I met Jason almost 8 years ago in a bar on my birthday, on a night out.  My best friend introduced us and the rest as they say is history.

We went on our first date a week later and spent lots of time together over the coming weeks and months and brought our first house together a year later. 6 years later we were holidaying in Mexico on the Riviera Maya (where we had holidayed the previous year and loved) and had a romantic dinner on the beach (something he had promised me the year before, but it never happened) so I didn’t think anything was out of the ordinary.

The concierge was waiting for us and offered to take some nice pictures which was so lovely, she then started taking pictures on her phone (which I did find strange). At which point I turned to my partner to ask what was happening, and he was on one knee. It was a complete surprise, when he stood up to hug me, he accidentally dropped the ring and the box into the sea. Luckily the ring had bounced onto the floor. It was all caught on video for us to keep forever followed by the most beautiful meal on the beach. A perfect proposal  

When it came to planning our wedding, I wasn’t too worried. Having previously got a qualification in wedding planning and having worked in a bridal shop when I was 16, I was very excited to get planning. I had a clear idea in my head and knew exactly what I wanted. 

I have always wanted to get married in a church followed by a beautiful reception and dreamed of the Belfry  but was always worried that this would be out of reach.  So, when we were able to book the venues of my dreams I was over the moon as we could now have classy and elegant Venue which would be full of the people we loved.

When it came to the wedding dresses, I did have an idea of what I wanted. I knew I wanted a big ball gown. I think that a wedding feels like one of the only times, its acceptable as an adult to dress in a huge princess dress.

My sister also had a Veni Infantino wedding dress (Nora) when she got married so I knew that I wanted something form the same designer for my wedding.  I had shortlisted lots of Veni's gowns for my try on and fell in love when I put my third dress on. 

It was at my first shop appointment. I did have a booking at a second shop, but never ended up going to it, as I fell in love in the first shop Lula Ann, they were amazing and my bridal constant Rosie she was so knowledgeable and just really kind. There was no rushing or set amount of time for me to be out of the store she was just friendly and made me feel special.

Both my sister and myself had our wedding dresses from this store, and I would 100% recommend this store to people in the future.

when picking the dresses for me to try on, I had pulled around 8 dresses out and the bridal consultant pulled out some others including my actual dress. It wasn’t even something I wanted to try on, but I am so glad that I did as I fell in love as soon as I saw it on. My mum and sister cried, and I knew it was the one. 

My dress was Kaija in ivory, which an added modesty bodice. It was a stunning romantic fairy-tale A-line wedding dress with exquisite beaded lace applique bodice. As soon as I tried it on I saw myself in the mirror and how the sequin underlayer sparkled through in the sun I knew it was the one. And as I turned around to see my Mum and Sisters faces, they were both crying which cemented the fact it was the right dress for me.

My wedding day itself went very smoothly, nothing that went wrong, it was a really chilled out morning with my girls at my side. We had our dream day and it was everything we wanted it to be.

I would have to say that the best part of my wedding day was getting to marry my best friend with everyone we loved surrounding us. It was such a magical day and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

Something we think worked really well was hiring a magician for the cocktail hour whilst evening guests were arriving (who was amazing @themodernconman) and our guests were mesmerised by him. It was a really nice touch for the evening celebration. 

My advice that I would give to any futures bride would, be open to suggestions from your bridal consultant, they really do know what they are talking about. Stop stressing about the small stuff, you really wont even notice it in the long run – its about your love and sharing it with your loved ones.

I would like to give thanks to my amazing

@lulaannbridal – Where I brought my gorgeous gown from

@charlottelouisehairstylist - Hair dresser

@joannastephensmakeup – make-up

@la_vie_en_rose_floristry – florists  

@designeleganceweddings – room dressers