Two listeners to Oxford stations Jack FM and Glide FM are now a few days into their marriage after the conclusion of the '2 Strangers and a Wedding' competition.
Justine Oakley and Robert Kitson got married on Thursday after being picked by the stations but never having met before the big day.
The couple, who have been known as Dancing Queen and Mr Inquisitive, were asked by Superintendent Registrar Alicja Gilroy to unmask prior to the ceremony commencing. As they removed their masks and revealed themselves to each other a deafening cheer rang out from their assembled family and friends. As they smiled and said hello they were asked if they wished to continue with the ceremony, both replied 'yes'! They then went on to exchange vows and rings in front of 100 friends, family and radio station staff.
Justine and Robert signed up to the 9 week experiment where single men and women across Oxfordshire were invited to nominate themselves as the ideal perfect partner, knowing that they wouldn’t set eyes on each other until they met at the altar. Eleven applicants for the role of bride were narrowed down to a final three before Justine was chosen. Potential grooms were then encouraged to apply to be her 'perfect match'. The panel narrowed down the fourteen male applicants to a shortlist of four. After much deliberation, which included questioning each groom and seeking the advice of a relationship expert and psychotherapist, 'Dancing Queen' finally made her choice, proposing to 'Mr Inquisitive' live on both radio stations.
The couple then got to know each other through a series of phone call and live radio conversations and the ultimate ‘blind date’ where they were separated by a curtain across the table.
After Thursday's wedding, the couple are now on honeymoon in Majorca. Justine said: "This experiment has made me re-evaluate how I approach relationships and I feel I’ve grown and learned a lot about myself in the process. If this was purely based on looks, I might never have got to know him. We have a lot in common and it was a nice surprise when I did finally see him for the first time."
Rob added: "I was curious about this social experiment from the outset. It’s never really worked out when I’ve started a relationship purely based on looks – this has shown me a different approach can really work."
106 JACKfm and glide fm 107.9 Programme Director, Sue Carter told RadioToday.co.uk: "We were pleasantly surprised that all of the people that applied to take part in our social experiment were so well grounded and sure of what they wanted. Many people have been unlucky in love or not had the time to get out and meet people for various reasons, be it long working hours, family issues or just not being in the right place at the right time. We wish the couple all the best for their future and look forward to following their progress."
Find out more about the promotion on the stations' [link=http://www.2strangers.co.uk]special website[/link].