Lauren + William

How did you meet?

We met at just 20 years old at the University of Gloucestershire in 2012 when we were studying Sports Coaching. He was in his third year and I was in my first. I would see him in practical lectures or in the local cheesy nightclub on a Wednesday night. Our paths crossed but nothing happened for the next 2 years before he finally asked me on a date.

When did you know they were the one?

When he could hold his own around my crazy family haha.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. He is extremely caring for all of his friends and family
2. He is unbelievably patient (not one of my strongest traits haha)
3. He pushes me to be the best version of myself

Who proposed and how?

It was Christmas Day 2020, our plans to see family had been cancelled due to a lockdown at the last minute. Just a few weeks prior we had moved into our brand new home so had agreed no presents. Still filled with unpacked boxes, no decorations and no Christmas food as we thought we were going to be with family it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a sad day. My now Husband got up early and cut a branch of a tree in our garden and hung it to our fire place in replacement of a tree. When I came down he told me there was a surprise hanging in the ‘tree’. As I had a look he called my name, I turned around and he was down on one knee and he asked me to marry him. I was completely shocked, it was not how I imagined it or how he had planned it. But weirdly just the two of us in our brand new home starting a new chapter together it was perfect. He made me pancakes for breakfast and we ate Asian food for dinner… not a usual Christmas but a great one.

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

I had seen Ryder on Pinterest, it was one of the first I pinned. I search where sold MWL dresses near me and found Coco & Kate. It was the first bridal shop I visited and the first dress I tried on. Although Lola very nearly made me change my mind, after a second visit I knew Ryder was my dress.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

All my favourite people in the world being in one beautiful place eating amazing food and lots of drinks!

What were your favourite details?

Our amazing flower arch was the perfect back drop to our ceremony and photos.
We had 2 very important people to us nail shut a wine box filled with Mallorcan wine and letters we wrote to each other that we will open on our fifth wedding anniversary.
We had personalised wooden fans as it was very warm in Mallorca, I’m sure our guests appreciated them.
We had ‘Drunk In Love’ shot glasses that we did a limoncello toast with after our speech.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Make the day 100% about what you and your partner want, the day is about you and only you. We kept our venue and details a complete surprise from everyone until a few days before. It meant we had no pressure when planning and they all had a nice surprise.