Where the Rachael and Sam had a romantic ceremony at St Davids Bishop’s Palace before moving onto their reception at Crug Glâs Country House Images courtesy of Grace Elliott Photography Rachael and Sam met through social media. “Sam had not been in New Zealand long and we instantly struck up a friendship,” says Rachael. “We chatted for a few months before we finally organised a date. It was truly love at first sight. All though our connection was instant, our relationship was a slow burn, as I have two daughters who were six and ten at the time. I had to make sure Sam was a keeper before he met Ava and Amelia, but he had me at hello, and his morals, ethics and loyalty would last me a lifetime.” Sam proposed in a seaside village called Akaroa in New Zealand. “It was my birthday, so Sam had booked an apartment for the weekend right on the waterfront,” shares the bride. “On the Saturday morning, he was bouncing around wanting to go watch the sun rise at the lighthouse, while I wanted coffee in bed! Finally, I gave in, and I must admit, looking out across the water was a beautiful start to the day. I turned around and there he was down on one knee, pale as a ghost. While I contemplated in shock that he was proposing, I noticed his face. Apparently, I was taking too long and the poor guy actually thought I was going to turn him down, which of course I did not. That night friends and family turned up and my birthday dinner turned into an impromptu engagement party.” Read on to see some of Rachael’s favourite moments from their big day... WILDFLOWERS GROW REAL WEDDINGS 29
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