The Story So Far

John and I met on a dating app towards the end of the pandemic, so our first date was a dog walk around Ravenscourt Park. John proposed in The French Alps—we both love the mountains and I grew up in Meribel, so this was very special. As for the ring… John likes to call this mission “How the hell do you buy an engagement ring for a jeweller?”

I can hand on heart say I had no idea what was going on, and the proposal was a massive surprise. My production manager Tatijana and John worked behind my back amidst the Christmas rush to find a central stone, which they put in a placeholder ring for the proposal. The stone is a tsavorite garnet, which is only mined in one place in the world: Kenya, between the Tsavo National Parks.

John’s father was born and raised in Kenya, and they still spend a fair bit of time there in a family house on the coast. While John and I were visiting Kenya a couple of years prior, we travelled to the Tsavorite mines together— so he always knew he wanted to propose with a tsavorite stone, and then leave me to design my perfect ring around it. 

The Venue

We got married in the church where I was christened, and the reception was held in my  parents’ garden. I love their garden in June— It’s an explosion of colour, and being in at centre of a farm, you are surrounded by wheat and barley fields that are just starting to turn from green to yellow.

Our reception was incredibly relaxed and informal. Instead of hosting a Sunday event, my parents invited 70 of their friends to join the reception alongside the 150 guests who had come to the ceremony. We had a champagne reception with canapés that turned  into a summer evening garden party, complete with bowl food and music.  

The Fashion

My dress came from Sassi Holford. It was a million miles away from what I thought I would choose, but it was definitely the one. I paired it with a pair of Gucci sandals that I knew were comfortable, and my something blue was a huge silk ribbon that went the whole way down my back instead of a veil.  

John wore his grandfather’s tails, and bought a new waistcoat from Favourbrook.

The Jewellery

Being a jeweller, this was always the million-dollar question for me… I wore pearl and diamond earrings inherited from one grandmother, and a brooch within my bouquet from another grandmother.  

Having decided to keep the placeholder engagement ring as is and not design a ring around the stone that John chose, the wedding band was where I chose to leave my mark. I have a plain gold wedding band to be worn day-to-day, and then a party jacket that fits either side of my engagement ring for high days and holidays. Over time, I may even make a couple of jackets that fit around the engagement ring— creating  totally different looks from the same central garnet stone.  

The Bridal Party

The maids of honour wore floor length blue silk Galvan dresses.  I wanted my page boys and flower girls to be comfortable, so the girls wore white linen dresses with blue bows and silver Supergas, and the boys wore Zara Kids and blue Supergas .

My dog Hackle was the final addition to the bridal party, with a big blue bow around his neck. 

Transportation

I was taken to the church by one of my best friends in his father’s vintage Bentley. It was the most beautiful car.  After the ceremony, John and I left the church in a tuk-tuk belonging to my mother.

The Tablescape

We had an old sail and petal marquee, with Indian swags lining it. Our flowers were blue and white, with a focus on daisies and cosmos. My obsession in the lead-up to the wedding was creating a living garden which you walked into the church through, and this installation was then moved to the marquee along with hundreds of bud vases.  

To complete the marquee setup, my sister’s boyfriend also built the most beautiful bar from a 3-metre piece of wood taken from a fallen tree on the farm.

Food & Drinks

We served crowd-pleasing canapes, and lots of them (think 3,000+). These included sausages, quail’s eggs, tuna tartare, and panko-coated prawns, followed by bowl food such as Thai green curry and prawn orzo.  

There was then a table of cheese and nibbles, with the most beautiful cake from Sugar Plum Bakes.  Throughout the evening, we sipped on champagne, wine, and homemade elderflower and cocktails.  

Entertainment

We had a loop pedal artist who performs at Apres-ski named Sian Smith, who was BRILLIANT!! She sang 3 sets throughout the evening, which had everyone heading to the dance floor. Our very impromptu first dance was to Fleetwood Mac.  

Beauty Regime & Wellness

I had a brilliant hair and make-up artist on the day named Jo Clayton, whom I had worked with in the past and would highly recommend. Before the wedding as skin prep, I had facials at Skin Matters in Holland Park.  

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We had a wedding list with The Wedding Present Company— one of our favourite gifts was a croquet set, which was set up during the reception. Everyone was so incredibly generous, that writing our thank-you letters has become quite the task!

The Honeymoon

The Monday morning after the wedding, we flew to Croatia and spent six days on Hvar at two brilliant but very different hotels. The first was called Little Greene Bay, and the second Maslina. We would highly recommend visiting both.

Advice

We got married 6 months almost to the day post-proposal, and for me this was perfect. I  couldn’t have spoken about the planning of the wedding for much longer! Not having a sit-down dinner also made the whole event so much more relaxed and easy to plan.  

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @sophiebreitmeyer & John Horsfall  

Venue: Parents’ Own Garden  

Caterer: @sabrinasampsoncatering

Cake: @sugarplumbakeskingston

Dress: @sassiholfordbridal

Bridesmaids: @galvanlondon 

Groom outfit: @favourbrook 

Flower girls & page boys: My Little Dani

Florist: @maryclaredelevingne

Stationery: @papier 

Photographer @georginaharrisonphoto

Singer: Sian Smith via @apresskibands

Wedding rings: @sophiebreitmeyer

Hair & Makeup: @joclaytonmakeupandhair

Gift list: @weddingpresentco

Marquee: @greateventcompany

READ NEXT: How To Decorate A Marquee Step-By-Step

The post Inside: Sophie Breitmeyer’s Elegant Garden Wedding appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Spain

Casa Guardiola, Seville

With its intricately carved columns, vibrant tiles, and the scent of citrus surrounding the jaw-dropping courtyard, Casa Guardiola is an incredible example of Sevilian Romanticism architecture. Conveniently located in the city centre of Seville, couples can soak in the atmosphere and buzz of the city, while also enjoying the character and charm this palace has to offer.

Discover the details of Charlotte and Tyler’s wedding at Casa Guardiola here.

Cap Rocat, Mallorca

The sandstone and clean lines of an ancient fortress juxtaposes the green natural landscape and sparkling turquoise seas of Mallorca at Cap Rocat, a secluded resort with stunning Mediterranean views and hues at every turn. With a variety of ceremony locations, beautiful boutique rooms, and a focus on sustainability and luxury, couples are sure to discover an enchanting wedding experience here.

Take a closer look at Jessica and Rhys’s wedding at Cap Rocat here.

Portugal

Os Agostos, The Algarve

Located just outside the picturesque, pastel-drenched town of Estoi, Os Agostos is a charming and rustic estate set amongst a grove of orange trees. Whether couples are dreaming of a breezy marquee wedding, a reception by the pool, or a large-scale celebration in a chic converted warehouse, they will be spoilt for choice with on-site locations and traditionally catered cuisine on their special day.

Discover the details of Abi and Christian’s wedding at Os Agostos here.

