These lovebirds met online, and from the moment Iko read Liam’s profile, she knew there was something different about him. Unlike so many others, his profile stood out; he came across as genuine, thoughtful, and sweet. Iko says, “There was a warmth and sincerity in the way he wrote about himself, and I had a feeling he was someone special. Once we started chatting, it only confirmed what I suspected—he was kind, funny, and easy to talk to. Conversation flowed effortlessly, like we’d known each other for years. From our first date, there was an instant connection, and the more time we spent together, the more I realised how lucky I was to have met him!” Though the couple had talked about getting engaged, the proposal still took Iko by surprise. She arrived at Liam’s flat expecting a normal evening but soon sensed something special. “The place was in darkness, and when I opened the living room door, he was on one knee, surrounded by candles. It was such a romantic moment, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. I think I cried for days afterwards! After saying ‘yes’, we spent the evening calling friends and family to share the news, which made it even more special. Then, we celebrated with traditional Nigerian engagement ceremonies, which were so meaningful. It was amazing to see Liam and my family come together, embracing our cultures, and it made the whole engagement unforgettable.” Liam had planned the proposal at home, knowing Iko wanted a low-key, intimate moment. He recalls, “Everything was set, but things took a turn when she ended up receiving her ring! I had planned for it to arrive the day before, but it was delayed, and when she came over, the parcel arrived. I was in full panic mode, but thankfully, she didn’t open it! I had to wait a few weeks before popping the question, but when the moment finally came, it was just as special as I had hoped.” SETTING THE SCENE Iko and Liam’s goal when planning the wedding was to ensure guests had an enjoyable experience from start to finish. They wanted the ceremony to be meaningful and heartfelt, but also for the whole day to feel relaxed, fun, and thoughtfully planned. It was important that guests felt considered in every aspect, from the smallest details to the overall atmosphere. Whether it was the flow of the day, the food, or the entertainment, the couple wanted everyone to feel comfortable, cared for, and part of something special. Seeing family and friends enjoying themselves made the day unforgettable. When finding the perfect venue, the couple chose Hale Park in Hampshire because it offered everything they wanted. The biggest draw was having the ceremony in the beautiful on-site church, which meant a traditional church wedding without the hassle of travelling between locations. This made the day feel seamless and allowed everyone to fully relax. Hale Park was stunning—the grand yet welcoming house, the gorgeous gardens, and the breathtaking views of the Hampshire countryside were perfect. But what truly sealed the deal was meeting Sloan, the owner, and Charlotte, the wedding planner. “From the moment we spoke with them, we knew this was where we’d get married,” says Iko. “Their passion, warmth, and enthusiasm made us feel completely at ease. We also had a specific vision—we wanted a venue that accommodated fairground rides. It was a lot to ask, but Hale Park delivered that and more. The space, flexibility, and the team’s willingness to bring our ideas to life made it clear this was the perfect venue for us.” 31 REAL WEDDINGS
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