Firsty, tell us how you met…
We met in Gambia when we were 16. I was on holiday with my grandparents and he was on holiday with his parents. As soon as our eyes met, we both knew! It really was love at first sight - even though it makes me cringe to say it! We had a long-distance relationship, but made it work. Five years later he made the big move to live here with me and we brought our first house. On Christmas Day in 2017, in front of my whole family he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. It was the most perfect moment!
So, tell us all about your special day…
We got married at St Leonards Church in Bretforton and the reception was The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh.
We went with a classical, romantic theme with light and blush pink tones with cream. I was fortunate enough to have a great relationship with my florist who I trusted and took advice from on what would make the church and venue look incredible, so we decided on the flowers and then everything else fitted into place.
The best bit was walking into the church and seeing the faces of the family and friends we love with a smile on their face. We had a gospel choir in the church and the mood was just full of love and happiness and was the most warming feeling.
The funniest part of the wedding was the singing waiters my mum had organised without us knowing! They broke out into song after our meal and did a 30-minute set of personalised songs! Was brilliant, then the look on my dad’s face when he realised he had to follow that with his speech!
What was the most important thing for you to have at your wedding?
I was really laid back about everything, the biggest priority to me and Louis was for everyone attending to have a fun time, relax and be happy. We had a small choir at the church and the songs we chose for them to sing were all happy, uplifting songs that people knew and were singing along to. We chose a steel band for the drinks reception which saw guests get involved and set a real happy atmosphere - one was playing when me and Louis met so is a sound that brings us happy memories.
Did you have any idea of what style or shape of dress you were looking for?
I was completely open minded about my wedding dress and didn't have my heart set on any style or shape - I had a rough idea of what I wanted to try on but was open to suggestions. I think the total number of gowns I tried on was around 40 dresses by the time I found the one. They were all 'nice' and all had bits I liked, but also had bits that I wasn't 100% in love with and I wasn't going to settle for my big day. I really wanted that WOW dress, so I was really losing the will to try any more on, but when I found my dress, I knew straight away that it was the one! It was called Harrie and I found it at The Bridal Gallery at Cotswold Frock Shop, Stow-on-the-Wold. As soon as I walked out of the dressing room the look on the faces of my mum, nan and sister said it all. I added a glitzy belt to my dress and finished the look with a long single tier sheer veil with tiny crystals on. I wore a pearl bracelet and drop pearl necklace and then had small pearls in my hair. I felt amazing!
Is there anything else we must know about?
By going with as many suppliers that I knew and trusted even if they did cost slightly more meant that I knew I wasn't going to be let down and that took a huge amount of worrying away and that feeling is priceless!