Reena and Rooney's Story
One day, Reena applied for a job at Lambeth Hospital and she got an interview! It was exciting but she was nervous. She asked a friend for some advice and her friend said she knew a guy who worked there who'd help. He never did help because he forgot.
Nevertheless, Reena got the job. She realised a few months later that the guy her friend was talking about was Rooney.
Reena was effectively Rooney's boss rendering the subsequent relationship a violation of HR policies. Before embarking on this forbidden union however, they became firm friends.
It was 2020 and COVID had forced the entire nation into lockdown. As nurses, Reena & Rooney continued working and conveniently, they both lived in Tottenham. This created an environment where they spent much of their free time together. They quickly became close friends.
The idea of a relationship was far from their minds. At that point in time, it was hard to imagine a less likely couple than them. They were both quite surprised (and still are) that things turned out the way they did.
Ultimately, the moment came. A story as old as time. Two people violating a nationwide lockdown so they could watch the 1991 black comedy Drop Dead Fred (11% on Rotten Tomatoes) found love.
To this day they celebrate "DDF" (Drop Dead Fred) day as the start of their relationship.
By Christmas of 2020 Rooney had moved in with Reena, besmirching her minimalist flat with much of the clutter he was accustomed to live amongst.
Somehow their relationship survived their profoundly contrasting personalities and five or so years later, Rooney managed to accumulate enough money to buy an antique engagement ring which he put in a period appropriate Bakelite box, which broke within a month.
On the island of Koh Yao Noi in Thailand, Rooney proposed during a tropical storm. He never intended to propose in a tropical storm but it added some great drama. Rooney made a sound recording of the lizards on the island which he uses as an alarm to this day. After close inspection of the ring, Reena said yes.
Slapton Manor Walter's Way
Slapton, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8PE
Order of the Day
10:00
Guest Arrival
Guests are to arrive from 10am to be seated by no later than 10:15am for the ceremony to begin on time
10:30
Celebrant-led Ceremony
A celebrant led ceremony based on the pagan handfasting ritual, performed by our friend Mary
12:00
Brunch
A selection of traditional Gujarati breakfast favourites, freshly prepared and served with classic accompaniments
13:15
Hindu Ceremony
A spiritual ceremony honouring Hindu customs, centred on love, connection, and sacred rituals
18:15
Buffet Dinner
An assortment of traditional Guajarati wedding dishes, inspired by childhood memories
20:00
Reception
The moment the formalities end and the fun begins
00:00
Good night
The day’s celebrations conclude at midnight
Time to start
slappin' in Slapton
Yo, it’s mad out ‘ere — Reena & Rooney are lockin’ it down in Slapton, yeah? Big day, big drip, no long ting. Man’s talkin’ vows, not violations. Come correct, bring vibes, and don’t act brand new.