How did you meet your fiancé?

(Matthew answered this one) I met Dawn-Rita by the tea & coffee stand at an event called ‘Grow’ and I was instantly captured by her beautiful and bubbly personality. We grew up in the same area, went to the same universities, lived on the same street as students and had passed each other by for years without ever meeting. From the outset I was very intentional with Dawn-Rita and I really treasured those early days of getting to know each other. It’s amazing to think of the amazing adventure that has unfolded since our first encounter at that tea and coffee stand over four years ago. What’s meant to be, will always find a way.

How did he propose?

Matt proposed in a place called Murlough Beach set in the Causeway Coast & Glens. Murlough Beach is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a hidden gem that overlooks the magnificent fair head cliffs. Matt picked me out a dress and told me we were going on a picnic. He set up the most luxurious picnic paired with his Granny’s champagne case. Matt has always written me love letters throughout our years together & that day was no different. As the fog rolled over the hills & the sun was setting, Matt proposed. We spent the whole evening soaking in the beauty of nature, watching the sunset over candle light and just before we left we set off Chinese fire lanterns and watched them drift off into the distance. It was the most magical night and will always be a place close to our hearts.

What brought you to Jade Alexandra Bridal?

I knew I wanted something that was fashionable, yet elegant and timeless. I have always loved a cowl neckline & I am a big believer that less is more. I knew that J/A stocked Alyssa Kristin and I loved the beauty & simplicity of the AK design.

How did you know your dress was the one?

Alyssa's philosophy is that ‘nothing looks more striking on a woman than confidence’ & I felt that magic the instant I put on my dress. The dress I picked was the first dress I ever tried on! My dress had a dramatic train, open back and buttons down the back. I paired it with a sparkly Ashley Wild cathedral length veil, which my mum picked out. I also added statement earrings from One Dame Lane & of course a pair of Jimmy Choo’s!

Do you have any dress shopping top tips for future brides?

My top-tip would be to take time out to make wedding dress shopping an experience you will never forget! Picking your wedding dress is such a special occasion - book lunch, relax and share it with those you love most. I went dress shopping with my wonderful mum – who is my absolute bestie. Picking my wedding dress was a really emotional experience and it’s one I’ll never forget. My biggest piece of advice is to always follow your heart. Fashion changes and so do people’s opinions, but if you follow your heart about what you love and what ‘feels right’ you’ll never go far wrong.

Where was your ‘go-to’ for wedding planning inspo?

I had a very clear vision of what aesthetic I wanted for our wedding day! I loved using Pinterest to unpick ideas and help combine the different elements of our day. We also had a wedding stylist – Betty Williamson and her special touch helped to guide my inspiration and was the glue that brought all those little details to life!!

What was the highlight of your wedding day?

We had so many amazing highlights, from surprise gifts to entertainment! However if I had to pick one key moment for of us – it would be the moment when I walked down the aisle and caught eyes with Matt. It was such a special, butterfly filled moment & felt so surreal! There was so much love and happiness in one place and truly that moment symbolized to me what all the wedding planning and fuss is all about. It was beautiful feeling, one that we will never forget.