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Our story began in a care home believe it or not; I already worked there, and Rachel came in for an interview as my senior and got the job! We just clicked! We both like and have tattoos and this started us talking and flirting, eventually we got together and have never been apart since.

Rachel proposed to me, but we had actually both bought engagement rings to propose to each other and had picked the exact same rings! She got there first; one day I came home and she had made a treasure hunt around the house for me, each clue I got included a handful OF jelly strawberry sweets. When I came to the last room, our bedroom, I opened the door and she was down on one knee with the room covered in candles and rose petals and asked me to marry her; of course I said yes! When I gave Rachel the ring I had chosen for her we couldn’t believe we had actually picked the same ones – a sign we a really are connected.

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Rachel gave me free rein on the wedding planning and the only thing I asked of her was that she wore a dress as she’s not really the girlie type. She eventually agreed and I went to work on the wedding. Rachel even wore heels on the day until after the ceremony and photographs were over then changed to a lovely pair of red Converse under her dress for the rest of the day. From then on, as they say, the rest is history. She really is my soulmate that I had been searching my whole life for. She has brought out the true me and for that I’ll be eternally grateful. I love her more than life itself.

We both had Ronald Joyce dresses and I found mine first from Pronuptia Bridal in Belfast. The ladies there were amazing helping me and Rachel both find our dream dresses! As soon as I put mine on I knew it was the one, so then it was Rachel’s turn to go and look for hers. No one knew what she was wearing on the day, so it was a massive surprise for everyone when she walked down the aisle in her dress, which I have to say was her absolute dream!

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I chose to wear Robyn and the style number was 68060. It is a very classic lace A-line gown with a flattering illusion neckline and sparkle beaded belt. Rachel’s was Orvieto style number 17957, which is sadly no longer made. It is a vintage looking fit and flare design in lace which is really figure hugging, it has a v-neckline but isn’t low cut like a lot of other dresses. If you love this dress then these styles are very similar: Cabiria, Carolina, Nikita & Winter.  

Our special day was fabulous! It was our dream big white wedding. Thanks to Ronald Joyce for making such amazing dresses for us.

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Written by Emily Cook