Mark and Emily walking barefoot on beach in Falklands

Mark and Emily both grew up in the Falkland Islands. “We’ve known each other forever, as it’s a small community, but we both lived overseas for several years for college, university and work,” says Emily.

Bride with guests by parked cars near Falklands beach

A proposal with penguins

Mark proposed at a remote sand beach on Pebble Island in the Falklands. “He’d had a ring designed and he put the box on the beach, so I'd see it as we walked past,” says Emily. “We were camping for New Year, just us, surrounded by penguins. It was stunning!”

Bride Emily walking across field wearing sunglasses and sandals in dress carrying glass of champagne smiling

Dream dress shopping

“I found the perfect dress, Greta, in WED2B’s Bolton store,” says Emily.

“I loved the pockets and the fabulous train. The girls in the store were so helpful, too.” (For similar styles try Bonnie, Breona or Sutton)

Entrance to Falklands beach with sign on gate reading This way for Mark and Emilys wedding

A Falklands beach wedding

The couple married on a beach that used to be a minefield at Fox Bay West, Emily’s friend’s family farm. “My friend suggested the beach, as it was recently demined and very few people had set foot on it for the last 30 years. We chose New Year’s Eve to keep the anniversaries simple! It’s also the height of summer here, with everyone off work.”

Emily and Mark in rustic barn and stood on beach holding champagne glasses

The big day

“The ceremony was at the beach, and my mum gave me away,” says Emily.

“We had intended to stay and have bubbles but there was torrential rain almost immediately after the vows. Everyone headed straight to the shearing shed, where there was a BBQ marquee and an open bar and dance floor set up inside. Then the party began…”

With a little help from our friends

“Along with our friends and family, we spent weeks in the lead up to the wedding cooking and prepping food for the buffet and BBQ,” says Emily. “We had no official suppliers, as logistics on West Falkland can be tricky. We also ordered the drinks through the local store rather than having to get it all out on the boat ourselves.”

Emily and Mark on Just Married seat in shearing shed

Seaside chic

“We decorated the venue with tons of fairy lights and old glass bottles collected from nearby beaches and filled with native grasses,” says Emily. “We also had hand painted driftwood signs. It all gave the shearing shed an amazing ambience.”

Emily and Mark dancing holding hands looking up to the camera

My top tips…

“Remember to write a list of photos you want and share it round, so lots of candid ones get captured too,” says Emily. “

Emily’s Dream Team

Photographer: Friends and family

Dress: WED2B

If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings like our Falklands wedding, 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 Bolton