Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
A military-loving couple have tied the knot surrounded by weaponry at The Tank Museum in Dorset.
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, love the museum so much they moved from London to live near it and Wanda even proposed there.
So keen were they to wed at the famous attraction in Bovington that staff applied for a wedding licence for them.
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
When Covid arrived the wedding had to be delayed but has now taken place with more than 60 friends and family attending.
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
Steve spent 13 years in the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards and Royal Dragoon Guards on Chieftain tanks finishing his military career as a Corporal.
The cake at Wanda and Steve’s wedding. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
Steve on a tank while serving
They each have two daughters from previous relationships and their shared love of tanks brought them together eight years ago.
Wanda said: “I had always wanted to be in the RAF but just before I was due to join I suffered a fractured skull and was deemed unfit for service.
“However, I have always loved military history and when I met Steve we realised we had a lot in common.
Wanda in a tank during a visit to the museum
Wanda amongst tanks
“A few years ago I was made redundant and we decided to go travelling for six months.
“When we returned we wanted to live near the Tank Museum because we loved it so much.
“So we got out a map and drew a circle around the museum within which no point was more than an hour away – and we ended up in Yeovil.
“It was just before Covid when I proposed to Steve at the museum on February 29 2020.
“I gave him some dog tags that matched his real ones – and on one I’d had engraved ‘will you marry me?’.”
The dog tags that Wanda used to propose to Steve
The day of the proposal
Steve added: “Unfortunately Covid meant our wedding was delayed and it kept being delayed because we had guests coming from all over the world.
Steve during his time in the military
Steve, far left, in Australia in 1986
“But finally we had the perfect wedding at a place we both love and visit all the time.
“The museum staff were brilliant and even got the wedding licence for us because no one had been married there before.
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
“We showed our guests around the museum and we’ll keep returning, but now as a married couple.”
Steve, a facilities manager, who trained in Bovington at the start of his military career, and Wanda, a radiological compliance manager, are planning a honeymoon to the Pacific Northwest.
Rosanna Dean, Visitor Experience General Manager, “Wanda and Steve have been supporters of The Tank Museum for a long time and we were so pleased when they decided to get married here.
“They chose to have a full day with us, including a ceremony overlooking the Tank Story Hall, afternoon tea and a buffet and reception in the evening, in sight of the kind of tank has Steve served on.
“It was a fantastic day and I know I speak for everyone at the Museum when I wish them every happiness.”
Wanda Armstrong-Bridges, 53, and Steve Ellis, 58, who got married at the Tank Museum. Credit www.bobbielee.co.uk
Ends
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 07788392965
About The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum (Bovington, UK) brings the story of tanks and their crews to life, with what is arguably the world’s finest collection of tanks displayed in awe-inspiring, modern exhibitions.
The museum houses some 300 tanks, representing the key battles of every major conflict since the First World War. Our moving exhibitions tell the story of this British invention; from the mud of the Somme, to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of Iraq – featuring powerful stories from the soldiers that fought in them.
Highlights include the immersive Trench Experience and The Tank Story Hall – featuring key exhibits such as the first ever tank, the modern Challenger 2 and the notorious Tiger tank. New for 2020 is a major Second World War exhibition; “World War Two: War Stories”.
The Tank Museum is a registered charity and the museum of The Royal Tank Regiment and The Royal Armoured Corps.
Find out more: tankmuseum.org
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About World of Tanks
In World of Tanks, players take command of the most iconic military vehicles from the mid-20th Century and master the art of armoured combat across dozens of historic locations. World of Tanks delivers diverse tactical gameplay, teamwork, continuous progression, and it rewards those who put in the time to learn its mechanics.
