THE winner of a Highland News Group competition which made her look 10 years younger has renewed her wedding vows.
Yvonne Mcleod was transformed in our £8,000 makeover. And the pampering and preening she received has left her feeling so confident that she and her husband Allan renewed their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary.
Yvonne, who works as a janitor in Coulhill Primary School in Alness, told the Highland News Group: "We had discussed renewing our vows over the years but had not bothered sorting anything out, but then I had the makeover and I was feeling so confident that we decided to go for it."
Yvonne explained that when she married Allan 25 years ago at Inverness registrar's office, there was not one picture from her big day that she liked and she got rid of every single one.
However, the 46-year-old blushing bride should have no such problem this time round as their wedding photographer took over 500 shots.
"We went to about four different locations to have our pictures done," explained Yvonne, who exchanged personal vows at Inverness Floral Hall.
"It took three hours and I loved every minute of it. The main thing for me now is that I love my smile. I never really used to smile, but now I can't stop, I just feel so amazing. I smiled the whole day, it was a big cheesy grin."
Allan (51), who is a welder's assistant, added: "Yvonne and I had a great day on Saturday. Yvonne wasn't happy with our original wedding photos and thought after the makeover and with it being our silver wedding anniversary that renewing our vows would be the ideal opportunity to take some new photos.
"I thought Yvonne was beautiful when we got married, now 25 years on and after her makeover she is more beautiful than ever.
"I can't thank the Highland News Group enough for giving Yvonne back the confidence that she lacked, and for her stunning new look which I'm sure any woman would have loved to have won."
However, it was not just Yvonne who was left feeling fabulous, as a gesture from Slaters Menswear turned Allan into a gorgeous groom, as Yvonne explained.
"I went to Slaters to order a kilt for Allan, and the man recognised my face from the coverage in the paper and said that they had my picture up in their tearoom.
"He said the staff had been following the makeover, so as a gesture they gave Allan his kilt to wear for nothing. It was very kind."
The couple are now looking forward to getting a honeymoon in the next few weeks, but they have already made plans to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary next year courtesy of Inverness Luxury Apartments.
Owners Catriona Maclean and Robert Buchanan have offered the high spec accommodation in the heart of the Highland capital to the happy couple to use for the night whenever they fancy.
Yvonne said: "I know it is a year away, but we have already booked a night to celebrate our anniversary next year. The apartment looks amazing and we are already looking forward to it."
