'I married a Traveller what he says goes and I can't leave the house without him'

A woman who married a Traveller and has adopted their lifestyle says she can no longer venture out without her husband by her side.

Holly Joyce, 27, explains that following her marriageto Dougie, 34, who holds firm traditional family values, it's "what he says goes."

She's abandoned her previous way of life to join one of Britain's most prominent Traveller families.

The pair connected online in September 2019, after exchanging likes on Instagram photos and messaging each other directly.

They arranged to meet several months later in March 2020 at a Manchester restaurant. Within just hours, Dougie declared he knew he would "marry this woman", according to the Irish Mirror.

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While Dougie had previously been involved with women from outside the Traveller community, Holly had never been romantically linked with a Traveller until meeting him.

Although Dougie supports Holly's choice to pursue employment if she wishes, Holly is expected to care for the family and home and bow to her husband's every desire.

Holly, a mother-of-two from Salford in Manchester, explained: "It's been a whirlwind that's turned into a fairy-tale. The biggest difference being a Traveller's wife is you must respect your husband - what he says goes.

"He wouldn't want me out at parties without him, we'd always go together. He's the man, so he can go out if he wants, but I'm the woman so I can only go out with him.

"I can go to the salon or out to the shops on my own, but he's very protective and worries about my safety if I'm out alone. I don't feel like I'm missing out because if I want to do something I just ask Dougie and we can do it together.

"I'd rather be with him anyway."

Holly revealed she was immediately drawn to Dougie, explaining it was his grin that captured her heart.

For Dougie, it was 'love at first sight'.

While Holly's relatives were initially wary about their daughter becoming a Traveller's wife, Dougie's charisma quickly won them over.

Holly has thrown herself into her fresh lifestyle, diving headfirst into the Traveller community after hitting it off straight away with Dougie's mum, Margaret Joyce, 56.

Dougie proposed at their daughter Oceanna's gender reveal bash at their Manchester home in December 2020, before the couple said 'I do' in a spectacular ceremony at Gorton Monastery, Manchester, in July 2022.

The extravagant celebration cost more than £60k (€70K) and featured four Rolls Royces, a £12K (€14K) gown, and endless bubbly.

Dougie had hoped to make his entrance via helicopter, but unfortunately, the venue refused to let him touch down in their car park.

Holly dazzled in a breathtaking £12K (€14K) Calla Blanche gown, which was specially created for her and took more than a year to craft.

Following Traveller customs, the evening celebration was divided, with ladies on one side and gentlemen on the other.

They had dated for three years, and throughout that time, Holly was introduced to the Traveller way of life and learnt what would be expected of her, having never dated a Traveller before.

Holly's father, Hugo, 72, who has sadly since died, was originally concerned about his daughter's relationship with the bare-knuckle boxer and 3D Fight Club proprietor, as he had once been a bare-knuckle fighter himself and understood the dangers.

Dougie has enjoyed a triumphant career as a bare-knuckle fighter and currently runs a bare-knuckle fighting establishment. His prominent status within the community means he is frequently confronted with fight challenges.

Holly confessed that she frets about him brawling and cannot bear to watch, choosing instead to remain at home with balloons, a cake, and his preferred meal of spuds and cabbage.

Despite his brutal occupation, Holly revealed that Dougie is genuinely a devoted family man and treats her ''like a princess".

"Family is so important to Travellers," Holly said. "I remember being so impressed by how Dougie treats his mum. He never answers back to his mother and has so much respect for her.

"He buys her flowers, designer shoes, and anything she wants.

"The way a man speaks to his mum says a lot, and Dougie has always been so loving and respectful towards her.

"My family were worried at first, but as soon as they saw how well he looks after me and how respectful he is, they soon approved.

"He's such an amazing dad - family is everything to him.

"There is a lot of pressure because there's a lot of competition amongst the community.

"It's all about who has got the best bags, the best shoes, the best jewellery.

"Dougie expects the house to be perfect, and to be looked after when he comes home from work.

"He doesn't even make his own drinks. It's quite different to my past relationships and it took some getting used to at first, but he looks after me and provides for our family so I'm happy to do it.

"If he's happy, I'm happy."

The pair's romantic tale, alongside an in-depth look into the Traveller community, features in their latest documentary, 'The Joyce Family Documentary', produced by Art Productions TV, Film, and Media Limited. It can be streamed on Amazon Prime.

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