How Did You Meet?

We attended the same secondary school, although we didn't actually know each other there. Rich was in the year above me, an A-grade student, tennis player and deputy head-boy—I was none of those things! We didn't actually meet until about 6 years later when I spotted Rich in Argos (a UK catalogue retailer where you choose your items from a catalogue, pay and then wait in the store until your number is called before collecting your item). He walked in with his Dad and I couldn’t stop looking at him, not only because he was cute, but because I couldn’t remember where I recognized him from. I got so lost in my thoughts that I misheard my number being called and got a bit flustered. Rich turned and looked at me, smiled and I smiled back. Having no confidence to actually say anything to him, I grabbed my order and left the store. I spent the next week trying to figure out how I knew him.

Then one day at work, his names came to me, he went to the same school as me! I quickly Facebooked him and realized I was right. I added him as a friend, but not knowing what to say, that’s all I did. A few days later he Facebook messaged me saying, “just gonna add me and not talk to me?” and from there a conversation started.

We ended up exchanging numbers, with Rich suggesting we go for coffee sometime. Unfortunately, our first date ended up being put on standby as Rich’s Dad sadly passed away. Obviously this was a hugely difficult time for Rich, but we kept in contact, I think he liked having me, someone who didn’t know him that well, to talk to. A few weeks went by, Rich had told me he wanted to wait until after his Dad’s funeral to meet up, which I could understand. About a week after the funeral we had our first date.

We went for a coffee at Cafe Nero. Rich offered to pay for drinks, and we talked for a good couple of hours. We talked about his Dad, family, jobs, school and friends. We hugged goodbye with the promise of meeting up again. I drove home with a huge smile on my face! Rich remembers his walk home, with the same kind of feeling. Not knowing how long to leave it until he should message. I think he messaged me pretty quickly!

What Was Your First Impression of Each Other?

If we’re being honest, neither of us were each other’s types when we first met, at least in terms of looks. However, we all know personality is more important, which is what we both fell for in the end.

Ryan: My first impression of Rich was noticing what a great bum he had! I mean, the first time I properly saw him he had his back to me, what was I meant to look at!? Later on, I began to notice his beautiful smile, his sparkling eyes and his outgoing personality. He was easy to talk to and funny, which I admired. We got close quite quickly, to the point where I was moving house and he would come with me on home viewings, helping me to decide where to live! It was like we’d known each other for much longer than we had.

Rich: My first impression of Ryan was me thinking “oh god, that’s an awful coat he’s wearing!” – but that can change! He was nervous on our first date, but very sweet and unlike the guys I’d normally date. As the weeks went by I realized just how caring and lovable he was and began thinking, “he’s a good guy, a keeper!” I appreciated the fact he was so supportive and kind after my dad had passed away – this was definitely a time in my life when I realized who really cared about me.

When Did You Realize He Was “The One”?

A few months into our relationship I was struggling emotionally with the loss of my Dad. I realized I wasn’t properly grieving and I was using Ryan as a distraction. We actually broke up for about 5 months, but we remained close and hung out as friends. One day, Ryan invited me to a Halloween party one of his friends was hosting. We played a drinking game, which never goes down well for me, and I ended up getting very drunk, to the point of being sick. Ryan offered to walk me home, but I said I couldn’t face going back to my Mum in my current state, so instead he walked me back to his place, all the while trying to stop me falling over! When we got to Ryan’s place I spent most of the night in the bathroom feeling sorry for myself. Ryan offered his bed, but I was too afraid of being sick in it. So instead, Ryan brought his quilt and pillows into the bathroom, and we both huddled under them—right next to the toilet! I remember thinking “he’s really looking after me—he’s seeing me at my worst and he’s still here.” Later on that night I sobered up and he walked me back to my Mum’s. That was when I realized he was the one. I ended up writing him a long letter and we got back together just before Christmas that same year.

How Did You Get Engaged?

