Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

Rachel and James had known each other for long time before they got together. “He was my sister's friend, so I met him years before we properly noticed each other!” says Rachel. “Our first date was on 12th April 2012.”

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

A chilly but magical proposal

“James had always wanted to go to Iceland and he booked a trip as a birthday gift,” says Rachel. “We went a couple of months later and he proposed on our first night under the Northern Lights. It was incredible but freezing!”

Bridal shops Southampton

Rachel found her dream dress in WED2B’s Southampton store. “I had a brilliant experience,” says Rachel. “After being let down by another store, the staff at WED2B found me my perfect dress, an A-line style called Minnie. I loved the sparkle, the low back, and how amazingly comfortable it was.”

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

The big day

The couple married on 30th July 2021 at Lillibrooke Manor Barns in Maidenhead.

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

“The wedding was six weeks late, as we had to postpone it due to Covid,” says Rachel. “When the big day finally arrived the weather was a mix of rain and sun, but of course it rained as I walked into the ceremony. The photo is hilarious! My dad walked me down the aisle to an acoustic version of a Green Day song, recorded by a friend of a friend.”

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

Cake, flowers and fun!

“My mum made the wedding cake, which meant a lot,” says Rachel. “We had charity favours, which were pin badges for both The Alzheimer’s Society and Prostate Cancer UK. My sister and I also spent hours gluing fake flowers to a moon arch.”

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

My top tips…

“A top tip is to get some sleep!” says Rachel. “And get a dress that makes you feel confident and amazing, just like mine. My nerves disappeared when I put my dress on!”

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

Rachel’s Dream team

Photographer: Ajie Jones Photography

Venue: Lillibrooke Manor

Florist: Flowers by Lulu

Hair and beauty: Ellie Fox Hair  and Timeless Beauty

Bridal shops Southampton: Rachel and James’s stylish celebration

If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Or click here for more details about WED2B’s bridal shops Southampton