www.mywokingham.co.uk
november 2023
MyWokingham
NEWS
3
Wokingham’s Got Talent couple tie the knot
A
couple who got engaged on stage during My Wokingham’s inaugural talent show, Wokingham’s Got Talent, tied the knot recently. Musa Celik proposed to his girlfriend Sonia Smith on stage in front of hundreds of residents at the event in Peach Place. The couple got married on Sunday 22nd October at the Town Hall in Wokingham. And Sonia said it was the perfect day. “The way the town hall looks was amazing. I love the décor and I took some of my own flowers to make it more personal. Kevin, who conducted the service, was amazing – he was so calm and relaxed it made me feel the same. Everything went to plan.” While the weather either side of their big day had been wet, dark and dreary, the sun came out for the bride and groom. Sonia, 52, met Musa while in Peach Place enjoying a coffee with friend Kat – and it was kat’s daughter who sang as Sonia walked down the aisle. And although there was a glitch when the backing music didn’t start, it didn’t faze the accomplished singer as she just continued a cappella. She sang ‘Don’t Worry About Me’ by Frances and because Musa enjoys classical music, they danced a waltz after saying ‘I do’. Sonia wore a classic ivory/buttermilk
dress with a waistband of rhinestones and sequins and a tiara of rhinestones and pearls. And she made a blue thistle buttonhole for her groom. “We couldn’t have hoped for it to go any better. Because I have been married before I didn’t want anything big and showy, so this was really nice and intimate.” The couple won’t be having a honeymoon as they visited Musa’s homeland of Turkey prior to the wedding so Sonia could meet his family – and it couldn’t have gone any better. “We had a fabulous time; it was like a honeymoon before the wedding. His
family are lovely people, they felt like my family straight away, so hospitable and welcoming.” The couple have strong family ties with Musa being Turkish and Sonia coming from Scotland. “We are both very family orientated with strong cultures but it feels like we are bringing the best of both of them together.” My Wokingham photographer Paul King had the honour of being asked to take the wedding photos – and he has hundreds to go through. The couple shared their special day with a few close friends they have met over the last year and went to Sit ‘n’ Sip afterwards in Peach Place – a fitting tribute to where their love story began.
Shining Bright: Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow Awards
WORDS & PHOTOS BY PAUL KING
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he Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow celebrated their awards night in style at Emmbrook School on a Saturday evening. The event was graciously hosted by Paul Metcalf, a renowned TV presenter from Wokingham who had also presided over Wokingham’s Got Talent show in Peach Place earlier in the summer. Shelley Otway, the CEO of Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow, shared her enthusiasm for the night, saying, “We had an absolutely delightful evening, with everyone donning their finest fancy dress attire. It’s a testament to the incredible talents of our children.” She went on to mention that their dance schools are held at both Emmbrook School in Wokingham and Bulmershe School in Woodley. It was indeed a night where the stars of tomorrow took centre stage and shone brightly.
