How They Met
Not the most romantic meeting story. We were both very young, out at a nightclub on the Old Kent Road called Caesars. James was at the bar, got some Dutch courage, came over and started dancing with me. I turned around and found myself looking into the most beautiful blue eyes, and the rest was history.
The Proposal
Also not very romantic, at least the first time round. We were sat in his room at his parents' house, I was playing The Sims, when he turned to me and said he could spend the rest of his life with me. Then he handed me a jelly ring. We got a proper one shortly afterwards. Bear in mind, I was only 17 at the time. Twenty four years later, James asked me again on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this time with a slightly more grown up version of the ring.
Their Wedding Vision
We didn't actually get married until ten years after the proposal, so my tastes had completely changed. The pink and pretty vision I'd had at 18 had given way to flower filled dark purples and lilacs by the time I was planning the day for real. I knew I wanted crystal candelabras and big floral arrangements, paired with a relaxed, fun filled celebration full of family, friends, laughter and food.
Finding the Dress at London Bride
I'd lived just down the road from the boutique for years, and worked in a shoe shop on Walworth Road for two of them, so I knew of London Bride long before I went looking for a dress. Back then it was still called London Bride and Groom, which is how a lot of locals from that era still remember it. My appointment was so easy and lovely. Kim helped me in and out of my selections, and I had so much fun with just my mum and sister in law there as guests. Finding a strapless lace wedding dress in South London turned out to be one of the easiest parts of the whole planning process. What I never imagined at the time was that I'd end up joining the team at London Bride myself years later, helping other brides through the same kind of appointment I once had.
The Moment She Knew
I'd seen a picture in a magazine of the dress I wanted, and I chose to try it on last because I kind of already knew I'd love it. The style number was my birthdate, so it felt meant to be. As soon as it was done up at the back, I knew it was the one. Mum cried, I cried, and I said yes straight away.
The Wedding Day
We chose The Clarendon Hotel on Blackheath for both the ceremony and the reception, which gave the whole day a real sense of occasion. The speeches were amazing and properly funny, with so much laughter throughout. We took our group photos on the roundabout right outside the hotel, with passing drivers beeping their horns at us as they went by. And of course, the food was incredible.
Advice for Future Brides
Go in with an open mind, and don't be afraid to try on styles you think won't suit you or that you don't think you'll like. You might surprise yourself. And when it comes to choosing the one, go with what you want. Listen to your heart.
