Lauren + Alex

How did you meet?

We met in our halls of residence at Loughborough University in 2012. Alex was in the year above me and was part of the committee to welcome new freshers to the hall. We got chatting and instantly bonded over our interest in electronic music and he welcomed me along to an upcoming music event I was desperate to go to.

When did you know they were the one?

When I returned home for 2 weeks that first Christmas at University, I felt like I was missing him more than other friends. It wasn’t until 6 weeks later when we shared a little smooch after a party that this really confirmed my feelings were more than just ones of friends.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Kindness, patience and determination.

Who proposed and how?

Alex proposed. We went away on a camping trip in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales to celebrate our 8-year anniversary. Alex arranged a hike where we reached a beautiful lake (Llyn Elsi) at the top. As I sat on the bench overlooking the water, Alex got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The easiest yes I’ve ever said! Our little pup Beatrix was part of the action as she sat next to us having a treat whilst this was all going on!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I fell in love with the original Carla dress many years ago on Pinterest. I followed Made with Love so I knew Carla was no longer in circulation but there were a few designs I had my eye on. Me and my Maid of Honour, Kate, arranged a lovely day after getting engaged where we were going to go to the MWL London Boutique followed by lunch. After trying on a few fitted styles (which I thought I always wanted), I was recommended by my lovely stylist to try a flowy style. To my surprise, my lovely stylist said that she wished she had said sooner, but they had a bespoke sample of Carla in flowy style. I couldn’t believe I was about to try on Carla after coming to terms with it being discontinued! Long story short, I tried it on and fell in love. I was in shock when I could take it home there and then. It was a definite meant-to-be moment. Keeping my gorgeous dress a secret for 17 months was totally worth the wait. Paired with the MWL Holly veil, I felt absolutely incredible on my special day.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Our venue offers the unique opportunity to get married outside beneath the historic railway bridge. Our wedding morning was faced with a lot of drizzly rain so we set off ready to walk down the aisle with my Dad carrying an umbrella. Just as we were about to start walking, the rain completely stopped. My Dad put down the umbrella and said let’s go for it. It felt so magical and timed to perfection. As we walked arm in arm towards the bridge I could not have felt more happier and to see my husband-t0-be under it absolutely beaming.

What were your favorite details?

My Mum made all our flowers. She spent over a year turning her house into a glorified florist, single-handedly making 12 pew ends, 10 centerpieces, 9 buttonholes, 6 bridesmaid posies, 2 flower girl posies, 2 corsages, 2 sign sprays, 1 registrar table spray, 1 15ft long garland, and 1 bridal bouquet by following YouTube videos.