nick, Abigail said: “He was just a really nice guy, he gave a good cuddle. We just seemed to click.”

They were married in Coombe Bissett Church, where their daughter is getting married in April this year.

Sun shines on picture perfect lockdown wedding 

Daniel and Nicole had their first date in 2016, finally tying the knot in the summer of 2021.

Daniel Gillam, 41, and Nicole, 42, got married on May 27 last year at Bourne Hill with a reception at Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel.

The couple were also lucky in that restrictions lifted enough for them to have 16 guests at their wedding, which originally was only allowed to be eight.

“We were so lucky, as it had been raining, and then the day turned out to be absolutely beautiful, it was so hot,” the 41-year-old said. 

“Everyone had been in lockdown for so long, and all communication had been virtual, so the fact that people could spend time together and get dressed up and have their hair and make-up done was so special.” 

A live link was also set up so that the family of Nicole, who is a social worker for Wiltshire Council, could watch the ceremony and speeches from Trinidad. 

Daniel and Nicole had their first date in 2016, finally tying the knot in the summer of 2021.

Daniel has been part of Her Majesty’s forces for nearly 22 years, as part of the King’s Royal Hussars regiment which is based in Tidworth, and the couple live in Salisbury. 

On how he felt when Nicole first walked down the aisle, “I didn’t really want to look, because although I’m in the military I thought if I see her I’ll probably burst into tears, that’s just how I am. 

“But when she came down I saw her and she was absolutely stunning and beautiful.”

College sweethearts to 50 years of marriage

Carole Kent-Robinson (70) & Ian Kent-Robinson (72)

Married June 26, 1971 

Carole Kent-Robinson, 70, met her husband Ian, 72, in 1968 when they were both at Salisbury College. 

He proposed to her in 1970 at what was then Berni’s Inn at the Old Coach House on Milford Street, and they married at Middle Wallop the following year.

On June 26 last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 

The secret to a successful marriage according to Carole is: "Let your love be stronger than anger, and don't leave an argument unresolved over night."

Due to Covid, Carole and Ian couldn't have a full celebration for their 50th, but instead had a 'fantastic tea' organised by their loved ones. They took this selfie together.

We sadly couldn't share all of our reader's Salisbury lovely stories, but if you'd like to share the love feel free to add your story in the comments. 

The original Facebook post is below if you'd like to read more. 

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