Real Weddings Exeter: Kiana and Dan's sunny Gibraltar wedding

Kiana and Dan first met in 2014, while they were both working night-shifts at a local motorway service station. “Our first date was a McDonalds' breakfast in Dan's car after one of our nightshifts!” says Kiana.

Popping the question

Dan proposed in June 2019, when the couple were on a walk along the Quantock Hills in Somerset. “It was perfect and romantic,” says Kiana. “The Quantocks are a local beauty spot where we’ve shared many a romantic BBQ, picnic and walk. Dan was so nervous he was, for once, struggling to find the words. He proposed with a beautiful emerald and diamond ring, the exact one I had been eyeing up for years! I was so overwhelmed with emotion and shock. I wasn't able to find the words to answer yes for 10 minutes!” 

Heading to WED2B’s bridal shops Exeter

“I wore Summer by Heidi Hudson, which I bought from the Exeter store,” says Kiana. “Before I visited WED2B I had a horrid experience wedding dress shopping at a small boutique, where all the dresses were sample size. I felt deflated until I visited WED2B. The lovely girls there helped me find the perfect dress for my venue. It wasn’t the style I initially thought I wanted, but I knew it was ‘The One’ as soon as I tried it on.”

An overseas wedding

The couple married at the Botanical Gardens in Gibraltar. “We chose this venue because it was beautiful and affordable,” says Kiana. “We initially booked for September 2020, however, we had to postpone because of COVID 19 until 22 June 2021. The venue was perfect for our intimate ceremony, without being underwhelming.”

Sunshine and cronuts

“On the day the weather in Gibraltar was a lovely 25℃ with a slight breeze, which made it feel really comfortable,” says Kiana. “Our wedding didn't have many personalised bits due to it being a small elopement. We did, however, get a delivery of fresh cronuts in the morning to act as a wedding cake.” 

The ceremony

“For the ceremony I walked across a bridge covered with bougainvillea into The Dell, an intimate sub-tropical garden,” says Kiana. “Dan was waiting there for me, beaming. We shared our vows and it was very romantic and emotional. Our only guest was my mum. Unfortunately, due to poor health, it wasn’t possible for Dan's parents to join us but they were able to watch via video call.”

Monkeying around...

“After our ceremony, we toured Gibraltar with our photographer for some photos. We ended up at the top of the Rock, getting beautiful pictures with the wild Barbary monkeys and with the mountains of Morocco in the background. Something I will never forget is when a small monkey held my hand at the top of the Rock. Thankfully my photographer was able to capture the moment.” 

My top tips…

“Do whatever makes you happy, it's your day,” says Kiana. “Worry less about the day, and more about the marriage!”

Kiana’s Dream team 

Photographer: Anna Miel 

Venue: Gibraltar Botanical Gardens

Wedding Planner: Rock Occasions 

Hair and Make Up: Deby Hair and Make Up 

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 Exeter