These lovebirds originally met at work and became friends but lost contact for quite a few years while Luke travelled. They reconnected through social media, and it was clear to Erin that they shared a connection worth exploring. She says, “I remember I was nervous when we met for our first date, but that all faded away. It was like I’d seen him the day before, laughing and talking like we always had. We weren’t building or fixing bikes this time, like in the old days. I was attracted to Luke’s kind soul and warmth – I felt drawn to him. He is also tall and handsome, which doesn’t hurt.” Luke comments, “It felt like we were picking up where we left off. What attracted me to Erin was her beauty, loving nature, quick wit and ability to make me laugh every day.” Luke planned a beautiful, private proposal at a secluded shepherd’s hut in the Quantock Hills. He proposed 10 years to the week of knowing each other, which marked their journey from colleagues to friends to partners and finally fiancés. Erin adds, “I had no idea at the time! So much so, I said I wouldn’t come out of the shepherd’s hut as I was fixing my camera. I felt so happy when I realised what was happening. We’d been having an enjoyable day and organically taking loads of photos, so I inadvertently documented the lead-up to the proposal!” SETTING THE SCENE The couple knew the wedding would likely be one of the only times all their nearest and dearest would be in the same room, so they wanted to have a great time celebrating their journey as a couple and acknowledging those who’ve helped along the way. Harbour Hotel Southampton is a modern setting that overlooks a stunning marina and has an elevated, elegant feel. On a summer’s day, guests can feel like they’re looking over a marina in a distant, sunny destination like Monaco. It’s elegant inside with a spiral staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it light and airy. The Hotel is described as a ‘super-yacht’ with nautical and coastal themes running throughout. The couple had their ceremony in The Needles and the reception in The Bow. They also decided to get ready at the venue and celebrate with the wedding party. So, it was a short walk downstairs to the aisle. Holly at Effortless Elegance styled the entire venue. She transformed two empty spaces into romantic, modern and beautiful settings that surpassed all the lovebirds’ wildest dreams. The team pulled out all the stops; it was truly stunning! The table plan was a world map created by Ottie Design for the reception. The couple wanted their adventures to feature, so each table was a location they had visited, with stories and photos alongside the tables. While planning the seating, the pair sat down several times, pulling together stories and finding their favourite images. Creating them was fun, but reminiscing as they did captured their journey perfectly. Luminique hung stunning lighting from the ceiling in the Bow, adding a bit of soft romance to the room. The favours were little bottles of Limoncello from Zest Liverpool. The bride and her mum sat at a kitchen table and hand-poured them all, which took quite some time! Erin later roped her sister into helping add bows and labels. She comments, “We chose Zest because we had previously shared this drink with some of our closest friends and loved it. It only felt right to have it on our wedding day and create more memories.” The centrepieces consisted of white and purple flowers on gorgeous gold stands that ranged in height and style. Talking about blooms, the bride’s stunning bouquet was made up of white peonies, avalanche roses and double lisianthus with mixed eucalyptus and olive foliage. The bridesmaids followed suit and had three white peonies with the same foliage. Luke had an ivory avalanche rose and one white lisianthus head with olive foliage and eucalyptus leaf for his buttonhole, while the groomsman had a single rose. The couple also had a memorial rose to honour those who’ve passed. Harbour Hotel Southampton provided a fantastic wedding breakfast, starting with burrata and chicken for the main course and colcannon mash with a truffle and wild mushroom sauce. The meal finished with a custard tart with poached pear. It was divine and fitting for the summery day. Luke’s sister, Lauren, created the stunning wedding cake. She is a professional baker, pulling out all the stops to 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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