Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 82)

Holbrook Manor provided the idyllic backdrop to Ellie and Tom’s big day Images courtesy of Nicky Hill Photography T om and Ellie were in the same group of friends throughout sixth form college, but while Tom thought Ellie was “hot” and “wife material” it never progressed past friendship. It was when Tom joined the Royal Navy that things started to change. Like something from an old romantic film, the pair started writing letters to each other. “He was funny, handsome and attentive,” Ellie says. “After his phase one training, I agreed to go on a date with him.” After the first date quickly came the second, and the rest is history. Tom was soon planning how to pop the question. He bought a beautiful ring, and decided the perfect place would be Maiden Castle in Dorset. “I chose the castle setting because she is my princess,” Tom says. “I had the ring for at least a month while I waited for a break in the bad weather of 2017!” Ellie was totally surprised, and through the tears she managed to say “Yes!” The couple soon started planning their wedding for 9 th May, 2019, and chose Holbrook Manor as their dream venue. Ellie tells us how it all came about… TO HAVE AND TO HOLD REAL WEDDINGS 41