Rivka and Ali met at a Turkish restaurant on the Wirral, Liverpool. “Ali was working there and caught my eye,” says Rivka. “I wasn’t impressed when he refused my request for Turkish tea, though! Our first date was a romantic dinner then a drive to the beach. We talked non-stop and I remember feeling nervous but excited at the same time.”

A holiday proposal

Ali proposed during a holiday to Antalya. “He caught me by surprise and we dashed off to get engagement rings that same evening,” says Rivka. “We had an impromptu engagement party that night, arranged by the hotel. It was just me, Ali and a handful of very friendly hotel guests and staff. It was honestly the most fun and we wouldn’t have had it any other way!”

Shopping for the dress

“A friend recommended WED2B, as she got her dress there,” says Rivka. “I visited Liverpool WED2B alone first, as I wanted to be sure of the exact style I liked. Then I went a second time with family and friends for a say, ‘Yes to the Dress’ moment. The staff were super friendly and helpful and very accepting of my excited entourage.”

Rivka chose India. “They had just one in a blush colour and I loved it straight away,” she says. “Having tried on others, I went straight back to it. It really was my dream dress. Everyone commented on it during and after the day and I felt amazing in it.” (For similar styles try Henri, Bohdi or Bruna)

A Liverpool town hall wedding

The ceremony was at Liverpool Town Hall. “We initially wanted St George’s but it was closed due to Covid,” says Rivka. “Liverpool Town Hall is less well known but it’s equally as beautiful inside. It just felt right. We got married on 20th April 2022.”

The big day

“I got ready at the Staybridge Suites on Princes Dock with my step-daughter and all the rest of my wonderful family who had travelled from London and Portugal,” says Rivka. “It was an unusually bright and sunny day, which added to the atmosphere. My 15-year-old nephew/godson walked me down the aisle. He was so calm. He also sorted out any pre-wedding nerves I felt. I walked down the aisle to ‘Stand By Me’ by Ben E. King. It’s a special song to Ali and I. Ali was waiting with a big brilliant smile at the end of aisle. I couldn’t wait to reach him.The ceremony was simple but lovely. Everyone commented on how special it felt.”

Time to party

“After a photo session on the balcony and grand staircase inside, we headed off over the water to Bebington,” says Rivka. “Our reception was at Broadway Steak & Wine Restaurant. The owner, a friend of Ali’s, let us have the place to ourselves. It was beautifully decorated with orange tulips to match our theme. We had a fantastic Turkish buffet and danced the night away to Turkish and English music. Our first dance was to ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing, our favourite movie soundtrack. We also had a magic selfie mirror with props, which was a huge hit with the guests and restaurant staff.”

Golden sunset colours

“We decided on sunset colours as a theme and my bridesmaids were in different shades of orange, red and gold,” says Rivka. “Tulips were the dominant flower, as they represent both my Dutch and Ali’s Turkish heritage. The tables also had orange tulips in gold jars. My bouquet was just stunning, with dark red and orange roses and more tulips of course.”

“The favours were small gold pomegranate tins from Istanbul, with Turkish Delight inside,” says Rivka. “Our tables were named after different cities in Turkey and labelled with a postcard made by my step-daughter. Our amazing wedding cake had three-tiers, with fresh fruit and cream with a separate chocolate layer. We also had a DJ who doubled up as a wedding singer and he did a fantastic job.”

My favourite moments…

“The whole day was just perfect and I wouldn't have changed a thing,” says Rivka. “I loved seeing Ali’s smile as he waited for me, my wonderful bridal party and my small nephew as Ali’s best man. There was also the trip in the vintage car back to the reception, with all the kids joining us, plus all our wonderful family and friends and the joyful party we had. These are just a few of my most memorable moments.”

My top tips…

“Relax and enjoy every moment, including the build up,” says Rivka. “Don’t waste time worrying about everything being perfect, it will all fall into place on the day. It’s probably one of the biggest and best celebrations you will ever have.”

Rivka’s Dream Team

Photographer: Liriya Lee Photography

Reception and catering: Broadway Steak & Wine Bebington

Ceremony: Liverpool Town Hall wedding

Wedding Dresses Liverpool: WED2B

Florist: Cherry Blossom Florists Bebington 

Cake: Taste of Malap

Magic mirror:  MTR Productions

Hair: H.E.R Salon, Greasby

Makeup: Louise Hall

If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings like this Liverpool town hall 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 Liverpool