It was about three years into our relationship; Rich was going to London for a few days for a work conference and asked me if I’d go with him. So I took a few days off work myself and we took the train to London. We stayed in a hotel in Greenwich. I had to amuse myself most days during the stay as Rich would be at the conference, so we made the most of our evenings together.

One evening we got dressed up and went for dinner at an Italian restaurant in central Greenwich - the food was great! Afterwards, Rich suggested we go for a walk around Greenwich Park, which we did. We ended up walking up to the Royal Observatory, but unfortunately it was shut so we couldn’t go inside. The observatory is the home of time and space, and sits upon Greenwich Hill, which overlooks London. We carried on along the hill a little way and Rich suggested we sit on a bench and take in the view. It was beautiful – the sun was setting over the London skyline. The next thing I notice? Rich is down on one knee asking me to marry him!

What Was The Wedding Day Like?

We got married in our hometown, in a registry office which happened to be in a beautiful 300 year-old building. We got married on Thursday, February 7th, 2019, two days after our sixth year anniversary. We had our reception in another beautiful medieval building, a lounge, bar and restaurant known as The Cosy Club. We hired the whole venue for the evening so they closed it to the public that day. Although the week leading up to the wedding had been pretty grey and rainy, our day was glorious. Sunshine lasted all day, with a fresh winter breeze in the air. We couldn’t have been more thrilled.

We didn’t do our own vows, but we had two wonderful readings: Bob Marley’s ‘He’s Not Perfect’ and Edward Monkton’s ‘A Lovely Love Story’.

I think there were some initial nerves, for both of us. However, once the day began all we felt was love. We were surrounded by friends and family, some meeting for the first time. We both just loved having everyone we knew and cared about under one roof. I think most couples would agree that the day is a bit of a whirlwind – the ceremony especially was a blur for both of us. However, by the end of the night we were riding high on happiness – and a lot of champagne and cocktails! We were so wide awake when we got home that we spent most of the early hours of the morning opening our cards and gifts.

What Was Your Favorite Part of Your Wedding Day?

Rich: My favourite part of our wedding was seeing Ryan come down the aisle with his Mum by his side. I was obviously quite nervous at first, but as soon as I saw his smiling face that all began to fade.

Ryan: The best part for me was just after the ceremony, Rich and I stepping outside into the sunshine as a married couple and being surrounded by our nearest and dearest. Then of course came the confetti, photos and the chance to have some time together, just the two of us (and our photographer!) before heading off to the reception. That was a special part of the day for us.

What Surprised You Most in Planning Your Wedding?

The most surprising part of planning our big day was just how much goes into it! I mean, you fully understand why some people hire a wedding planner. Everything from dealing with the venues to the invitations, selecting the music and food, the ceremony choices and travel arrangements – the list goes on! Rich was finishing his PhD at the time, so I was the primary planner, but when we did get to plan together, it made us a much stronger team. Hardest part overall? The seating plan for the reception!

You will get lots of friends and family wanting input into your day. Always hear them out and don’t dismiss ideas, but in the end it is your day and you get to choose how you want it.

The day itself is a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, and parts can become a blur. Make sure you plan in some time for yourselves to slow everything down a bit and take it all in. For example, we had some time together just after our ceremony with our photographer and again before our reception dinner.

Did You Go On a Honeymoon?

We made a decision early on that we wouldn’t go on an official Honeymoon, the reason being is that we knew we wanted to buy a house later in the year, and we just couldn’t afford to do both. However, we did go on a Minimoon and left the day after our wedding. We stayed in a beautiful 13th century hotel and spa for the weekend, in area of England known as The Cotswolds. It was nice to be away, to relax after a busy few weeks leading up to the wedding, and to be able to process everything. We hoped to go on our official Honeymoon this year, but with the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve pushed it again to 2021. Where? Rich wants sun and sand and I want Disneyworld! I guess there will have to be some compromise there!

Photography — Lydia Stamps Photography (Instagram)
Ceremony — Salisbury Registry Office
Reception — The Cosy Club, Salisbury
Catering — The Cosy Club, Salisbury
Cake Design — Kitchen Social