Swansea bride jilted at the altar is engaged again

She experienced every bride's worst nightmare, but Kayley Stead has transformed her wedding day catastrophe into an empowering life lesson. The 31-year-old walked down the aisle in 2022 before 120 enthusiastic guests. It was supposed to be a flawless day celebrating with family and friends, but her then-fiancé Kallum Norton never appeared. She won the nation's hearts by choosing to continue with the £12,000 celebration alone, courageously celebrating throughout the evening despite her anguish. Kayley, from Swansea , had a solitary wedding entrance, meal, speech, dance and professional photographs. She dedicated the following two years to embracing single life - pledging not to enter another relationship until it felt right. However, in February 2024 she contacted her former university friend Richard, 31, and romance developed. They relocated together earlier this year and now they have revealed their engagement. Announcing the delightful news on Facebook last week, Kayley posted a video of Richard dropping to one knee. She said: "CCTV was able to capture a special moment I will always treasure." Saying she has no regrets regarding how events unfolded, she said: "I'm beyond thankful. I truly feel thankful to my ex for leaving me because I wouldn't have got to experience a love like this. A friendship that has lasted over a decade and a love that will live on forever." In a separate post titled "second chances do exist", Kayley appears beaming in footage as her new partner Richard kisses her on the cheek. The clip also states: "Husband pending." She said: "I'm proof that you can love again and boy is that love better." She added that her ring is currently being fitted. A photograph of the recently engaged pair displays Kayley showcasing her engagement ring - a vintage-inspired design featuring a yellow oval stone. Speaking in 2024, the jilted bride revealed she had discovered her life partner and "finally knows what true love feels like". She said: "Richard and I are really happy and settled. I've changed so much in the last two years. I feel like he really reassures me. We have so much respect for one another. "I feel like he could be my forever partner. I've known him since 2013. We were always really, really good friends in university. "He actually asked me out in first year - I said no. Then I asked him out in third year - this time he said no. But we've always kept in touch on Instagram and Snapchat." Kayley chose to message Richard following a video he'd shared on his Snapchat story. She explained the two "never let the conversation drop" and their relationship flourished following a Valentine's Day dinner. She also received the promise from Richard's mother that she would never be left at the altar again, easing all her concerns as she said: "Richard's mum said: 'If you were ever to get married, I would never let him do that to you. I would drag him by the ear.' "It's been so easy and effortless. This is the relationship I've always dreamed of. I know he's the one. I truly feel so safe with him." Well-wishers were swift to offer their congratulations to the bride-to-be, with one person writing: "There isn't another post I will see today that will bring tears to my eyes and make me smile so much as this. This will be the wedding of a Queen we've all been waiting for." Kayley had previously disclosed that she only heard from her ex-partner once after he abandoned her at the altar, when he asked her to return his work uniform. Reflecting on the relationship, Kayley said there were no "red flags", adding they had barely argued, recalling only three occasions when they did. She added: "There was no prior warning or reason as to him doing this. He left and didn't have the decency to tell me himself, which was always my problem - how he left me. "Ninety-five per cent of the wedding was my money. His family had contributed towards the donut wall and sweet cart. The rest was my money that I had done overtime for." Resolute in salvaging something from the devastating circumstances, Kayley courageously proceeded with the occasion and spent it alongside those dearest to her. "I had sacrificed so much for the wedding and thought: 'I'm not going to get any of this money back.' I was either going to go home and cry or cry with the people I loved. "I was able to celebrate my bridesmaids, my friendships, my family - it was a moment I'd love to go back to. It was about me and what I'd achieved. It wasn't about him." Reflecting on events, Kayley explained the sudden conclusion provided her with closure, and expressed she'd like to revisit that day and experience it "without any of the crying". "Looking back now, I can really feel how much love was in the room. I'm glad it happened the way it did and he never spoke to me again. "It gave me the closure I needed. And it led me to Richard. I'm so thankful it happened. I never thought I'd find love again. I was so devastated. It just shows that time is your best friend." Get Swansea news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice