Long-distance love led to wedding bells for Louise and Martin, who held their romantic vintage wedding in the city where they first met…
How they met
Louise and Martin met in a Bristol nightclub during their university days. “We spent the remaining term together before I graduated and moved home to Nottingham,” says Louise. “After two years’ long distance dating, I moved back to Bristol, and we’ve never looked back.”
The proposal
Martin proposed during a visit to Amsterdam. “It was his birthday, and just before we went out for dinner, he got down on one knee,” Louise recalls. “We celebrated with a romantic evening canal cruise.”
The bride’s outfit
Despite ordering the first dress she tried on, a San Patrick design in vintage lace with an illusion back, it took a while for Louise to be sure of her choice. “I tried on loads of dresses and was waiting for the ‘wow’ moment, but it didn’t happen,” she explains. “When my dress arrived for fitting several months later, I knew I’d made the right choice. It fitted like a glove and was so beautiful.”
The groom’s outfit
The groomsmen wore traditional grey morning suits from Moss Bros, with Martin teaming his with an ivory waistcoat. “He looked so smart and handsome – I will always hold that vision in my mind,” smiles Louise.
The bridesmaids
Louise decided not to have any bridesmaids, and instead chose her cousin’s little daughter, Olive, as flowergirl. She looked adorable in a dusky pink and gold Monsoon gown. “She looked like a little princess.” smiles Louise.
The ceremony
Louise and Martin said their vows in a civil ceremony. “It was so special to walk down the aisle and see everyone there for us, and Martin was so emotional,” says Louise.
The reception
The newlyweds continued their vintage lace and pearl-themed celebrations at Bristol’s Berwick Lodge. “We had exclusive use of the venue, and extending the wedding by enjoying breakfast the next morning was lovely,” says Louise. Instead of a formal meal, the couple chose an afternoon tea menu, with a barbecue in the evening.
The honeymoon
Louise and Martin relaxed with a luxury minimoon at Cowley Manor in Gloucestershire, followed by a trip to Mauritius later in the year.
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