Italy

Villa Aurelia, Rome

City-chic surroundings meet quintessential Italian villa charm in the beautifully light and airy Villa Aurelia. This 17th-century property was restored and reopened by the American Academy in 2002, and features terraces with breathtaking views of Rome’s cityscape, a dreamy outdoor dining space, and gorgeous gardens and grounds for couples to hold their ceremony in.

Discover the details of Chrissy and Archie’s wedding at Villa Aurelia here.

Dimora delle Balze, Sicily

Situated on the idyllic island of Sicily, this beautiful property has hosted not one, but two TWE couples’ weddings— and with beautiful bougainvillaea, stunning stone architecture, exquisite meals, gorgeous olive groves surrounding the venue, and the perfect blend of luxury and rustic regional charm, it’s clear why Dimora delle Balze is one of the best wedding venues in Europe for couples to have on their radar.

Take a closer look at Alessandra and Adam’s wedding (pictured below) at Dimora delle Balze here, and Camille and Natan’s wedding here.

Hotel Marincanto, Positano

Couples can immerse themselves in one of Italy’s most iconic destinations with a wedding at the Hotel Marincanto in Positano, which features a dreamy terrace with panoramic rooftop views of the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast. With fine dining and wine, an exquisite private beach, and a luxurious collection of rooms and suites, the hotel, 18th-century villa, and restaurant truly capture the region’s enchantment and essence.

Discover the details of Sophia and T’s wedding at Hotel Marincanto here.

Villa Astor, Sorrento

Dramatically set on the clifftops of Sorrento, Villa Astor has sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, acting as the perfect backdrop for a wedding celebration. The property has an illustrious history hosting royalty and nobilities over the centuries, reflected through the hallways of Greek and Roman antiques and opulent marble-filled suites within— giving all in attendance a once-in-a-lifetime stay.

Take a closer look at Chloe Rose and Chris’s wedding at Villa Astor here.

Barsentum, Puglia

Puglia is renowned for its striking white limestone truillis— which can be found aplenty at Barsentum: a traditional masseria, or medieval fortified farmhouse. With awe-inspiring natural and architectural beauty woven through each of the outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, couples can craft a celebration which journeys through the property’s central Agorà, enchanting wooded garden, and ancient farmyard overlooking the shimmering sea.

Discover the details of Charlotte and Emilio’s wedding at Barsentum here.

Tenuta Corbinaia, Chianti

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chianti and surrounded by the region’s famous vineyards, Tenuta Corbinaia is an enchanting venue that reflects the romance of Tuscany. With magnificent gardens and architecture, a hillside infinity pool, and halls adorned with artwork and steeped in history, couples have endless indoor and outdoor options for each element of their celebrations at the villa.

Discover the details of Yasmine and Ricardo’s wedding at Tenutia Corbinaia here.

Villa Erba, Lake Como

No list of the best wedding venues in Europe would be complete without a stop in Lake Como: one of the world’s most iconic wedding destinations. For the pinnacle of prestige, luxury, and elegance, couples need look no further than Villa Erba. With the opportunity to make their grand entrance by boat, a picturesque park overlooking the lake to hold a ceremony or cocktails in, and a showstopping ornate dining room at its heart, it is the perfect backdrop for a day filled with romance and sophistication.

Discover the details of Douglas and Pieter’s wedding at Villa Erba here.

France

No.3 The Château, Charente

Couples and guests alike will experience the essence of French countryside luxury and charm as they journey through the vineyards, lavender gardens, and restored Cognac distillery barn of No.3 The Château in the southwest of France. This beautifully renovated property was brought back to life by a features a traditionally romantic château exterior, with bright and airy, modern interiors, bringing a unique twist to this classic wedding setting.

Take a closer look at Zoe and David’s wedding at No.3 The Château here.

Château Le Mas de Montet, Petit-Bersac

For the ultimate fairytale wedding in France, couples need look no further than the magical wooded grounds of Château Le Mas de Montet near Bordeaux. Surrounded by sycamore trees, this serene property offers Renaissance architecture, beautiful balconies, sumptuous accommodation across the main château and nearby cottage, and endless natural beauty for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Discover the details of Katherine and Lewis’ wedding at Château Le Mas de Montet here.

Greece

Monastiri, Paros

The lesser-known Greek island of Paros is home to the incredible Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant: one of the the best wedding venues in Europe for couples seeking a breezy, relaxed-yet-glamorous wedding. From the moment guests arrive at the venue’s private jetty by boat, they will be immersed in a perfect island paradise with a beautiful beach, refined gourmet dining, and chic, modern decor — complete with its own amphitheatre for a truly unforgettable ceremony.

Discover the details of James and Alex’s wedding at Monastiri here.

The Margi Farm, Athens

Discover the tradition and charm of rural Greece with a wedding at The Margi Farm near Athens. With its perfect blend of elegance, luxury, and countryside-chic, this organic farm is connected to The Margi Hotel, offering couples unparalleled farm-to-table catering, inviting boutique rooms and villas to unwind in, and the incredible historical sights and beaches of the Athens Riviera just moments away.

Take a closer look at Katerina and Henry’s wedding at The Margi Farm here.

READ NEXT: The Top 10 Wedding Destinations For 2025

The post The Best Wedding Venues In Europe appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Join The Wedding Edition as we look back on some of the most incredible proposals, all from these stunning couples.

Suzie Bonaldi & Ryan

Vlogger Suzie Bonaldi first met Ryan when they were in school together— and she’d asked him out, but he declined. 12 years later, the pair reunited on Tinder, and four years into their relationship, they went on their annual summer trip to Ibiza. Ryan arranged a romantic private dinner beneath a pergola and overlooking the landmark of Es Vedra, where he surprised Suzie with the proposal.

Read Suzie and Ryan’s full engagement story here.

Delaney Childs & Clayton

Fashion and lifestyle influencer Delaney Childs first met her fiancé Clayton at a university party, and the two connected instantly. Nearly ten years later, Clayton orchestrated a made-up brand event in New York City— one of the couple’s favourite destinations— for Delaney to attend. Dressed to impress in a stunning gown, she made her way up to the rooftop of the Intercontinental New York Barclay Hotel, where Clayton was waiting at the end of a path of rose petals, with the dazzling lights of the city as the backdrop.

Read Delaney and Clayton’s full engagement story here.

Veena McCoole & Ross

TWE’s contributing editor Veena McCoole and her fiancé Ross first matched on Hinge in 2019, both having recently relocated to London from the US. After a whirlwind lockdown relationship and during a charming staycation at the Rectory Hotel in the Cotswolds, Ross set up a bouquet of flowers and champagne on an intimate table tucked away in the hotel’s garden. The couple will be returning to the Cotswolds for their wedding in the autumn of 2024.

Read Veena and Ross’s full engagement story here.

Emily Valentine & Nate

After swiping right on each other, content creator Emily Valentine and her fiancé-to-be Nate spent an unforgettable late-night first date at The Ned in London. Six years later, Emily returned home from work to find the first of a series of scavenger hunt clues on the mirror of the couple’s home, leading her back to The Ned and through the landmarks of the day they met— and Nate waiting in a room, ring in hand.

