THE LOVE STORY

How and where did you first meet?

We actually met in school. We had a very ‘will we-won't we’ relationship. We then lost contact for a few years and reconnected in our twenties. After getting back in touch, we knew, that was it!

What were your first impressions of each other?

I thought he was the really cute ‘emo’ kid with the skateboard, guitar and floppy fringe! He thought I was the cute blonde ‘emo’ girl who had good taste in music! How very 2000’s!

When did you know you were in love or that Mark was "the one"?

It was a very icy night, so he drove behind me the whole way to make sure I got home safely. That's when I properly realised that he was a true gentleman and that I might have had more feelings than I cared to realise. Before that I had suspicions but thought it was just a crush!

“I thought he was the really cute emo kid with the skateboard...”

— Alice

Tell us about your first date.

When we reconnected, we went to a pizza hut and just chatted the whole evening. Catching up and realising feelings were still there, I'm not sure it was an official date, but it felt like it for us. Who doesn’t cement their relationship with an ice cream factory?!

How did the proposal happen? Who asked, and where?

It was in our back garden on our anniversary. We had been to Durdle Door that day and his original plan was to propose there. However, it was very busy and I hate public displays and big crowds! Later that evening we had warm drinks, blankets and the firepit going in our garden. He put on our favourite song, got down on one knee and proposed! It was just perfect and I’m so glad he knew that proposing in front of lots of people, just wasn’t the one for me!

THE BIG DAY

How did you choose your wedding venue and what made it the perfect fit?

We googled venues in our area and looked at the kind of thing we wanted. We've always loved the rustic look, so when Silchester Farm popped up on line, we instantly fell in love! With the rustic old barn and the slightly more modern cow shed for the reception, it just felt like the perfect balance for us, as well as being able to accommodate a smaller wedding.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding's theme, decor, and colours?

Autumn! We have always loved the season but we were also subtly incorporating ‘Lord of the Rings’ with our table names, a “No Admittance except on Party Business” sign and a few pieces of music from the films. They mean a lot to us and blended perfectly with our autumnal ideas.

“when I found the one, I felt and looked like me. it was a really wonderful feeling.”

— alice

THE WEDDING DRESS

What were you looking for in a wedding dress?

Something different! I absolutely love a clean, satin look and was convinced that style would be what I chose. However, I also wanted something different! I've always been the dark horse of the family, so something fun but also ethereal was also in my mind however, that sort of dress is definitely harder to come by.

How did you choose the bridal boutiques you wanted to visit?

I started to look locally, read lots of reviews and asked a couple of married friends where they had visited and what they thought. I also asked my sister for advice who led me straight to BRIDE by Aster, as she had visited previously as a guest.

How many boutiques did you visit on your dress journey and how did you know you had found THE ONE?

I think I visited about six in the end! I thought I found the one in each to begin with, but I then realised that feeling was just excitement at wearing a pretty dress. I knew I had the one when I put it on and felt utterly, 100% myself. The others I looked like a bride and looked “the part” but when I found the one, I felt and looked exactly like me. It was a really wonderful feeling and it was the perfect ethereal and unique dress that I had hoped for.

“Hannah totally understood the vision when she was helping me accessorise and matched my Lord of the Rings energy!”

— alice

What accessories did you choose and where did you buy them?

I went for an ivory veil that had gorgeous little blush pink flowers on it to match my dress and a lovely rose gold head piece - both from BRIDE by Aster! Hannah totally understood the vision when she was helping me accessorise and matched my Lord of the Rings energy!

Did you enjoy dress shopping? Any especially good or not so good experiences?

I have to say, I mostly did! It was lovely trying on lots of beautiful dresses however when one didn't suit me or didn't fit well, it was a knock on the confidence. I also felt like I had to try and please other people if they liked a dress but I wasn't sure. I'm a people pleaser unfortunately which can be a real hinderance when you’re trying to stay with your own thoughts and ideas. I'd love to go back and do it again on my own!

How did you feel walking down the aisle in your dress and what did your partner think?

I felt like something out of a fairytale and have never felt so beautiful. Mark absolutely loved my dress and thought that it was the perfect choice.

ADVICE AND REFLECTION

What was the most challenging part of the wedding planning process?

Other people! Trying to do seating plans and working out who to invite - it was a nightmare! I feel like if we ever renew our vows, we are definitely eloping! I loved seeing everyone on the day but trying to please everyone was so overwhelming. It’s easy to say with hindsight but if we did it over again, I would focus more on us and not worry so much about pleasing other people.

What advice would you give to other couples who are currently planning their wedding?

Take it slowly, look at inspiration pictures, both be fully involved and speaking frankly, if you wouldn't pay however much per head on a guest for dinner normally, or they aren't a directly involved, don't feel pressured to invite them! Family or otherwise. Also, when dress shopping, I would suggest only taking a couple of your favourite people - it can be overwhelming otherwise!

Is there anything you would have done differently about your wedding?

I was pregnant with my beautiful twins whilst planning, so there are a lot of little details that I missed and photos I forgot to ask for. I would love to go back and plan everything again without baby brain!

What was the best purchase you made for your wedding?

Our photographer - she was absolutely fantastic! We knew her personally, so she was great at capturing family members without any of us feeling awkward or uncomfortable. We are obsessed with our photos - they are just incredible!