Laura and Alan met at work eight years ago. “We became good friends before falling in love,” says Laura.

"It was so easy to fall in love, as we laugh so much together. We’ve also seen each other at our best and worst. He’s my soulmate. I truly believe there’s one special person in the world for you and I know I’ve found mine!”

A birthday proposal

Alan proposed on Laura’s 30th birthday, during lockdown. “He’d hired an igloo for the garden, got my favourite food and we had a three-course dinner under the stars,” says Laura. “He proposed just before our dessert. It was just the two of us and our beautiful little schnoodle puppy, Maisie. It was perfect.”

Bridal shops Chelmsford

Laura found her dream dress at WED2B’s bridal shops Chelmsford “One of my friends bought her wedding dress from WED2B in 2017, so I thought it would be a good place to start,” she says.

"Jess instore listened to what I wanted, gave me a few dresses to try on and then asked me to try on a ‘wild card’. She said she just knew it would look beautiful on me, and she was so right! I cried, my mum and sister cried, and the dress fitted perfectly. We took it away the same day.”

“I wore Cambridge, a timeless and stunning dress,” says Laura. “I always thought I’d wear something fitted and detailed, but it was so classic and such a stunning shape. Then, when I realised there were pockets, I was beside myself. Perfect for snacks!” For similar styles have a look at Palermo, Adelaide and Elliana.

A stately venue

The couple married at Blake Hall, just outside Chelmsford. “It’s a venue I’ve always loved,” says Laura.

"After we got engaged we saw Blake Hall first, then four others, but none of the others compared. We took both our mums back on a second visit and, when they loved it as much as we did, we booked it."

The big day

“I got ready at Blake Hall with my mum, sister (maid of honour) and bridesmaid, and also our gorgeous little flower girl,” says Laura. “It was early August, so beautiful weather but thankfully not too hot.”

“My Dad walked me down the aisle to Ruelle’s ‘I Get to Love You’. The most special moment was when my sister read an extract from our grandad’s favourite book, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. We lost my grandad when I was only 17, so it was lovely to have him with us in a way.”

The afterparty

After the ceremony there were photos and drinks, then a delicious sit-down meal, followed by lots of dancing. “We spent our whole day and night at Blake Hall, and it was wonderful,” says Laura. “Our first dance was to Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’, as the words are perfect. We both loved the song when we were choosing what would be our first dance.”

Pretty blush pink and stylish navy

“Our wedding had a blush pink and navy theme,” says Laura.

"We had pick ’n’ mix sweets for our favours, as they’re my favourite. Also, one of our work colleagues made our cake, a three-tier, semi-naked cake, decorated with flowers by our florist. She also made her very first cherry Bakewell sponge, which was delicious. Later, one of Alan’s friends, who he has known for years, was our DJ, and he was brilliant!”

The best bits…

“The most memorable thing was having all of our loved ones around us, and laughing as we were pronounced husband and wife - it had finally happened!” says Laura.

“Our first dance was magical. Alan even managed to lift me up and spin me in my huge dress!”

My top tips…

“Try and take a moment away from all of your guests, just to appreciate your new husband/wife and the start of your married life together. The day goes so quickly, so try and pause to take it all in.”

Laura and Alan’s Dream Team

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this pink and navy wedding, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and our bridal shops Chelmsford, and here for what to expect when you visit.