Read Emily and Nate’s full engagement story here.

Tanya Rad & Roby Yadegar

For years before they met, Tanya and Roby nearly crossed paths every day in a courtyard tucked away in Beverly Hills. Tanya would visit in the afternoons to pray for her future husband, and Roby would pass through coming to and from work. Once the pair finally got together, Roby set up a massage for Tanya while he prepared a sweet proposal in that very same courtyard— complete with an outfit, love letter, and makeup waiting in her locker once she finished her appointment.

Read Tanya and Roby’s full engagement story here.

Sián Lilly

Beauty and lifestyle creator Sián Lilly first met her fiancé on Instagram— and four years into their relationship, they were building a house together in London. On what Sián thought was a regular visit to the building site, she was surprised to discover a flower arch, candlelight, and a violinist playing her favourite song in what would become the couple’s dining room.

Read Sián’s full engagement story here.

Charlie & Matt

Charlie and Matt first matched on Hinge, and two and a half years later, found themselves on a Caribbean cruise with Virgin Voyages for Charlie’s birthday. The couple proposed to one another one morning on the balcony of their cabin as they were sailing into The Bahamas, and will be tying the knot in Ireland, hosting a festival wedding weekend called MA-CH-ELLA.

Read Charlie and Matt’s full engagement story here.

READ NEXT: 9 Hen Weekend Ideas, Demonstrated By Real Brides

The post How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

It was a modern day romance: meeting on a dating app, then an after work drink in Covent Garden on a Thursday evening. We were headed to Gordon’s Wine Bar, however somehow ended up at Dirty Martini! Things must have gone well, as Tom proposed a year and a half later on holiday in Portugal.

He chartered a boat in the Algarve for a sunset cruise, and proposed as the sun went down with an oval diamond set on a yellow gold band. The champagne was popped and we swam in the sea, before a chef prepared a dinner onboard. Such an amazing evening, but I was too excited and overwhelmed to eat anything at all!

The Venue

We got married at Babington House near Bath, where my family is from. We had my 30th birthday there the year prior and they did it so well— so we thought it would be the perfect place for a wedding.

The beauty of Babington House is that you hire the whole place out and it sleeps almost everyone, meaning the party never has to stop. The night before, we hosted a BBQ dinner for our bridal party to welcome them.

On the wedding day, we got married on the Croquet Lawn at 4pm, followed by dinner and dancing until the early hours. The day after, we enjoyed a relaxing brunch to see our guests off, followed by time by the pool and spa.

The Fashion

For my wedding dress, I wore the Bussotti by Suzanne Neville, which was the second dress I ever tried on. I fell in love instantly with how classic it was, yet still chic and modern. They stitched our initials and date inside the dress in a blue thread, which was my “something blue”.

Tom wore a bespoke dinner suit by Richard James and a white Marcella dinner shirt from Turnbull & Asser. His suit was a midnight blue wool and mohair blend, with a black shawl lapel. For our shoes, I wore cream Manolo Blahniks (a nod to my favourite tv show!) and Tom wore Loake Oxfords.

The night before, I wore a long white dress by Rotate Birger Christensen, with a Cult Gaia clutch and shoes, and for the after party, I changed into a Clio Peppiatt embellished mini dress, perfect for the dance floor! Finally, for brunch, I was in a Posse white linen set for a more casual vibe.

The Jewellery

On the day of the wedding, Tom sent his best man to deliver a pair of Dior pearl and diamond earrings. I also wore a Cartier ring and Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet which were 30th birthday presents.

Tom’s dress studs were mother-of-pearl from Asprey, which were his grandfather’s from the early 1900s. For our wedding bands, we chose matching gold bands from Tiffany & Co. engraved with our initials and wedding date.

Transportation

Tom is very much into his classic cars, so we hired a Morgan Plus 4 in racing green. After the ceremony, we jumped in it for a quick spin to have a few minutes to ourselves before the champagne reception. It was also the perfect prop for photos, and looked absolutely stunning outside of Babington House!

The Tablescape

Peonies are my favourite flower, so we were very lucky that they were in season when we had our wedding! Flowers by Passion put the bouquets together perfectly. We had white and light pink peonies and roses on the tables, with long ivory candle sticks. The menus were beautifully illustrated by the Bath-based stationary brand dot the i Atelier. 

Food & Drinks

Babington House serves their food family-style; for our starter we served cured trout, buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto with melon and feta. For the main course, we had rib of beef with duck-fat potatoes, spinach & ricotta ravioli and sea bass. For pudding, it was Eton mess and English cheeses. A house favourite— we had picantés aplenty, champagne and wine. It was all absolutely delicious. 

The Entertainment

We had ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ playing by string quartet when I walked down the aisle. During dinner, The Travelling Hands performed— who were amazing, and really got the party started. When everyone is up dancing before their main course, you know the band is something special!

They finished with a mash up of Angels & Hey Jude, which took us through to the afterparty where the DJ played until the early hours.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

The bridal party had our makeup done by Keeley Wilson, who was incredible and a big support all day. Hairdresser Jess Sargeant did beautiful soft waves for the bridesmaids. 

The Honeymoon

We travelled to Capri right after the wedding for our mini-moon to drink wine, eat pasta and enjoy the beach clubs, and we are planning a bigger trip to the Maldives in November for our honeymoon.

Advice

-If you will be on grass, wear a block heel not a stiletto, as you can easily start to sink!

-Be organised and keep a spreadsheet of all guests and their details, the different suppliers and dates when invoices need to be paid. It can feel so overwhelming so it is best to be as on top of it as possible.

-Make sure to spend time with your new husband or wife on the day! Often you are pulled in different directions, so make sure you stick together or sneak off for quiet moments.

With Thanks To

Bride & Groom: @emilyegcook and @tomcunningham6

Photographer & Videographer: @samdocker.co

Venue & Caterer: @sohohouse

Wedding Planner: @sophieelainefrost

Dress: @suzanneneville

Shoes: @manoloblahnik

Jewellery @dior @vancleefarpels

Dinner Suit: @richardjamesofficial

Groom’s Shoes: @loakeshoemakers

Bridesmaids: @sisterhoodbridesmaids

Florist & Tableware: @flowersbypassion

Stationery & Illustration: @dotthei_atelier

Wedding Rings: @tiffanyandco

Makeup: @keeleywilsonmakeup

Tan: @magdelainelondonbeauty

Hair: @thehairdresserjess @foxandvamp

Morgan Motor: @williamsautomobiles 

Band: @thetravellinghands

DJ & Lighting: @stylishentertainment

READ NEXT: These Are The Best Wedding Shoe Designers

The post Inside: A Beautiful Wedding At Babington House appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The Story…

My fiancé and I actually met on Instagram— and trying to explain that to my grandparents was really confusing! I don’t usually reply to DM’s like that, but his message stood out to me. I could tell straight away we had the same humour, so we went for a breakfast date… and here we are four years later!

