Gary Speed’s widow has tied-the-knot with her millionaire property developer fiancé, who has helped her cope with loneliness after the star took his own life.
Mother-of-two Louise, 51, married businessman Quinton Bird, 52, a divorced father-of-three, in a lavish ceremony at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire last week, in a room filled with stunning white flowers and candles.
She and Quinton have been business partners as the only directors of successful new build and renovation company Bow Property Development in Chester for six years.
She recently opened up in an interview to mark the tenth anniversary since the death of the former Wales football manager and announced she had found love after years of unhappiness.
Louise, mother of two, married Quinton Bird (52) a businessman and father-of-3, in lavish Peckforton Castle ceremony. (pictured with their toastmaster).
Louise is seen wearing a beautiful white lace gown (pictured above) with elaborate detailing on her sleeves and train.
Louise looks stunning in her white lace gown, with detailed detailing along the sleeves.
The pair married in a fairytale ceremony in a room filled with white hydrangeas and roses.
Alan Shearer was among the guests who attended the event. He had been a friend since they both played for Newcastle United.
Later, attendees were treated to a huge £900 cake by Rachel Hanna at Marie Antoinette Cakes in Heaton Moor.
Louise was a childhood crush of Gary. They were together at thirteen and have two sons. Gary has a brilliant football career and is now the Wales manager.
In the meantime, guests were amazed by Paul Goodman’s magic tricks, and Colin Green of Greenhill Entertainment.
Simon Greenhill stated that it was an honor to be able to perform at such an emotional and beautiful wedding.
Wedding planner Charlotte Dodd of Charlotte Elise in Neston, Cheshire, who won North West Wedding Planner of the Year 2019, explained how she had created the stunning day for the couple.
She said, “Our last wedding in 2021 took place at Peckforton Castle on the 16th of December.”
They were wed in front of friends and family in beautiful candle-lit surroundings.
For the occasion, the mother-of-2 wore a beautiful white lace gown with embroidery along the bodice. (Photo: Jamie and Louise Lishman).
Alan Shearer was among the guests who attended the event. He had been a friend and close friend of Gary after playing together at Newcastle United.
“Our clients Louise & Quinton celebrated their wedding in front of the archway, adorned with stunning white flowers by Red Floral.
“We cannot wait to share more photos from this day. White florals with lots and candlelight, and gold metallic touches made it look amazing. It was the perfect place for December wedding.”
Paul Goodman, Colin Green and Illusionists Goodman Green Magic were there to perform magic tricks and illusions.
On his Facebook page, Mr Bird is openly discussing their relationship. He also posts photos of them together. A couple in summer holidays, Quinton and Louise are shown here, with Quinton dressed up in hiking gear. The caption is ‘Lakes with Lou!
Later, attendees were treated to a huge four-tier £900 cake by Rachel Hanna at Marie Antoinette Cakes in Heaton Moor (pictured)
The rooms at Peckforton Castle were filled with stunning white floral displays and large cream candles (pictured left and right)
Louise, mother of two, said to the Daily Mail that her death in 2011, when Gary took his own suicide attempt, left her with many unanswered queries. In the immediate aftermath of Gary’s death she had suffered two years of “struggling to get up from the sofa” in the following year.
It was almost like living in the most horrible nightmare. No one could give her any answers. Gary was nowhere to be found. There was no way to get it right the second time around.
I was just trying to get by in my daily life. For a long period, I could not imagine being anyone else but me. I’d happily take it.
“But, we’re 10 years later now. It’s a cliché but time is a healer even if it takes years. Life can be wonderful again.
Louise, now happy in a relationship with Quinton (52), a father-of-3 who is divorcing. Photographed together
Louise (pictured) was open about her feelings of loneliness after Gary’s suicide ten-years ago. She said she drank a bottle of wine most nights for two years to numb the pain
While she shared her new relationship with her husband, she also said that she didn’t feel the same after it. “I’ve become more wise.” I feel more confident than ever before.
‘But I tend to wear a body of armour around me the whole time, if I am honest — so that I cannot be hurt again. We all go through different stages in our lives and I find that it is okay to deal with these things. There is nothing that scares or frightens me.
