Danielle has known her new husband her whole life. “Max was a family friend for years, as he was best friends with my cousin,” she says. “Then, four and a half years ago, we went on our first date. The rest was history from there.”

"Our first date was a drink in a local pub. I was so nervous on my way there but as soon as I saw him I felt totally at ease. I just knew he was my person! We then went on so many dates and have made so many memories together. I can’t wait for the rest of our lives together."

A lockdown proposal

The couple had been together for two years and seven months when Max proposed. “We planned a holiday to Cornwall to stay in a caravan during lockdown!” says Danielle. “Long story short, my husband had planned on proposing that week. Then our holiday was cut short because there was another lockdown."

"Because our holiday was messed about a bit he didn’t have time to go and get a ring. However, on our way home, we stopped off at a shopping centre and he saw the shop and the exact ring he was planning on buying me. He asked me outside the shop, then went in to buy it and we got engaged when we got home! It was the most magical evening.”

Shopping for the dress

“I visited WED2B’s Exeter store and it was amazing,” says Danielle. “The staff were so helpful. They made me feel very special and secure about myself and my body, whilst trying on so many beautiful dresses. I chose Santiago. It was completely different to what I wanted but it was so perfect and made me feel so special. I wanted something satin and plain but I fell in love with the lace and sparkle!”

A local church ceremony

“We got married at St Andrew's church in Cullompton,” says Danielle. “It’s a beautiful old church and we both visited it when we were in primary school. My sister-in-law and her husband also got married there, so it's meaningful to us. Every time I see it I get butterflies”

The big day

“I started with hair and makeup at 6am, so it was a very busy day,” says Danielle. “I got ready at my mum's house with my bridesmaids, maid of honour and flower girls. The weather was good, and we had a sunny morning whilst getting ready."

"My dad walked me down the aisle to the organist playing ‘The Bridal March’. The most special part of the ceremony was when I got to the top of the aisle and my husband turned around and burst into tears."

After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed for their reception. “It was a 45-minute journey to the Devon Hotel in Exeter,” says Danielle. “In that time, I showed my husband a video I had managed to get from his favorite football team’s manager wishing us well in marriage."

Making an entrance

"When we arrived we greeted our guests outside in the sun and enjoyed a welcome drink. We then made our entrance into the reception and sat and ate a beautiful three-course meal. The speeches followed this in the order of my dad, my sister the maid of honour, then Max, then his three best men. These were all so special and meaningful. Our evening guests arrived the same time as our VW photo booth van. Our first dance song was ‘It’s Always Been You’ by Caleb Hearn. This song is super personal to us and meant a lot.”

A blush pink wedding

“There wasn't really have a theme but we had a rustic blush pink and sage green colour scheme,” says Danielle. “We kept decorations to a minimum but did have additional touches like a sweet table, which was decorated in the sage green and blush pink wedding colours. We also had a time capsule for our guests to write us a message to read on our first anniversary.”

Eat, drink and be merry

For the meal guests enjoyed leek and potato soup to start, turkey or roast beef for main and a choice of Eton mess or chocolate profiteroles for dessert. “Our cake was a three-tiered classic sponge with cream and jam in the middle,” says Danielle. “It was a naked cake with the same cupcakes either side. For the favours, we had packets of wildflower seeds and wax melts that my sister-in-law provided from her small business. Then we had a DJ in the evening who was amazing and kept everyone on the dance floor at all times!”

My favourite moments…

“I loved seeing Max’s reaction to me walking down the aisle,” says Danielle. “I also enjoyed showing Max the video I got from his favourite football club and taking 15 mins out of our reception, when Max and I sat outside on our own."

Top tips…

“It’s easier said than done but don’t stress the small stuff ,” says Danielle. “Also, take a moment with your partner away from the reception and to reflect on the day.”

Danielle’s Dream Team

Photographer: The Kensington Photographer

Venue: The Devon Hotel, Exeter

Wedding dresses Exeter: WED2B 

Makeup: Kayleigh B Makeup

If you would like your big day to be one of our real weddings like this blush pink 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