Dropping Hints…

We had talked about weddings and our future for sure, but I’ve always wanted my engagement to be a complete surprise. So, I think he really took that seriously and made an effort not to drop any hints leading up to it.

He was constantly on his phone in the days leading up to the proposal, which was so out of character for him— however, he had surprised me with a really beautiful gift the night before the engagement so I instantly put it down to that. I even remember saying “so this is why you’ve been so busy recently?” and him agreeing! Needless to say, I was completely oblivious to what was going to happen the next day. 

The Proposal

At the time, we were in the middle of building a house back in our hometown of London. It had become a routine for us to drive down from The Midlands to the house to check on the building work progress, then spend the night in London going out to dinner or catching up with friends. So when he suggested we go down on the weekend to do that, I didn’t think anything of it.

Looking back, I probably should have picked up on him saying to be dressed up to go straight to dinner as we weren’t stopping at our hotel first. I insisted on wearing jeans as it was still a building site, and I didn’t want to ruin any of my nicer dresses! I guess that just shows how much of a surprise it was. 

As we pulled into the house I could see loads of candles and flowers leading into our dining room. There was also a violinist playing one of my favourite songs. It’s such a special memory, and we now have photos of that evening up in the dining room where it happened now that the house is complete. 

The Ring…

In terms of my ring, I’d always loved the look of Hailey Bieber’s. It’s so simple and elegant—so whenever the topic came up with my fiancé-to-be, I always said as long as it was similar to her shape and design I’d be happy.

My diamond was sourced from New York, one of my favourite places to visit, so I’m planning to have my wedding dress made there too. Having a couple of girly weekend trips planned to get my dress ready and go for fittings just makes the lead up to the day even more special and exciting!

The Celebrations…

We actually flew to Portugal the following morning, and having the weekend completely to ourselves to take it all in was perfect.

Because we don’t currently live in London full-time, we really wanted to save a party until our new house (that the engagement happened in) was ready. Now that it’s been completed & no longer a building site, I’m in full party planning mode to host at the house, and finally show everyone where it all happened! 

Wedding Plans So Far…

I’m expecting at the end of this year, so we’re focused on the baby for the next year at least. But in saying that, I do have a full detailed Pinterest board of every minor detail planned (can you tell I’m excited?!). So far, we’ve decided on a destination wedding with some really fun aspects of the reception. I am beyond excited to fully get into wedding prep mode, and to know our son will be in attendance now makes it even more special.

READ NEXT: How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring

The post The Engagement Story With Sián Lilly appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Archie and I met six years ago through my sister Adriana. On a Friday night in early 2023, Archie casually mentioned that he’d booked a lunch spot outside of town, and that we’d need to leave early the next morning. I quickly realised something special was about to happen when the taxi that arrived the next morning took us to St Pancras, and we arrived a few hours later in Paris. 

Archie found a spot in the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower and pulled out my dream ring: a trilogy, low-set gold band. I was so overwhelmed— even though my first reaction was to laugh, not cry! Once we returned from Paris, it was time to start planning our wedding in Rome.

The Venue

With my Italian background, a wedding in Rome seemed a great fit: it was the first trip Archie and I ever took together, it’s easy to get around, and we planned for the wedding to be a focal point for our guests, giving them a few days to explore and enjoy the city.

We held our wedding in a venue called Villa Aurelia. It appealed to us instantly with its link to the American Academy, the terraces overlooking Rome, and the wonderful outdoor dining space set against the facade of the Villa. I was so confident, we put the 50% deposit down without seeing it in person! We also hosted our Friday night pre-wedding drinks at the spectacular Hotel de la Ville. 

The Fashion

I met with Emma Victoria Payne, and she instantly made me feel at ease. I had two dresses for the wedding day: a modern sleek ivory crepe satin dress with French shadow lace detailing, paired with a long single layered bespoke veil with matching scalloped French shadow lace appliqués along the edges. I kept it simple when it came to my jewellery, with Daphne diamond hoops and my wedding rings.

For the evening look, which I changed into for the dancing, I wore an ivory crepe satin dress with a halter neckline and bespoke beaded tulle overlay.

The Bridal Party

I gave my bridesmaids free reign when it came to their dresses— the only brief was pastel colours, and to feel happy and comfortable in their outfits! They were all absolutely stunning in a selection of dresses from, Markarian, De La Vali, Reformation, Anne Louise Boutique and Mango. As a thank-you, I gave each bridesmaid a small gift box of Jo Malone London perfume, a hand-written note, and a lip balm.

The Tablescape

The stationery was my favourite element in the whole wedding! From the invitations and table numbers to the fans and menus, I spent nearly six months designing each piece with the amazing Rosie Harbottle, a British artist living in Cornwall. I always had a vision to incorporate Villa Aurelia in every piece of the stationery, and Rosie made that a reality.

Food & Drink

A wedding in Rome means delicious Italian food, and after a tasting with our wonderful caterer Natalizi, we couldn’t decide between the delicious prawn and courgette risotto and cacio e pepe pasta for our Primi course— so we ended up having both! This was followed by veal as our Secondi, and a wonderful wedding cake and dessert buffet on the terraces overlooking the city. 

Our drinks supplier Mercury provided guests with prosecco, palomas, and Aperol spritzes at the reception and an open bar for the party after dinner, featuring some playful signature cocktails including’ NegRomis’ and ‘Espresso Christinis’.

The Entertainment

We used the incredible ALR to book our entertainment throughout the day. We had the lead singer of BEAT sing me down the aisle to ‘Stand By Me’ by Florence and the Machine, followed by our first dance of ‘Love at First Sight’ by Kylie, and then live music and DJ in Sala Aurelia: the dance floor inside the Villa.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

Sophie, one of my best friends and bridesmaids, organised for the incredible Willis Galbraith to do my hair across the weekend as a wedding present. He basically gave me a face lift with my half up, half down hairstyle! Our friend—and Sophie’s sister— Georgia Habboo did my makeup, and we went for a natural bronzed look as I wanted to look like myself. 

The Honeymoon

After our wedding in Rome, we travelled a couple of hours up the coast to the Hotel Pelliccano in Porto Ecole on the coast of Tuscany: a stunning hotel with the most incredible views, food and service.

Advice

Even though I was a very detail-oriented bride the planning process, my main advice is on the day is to not sweat the little things. Nothing is perfect, and the only thing that matters is that you’re enjoying your wedding. If your guests see you having a great time, they will naturally follow suit!

And my final advice: when choosing a venue abroad, make sure you have a good wet weather plan. It will save you a lot of stress! 

