YOU ARE MYsunshine Rachel and Ghandi opted for a sunflower-themed wedding at The Great House Hotel and Restaurant Images courtesy of Daniel Brown Photography Rachel and Ghandi met at a friend’s party. “At the party, Ghandi asked how my son was doing (from a previous marriage), and the rest is history,” says Rachel. “There’s a 17year age gap between us, which on paper shouldn’t work, but as Ghandi says, he’s Peter Pan and has never grown up, so that helps! We spent two years living 230 miles apart and only seeing each other every other weekend until Ghandi made the commitment to close his business, sell his house, and move to Wales.” The happy couple had been together for more than 10 years when Ghandi popped the question. “It was my grandmother’s 92nd birthday, and all of the family were at her house,” shares the bride. “As we were about to leave, Ghandi asked to take a family photo, so we all huddled together when he paused and began showing us a magic trick. He pulled out a black cable tie and pliers and was messing around with it before getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him. It was an absolute surprise, and I didn’t believe him at first and didn’t stop crying. My mum had to prompt me to answer! The cable tie engagement ring lasted a week before it was replaced with a beautiful diamond ring.” The happy couple hosted their big day at The Great House Hotel and Restaurant. “We wanted a venue that had rooms as Ghandi’s friends and family were travelling from Bedford,” explains Rachel. “The hotel is actually less than half a mile from our house, but we’d never visited. From the moment we walked through the courtyard, we knew that it was the venue for us. It has so much character, was intimate yet roomy, and the fact that we had exclusive use on the day made it a winner in our eyes.” Read on to see some of Rachel’s favourite moments from their big day... 29 REAL WEDDINGS
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