A couple who moved in together as lockdown took hold have tied the knot.

Dennis and Yvonne Shelton, both 67, who met when they moved into the same assisted living accommodation in Larkfield two years ago, married earlier this month.

The pair weren't able to invite their 100 guests as planned but their friends at Lawson House watched from the garden as the newlyweds left the wedding venue as man and wife, because, conveniently, the assisted living accommodation is right next door.

Yvonne, a granny of six, said: "We were going to cancel but I said 'we are going ahead with it'. Everyone was looking forward to it. It was an amazing day."

Speaking about how the pair met, the former Barclays worker said: “I always said I’d never marry again but then I met Dennis and I knew straight away. We both moved into Lawson House when it first opened in August 2018, but Dennis had a partner, so I stayed away.

"A year later he was single, we found ourselves having drinks in our friend’s apartment together and the rest is history.”

They embarked on a whirlwind romance and Yvonne proposed to Dennis, who worked in damage control, in October.

“Our families get on so well and whilst I think they were a little surprised I was planning to marry again, they love Dennis and my grandchildren even call him grandad, ” Yvonne said.

Residents and staff helped the besotted couple move in together in March, as lockdown restrictions were imposed across the country.

Yvonne admits it has been tough for them both and the other residents as activities in Lawson House, such as bingo, have stopped, and some communal spaces have shut to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

She also did not see her daughter for several weeks.

"That was awful. After about six weeks you could see family outside in the car park but keep your distance, and to see your grandchildren and not cuddle them, that was hard."

"In years to come people will say, 'why was everyone wearing masks?"

However, the wedding, held at Larkfield Priory Hotel on September 12, gave everyone something to look forward to, with Yvonne's 21-year-old grandson acting as chauffeur, his white BMW decorated with ribbons.

Another grandson provided the music during the ceremony.

Yvonne said: "When we were having our service people had masks on. In years to come people will say 'why was everyone wearing masks?'"

Dennis uses a wheelchair and Yvonne sat on his lap as they enjoyed their first dance to Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, while relatives and close friends danced around them, while maintaining a social distance.

"When we were dancing we just kept our distance, it was tempting, but we kept our distance," Yvonne said.

She praised the hotel for creating such a wonderful day while keeping within the Government guidelines.

Dennis said: “Brian, a resident here took photos for us and Jed, another resident and friend, was my best man. He’s always losing things, so we made sure we didn’t give him the rings until just before.

"Of course, we were disappointed that all the other residents couldn’t join us for our special day but we’re going to hold a big party for everyone when all this is over.”

There will be no honeymoon this year but the newlyweds are planning a cruise to the Fjords for their first anniversary next year.

Yvonne is also looking forward to meeting a new grandchild, due at the end of the year.

Jil Stanley, housing officer at Lawson House, an extra care housing scheme, said: “Lawson House has only been up and running for a couple of years but the residents have developed such a wonderful community and built so many friendships, so we’re delighted for Dennis and Yvonne’s very happy news, particularly after such a difficult few months.

“It’s been hard on everyone but we’ve managed to keep Covid-19 out, so we’re all looking forward to being able to celebrate the news together, when it is safe to do so.”

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