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @chrissyciravegna and @archiereynoldss

Venue: @villaaureliagianicolo

Caterer: @natalizicatering

Drinks: @mercuryevents

Dress: @emmavictoriapaynebridal

Bridesmaids: @sophiehabboo, @arabella.smith, @isabelbeddows, @pennystrike1, @emzchampion

Bridesmaid Dresses: @markarian_nyc, @delavaliofficial, @reformation, @annelouiseboutique, @mango

Groom Outfit: @dress2killuk

Florist: @andreapatrizifloraldesigner

Tableware: Oriente Italiano by @ginori1735

Stationery: @rosieharbottle

Photographer: @elenabaranchuk_ph

Wedding rings: @arlingtonjewelers

Makeup: @georgiahabboo

Hair: @willisgalbraithhair

Gift List: @theweddingshopuk

Bridesmaid Gifts: @jomalonelondon & @mejuri

Wedding Planner: @dilettaalliataevents

READ NEXT: The Top 10 Wedding Destinations For 2025

The post Inside: A Colourful & Chic Wedding In Rome appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Luke and I met through a friend at a birthday party and hit it off straight away— from the first moment, we both knew this was something different and special. We moved in together straight away and have been joined at the hip ever since, leading up to our Cotswolds wedding at The Barn at Upcote.

We had a trip to visit some friends in Valencia planned, and prior to meeting them, we spent 24 hours in the city exploring just the two of us. We spent the day rambling around the city centre, watching the world go by, and enjoying the delights of Spanish cuisine and local wineries. Then, it was time to head back to our hotel to get ready to go for dinner. 

We had a beautiful room with a gorgeous balcony looking out onto a cobbled side street just off the main square. As we finished getting ready, Luke asked me to come out onto the  balcony to watch the sunset. As I went to take a photo of us, Luke got  down on one knee and asked me to marry him. From that moment the emotion overtook us both and we both burst into tears.

The Ring

We had discussed the future very early on in our relationship, and knew marriage was  something we both wanted. Nearly a year before actually getting engaged, we went to have a look at rings, so when the time came Luke knew what style I would like. After a day visiting jewellers all over London for inspiration, we went to one final shop and found the perfect style.  
 

Luke then found a local jeweller in Henley who made bespoke pieces and worked with him to  create the design, the diamond, the setting, and the band. 

The Venue

We got married at The Barn at Upcote in Cheltenham. It was the first venue we looked at, and we instantly felt at home there. They have a gorgeous courtyard, which— weather permitting— would allow us to get married outside (which we’d always wanted to do). The Barn at Upcote also included exclusive use of other barns, which we could use for the other parts of our day.

Despite British summertime having other ideas an hour prior to the wedding starting, we made the final decision to have the ceremony outside. It was bright and overcast— but most importantly, dry.

The day before, we travelled down and checked in to the beautiful No. 131, The Promenade Hotel. That evening, both sides of the immediate family met for drinks to start the celebrations early.

The morning after the wedding, some of our guests came to meet us at our hotel. It was the perfect way for us to extend the celebrations, reminisce on every detail, and soak in every moment. On the day itself, it is difficult to spend time with everyone so doing it this way meant we could catch up with our guests.

The Fashion

My dress was a structured off-the-shoulder Mikado gown from Wed2b, which had a full ballgown skirt. It was the perfect balance of simple, classic, and dramatic. In the evening, I changed into a more lightweight satin cowl-back dress from Meshki, perfect to dance the night away in.

Luke’s black suit was from Next, and his shoes were from Moss Bros.

Jewellery

I kept my wedding day jewellery minimal and heartfelt, with just my wedding rings, my mother’s pearl necklace, and a dainty bracelet and pearl earrings from Monica Vinader.

The Bridal Party

We decided not to have a traditional bridal party with bridesmaids and groomsmen, instead opting to have our siblings as best man and maid of honour. Luke’s brother Zach was in a matching black suit, and my sister Gabriella wore a blush pink dress from Maids to Measure.

The Tablescape

The Barn at Upcote was the perfect backdrop for our dream tablescape. Epic Catering laid the tables— we provided them with a layout of how we wanted it to look, and they exceeded all expectations. They supplied the plates and glassware, and we supplied the finer details ourselves: name cards, menu cards and napkins. AQUA Florist supplied all the bud vases and all floral arrangements for the day.

The florals were simply stunning. Jo, the owner of AQUA, understood exactly what we were looking for. For the barn itself, Cotswold Wedding Co supplied the drapes which transformed the space completely, and Valley Furniture Hire supplied the chairs, outdoor tables, and benches. 

Food & Drink

Guests were welcomed to The Barn at Upcote with champagne, and sipped on bubbles and beer through the drinks reception. To pair with breakfast, we opted for a French Rioja reserve as our red wine, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as the white.

Our wedding breakfast was a three-course meal, and our guests were able to pick between three different options for their starters and mains. For dessert, we served our wedding cake, and we finished the evening out with pizzas.

The Entertainment

I walked down the aisle to ‘Get To Love You’ by Ruelle. Luke surprised me with a saxophonist named Robert Benson who played ‘All You Need Is Love’ for our aisle exit, and also performed at our drinks reception. The moment we were announced as husband and wife, Robert appeared, which was magical.

We then had a fabulous band called Coco Magic that played in to the evening. Our first dance was held outside, and guests surrounded us with sparklers as we danced to ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

I had a make-up trial with @beautybylivatie and a hair trial with @georgiemaiseyhair a few months before the wedding. Both Liv and Georgie were both so lovely, and felt very much part of the bridal party on the morning of.   

Wellness wise, I adore reformer Pilates. It not only gave my mind a much-needed hour of me time— which is essential when wedding planning—but also an hour of  strengthening and toning. I felt the most confident I have ever been in the run-up to the wedding, and can hands down put it down to reformer.   

Luke went running weekly, ate a healthy diet, and went for daily weight training after finishing work each afternoon, which he says was the best escape after a day of working from home. By the time our wedding and two-week honeymoon in Bali came around, he also felt his best, and sees the daily trips to the gym even through the winter months as completely worth it.

The Photographer

We first found Kayleigh on Instagram, and adored how she captured such natural moments between each couple she photographed. We wanted timeless photographs that we could look back on in the years to come and still love them as much as we do today— and Kayleigh certainly fits that brief.   

She brought a sense of calm to the madness, capturing every moment and detail yet you wouldn’t know she was even there half the time. She was discreet yet so personable. We are so grateful we picked Kayleigh, and that she was part of our day. She really was the photographer of our dreams! 

The Celebrant

We found the wonderful Faye on Instagram when searching for a local celebrant to conduct our ceremony at The Barn at Upcote. Faye came to meet with us in our home prior to the wedding, and spent the morning getting to know us as a couple and our journey so far. Off the back of this, she then wrote our ceremony.

Faye became a friend overnight, and we both found comfort on the day in the fact she was there to look after us both. On the day itself, Faye executed the ceremony perfectly. We are so happy to have picked her.   

Favourite Wedding Gifts

Our guests’ presence at our wedding was more than enough, however if any wanted to buy us a gift, we asked for a contribution towards our honeymoon. Travelling is something we both  have a passion for, and we wanted to make our honeymoon the best we possibly could. We were overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity, and had the most incredible two-week trip to Bali as a result.   

Advice

1. Remember if something doesn’t go to plan, none of your guests will know any different.   
2. Enjoy the planning process. Do not sweat the small stuff.   
3. Plan to your means, and don’t give in to people’s demands. This is you and your partners day, so do it exactly how you want to.  

