A newlywed’s big day was made extra special when her best friend travelled 10,500 miles to be her maid of honour.
Alison Baldwin-Carter, nee Baldwin, was chuffed that Nicola Seeley jetted in from Brisbane, Australia, to play the key part in her wedding to beau Paul at Sidbury church this week.
It was a triple celebration for Alison, 48, of Hillside, Sidbury, as Tuesday was her nuptials, a reunion and her birthday.
Alison and Nicola, nee Turner, first met aged 13 when they worked in Sidmouth’s Mocha restaurant together.
“We’ve had lots of hilarious times together,” said Alison.
Hairdresser Nicola moved to Australia permanently when she was 20 after marrying hubby John, a policeman, in October 1990. They have two children together.
Alison has visited Nicola four times over the years and they catch up frequently over the FaceTime app.
Nicola even threw Alison a hen party in Australia and shared the photos with her in a special booklet. While the bride was unable to attend the bash 16,750km away, she did enjoy a night out in Exeter.
Alison and Paul met while playing darts at the Rising Sun pub.
Alison, a chef at the Blue Ball, said of her hubby: “He’s absolutely lovely – such a sweetheart.”
Ottery born and bred Paul said: “I love her to bits.”
Paul was treated to a guard of honour from his fellow tar barrelers
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