A YOUNG Bridgwater couple had their wedding day saved after local businesses stepped in to help out.

Teenagers Denise and Dan Timbrell had been planning to get married at the Alive Christian Ministries Church but once Denise became pregnant the Church said it felt it would not be right for them to marry the couple.

Fortunately the Reverend at the St Francis of Assisi, who knew Denise’s mother, agreed that the couple could get married there, but with money being tight, the day was still in jeopardy.

Less than a fortnight before the wedding day, Denise visited Buzy Bees clothing store in Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre – hoping to get her readjusted as it no longer fit because of the pregnancy.

“Naturally Denise and I got talking and she told me her story,” said Buzy Bees manager Christine Clayton.

“It was so sad that their whole day seemed to be going to pot. It was clear she did not have a lot of money, so I offered to fix the dress free of charge.”

Just as this transaction was finishing, Graham Jennings, from neighbouring GDJ Photography walked in.

“I felt sorry for the girl and offered to do the refitting for free, at which point in came Graham – and we went over the story again, and he offered to do some photos for free and that really started the ball rolling,” Mrs Clayton said.

“I asked her what they were planning for a reception – and Denise said they had planned to have it at the previous church.

“We are all quite close in the Indoor Shopping Centre and so I went and spoke to the owners of the Diablo Café, and they kindly agreed to put on a buffet for the reception,” Mrs Clayton added.

“We are fortunate that we are in a position to help them out, and why shouldn’t they have a special day?

“Denise’s mum has learning difficulties, but she came in to the store, gave me a hug and said ‘thank you so much’. It was very sweet of her.”

Speaking on Thursday before Saturday’s big day, Denise, 18, said: “We had been planning on getting married at The Alliance church but they said they did not believe we were old enough and it would not be right for them to marry us.

Denise said she had been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to her and Dan and was looking forward to the big day itself.

“I am excited and nervous but ever so grateful to these small business owners for helping us out.”

The couple were married on Saturday at the St Francis of Assisi..