A kind-hearted Fife film-maker has offered his services free of charge to a couple who lost hundreds of pounds after their wedding venue closed down.
Tom Alba, who runs independent documentary company AlbaVideo in St Monans, got in touch with The Courier after reading of the plight of Sabrina Roberts and Kevin Mercer from Lochore, who were due to marry in October at the Strathearn Hotel in Kirkcaldy, which has now been put up for sale.
The couple, who have six children, were left high and dry when hotel leaseholders Tina Syme and Stephen Stewart closed the business amid claims of deep financial difficulties.
Sabrina and Kevin had used all their savings as a wedding deposit and were heartbroken to learn they may never get their money back.
The couple’s sadness turned to joy, however, when local businesses, touched by their story, rallied round to offer their services for no cost and the wedding is now back on.
Those who helped save the day include Kirkcaldy businessman Dean Melville, who offered the Dean Park Hotel as a wedding venue, and various suppliers including Scotia Pipers, Finishing Touches by Adele, Puddledub Buffalo Farm, Oh Crumbs cakemakers and Lorelle Elizabeth Photography.
And now, the happy couple will be able to relive the memories of their special day for years to come, thanks to the generosity of Tom, who has offered to film their wedding from start to finish.
Sabrina, who suffers from a neurological condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive illness which damages the peripheral nerves, said: “We just can’t thank Tom enough.
“He is such a kind and lovely man and we are touched beyond words.
“Just a few weeks ago we thought we would never be able to afford another wedding and we were absolutely devastated and now we can’t stop smiling, knowing we are going to have the wedding of our dreams!”
Sabrina and Kevin will exchange their vows at Dunfermline Abbey on October 2 followed by a reception at the Dean Park Hotel, surrounded by their six sons and extended family and friends.
Tom, who was recently nominated for a Bafta Scotland award for his documentary film, After the Crash, said: “I am so glad The Courier put me in touch with Sabrina and Kevin, who are truly lovely people.
“Their story touched me very much and I’m just happy to be able to help make their wedding day a bit more special.”