An engagement stands all sorts of trials and tribulations as the bride and groom-to-be plan their big day. But what happens when the bride wants to buy a shop with her mum instead of going on a romantic honeymoon? Pamela Wilkinson reports.

JANE FARRAR and Lee Margel had planned a big wedding for May 21 this year. The venue at Holdsworth Hall in Halifax was booked, the wedding dress bought - and a romantic honeymoon in Israel planned.

All that was left was to choose a wedding outfit for Jane's mother Mary. Excitedly they went out shopping one Saturday in February and ended up at an attractive little fashion boutique near their home in Birkenshaw, Bradford.

"Stock is a little low at the moment," the owner told them, "as I am running the business down prior to selling the shop."

Suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, it came to Jane that this was exactly the kind of fashion business she had always dreamed of owning with her mother.

Thoughts of honeymoons in hot climates flew out of the window, as Jane realised that she would much rather own her own business for a lifetime, than have two weeks of hot sunshine - but what would Lee think of the idea?

After the first shock, when Jane broached the subject to Lee, he was right behind her and in fact has been a tower of strength, fitting lights in the shop and generally helping with the refurbishment. Not many prospective bridegrooms would be so supportive, but then Lee is a man in a million, according to Jane!

"He is the most wonderful man in the world and I love him to bits," said Jane. "We have such a great time together. It has not always been easy for us, as Lee is Jewish and I am not, so initially his parents tried to persuade him to give me up and my parents were not too keen. But eventually they came around and now everyone is very happy we are getting married."

Jane first met Lee when she went to work as a Sales Administrator at Northside Truck Centre, where Lee was the Sales Manager. That was three years ago last September and they have been together ever since.

"I moved to another job as we felt it was not good for us to have a relationship while Lee was my boss," said Jane. "Initially, as well as the religious objections, the families felt the age difference was also too great, as I was only 19 when we met and Lee was 33.

"He was not the type of man I usually fell for, but when he asked me out for a drink, I thought, why not? said Jane.

"Lee was my first love. You know how they say you will know when you meet the man you are going to marry, well I was sure immediately about Lee. As long as we are together, we are happy.

"We support each other. As well as his regular job, Lee has set up a haulage business. He had always wanted to do this and I was right behind him. At weekends I help with the office work and even go out on jobs with him, so when I wanted to buy my own business, Lee understood totally."

Both Jane and Lee come from close and loving families who understand their ambitions. Jane's father is a beef farmer and her mother ran a successful dress agency for 15 years. With an elder sister and brother and a younger sister still at university, Jane grew up in a lively household, with parents who encouraged their children to achieve their ambitions. So when she decided that she wanted to buy the fashion business, the family were surprised but supportive.

"I wanted to work in environment where I met people," said Jane. "Stuck in an office you only see the same people every day. While I was still at school, I used to help Mum in her dress agency and I loved it."

Mary and Jane had talked often of owning a fashion business. "When we walked into this shop, we looked at each other and just knew that it was right for us. When we found it was for sale, we were hooked!"

Jane has given up her full-time job as a secretary, so until "The Gallery" (the new name for the shop), begins to make a profit, they will have to rely on Lee's earnings from his job as general manager of Mercedes Benz in Bradford - and his haulage business.

Quite a risk and a bold step for newly-weds to take, but Jane and Lee are confident they have made the right decision.

"We worked out all our finances and the honeymoon just had to go," said Jane with a regretful smile, "but we are still going to have a wonderful wedding."

It took just four weeks from taking the decision to signing up and owning the shop. "From that moment the wedding plans took a back seat," said Jane. "We had stock to buy and the shop to get ready for our opening, but it has all been great fun.

Mary added: "It has been a learning experience for Jane, who has been rushing about, visiting fashion houses to buy stock. But we are both enjoying ourselves and are excited about putting The Gallery on the map."

Of course, Jane and Lee are still looking forward to their great day and their future together. They have a house and the cream and gold theme for the wedding has been meticulously planned.

Even though the honeymoon will now be spent at home, rather than sunning themselves in Israel, they are sure it was the best decision they ever made.

"After all, a honeymoon is only for two weeks, but a marriage and a business are for a lifetime," said Jane philosophically.

Both Jane and Mary are attractive and smart with bubbly, outgoing personalities. With the wholehearted support of Lee and the rest of their families, The Gallery looks set to be a resounding success.

It goes to prove that relationships can work brilliantly when everyone pulls together.

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