Shropshire man Robert Simpson will be hoping the unpredictable weather leans towards a sunny day next Monday – as he marries his bride-to-be in one of the first outdoor weddings of the season.
Robert John Simpson (known as Bob), 62, from Shrewsbury, and his bride to be Zenaida Calderon (known as Nida), 60, from London, will marry in a civil ceremony at the Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa on Monday (June 20).
It will be the first outdoor wedding at the Albrighton Hall Hotel in Shrewsbury and although the wedding team are always prepared for all weathers, everyone is hoping the rain will stay away.
Bob and Nida spent their first date in Oxford sightseeing and have spent a lot of time in London where Nida lives, but are looking forward to making Shropshire their home.
One of the reasons they decided to marry in Shrewsbury was the county’s beautiful landscape.
Bob said he has checked the weather forecast and it is looking good but added with the UK weather you never know what you will get.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed, it is the middle of June but you can get really nice weather at a December wedding,” he added.
“It doesn’t need to be hot sunshine, we have no problem with a bit of cloud but whatever the weather we are sure it will be a brilliant day.”
And although many of the guests are used to the unpredictable weather the UK is experiencing at the moment there are some guests who will be heading to Shropshire from far warmer climates.
“My sister will be flying in from New Zealand and Nida has friends flying in from Malta,” added Bob.
When choosing their wedding date the actual date itself was very important as Nida was born in the Philippines, moving to the UK in 1987, and is very superstitious about certain numbers.
The hotel, which is set in 15 acres of landscaped gardens, has recently undergone a £2 million refurbishment project to improve some areas of the hotel including the main function room, bridal suites, hotel bar and spa.
A new outdoor wedding pavilion and giant love swing have also been built in the garden grounds as part of the project.
The hotel was recently granted a licence to hold outdoor ceremonies and Bob and Nida’s wedding will be the first outdoor wedding to be held at the hotel.
Caroline Lee, hotel wedding co-ordinator, said: “We are very much looking forward to the first outdoor wedding here at the hotel and are very excited to be part of Bob and Nida’s big day.
“We will also be keeping our fingers crossed for good weather but have lots of plans in place to ensure that whatever the UK weather decides to bring, their day will still be perfect!.”