In September 2022, Kayley Stead, then 28, walked down the aisle alone in Swansea, Wales, after her fiancé, Gwent Police officer Kallum Norton, failed to show for their £12,000 wedding. Rather than cancel, she celebrated with her mother Dee, who passed away months later at age 65. Nearly four years on, the 30-year-old is now engaged to Richard Perrott, 31, an old university friend she reconnected with in February 2024, according to the original report.

The £12,000 wedding Kayley Stead celebrated without her groom

The original report details that Stead proceeded with the pre-paid ceremony and reception, taking photographs and sharing the day with loved ones, including her mother Dee. That loss — first the groom, then her mother — frames her curret happiness. Stead has said she now knows what true love feels like, citing deep trust not only in Perrott but also in his family .

From university acting to a campus proposal at Trinity Saint David

Perrott proposed at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus, the exact place where the two met over a decade ago while studying acting. He had secretly planned the moment , moving to Swansea from Manchester after more than a year of long-distance dating. The couple began living together in March, the source notes, and the proposal involved a lighthearted moment about food before he knelt with the ring.

A 65-year-old family heirloom ring and what it represents

The engagement ring is a family heirloom from Perrott’s grandmother, over 65 years old. Stead, who appreciates items with stories, told the source that this ring feels more meaningful than a new purchase. The detail underscores a theme of continuity and heritage — a contrast to the abrupt end of her previous engagement.

The 2028 guest list challenge: 150-plus and counting

The couple plans to marry in 2028 and is already assembling a guest list exceeding 150 people. The original report notes they may face difficulty finding a venue large enough to accommodate both families and Perrott’s friends from Manchester. Stead is also excited about choosing a wedding dress that reflects her current confident self, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement.

While the story celebrates a second chance at love, it leaves open questions. what exactly caused Norton to abandon his wedding day? The original report does not include his account. Nor does it detail how the friendship with Perrott rekindled — was it a chance meeting or a deliberate reach-out? These gaps may matter less to the couple, but they shape the narrative for readers seeking a full picture.