With Thanks To

Venue: The Barn at Upcote @upcote_barn 

Caterers: @epiccaterersuk

Dresses: @wed2b & @meshki 

Maid of Honour Dress: @maidstomeasure 

Jewellery: @monicavinader

Groom Outfit: @nextofficial & @charlestyrwhitt 

Florist: @aquaflorist 

Tableware: @aquaflorist, @cotswoldweddingco, @valleyfurniturehire & DIY

Wedding Website: @sayi_do

Photographer: @kayleighpope 

Celebrant: @faye_thecelebrant

Hair: @georgiemaiseyhair

Makeup: @beautybylivatie

Entertainment: @robertbensonsax and Coco Magic

READ NEXT: The Best Wedding Venues In The Cotswolds

The post Inside: A Classic Cotswolds Wedding Full Of Charm appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Morocco

Between its stunning signature riads in the centre of Marrakech, and the rugged landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the Afagay, and Sahara Deserts, Morocco has an endless array of captivating settings perfect for any wedding. From beautiful boutique hotels to incredible luxury camps—or both, in Jessie and Henry’s wedding— couples will experience a unique blend of traditional architecture, show-stopping scenery, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Italy

As the setting for centuries of love stories in literature and cinema, Italy is the ultimate choice for a European destination wedding. From the rolling hills of Tuscany and the charming villages of Sicily, to the romantic cities of Florence and Rome and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast— where Chloe Rose and Chris held their weekend-long celebration— wherever couples choose to tie the knot, they will delight in iconic and delectable cuisine, picture-perfect views, and enchanting ambiance.

Türkiye

Known for its amazing sunsets, beautiful beaches, and dramatic mountain views, the Turkish Riviera makes the perfect setting for a destination wedding. Whether couples are planning a beach elopement in Antalya, an intimate gathering set against one of the region’s historic castles, or a chic and elevated multi-day celebration in one of Bodrum’s bucket list resorts like Daisy and Tom’s, they will find themselves surrounded in the warmth, heritage, and natural beauty Türkiye has to offer.

Portugal

For relaxed couples seeking to host an effortlessly chic coastal destination wedding, the charming architecture and spectacular clifftops of Portugal are the perfect pick. From the picturesque cities of Lisbon and Porto, to lesser-known seaside locations such as Cascais and the rustic town of Estoi where Abi and Christian held their celebrations, the country’s dreamy white and pastel-hued buildings and verdant greenery can be found at every turn.

Spain

For a destination that delivers on wow factor, dive into the vibrant culture, jaw-dropping architecture, and colourful cuisine of Spain for your 2025 destination wedding. With countless countryside villas and fincas scattered throughout the mainland for a unique and exclusive wedding weekend and grand hotels with panoramic rooftop views of Barcelona, couples are spoilt for choice on the mainland. Or, take inspiration from Jessica and Rhys, and journey a bit further afield to the sun-drenched Balearic Islands, to tie the knot in Mallorca’s stunning surroundings.

France

From fairytale châteaus to opulent mansions, France is a classic destination wedding choice that will forever be in style. Whether couples are dreaming of a close-knit gathering with quintessentially French charm and romance, an extravagant affair with gourmet courses and sensational wines, or a lavish weekend like Katherine and Lewis’s— which showcases both historical grandeur and modern elegance— they will find an unforgettable setting for their wedding celebrations in any region of the country.

Brazil

For a unique 2025 destination wedding across the Atlantic, adventurous couples should draw inspiration from Gus and Cristo’s celebration and make sure Brazil is on their radar. With natural wonders like the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls, and landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, a wedding in Brazil promises excitement for couples and guests alike. From exquisite eco-lodges to luxurious resorts, Brazil offers a range of incredible venues, complemented by lush landscapes and a vibrant, joyous culture.

California, USA

The iconic Sunshine State is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the US, and wine lovers and film connoisseurs alike will delight in the choices available. Discover the world-famous vineyards of Napa in Northern California, the glitz of Southern California’s grand beachside hotels, or take in the timeless elegance of a secluded ceremony in Malibu, like Cynthia and Taylor’s. No matter where along the scenic Pacific Coast couples choose to hold their celebrations, they are sure to experience the effortless glamour and stellar scenery the state is best-known for.

Barbados

Couples seeking winter sunshine for their 2025 destination wedding need look no further than Barbados. With the Caribbean’s crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine shores, and the sounds of waves and steel-pan drums setting the scene, this island is the ultimate setting for sunset soirées in postcard-perfect venues such as Cobblers Cove and Sandy Lane, days on the water spent sipping rum punch with friends and family, and vow exchanges in barefoot beach ceremoies, like Christie and Charlie’s.

South Africa

With unbelievable wildlife, picturesque coasts and mountains, and stunning sunsets, South Africa would provide an unforgettable backdrop for a 2025 destination wedding. Couples can explore vineyards, hotels, and estates in iconic locations such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Winelands to find their perfect venue, and— much like Chloe and Michael— dazzle guests with the natural surroundings, world-class wine, and exceptionally warm welcome South Africa has to offer.

READ NEXT: The All-Time Best Weddings In Italy

The post The Top 10 Wedding Destinations For 2025 appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

We actually met in January 2021 on Hinge, but have since worked in the same hospital in Southwest London. Max works as an oncology doctor at The Royal Marsden, whilst I work in the NHS as a nurse in Intensive Care, and as a Reformer Pilates teacher! 

Max proposed to me 2 and a half years later on a countryside walk in Bruton on a weekend away in Somerset— my favourite place in the world and where I am from. We spent our engagement bubble at Babington House for the duration of the weekend. Max designed the ring himself with Hyde Park Design, and was very particular from start to finish (with over 70 emails back and forth!). It’s a beautiful trilogy ring on a gold band, and is just perfect.  

The Venue

I always knew I wanted to get married in the Somerset countryside, which is where I grew up and where we got engaged. After a few weeks of looking, I stumbled upon Pennard House and we instantly fell in love. It’s a beautiful family home with a sensational rose garden overflowing with flowers, and a long sweeping lawn leading down to the fairytale-like village church in East Pennard where we had our ceremony. Afterwards, we celebrated with drinks and canapés on the garden lawn, followed by dinner and dancing in the Coach House at Pennard House. 

The night before the wedding, we also hosted a low-key intimate meal before having the rest of our bridal party for drinks after, and the following day, we went back to our engagement spot in Bruton and went on a long walk and visited Hauser and Wirth.

The Fashion

I wore a dress by the British bridal fashion designer Halfpenny London. They very sweetly embroidered ‘mama’ with the date of our wedding in above my heart into my dress in a soft blue thread. I paired my dress with a lace veil, which was my ‘something borrowed’ from a friend.

Max wanted a suit he could wear again and again, so he opted for a custom-made suit from Suit Supply with a matching light waistcoat, and a pink polka dot tie. The ten groomsmen then wore navy suits.

