Rugby leap year proposal pair tie the knot

A rugby-mad couple from Rugby, who captured hearts last year when the woman proposed to the man, got married.
Rugby couple Tom and Elizabeth Helliwell got married in February after she proposed during the leap year in 2016. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091111001Rugby couple Tom and Elizabeth Helliwell got married in February after she proposed during the leap year in 2016. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091111001
Rugby couple Tom and Elizabeth Helliwell got married in February after she proposed during the leap year in 2016. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091111001

Tom and Elizabeth Helliwell, of Coton Park, tied the knot at St Peter’s Church in Church Lawford on February 17.

The Advertiser reported how Elizabeth surprised Tom a year ago by taking advantage of the Leap Year and popping the question at Rugby St Andrew’s rugby club, where they met.

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The bridegroom said they had a great day and were enjoying married life.

The happy couple. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091329001The happy couple. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091329001
The happy couple. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-091329001

“It’s been really good, we had a short honeymoon in Tenerife the week after the big day but now it’s back to reality,” Tom said.

Elizabeth, 31, added: “The day went absolutely brilliantly, it went really smoothly and we had good weather for mid-February.”

Tom, 32, was planning to propose later that year by taking Elizabeth to London to watch a show.

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But he was caught off guard when she got on one knee after practice, with it all planned out with the help of her friends.

The wedding party acted out scrums and lineouts for a bit of fun. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-090955001The wedding party acted out scrums and lineouts for a bit of fun. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-090955001
The wedding party acted out scrums and lineouts for a bit of fun. Photo by Darren Standbridge NNL-170322-090955001

The Helliwells met while playing rugby so that is why Elizabeth decided to do it there.

The reception was held at Dunchurch Park and to continue the rugby theme, the wedding party posed in a line-out and scrum for the photographer.