One of the very first couples to say ‘I do’ at Delapré Abbey have now pledged their support for Wedding with Thanks – a competition designed to thank and celebrate carers, key, and essential workers.
Wedding with Thanks, which is being supported by a host of Northamptonshire businesses, will see one lucky couple win a free wedding next year – complete with everything from wedding rings and stationary to a hair stylist for the bride, wedding cake, DJ, wedding band and flowers – all generously provided by Northamptonshire businesses.
Also supporting this competition are artisan beekeepers, Patrick Johnson and his wife Rachel Johnson-Bottrill, owners of Applegate Organics.
In 2017, following the restoration and reopening of the Abbey, Patrick and Rachel became one of the first couples to exchange their vows there.
Patrick said that: “It was an incredible day and stunning venue so we are delighted to be supporting this competition and will be providing favours for all the wedding guests – organic wildflower honey jars with labels made from pollinator-friendly wildflower seeded paper, which can be customised and planted by guests to create a lasting memory of the day for years to come.
“I worked on the front line of the NHS for over a decade, and my wife is currently a key worker, so we can empathise with people who have given up so much to help others through this difficult time.
“We are proud to support Wedding with thanks and keen to say thank you ourselves to all those people who have worked relentlessly throughout this global pandemic.”
Applegate Organics will also be providing the lucky couple with a honey themed hamper and a private tour of the Delapré Abbey apiary – to see where their honey is made – followed by an afternoon tea for two.
Patrick added: “This is our way of saying thank you to a deserving couple. Our support of their special day hopefully goes some way to demonstrate our gratitude for all the commitment, professionalism and personal sacrifice made by so many during COVID-19.”
Applegate Organics ltd, provide pollination services, education and consultancy and produce organic honey and beeswax products. They also work closely with charity, Rock2Recovery, supporting veterans and their families dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder by providing beekeeping therapy.
The company also has a ‘Bees for business’ service, which is a way for local businesses to adopt a hive and boost their green credentials whilst supporting local business and the environment.
