After a remarkable 47-year romance and a lengthy 30-year engagement, Denise Nolan and her drummer beau Tom Anderson have finally said: “I do”. The lovebirds exchanged vows in the seaside town of Blackpool, a place they hold dear, with a charming ceremony on the promenade followed by celebratory snaps against the iconic backdrop of Blackpool Tower.
The wedding paid homage to Denise’s sister Bernie, who died aged 52 in 2013, while sisters Linda, 65, Coleen, 59, Anne, 73, and Maureen, 70, were in high spirits, ready to hit the dance floor at the reception.
The occasion held an added layer of significance as Tom, now 77, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years prior, making it a poignant celebration of their love amidst challenging circumstances.
Linda, who moved in with Denise and Tom following the spread of her incurable cancer to her brain, expressed her deep gratitude by contributing to the wedding expenses. Having lived with the couple during her treatments, she relished every moment of the matrimonial event.
Linda shared her emotions exclusively with OK! and the Daily Mirror: “With everything that’s happened in my own life, moments like these become even more precious.”
She continued, reflecting on the ceremony: “Watching Denise walk down the aisle, knowing all the years of love, trials, and triumphs she and Tom have shared, brought tears to my eyes. It was a day filled with laughter, tears, and memories that I will cherish forever.”
The ceremony was held on Monday at the Wedding Chapel Blackpool (Festival House), situated on the iconic promenade, and was followed by a festive reception at the Park House Hotel, where guests were treated to original Nolan dance routines.
Denise shared: “The family are all very generous but Linda’s especially generous. Please God she’s not going to leave us any time, but I think she feels, with her incurable illness, that she wants to help out when she can.”
The couple’s love story began in 1977 when Denise was performing with The Nolans and Tom was the resident drummer at the London Rooms in the West End. They got engaged in the ’90s but never rushed into marriage until now.
Tom, who became a part of Denise’s band during her solo career, had playfully suggested they book a wedding service over the years, but they never took the plunge.
Denise continued: “He’s asked me to marry him a few times. But usually when he’s had a drink and is feeling sentimental! Then I mention it to him the next day and he runs a mile!”
However, following Tom’s devastating diagnosis, the pair realised that if they were to marry, the time was now.
The celebration was originally set to be a small event with just Denise, Tom, and two witnesses, but this soon escalated into a grand family gathering following Linda’s suggestion. The event saw attendance from siblings Tom Jr, and Brian as well as their respective families.
Coleen, known for her appearance on Loose Women, came along with partner Michael Jones and son Jake Roche, a former Rixton singer.
Brother Brian gave the bride away as she walked down the aisle to her rendition of You, My Love by Sinatra, from her 2022 Top 20 album For You, My Love.
Denise and Tom bestowed emotionally profound love tokens to one another- rings engraved with “I love you”. The ceremony took an emotional turn as the entire Welsh family harmonised to a recorded song from Bernie’s 1996 wedding.
Following the ceremony, they were welcomed back with Tom’s powerful rendition of Love Will Keep Us Together.
The newlyweds first waltz swayed to the rhythm of Stevie Wonder’s Sunshine of My Life. However, the highlight of the evening was the unexpected performance by The Nolans themselves.