See how other couples celebrated their big day with wedding stories and ideas from County Wedding Magazines' Real Weddings features.
Kristian and Matthew met at a New Year's Eve party. "I was drawn to Matthew's awkwardness and his jokes that not everyone would laugh at but I just found funny and innocent," Kristian shares. "I knew from the beginning that he was special, a unique character that deserved to be loved." For Matthew, Kristian's nervousness attracted him, as well as his smiles whenever they were together. "He couldn't do enough for me. I always wanted to be around him, and his personality was so infectious," he explains.
Sophie and Craig met in York's Yates while Sophie was up from Brighton visiting a friend. Craig danced over to her to Peter Andre's Mysterious Girl, but his cool moves were hampered by the sticky bar floor! He was dressed in a bright red Rudolf the Reindeer suit jacket and tie at the time... well it was Christmas. After a brief conversation, Craig handed over his number and they parted ways, or so Sophie thought. An hour or so later they bumped into each other again at a different bar and something compelled her to stick around this time, their two groups united. From there, a long-distance relationship blossomed.
Jess and Martyn met when she was a professional dancer and he a professional singer during rehearsals for a cruise ship contract in Italy. "We instantly connected," Jess remembers. "We could talk like we'd known each other forever." The two began to build a wonderful friendship becoming inseparable, and a few months later realised they were, in fact, much more to each other than friends. Their relationship blossomed from there.
These lovebirds first crossed paths at a mutual friend's birthday bash and instantly clicked! Abi was drawn to Chris's witty humour and charming Irish accent, while he couldn't resist her vibrant red hair and the way she laughed at his jokes. Fast forward 10 years, Chris popped the question to Abi during a beachfront dinner in the Maldives, which was very romantic and a huge surprise. They scheduled their wedding for July 2023, hoping to craft a flawless day for their cherished guests
Anna and Owen met at university in 2012. "We knew of each other but didn't really get to know each other until a few months later," says Anna. "When we spoke to each other properly, there was instant chemistry and we've been extremely close ever since. Our attraction to each other was obviously physical, but our personalities are very compatible and we can always make each other smile and feel loved."
Katie and Marc met at school when two mutual friends introduced them. "We were in a relationship for fi ve years before we went our separate ways," says Katie. "Four years later, Marc reached out to see if I wanted to go for a drink. I thought it would be an opportunity to reassure us both that we'd made the right decision all those years ago; however, within fi ve minutes, it was clear that we were going to get back together."
Ann-Jee and Nick were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at a Halloween party 10 years ago. "For me, it was love at first sight," says Nick. "She was so effortlessly charming and funny, with a captivating smile. Sadly, my 'friend' had already told Ann-Jee all of my most embarrassing stories, so she took a bit more convincing, especially as I was the only person in attendance who hadn't bothered with a costume!"
These lovebirds met as London university students at an indie night club called Propaganda in Angel, Islington. On their first date after meeting, they went to a bar called The Book Club in Shoreditch. Chris was immediately charmed by Katie's individual style despite her being almost an hour late to the date. Here, they realised they had a shared sense of humour and loads in common with the same values for the future. They were also surprised to find out that they lived just round the corner from each other.
These lovebirds fi rst crossed paths at university and were assigned to the same dormitory. Although it wasn't love at fi rst sight, they quickly became close friends, and their bond grew stronger. Fast forward, Ollie decided to propose to Katy at a serene spot in Greenwich Park, a place they frequently visited during lockdown. While it wasn't a complete surprise, Katy had a hunch that something special was about to happen when Ollie suggested having a fancy breakfast at The Ivy on a random Saturday in February!
These two lovebirds instantly hit it off when they first crossed paths at the pub where Emma worked! Lewis, a somewhat shy guy, would frequently drop by with his buddies, and they couldn't help but notice his fondness for Emma. Eventually, Lewis gathered the courage to ask her out on a date. Time flew by, and in August 2021, Lewis proposed at Godrevy in Cornwall. It's worth mentioning that Lewis hails from Cornwall, and throughout their 10-year relationship, they had made it a tradition to visit every year. Their absolute favourite spot was St Ives, and Godrevy offers a breathtaking view of the sea overlooking the iconic destination. Lewis put together a charming breakfast picnic for Emma and their threemonth-old son. As they savoured their meal, Lewis seized the moment and popped the question. With the sun shining down on St Ives, it was an incredibly special and perfect moment – a complete surprise for Emma!
These lovebirds met at their local pub and hit it off! Kierran hadn't got up the nerve to introduce himself properly until Olivia approached him on New Year's Eve at the bar! She comments, "He was tall, which immediately caught my eye, and he had a gorgeous smile!"
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.
