Childhood sweethearts marry with help from across Leeds as generous residents do hair, makeup, photographs and offer vintage car for free

By Daniel Sheridan
Published 14th Feb 2023, 11:55 BST
Updated 14th Feb 2023, 11:56 BST
Childhood sweethearts from Leeds had their dream wedding become a reality after a viral Leedsplace post ended with a makeup artist, driver and photographer offering their services for free.

Sharon Stagg, 41, dated Gareth, 40, as a young teen but lost contact when she moved away from the area.

However, fate brought the newlyweds back together when Sharon randomly moved onto a street where Gareth was living with his parents – before bumping in to him as she walked down the road.

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They rekindled their love and Sharon used the opportunity of a leap year in 2020 to propose to Gareth.

Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecksSharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks
Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks

Due to a difficult last few years for the couple, they planned their wedding with financial difficulties and were not going to book a photographer or chauffeur for their big day.

A few months ago, one of Sharon’s friends posted on Facebook forum Leedsplace asking if anyone could help out as a driver on the day.

Much to the couple’s astonishment, hundreds of Leeds residents rushed to offer their own services far beyond the driver.

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Make up artist Heidi Sowrey of Love Beauty and photographer Rebecca Daniel of Instagram page @portraitsbybecks both offered their own time for free to make the day special for Sharon and Gareth.

Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecksSharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks
Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks

On February 11, the couple married at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Leeds – with Heidi providing hair and makeup and Rebecca taking photographs.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post after the best day of her life, Sharon said she was so thankful for all of the support she received.

"I was already doing the wedding on a budget when my friend put the post up about the driver”, she said.

"We couldn’t believe how many people had commented.

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Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecksSharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks
Sharon Stagg marries childhood sweetheart Gareth in a ceremony helped out by many from across Leeds CREDIT: @portraitsbybecks

"People told me I was glowing on the day, I was absolutely full of happiness.

"It was the most special day.”

Sharon explained how she had been planning her wedding since her spontaneous 2020 romantic proposal.