Originally, I wasn’t planning on having an evening dress. However, I fell in love with a Rebecca Vallance dress, so I decided that I needed to slip into something a little more fun for the evening. My shoes were from Dolce Vita — I wore them all night long and didn’t take them off until the clock struck midnight and all the guests left. 

The Jewellery

On the note of something old, borrowed, and blue— I wore my late mother’s my blue sapphire engagement ring. It was such a special gesture— it made me feel like she was right there with me.

I wore my Noémi Eska gold necklace engraved with my late mother’s fingerprint and handwriting ‘the Bundles’ on the back – incredibly special to me. My earrings were from Anthropologie.  My engagement ring is a bespoke brilliant cut trilogy diamond ring. Max designed it himself, and I love it.

The Bridal Party

I wanted the girls to feel beautiful, confident and comfortable, so my six bridesmaids wore floral linen dresses from & Other Stories, and bows from Free People to match the oversized bow I wore from Halfpenny. I also bought each of them matching PJs, alongside a hand-written card which I gave them the night before.

The Transportation

We were lucky enough to borrow a friend’s 1970s white Triumph Stag as our wedding car. We also had it for our mini-moon road trip, which was great fun! 

The Tablescape

Our wedding breakfast took place in the charming Coach House at Pennard House, and we were absolutely delighted with how exquisitely Maria Madison captured the day. Her photography not only documented the event but also conveyed the joy and beauty we felt. Maria’s talent shines through in every image, making us cherish these moments even more.

We wanted the design to seamlessly flow from the lush gardens to the tables, and Jodie from Copper Green Flowers surpassed all our expectations with her stunning floral arrangements. The flowers, which also featured contributions from my mum’s best friends, added an extra layer of personal beauty and warmth.

The ambiance was further enhanced by the elegant candles from Candle Flair, casting a soft, inviting glow. The napkins from The Knotted Napkin Company added a touch of sophistication, while the menus, lovingly designed by Max’s mum Patricia Burbidge, brought a personal and heartfelt element to the table. Alice Davies crafted the table names, order of the day, and seating plan, all of which were delicate and pretty, creating a cohesive aesthetic that wowed our guests from the moment they entered.

In a special toast to the NHS, reflecting our careers as a doctor and a nurse, we embraced our Italian theme by creating charming medicine bottles filled with limoncello. It was a heartfelt gesture that added a unique and meaningful touch to our celebration.

Food & Drinks

Food was catered by Pennard House, and it was exceptional. During the drinks reception, we served Aperol Spritz and champagne, alongside beautifully displayed canapés— which included Somerset honey mustard sausages, seared sesame tuna with mango salsa, Korean fried chicken with gochujang, and Montgomery cheddar shortbread with basil cream cheese and blush tomatoes.

Max and I both love Italian food, and centred our wedding breakfast’s theme around the cuisine.We started with large antipasti sharing boards with mushroom arancini with truffle aioli, burrata with vine tomatoes, and charcuterie. We also had focaccia with tomato tapenade on the tables. 

To follow, we served a Somerset medium rare sirloin of beef, with sun-blushed tomato, watercress, and fondant potato with gremolata. Our vegetarian option was our favourite Italian dish: an aubergine parmigiana with a rocket and watercress lemon-dressed salad.

We served homemade chocolate Malteser brownies along with our red velvet wedding cake (made by Max’s sister) for pudding. We also had bars of my favourite Tony’s chocolate and Max’s favourite Godminster cheddar cheese on the table. We finished the evening with homemade pizza by Pennard House, served from their pizza van!

The Entertainment

I walked down the aisle to The Sound of Music’s ‘Wedding Processional’— the same piece of music that my parents walked into during their wedding in 1987. We exited the ceremony to ‘Everlasting Love’ from the Love Affair, and whilst we signed the register, my twin sister Flora and family friend Katie Melua sung ‘Edelweiss’ from the Sound of Music and ‘Cannonball’ by Damien Rice.  

For the evening party at Pennard House, we had a band called Glow Stix, which consisted of a DJ, saxophone and drums (think house music with Ibiza sax vibes). All our guests raved about how incredible the music was, and the dance floor was packed the entire evening.

We chose ‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac for our first dance song, as they are one of our favourite bands to listen to. For our second song we chose ‘Upside Down’ by Diana Ross. I’ll never forget being spun around in front of all our friends and family!

Beauty Regime & Wellness

As a Reformer Pilates instructor, I like to keep myself very fit and active. I took up boxing at Kobox last October which I loved, and would do a combination of this as well as Reformer Pilates 4-5 times a week!.My eating habits didn’t drastically change either, but I may have said no to a few extra treats in the immediate lead-up! 

After getting Invisalign a few years ago, I decided to get bonding on my top front teeth. I went and saw Dr Tom Crawford-Clarke in Harley Street— who also was one of Max’s ushers— and I couldn’t recommend him more. I also tried to invest more time into my previously non-existent skincare routine, but did not get any treatments. Three days before the wedding, I got a spray tan at Bare Beauty in Clapham Junction which I had trialled beforehand. It was one of the most natural tans I have ever had.

Like many brides, I opted for a hair and make-up trial with both my hair stylist, Juta, and make-up artist, Amy— which I absolutely recommend doing. It was so important for me to find a makeup and hair artist who would make me feel and look my best but also very natural.

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We had a gift list with the Wedding Shop, and are so excited about receiving so many gorgeous things, so generously given.  A big highlight came from my twin sister and brother as well as their other halves, who got us a two-night stay at The Pig in the South Downs. They all know how much Max and I love a countryside getaway!

The Honeymoon Plans

We haven’t been on a big honeymoon (we’re saving that for later next year), but we did spent the night after our wedding at Babington House which was just perfect. We then drove down to Salcombe, Devon for two nights at Gara Rock before spending the final three nights in Fowey, Cornwall, taking in the best of the Southwest.

With Thanks To

Bride & Groom: @krcw93 @maxjulve

Venue and Caterer: @pennardhouse

Photographer: @mariamadisonphotography 

Dress and Bow: @halfpennylondon

Bridesmaids: @andotherstories and @freepeopleeu

Groom Outfit: @suitsupply

Florist: @coppergreenflowers 

Tableware: @theknottednapkinco and @candle_flair

Stationery: @burbidgepatricia and @al_165

Videographer: @storyboxfilmsuk

Wedding Rings: @hancocks_london

Makeup: @amyrosemakeupartist 

Hair: @jutazorubiene

Gift list: @theweddingshopuk

READ NEXT: Honeymoon Review: The Newt In Somerset

The post Inside: A Stunning Somerset Wedding Soirée at Pennard House appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The Story So Far…

Tanya: We matched on the 1st of November, 2019, and went on our first date four days later. I was a big believer in not letting conversation linger in the apps for too long. Get out and meet the person IRL and see if you have any chemistry— that was my motto. To be honest, at the time I did not have high hopes for my first date with Roby. I had just ended something with yet another guy, and was feeling defeated and depleted in the love department. 

My coworker forced me to go, saying it would be good for me to get back out there and that Roby “seemed like a great guy” based on his profile… little did she know, he would be the most incredible man I’ve ever met. 

