Childhood sweethearts Ella and Ben met at school and became best friends, hanging out together and chatting online most evenings. By the age of 14, they were boyfriend and girlfriend and have been together ever since. “Ben has always made me laugh and I adore him for that,” says Ella. POPPING THE QUESTION Ben proposed on Ella’s graduation day in October 2018. “After the formal part we had a small family celebration and as my dad raised a glass to toast my success, Ben came back from the car with a large bouquet of red roses and the ring box which he had sneakily hidden. He then proceeded to get down on one knee and ask me to marry him, surrounded by our loved ones with a Michael Bublé song playing in the background. It was a complete surprise and my cousin videoed the moment so I can relive it time and time again,” reveals Ella. THE TIME AND PLACE When it came to choosing where to wed, there was only ever one place in the running – The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. Ella was already familiar with the venue from working with her mum in their family floristry business Langton Flowers in Mildenhall. “We are a recommended supplier and provide the flowers for all their horse racing events,” she explains. “From my first visit there, before our engagement was even on the cards, I knew it was the one! The history and grandeur of the place, combined with the warm, homely feel and the staff and service provided, would make anyone feel like royalty!” LOOKING THE PART Ella also bagged her dream dress early on but wasn’t able to wear it until three years and three postponements later due to the pandemic! Thankfully, she chose a classic, timeless style – an ivory, mikado satin ballgown by Stella York (style number 6758) with a plunging V neckline. She says, “When I finally knew we were getting married, I looked for accessories to personalise it and discovered a statement belt with beautiful floral details and beadwork which was the perfect finishing touch,” Ella explains. She also wore a cathedral-length veil for the REAL WEDDING 37
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