

How did you first meet?
I had just re-registered on ‘The Pink Sofa‘ (a womens’ dating site) for the first time in years and Susie for the very first time when, within days, she found me. She messaged me to say that our profiles showed many shared interests and things in common, and that I should give hers a read. So I did, and I was blown away. Although we lived only 2 or 3 miles apart, I don’t think we would have ever found each other without internet dating. We went on our first date a few days later (although we still argue about the actual date!) but I do agree that it felt so right.
Within 5 months we had bought a house and moved in together. I became step parent to her twin boys Sonny and Ollie (then aged 8), had adopted a rescue dog within 7 months and were engaged within 10. That was 6 years ago in August and we have faced challenges, but it’s been a wonderful and happy adventure so far.
When did you know they were the one?
Lindsey: I think I knew before we even actually met in person. Susie was the first person I ever came out to as gender fluid/non-binary, and I knew from her response that she would be able to love me for who I really am, and I knew that I could not let her pass me by. I told her within a week that we would get married and she didn’t run away.
Susie: For me, it was probably when Linz offered to shop for me and bring me some fish fingers, when I had a house full of children and only a box of potato waffles! I just knew then that we would make a great team. My problems were her problems and Linz always manages to make the ordinary seem like an adventure, and I was so ready for an adventure!
Was the proposal a surprise or did you choose the ring together?
Susie: The proposal was a surprise but it was perfectly low key and simple, just how Linz knew I would like it. It was my birthday, the boys were there, I was sat on the bed wearing my PJ’s with a cuppa in my hand. Linz got down on one knee at the side of the bed and presented me with a necklace saying “Marry Me”. She and my sons had had the necklace made for me on the day she asked them for their permission to marry me.
Tell us about your unusual choice for wedding jewellery
Lindsey: We hadn’t been together very long when we were watching an episode of ‘One Born Every Minute’ which featured a lovely, if quite unconventional, straight couple. The guy, who was pretty quirky, was explaining how he never thought he would meet the right woman. However, when his now wife came along, he realised that “every pan has its lid” and that resonated so strongly with me. I knew that Susie was my lid and I was hers.
We both work in healthcare related jobs where wearing a ring is impractical for hygiene reasons, so the idea of each wearing a little pan and lid around our necks just seemed so fittingly symbolic and they get a lot of curious attention. We loved them so much!
What made you choose The Workshop to make your Wedding Pans?
I spent many hours trawling the internet and calling antiques shops, but my quest to find two matching miniature saucepans proved fruitless, so it occurred to me that we could have some custom made. It was important to me that we kept things local where possible and I had passed by The Workshop many times, seen Rob beavering away at his bench, been intrigued by his work and impressed by the beauty of the pieces in your window.
When we did come in for an initial consultation, the warmth of your welcome, and the enthusiasm and genuine excitement you had for the commission completely won us over. Jenny’s drawings, which were based on a real pan that had been owned by her grandmother, added an extra layer of special and Rob’s work exceeded our expectations. The fact that we would come to count you amongst our friends was a lovely and unexpected bonus. Thank you Jenny and Rob for being part of our journey!
If you would like to know more about getting something special designed and made at The Workshop, request our brochure or contact us. To see some of the beautiful bespoke pieces we have handcrafted here in Hebden Bridge, please visit our recent commissions page.