Lily and Shiv met at university, yet their paths never crossed until the very last day. "It was at the end-of-year celebration that I saw her in the student union," Shiv tells us. "The stars were out, the exams were behind us, and Lily looked stunning. Before meeting her, I saw the world in black and white, governed by logic and reason. But that night, my world burst into colour. My heart understood feelings that reason could not explain, and I knew I had found somebody special."
Mel and Tom met at a drum and bass night in Leeds when they were at university in the city. "We both love raving and drum and bass music and having fun," Mel tells us. "We kissed early on, but then remained friends for fi ve years before fi nally getting together as a couple."
Nadene and Steve met at The Devonshire, Derriford Health & Racquets Club where they worked. "I was in reception and Steve was a lifeguard of the swimming pool," Nadene tells us. "Steve would walk past reception when starting his shift and leaving to go home. We soon started talking and then enjoyed our fi rst date at the Jack Rabbit pub - we haven't stopped talking since!"
Chris and Vanessa met at work. Over time, their feelings intensifi ed for one another and friendship, respect and love grew. On 28th October, 2023 the pair offi cially became Mr and Mrs Egan, with a Halloween inspired affair at Baddow Park House.
Daisy and Georgia met at 18 when they first started at the University of Chester. Georgia tells us more, "We met each other on the very first day and have been inseparable ever since. We become friends very quickly, but in all honesty I don't think we were ever actually 'friends' as we started to like each other very quickly."
Jo and Jon started out as friends. They were both going through a tough time when they met and became a support system to each other. The two are DJs and instantly had this major part of their lives in common, as well as sharing the same sense of humour. The time was right eventually though, and love grew between them.
When Hannah and Chris met online they felt an instant connection. Two years later, now a couple, they travelled to Dublin for the day and Chris popped the question at the castle after finding the perfect spot beneath and archway full of flowers in the gardens. "It was such a surprise, my first response was to swear rather than say 'yes,'" Hannah remembers.
Lizzy and Matt met when working in ASDA during their student days. "We bonded over our love of indie classics and Leeds festival," Lizzy says. However, the timing wasn't right then and they decided to remain friends instead of pursuing a relationship. It wasn't until a few years later that they decided to give it a go and the rest is history! "We had the most incredible first date at the beach and we quickly fell in love," Lizzy remembers.
Amy and Rich met via the online dating website, match.com. Having spoken online and on the telephone for a few weeks, it was now time to meet in person, as Amy explains. "Our fi rst date was bowling and cocktails. It was like we'd always known each other, and we couldn't wait to see each other a few days later. Rich was and is very caring towards me, he looked out for me in ways that no one had ever done before. He made me feel special and is my safe haven."
These lovebirds met on a night out in their hometown. Peter was home for Christmas from the military and was introduced to Lauren through mutual friends – there was an instant attraction between the two! Lauren comments, "I fi rst noticed how outgoing Peter was and loved his blue eyes plus tattoos. We spent New Year's Eve together dancing and drinking; our fi rst kiss was at midnight!" Peter comments, "Lauren took my breath away as soon as she walked into the room, I knew I needed to get to know this girl! I remember exactly what she wore: a red dress and a black shawl. I was immediately comfortable in her presence and couldn't wait to get to know her more – the rest is history!"
A mutual friend set up Dan and Zoe, who hit it off after exchanging numbers! The pair bonded over time and fell in love while creating memorable moments – the rest is history! Dan hates big events or being the centre of attention, a big wedding was never on the cards, and Zoe gave up hope that a proposal would happen. However, that was all about to change! They went to Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester with the kids on her 30th birthday. Time had slipped away, and the family rushed back to prepare for a meal. Zoe comments, "Dan agreed to get the kids sorted and I quickly went upstairs to get myself ready, but the kids kept calling me constantly. I was annoyed and confused about why Dan wasn't getting them ready like I had asked. I came stomping downstairs to fi nd rose petals in the hallway leading to the living room. I walked into the candle-lit living room to fi nd Dan, my daughter Gracie and my son Oliver, each down on one knee with a poster saying, 'Will you marry me?' and I was utterly shocked!"
These lovebirds crossed paths on Tinder in September 2020, just before the second Covid lockdown was imposed. Brett postponed the initial date, and Emily almost called off the second one, so they were very close to missing each other – thankfully, they didn't! They went on three or four dates, so had to decide if they would form each other's social bubble. Emily recalls, "We had so many shared interests, like a passion for food and drinks, vacations and sports – the rest is history. We kept meeting up, going on dates and enjoying each other's company. After three months, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I moved in with Brett about a year later!"
Jess and Luke went to secondary school together and fi rst dated when they were both young. "I decided he was too shy!" recalls Jess after a short-lived time together. "We were always good friends, and it felt like there was always something there. When I returned from a year in Australia when I was 19 we met back up and the rest is history!"
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