NHS heroes, Dylan and Beth, celebrated their dream wedding in Edinburgh, thanks to Apex Hotels, in partnership with Operation Recuperation. The UK hotel group have gifted five NHS workers the wedding of their dreams as a thank you for their hard work and sacrifices during the pandemic.
The fourth wedding took place at the luxury Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Dylan and Beth from London were chosen from hundreds of applicants to have their special day realised. After having their original wedding in London cancelled in April 2020, the couple were thrown into work, helping some of the sickest people.
“We were due to get married in the first week of lockdown in April 2020”, said Beth. “But, instead of getting into a wedding dress and suit, we were getting into full PPE bodysuits. I was seeing patients in the community as a GP and Dylan was working in hospital in the breast care unit helping women get through their breast cancer treatment.”
The couple worked tirelessly throughout the whole pandemic, without breaks. “We never worked from home or had any sort of break, said Dylan. “We even had to move house mid-pandemic, so it was a very stressful time.” As well as putting wedding plans on the back burner and working round the clock, the couple had some very sad news when both Dylan’s mum and stepdad passed away from Covid-19 within a week of each other.
“This pandemic really took no prisoners,” said Beth. “It was difficult for so many people and certainly was a very tough time for our family. We’re so grateful to the team at Operation Recuperation and Apex Hotels for giving us the chance to celebrate with family and friends and remembering those who can’t be with us.”
Apex Hotels treated Beth and Dylan to a complimentary complete wedding package, including a three-course wedding breakfast, drinks, evening buffet and upgraded wedding night accommodation.
Having the wedding at Apex Grassmarket Hotel was extra special for Beth as she has Scottish connections. “My mum’s side is all from Edinburgh, so it’s been like going home,” she said. “Celebrating our day in full view of the stunning Edinburgh Castle was a special experience and my mum especially was so excited.”
Dylan added, “Our original wedding was supposed to be in London, but the city now holds very painful memories. Having something completely different has made it easier with such special people missing from the day.”
The couple were also gifted other wedding essentials from some of Apex’s trusted suppliers. The event was captured digitally by Patrick Alexander Photography, bouquet flowers were provided by Carolyn Designer Florist while Narcissus provided flowers to decorate the cake, which was made by Cuckoo’s Bakery. The evening party was kept in full swing by Dougie Robertson from Buena Vista. Beth’s family were delighted at the extra Scottish touch of a piper and Donald MacKenzie made sure this wedding had the traditional Scottish soundtrack.
Michael Stott, commercial director at Apex Hotels said: “The pandemic has had a devastating effect on so many families but for Dylan and Beth, the cost of what they have lost can’t be measured. We’re so proud of our partnership with Operation Recuperation and are delighted to be able to gift the most deserving NHS couples with the wedding of their dreams, as a ‘thank you’ for all their hard work and sacrifice.
Dylan and Beth had a really special day at Apex Grassmarket and we’re so pleased we were able to help them celebrate. Everyone here at Apex wishes the couple a huge congratulations and many years of happiness together.”
Rachel Sherwood, founder of Operation Recuperation, said: “We have all been so moved by Dylan and Beth’s story and so I’m thrilled that they were finally able to tie the knot in style at the fabulous Apex Grassmarket Hotel. All the NHS weddings have been extremely special and I’m so proud of this partnership.Dylan and Beth worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and during the worst time in the ir lives. They deserve every happiness and I’m so glad they’ve had a special day.”
Apex Hotels kicked off its partnership with Operation Recuperation in 2021, gifting 10 overnight stays at its hotels across the UK to nominated NHS workers as a well-deserved break. There will be one final deserving couple who will enjoy an Apex Hotels wedding in November.
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