Monday September 12th was a very special day for Govtech this year, as two of our colleagues, Catherine and Andrew, said ‘I do’ in front of their family, friends and co-workers and united in marriage.

When Cathy & Andy met at Govtech 10 years ago, they had no idea that it would be the beginning of their love story. They both started their new jobs in Sept 2012 as Data Quality Assessors. Over the next three years they grew fond of each other and became more than just work colleagues. They didn’t want to keep their feelings hidden behind the computer screens, so they decided to make their relationship official on September 12, 2015. You may not think that the precise date of declaring a relationship is significant, but if you bear with me, you'll start to see a pattern, since what came next (yes, the proposal!) also occurred on September 12th.

By that time, Cathy & Andy had transitioned to their new roles within the company and joined our Client Management team. They both travelled down to Dorset for the weekend to spend time with Cathy’s family, or so she thought. Andy, however, had other plans. The following Monday the bride-to-be shared this exciting news with her Govtech colleagues:

‘Andy proposed yesterday on our 6-year anniversary on a beach down in Christchurch overlooking the sea and it was beautiful! Some girls cry, some say 'omg yes, yes, a thousand times yes!', some run away... me? Well, I laughed - a lot! 😄’.

Of course, she said 'yes,' and shared a lovely story about the engagement ring, which was the result of several secret meetings between Andy and Cathy's mother. Andy was entrusted with an incredible family heirloom: a diamond that belonged to Cathy's great grandmother, was part of her own engagement ring and has been passed down through generations of ladies in Cathy's family. Andy then set it on a platinum band of his choice and created a stunning ring for Cathy. They knew right away on what date they wanted to marry (and I’m sure you guessed it too) – September 12th of the following year!

The wedding was held at a beautiful venue in Cheltenham Spa. It was an intimate ceremony with 30 guests: close family, friends and some Govtech colleagues, including both Cathy & Andy’s managers, Alan Hince & Graeme Maychell. Alan was a line manager to both for many years when they were part of the Client Management team and, while Andy progressed further to become a Support Analyst, Cathy moved on to a new role in Graeme’s team as a Systems Analyst in April this year. Both Graeme & Alan (still wearing their manager’s hats during the wedding ceremony) kept a careful eye on the Bride & Groom as they said their vows.

More Govtech employees attended the evening reception, joining the newlyweds in their celebration and after hours of dining, drinking, and dancing, everyone parted ways late at night, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Midwinter much love.

Let us all say ‘Congratulations!’ once more. Cathy and Andy, may you build a beautiful life together.

Here’s to a long and happy marriage!