After meeting online, the first time Joseph set eyes on Francesca, he knew straight away that she was the one. “Joseph says that as soon as I opened the door to him and smiled for the first time, he knew he was going to marry me, however I took a little longer to realise this,” admits Francesca. At first, she thought the relationship wasn’t likely to go anywhere because Joseph was just too good to be true. However, she changed her mind after confiding in a good friend. “I’m so glad I listened to them as they swiftly told me I was talking nonsense!” POPPING THE QUESTION Romance blossomed and when the time came, Joseph surprised Francesca by asking her to marry him during a trip away just before the first Covid lockdown. “Ever since we started dating, he’d always said he’d never propose on holiday. In fact, it became a running joke between us and whenever we went away, I’d always stop, as if to ask if this was the moment, or he’d get down on one knee, look up at me and then proceed to tie his shoelace. So when we went to Northern Ireland, the thought of him proposing was the furthest thing from my mind!” However, on a windy day, in a quiet spot while visiting The Giants Causeway, Joseph suddenly got down on one knee – and this time it was for real! THE TIME AND PLACE They set the date for 14th May 2022 and began the hunt for the perfect setting for their big day. They knew they wanted a barn venue with a laid-back vibe and fell in love with Alpheton Hall Barns in Suffolk. “The venue was beautiful and secluded with everything we wanted, including a separate ceremony room and the barn for the reception was full of character. We ended up getting married outside in the woodland area though, which we hadn’t even seen when we first looked, and it was definitely the right decision. So many people commented on how beautiful the setting was,” recalls Francesca. LOOKING THE PART Despite having a clear vision of what she wanted, Francesca struggled to find her dream dress. “I was sure I would know straight away but that wasn’t the case. REAL WEDDING 37
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=