Nicole and Sam met during a night out in Coventry in 2015. “Sam arrived with a friend of mine, and we instantly clicked,” says Nicole. “I was drawn to his upbeat personality and sense of humour. Sam was always the loudest in the room; he was never afraid to laugh at himself, and he was so kind. He was drawn to my smile and my sense of humour. He’s always been able to make me smile. We talked all night and laughed a lot. Eventually we swapped numbers and started as friends before becoming a couple in June 2016.” Sam popped the question during a holiday in Wales. “Before we went, Sam told me not to get over excited as he wasn’t going to propose while we were away,” shares the bride. “We had just had our sixth anniversary, so I was hoping for a ring soon! We went on a walk down to a waterfall with our puppy, Albie. When we got there, he insisted on walking underneath it. Once under the waterfall, Sam got down on one knee and proposed!” SETTING THE SCENE “Initially, we had planned to have a big wedding in a marquee,” explains Nicole. “Unfortunately, a few months later, I became very ill and was in and out of hospital for months. I ended up in a wheelchair with a feeding tube, so we cancelled everything. After a year, I was well enough to have the wedding. We booked Cheylesmore Manor House’s Black Prince Room for our seventh anniversary, but as I’m still using a wheelchair and fatigued, we opted for a wedding reception in Sam’s mum’s garden. Cheylesmore Manor House was the perfect fit for us, as I have always loved wooden beams and old buildings. The décor felt right and fit the rustic, romantic look we wanted. My mother-in-law decorated the garden for the reception. We had games, plenty of seats, dancing, and so much fun.” For their favours, the couple gave their guests sweets, flip-flops, bubbles and activity packs for the kids. “The Sugar Peony created our three-tiered cake, which was handpainted and decorated with sugar peonies,” recalls the bride. “We chose red velvet, white chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla. We also had a dessert table, vegan cupcakes, and plenty of party food.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I wore a gown from Proposals Bridal Studio in Coventry,” says Nicole. “Wearing the dress made me feel like a bride; I felt beautiful and confident in a way I never had before, and it felt like the perfect fit for a summer wedding. The lace straps were intricate but simple at the same time, with some sparkle but not too much. I accessorised with simple diamond earrings and a necklace from Twilight Designs. “Sam chose a two-piece grey suit with a hunter green tie from Moss Bros,” continues the bride. “My bridesmaid opted for a floor-length, hunter green dress with floaty short sleeves and a slit up one side.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I had been worried about the wedding due to my health, but on the day I felt so calm and collected,” shares Nicole. “I just knew that this was where I was meant to be. I felt completely serene. Sam’s favourite moment was when I walked down the aisle. I’ve been in a wheelchair for six months and have only been able to go short distances with a crutch and support for three weeks after months of physiotherapy. Sam knew I would be walking down the aisle, but no one else did. The excitement and tears were incredible. My favourite moment was reading our vows, promising to support each other through sickness and health. After everything we had been through, it was so special, and I remember not noticing anyone but Sam once the ceremony started.” The happy couple’s friends and family helped make their wedding perfect. “My bridesmaid was amazing,” adds Nicole. “Anything I needed she’d planned for already; she kept me so calm and relaxed. 29 REAL WEDDINGS
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