Bride and groom walking towards arch in hedge

Meg and Alex met online when they matched on Tinder in May 2017. “We waited months until our first date in July,” says Meg. “I already knew that he was 'The One' before I met him. We’d spent weeks talking all hours but our shifts never matched up to allow a date.”

Bride getting ready morning of wedding wearing wedding dress

After 18 months together, Alex proposed on a family trip to Center Parcs' Winter Wonderland in November 2019. “Alex got down on one knee in front of a giant animatronic owl telling dad jokes!” says Meg. “It was all a blur to me and a complete surprise. I spent the rest of the day crying!”

Flower girl and page boy holding hands running

Wedding dresses Hull 

“I had a bit of a blue Monday in early January 2020, so my mum and I went to the Hull branch of WED2B,” says Meg. “Walking into the building felt so grand and open. It was very welcoming and we were greeted by a lovely sales assistant.” 

Bride's father walking her down the aisle

“I tried on five dresses in total but always knew the Porsha was the dress for me,” says Meg. “When it was on the hanger my mum thought it wouldn’t suit my curvy frame. However, as soon as I had it on and the curtain was pulled back, there were tears all round. I love the classic and timeless style of it. It’s a dress that could have been worn 200 years ago or in another 200. It’s a style that’ll never go out of fashion.” (For similar styles try Bentley, Rosana or Elena)

Bride and groom walking towards manor house

An elegant venue

The couple married at Cleatham Hall in Lincolnshire. “I started Googling venues the night we got engaged,” says Meg. “Cleatham was the first one I found and also the first one we viewed. We saw lots more but none gave me the same feeling. Alex was happy to trust my choice and go along with what I wanted. The moment we walked into the Orangery at Cleatham Hall I cried and he knew we had found 'The One'.”

Bride and groom stood in doorway

The big day

“My bridal party and I, including the mother-of-the-groom, all got ready at Cleatham Hall,” says Meg. “It was a perfectly crisp autumn morning. We spent most of it watching the outdoor ceremony being set up and everyone arriving, as our room looked down the driveway. Seeing my bridesmaids and man all glammed up was very emotional, but walking down the sweeping staircase with my dad is a moment that will live with me forever. I walked down the aisle to ‘Everglow’ by Coldplay, which we only decided on about 30 minutes before the ceremony, as I hadn’t even thought about it! I was too excited to see Alex.”

Groom throwing beanbag towards hoop.

“After the ceremony we had lots of food and drinks with the most delicious canapés,” says Meg. “Everyone had lots of fun in Cleatham Hall’s gardens with garden games. Our photographer Calvin also made everyone laugh and feel so comfortable around him.”

Naked wedding cake and wedding table decorations with balloons

Gnomes everywhere…

“My mother hates gnomes, and it’s a bit of a running joke that we constantly buy them for her,” says Meg. “When I saw our local supermarket selling bride and groom gnomes I knew I had to have them! Our log centrepieces we’re lovingly made by my father-in-law from a tree in their garden. Our cake also stood on one, with a Lego topper featuring our two cats.” 

“He also made our amazing crisp wall, which was a huge hit! ” says Meg. “All our guests loved it and the kids ate tone of bags, even before the ceremony started!”

Bride and groom hand in hand walking towards sunset

So many happy memories…

“My most memorable moment is dancing with my husband and my friends feeling like a complete princess,” says Meg. “I didn't want the day to end!”

Wedding venue lit up at night

My top tips…

“Relax. Take your bridal party and enjoy the morning, embrace every moment, as it goes so quickly,” says Meg. “And find a dress you’re comfortable in the day you buy it. Don’t stress about losing weight, weddings are stressful enough without adding to it!”

Bride and groom holding hands dancing

Meg’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Calvin Taylor-Lee Photography

Venue: Cleatham Hall

Wedding dresses Hull: WED2B

Garden Games: Emma Lane Designs

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