A heartwarming story of friendship and forgiveness has emerged after a woman revealed how she not only put her past relationship behind her but also became so close with her ex-husband’s new wife that she did her wedding makeup.
Clare Wood, 45, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, shared how she formed a strong bond with her ex-husband’s new wife, Bonny Heatherington, 43, after years of co-parenting with her former husband, Dan. The unlikely friendship blossomed to the point where Clare was trusted to do Bonny’s hair and makeup on her wedding day – a task few brides would dare entrust to their partner’s ex!
Speaking about the unique situation, Clare said: “It’s definitely weird, but in the best way possible. I felt honoured to be part of such a special day with my children involved too.”
Clare and Dan, who share children, parted ways in 2019 after realising they were no longer happy together. Despite their split, the couple managed to maintain a strong friendship, focusing on their children’s well-being.
In 2020, Dan met Bonny through a dating app, and the pair quickly hit it off. Six months into their relationship, Bonny had her first encounter with Clare – an important step for both women. From the moment they met, the two got on like a house on fire, feeling as though they had known each other forever.
After Dan popped the question, Bonny made an unusual request – she asked Clare to be her makeup artist on the big day. Despite the oddness of the situation, Clare was thrilled and accepted the offer. After a successful trial run, Bonny was overjoyed with Clare’s work.
On the day of the wedding, Clare made sure Bonny felt every bit the princess. Guests couldn’t stop gushing about Bonny’s glowing appearance, with many complimenting Clare’s makeup skills.
The trio acknowledges that their situation may seem unusual to outsiders, but after years of friendship, it felt completely normal to them.
Clare explained: “Dan and I have always been honest with each other about moving on and who we’d want to introduce to the children. I know it’s rare, but there’s no bad blood between us. I actually think Dan and Bonny are perfect for each other.”
She continued: “When Bonny asked me to do her makeup, none of my friends could believe it. But for me, it was brilliant!”
Bonny, now happily married, said: “Meeting Clare was a big deal for me. It took us a while to get there, but when we finally met, it was lovely. We just clicked.
“I’d always joked about her doing my wedding makeup but didn’t ask until closer to the date. She agreed, and I felt like a princess with the result.”
Bonny couldn’t stop praising Clare’s skills, adding: “She did an amazing job – everyone was talking about how great my makeup looked, even people who weren’t there!”
Though it may seem like a fairy tale, Clare admits it wasn’t all smooth sailing: “Bonny joked that if I messed up her makeup, I’d have to sit in the church and feel responsible. Luckily, everything went perfectly!”
Clare and Bonny’s story has captured the hearts of many, proving that even after divorce, it’s possible to find friendship and move forward with grace.