Your North West Wedding- October/November 2020 (Issue 64)

Rustic CHIC Laura and Samuel shared their big day with friends and family at the Shireburn Arms Images courtesy of Fish 2 Photography L aura and Samuel first met while working at Preston Hospital. “We were introduced in passing but never really spoke,” says Laura. “Years later, I was working as a nurse at Blackburn Hospital, when Sam sent me a Facebook message asking what it was like to work there as he was thinking of applying for a position. He told me later that he made it all up and never had any intention of working there but wanted a reason to speak to me. We talked for a while and met up for a coffee, which went really well, so we continued seeing each other.” Samuel popped the question in April 2019. “We were supposed to be going to the Lake District for a day out,” shares the bride. “He made me get up super early, and I couldn’t understand what the massive rush to get here was, but I went along with it. We arrived at Elterwater nice and early and set off on a walk. There was a bench overlooking the water, and Sam told me to go sit down so he could take a photo. He then told me to close my eyes and that he had a surprise to which I responded ‘is it food?’ When I opened my eyes, Sam was down on one knee holding a box with the most beautiful white gold engagement ring in it. I, of course, said ‘yes’ and I’ve never been more surprised in my life. How he kept it a secret I will never know. He had even asked my parents for their permission and planned a meal with my family later in the day where there was a beautiful engagement cake waiting for us.” Here she shares some of her favourite moments from their big day... 21  REAL WEDDINGS