Speed was a manager for his country, as he is pictured here playing for Wales.
“I’m not sure if the body of armor has changed over time, or if I intentionally put it on at one point. It is now, and not 10 years ago.
“I want to keep my life safe. That is why I won’t ever feel the need to go through that again. That makes sense.
In addition, she shared that Gary’s letter to her from Leeds was found in a box of belongings. It contains suicidal thoughts. He was 17.
“That letter was never received,” she said. It was my first knowledge of the letter. My conclusion was that Gary must have mental illness to be able to perform what he did. He could not talk and didn’t want to communicate. The League Managers Association gave him every chance to talk.
He would have directed any football player with issues to the right person. He didn’t take responsibility for that. Therefore, all that I can presume or speak of is the fact that he was unable to talk or wanted not to discuss it.
Gary and Louise lost their father when Gary’s sons, Tommy and Eddie, were only 14 and 13. Both of their sons are currently studying at New York University and excel in football.
Tommy stated that while it has not been an easy task, he believes they are making progress. “It’s been tough to get on with my life, but I need to.
Louise now shares how she found happiness once again with billionaire businessman, Mr Bird. They are both listed together as the directors of a company that they own and manage.
I am proud of my Dad. His matches and goals are always on my mind. Mom would not have allowed me to be the man that I am without her.
Gary and Louise were 15 years old when they first met in Flintshire, North Wales. Their first date was at the tennis club where Gary had lost his racket.
Gary Wilkinson won the Divison One Trophy under Howard Wilkinson in Leeds, where he played for twenty years. They got married.
She followed Speed back to North West Everton, then Newcastle. Speed was a Bolton player and Sheffield United manager.
After only four months of managerial experience, he was made Wales manager in 2011. Louise admitted she was thrilled because the job was less demanding than club football. She also said that they could do more together, but Gary would die within months.
He died the night prior to his wife’s death. The inquest heard.
Louise claimed that she went for a ride after having words with her husband at a dinner party. However, she couldn’t get into the house again.
Early the next morning, she found her husband’s body in the garage.
Louise and gary were blessed with two children, Eddie and Tommy. They both grew up as good footballers.
Speed, 42 years old, had sent his wife a message four days before, talking about ‘taking his life’. But she claimed he was too busy with their children.
She stated that the text conversation discussed their ‘ups & downs’, but also discussed ‘how important’ the boys are and’moving forward.
Inquest coroner said that he couldn’t be sure that the man intended to commit suicide.
Alan Shearer (ex-england captain) was his friend and was there the day before he died. He said that he knew of the issues between them.
Shearer’s family was on vacation with Speeds. Shearer said that Speeds told her such things were common in long-standing relationships.
Shearer was last to see Speed on Saturday, just before Speed died. Speed’s appearance on BBC Football Focus show on Saturday afternoon.
Speed looked fine to him, and he was laughing and joking.
Speed died in the company of Speed friends at a dinner party. Speed was well-informed during this time.
Speed, together with the other men in the pool, had been pushing the others in the water wearing only his clothes. He had also tried to encourage everyone in good spirit. Also, he had been discussing the idea of going on a Dubai Christmas vacation.
Louise admitted that her last years were difficult. Interview with Mail: She asked Gary if she could forgive her. You don’t know. This has caused so much harm…but I still want it to be.
Gary and Louise smile for the camera as they appeared at his former teammate Shay Given’s Fashion Kicks event held at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester
Robert Bateman (the taxi driver who drove the Speeds home) said that everything looked normal and that the Speeds were “as normal as ever”.
Speed’s blood alcohol level was just below the UK limit of 80 mg, according to Speed’s inquest.
Inquest found that Speed was believed to have been in his garage. Speed was discovered in his garage, his pants were wet after a previous dip in the pool.
Although the coroner did not say what was bothering him, he said that he believed his wife was within his reach and could have expected her to be there.
Rheinberg recorded a narrative verdict and said that it seemed likely that Speed had been sitting with the ligature around him for some time.
“It could have been that it was some kind of dramatic gesture. Not normally Mr Speed’s style, but still a possibility.