Neighbours’ lockdown wedding surprise for Eastbourne couple after big day cancelled

NHS workers Alex Buckwell and David Collie only moved in to their new home in Motcombe Road a few weeks ago, just days before the lockdown began.

They had planned to wed in Scotland over the Easter weekend – but, when coronavirus made this impossible, their new neighbours decided to hold a surprise celebration to lift their spirits.

Alex, 26, said, “It was the most amazing thing that’s ever happened. It was one of those things I could never have expected. I was in absolute tears.”

The pair had just settled down on Saturday evening (April 11) after a day of painting the house and were getting ready for a night in front of the TV with some fizz.

But the sound of bagpipes playing in the distance gradually got their attention, and then there was a knock at the door.

“We opened it and found a beautifully laid table with a bunch of flowers, an Easter egg, Cairn stack of stones and a bottle of bubbly with two glasses,” said Alex.

All their neighbours were stood on their doorsteps with a glass of sparkling wine and were ‘cheersing’ Alex and David to their wedding day.

They had all decorated their homes with bunting and there was a bubble machine and Flower of Scotland was playing on a portable speaker.

Alex had mentioned to one neighbour it was due to be their wedding that day and they had posted postcards down the road inviting everyone to help lift the couple’s spirits.

Alex and David were welcomed into the middle of the street to have their ‘first dance’ and a taste of what might have been.

Alex said, “We couldn’t stop smiling. It’s one of the kindest things anyone has done for us. To have that from complete strangers, that support from people you don’t even know, it’s so amazing.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all of our neighbours in Motcombe Road, specifically Bernie and Joe who spread the word via postcards through letter boxes.

“Their kindness was overwhelming and we are so thankful to be part of such a warm and welcoming community.

“Now, for all the right reasons, we will remember our original wedding date of April 11 2020 for the rest of our lives. In a world full of such darkness at the moment, this gesture shines so bright and will never be forgotten.”

David, 36 and originally from Glasgow, said, “I was really taken aback by it. We weren’t thinking of what might have been but reflecting on an amazing gesture. It was quite incredible.”

The road is already planning a street party for when this is all over.

Alex and David plan to finally get married in the Easter break next year.

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