When Becki Price and Blue Price first told their family and friends they were dating, the reaction wasn’t what they hoped.
The 23-year age gap was too much for some people to deal with, especially Blue’s daughter, Catherine Lott, who was one of Becki’s good friends.
However, nine years later the couple, from Bream, Gloucestershire, tied the knot and say they are “happier than ever” despite a lot of negative comments about their relationship.
Becki, now 41, is only four years only than 64-year-old Blue’s youngest child and he had grandkids a similar age to Becki’s own children.
Despite initial backlash, after Becki’s father Graham died suddenly aged 68 following a fall, Becki and Blue decided to tie the knot in 2015 and send a message to the critics.
Becki, who had a failed first marriage, said: “I love him. He is funny, very funny. I think he’s amazing. He’s so witty and jokey.
“Catherine and I were best friends. We met through work. I met Blue through him and the rest is history really.
“Blue and I used to get funny looks from people in the street but the age gap has never bothered us.
“I lost some friends definitely after getting together with him because they found that weird.
“So I lost my dad and that’s why we decided to get married. It was actually his wish. He kept saying ‘Come on, get married’ and so, life is short, and we got married soon afterwards.
“We are happier than ever now.”
The couple married at Clearwell Castle in Coleford, Glos, and more than 200 of their friends and family celebrated with them.
Blue, who had to retire from his job as a carpenter this year after having both knees replaced, met Becki through his daughter, then aged 24. His first marriage had ended about one year previous.
Now the couple live together with Becki’s children aged 15, 19, 22 and 24.
The couple, who have no kids together, are also close to Blue’s five grandchildren whose ages range from 10 to 15.
Blue, who changed his name by deed poll from Anthony when he was 12, said he always hit it off with private PA Becki after meeting in 2006.
“My daughter is 37, she is almost the same age as my wife,” Blue said.
“The negative comments don’t bother me one bit. Words don’t hurt me. I don’t care what people say. I know what I have. They don’t really know what I have.
“Becki used to get comments like ‘Why are you with him?’ or ‘He’s just an old man.’
“I feel like I’m the lucky one. I don’t care what people say.
“We enjoy each other’s company and always have. Life is too short, so you have to enjoy your company and surroundings” Blue said.
“I’ve been quite a positive person. My glass is always half full rather than half empty.
“We just hit it off. Age never came into it, not at all. This is the longest relationship I have ever had.”