Roby: Tanya made the first move by liking my photo on a dating app (although she claims I made the first move by starting the conversation!) Whatever side of the debate you’re on (my side or the wrong side) the connection was immediate… Little did I know that her friends were actually the ones writing her messages to me on the dating app, but regardless, I was very excited for our first date a few days later.

The moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was special, and a date that was supposed to last an hour lasted five. Neither of us wanted it to end, and the rest is history… 

Dropping Hints…

Tanya: I’m the opposite of subtle, so Roby was fully aware of my eagerness to get engaged early on in our relationship. I was never shy about my intentions with him or this relationship, and fell for him quickly. 

When it came to the ring, I realised I’d never had a daydream in mind of what that looked like. I quickly made plans with my best friends to go around town and try on all the rings so I could give him some direction. By the time I had made my rounds, he knew the vibe I was going for and he absolutely did an amazing job! 

Roby: At a certain point in the relationship it became an express topic of conversation. We both knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. I had a very specific vision of where to do it that was particularly meaningful to us, but it took longer than anticipated to get the ring in order and organise everything.

So I while I knew it was going to happen soon, she didn’t, and let me tell you, there is nothing harder than being in Paris at the Eiffel Tower at midnight with your fiance who is expecting you to propose and…. not proposing…. In the end, where we did it was so much more special and perfect for us (and was well worth the wait!). 

The Proposal…

Tanya: First of all, let me tell you he proposed to me on a Sunday AFTER a Jonas Brothers concert, and if anyone is looking to throw their partner off when it comes to when you’re going to propose, that is the time to do it. I had no idea whatsoever!

There is a specific courtyard in Beverly Hills where i spent many afternoons (by a certain fountain) praying for my future husband, who I hadn’t met yet. Meanwhile, my future fiancé was parking nearby every single day, passing through this courtyard— maybe even right by me multiple times— and we had never even known it— until we met several years later. To us, this courtyard is our “invisible string” (for all my fellow Swifites out there). It’s the place that always gave me the feeling that we were meant to be together, soulmates just waiting to meet at the perfect time. 

This courtyard is on the side of The Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills, and we go to their spa for couples massages from time to time. He had arranged for us to have a couples massage that Sunday. When we got to reception they explained their couples massage room had a leak and they’d have to split us up— which I have to admit, I was kind of annoyed about! But towards the end of my massage, the therapist handed me a note fro Roby:

“My angel, It’s been a long journey but we are finally here… your dress, shoes & makeup are waiting for you in the locker room. Please take your time to get ready and meet me on the garden terrace outside the spa… Love, me”. I knew right away, and was an absolute mess while trying to get ready— I couldn’t stop crying long enough to actually put on the makeup Roby had left for me!

After I said yes, he’d had our immediate family, and my best friends waiting in the corner to celebrate. It was the most incredible and also overwhelming feeling I’ve experienced in my entire life. I’ve never felt so loved, I’ve never felt so cared for, and I’ve never felt so excited to start the next chapter of my life. 

Roby: Tanya was expecting a proposal “any day” at the time, so I really wanted to make it a surprise. It was very important to me to have our immediate families (and a few of her closest friends) there to share the moment with, so once I finally had the ring in hand, I started a group chat with her group of her 6 closest friends (who are also basically family). Everyone did a alarmingly good job of lying and misleading her— including the group of them who were at all the Jonas Brothers concert with her the night before while fully knowing what was going to happen the next day….

Once the date was set, I coordinated with the hotel (the staff at the Maybourne Spa were incredible and were fully committed to helping to pull it off) and the restaurant (for the after party) – all of which came together in just a few days.

While Tanya was getting her massage, I ran to my car, grabbed my suit and her clothes (which I had picked) and makeup (which I had put together with the help of her friends on a video call) and ran back to the spa so they could put her dress and makeup in her locker for when her massage was done. I then changed and met everyone on the balcony terrace which is where the proposal was going to happen. 

As soon as she said yes, my kids ran out first, hugged us and it was one of the most special moments of my life. I almost come to tears just writing about it. Then everyone else ran out, congratulated us, and took photos, before heading downstairs for dinner and champagne at a restaurant nearby to celebrate.

The Ring…

Roby: It was important to get a ring that represented what I felt was the embodiment of Tanya’s beauty and our love. Tanya is a classic, elegant, radiant beauty, and our relationship was founded on four pillars (trust, respect, love, lust) so when I started to think about rings, an emerald cut seemed perfect… classic, elegant, radiant, and with four corners representing the four pillars.

Tanya had also made comments about other people’s rings over the years and always seemed to like emerald cuts, so I knew she would love it. I wanted to find a ring company that used ethically sourced diamonds, and friends recommended a company called Brilliant Earth. They were incredible to work with, had unbelievable stones and design options to choose from, and we put together the absolutely perfect ring that embodies Tanya’s timeless beauty and our love.

The Celebrations…

Tanya: After we got engaged, Roby invited our family and my friends down in the courtyard for a champagne toast where we drank, had cake, ate some food, took some pictures and I continued to cry, cry, and cry a lot! I felt covered in love – which is such a crazy feeling. It was all the people who are closest to me in my life (aside from my parents who were in Serbia for a few months but they were on FaceTime for the festivities). I wish I could bottle that feeling up forever. 

The Outfit…

Tanya: I had ordered this white co-ord set that I loved so much, and was saving it for engagement festivities. I’d mentioned it in passing to my fiancé like “I’m saving this for engagement” and he obviously clocked it and remembered and had that exact outfit waiting for me. 

Another element that I thought was SO precious was the makeup. When I left my house to pick my best friends up for the Jonas Brothers concert the night before we got engaged, my fiancé FaceTimed them the minute I left to go through my makeup drawers and pull the necessities. I’m so grateful my girlfriends recorded this exchange, because it is one of my favorite videos of all time. I’ll never not laugh at him picking up my eyelash curler and him saying “This feels important” before throwing it in the bag! The fact that he had the thought and care to go that extra step to make sure I had the right products made me so emotional!

Roby: She had been ordering white clothes for many months prior to her proposal (hint hint), but there was one dress she ordered in specific she had told me she wanted to wear to one of her engagement events, so I knew it was the one… I also picked out what I thought were the PERFECT shoes (which it turns out she hated, and has become a running joke) and totally screwed up the makeup, but it all worked perfectly in the end.

Wedding Plans So Far…

Tanya: Roby and I want our wedding to be a really fun celebration of our love and our lives. We love hosting and bringing people together, so this is the ultimate experience for us. At the moment, we are leaning towards a destination wedding, because we really want time to create memories with our guests and for them to create memories with each other. We already have some fun ideas of how we want to bring people together and we want the weekend to be filled with the love we have for each other oozing out of every detail of the weekend! 

READ NEXT: Inside A Glamourous Wedding Weekend In Malibu

The post The Engagement Story With Tanya Rad And Roby Yadegar appeared first on The Wedding Edition.