From school friends to soulmates A chance encounter at a local pub reignited a friendship that would lead to a heartfelt proposal and an elegant barn celebration for Stacey and Nick Images courtesy of Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production These lovebirds first met in high school, never sharing classes but often crossing paths between lessons and through mutual friends. A few years after leaving school, Nick spotted Stacey at a local pub and asked, “Who’s that?” When he realised it was Stacey from school, he later said he was hooked from that moment. As late-night texts and chats turned their friendship into something more, Stacey was preparing to leave for a three-month trip around Australia and New Zealand. “The timing couldn’t have been worse,” she recalls. “Despite the distance, we kept in contact through letters, postcards and internet cafés. We missed each other so much that as soon as I arrived home, we decided we never wanted to be apart again and moved in together.” Nick knew early on that he wanted to marry Stacey but felt a strong responsibility to be worthy of her. “I wanted Stacey and her dad to feel proud and excited when the moment came,” he explains. After fifteen years together and finding the ring years earlier, he carefully planned the perfect proposal, including asking her dad for his blessing. Months later, in a stunning suite overlooking Santorini on their anniversary, despite a brief interruption from room service, he finally got down on one knee and said, “I love you so much. I want you to be mine forever. Will you marry me?” Through tears, Stacey said “yes”, and they celebrated with Champagne and calls to loved ones, a moment they’ll treasure forever. When it came to finding the perfect venue, the couple had clear priorities. “We had decided the things we definitely wanted from our venue and began looking at different places. Our musthaves were dog-friendly throughout the whole day, a venue that I could stay at the night before and get ready with my girls on our wedding morning, somewhere with a honeymoon suite for us to stay the night of our wedding and rooms for our guests if they chose to stay.” After visiting The Farmhouse at Redcoats with their dog River, they booked within a week. The couple chose an elegant, timeless and romantic aesthetic with white and ivory hydrangeas, roses and gypsophila, complemented by pillar candles. Sharing the day with their black Labrador, River, was very important to them, and they also incorporated tributes to their beloved dog Forrest, including a Labrador figurine on the cake and a framed photo displayed at the venue. The barn’s high ceilings were enhanced with suspended gypsophila clouds and statement floral arrangements. They stood between a broken flower arch for the ceremony, later reused for the sweetheart table and lined the aisle with candles and mini flower clouds. Tables were named after Norfolk beaches meaningful to them. The bride says, “The location holds many great memories for us and our dogs over the years, and we wanted to have that felt by our guests.” Loved ones enjoyed prosecco, beers, elderflower cordial and canapés after the ceremony, followed by exceptional food from the venue’s restaurant team. “The food there has always been exceptional, so being able to return for breakfast, Sunday lunch or even a simple date night after the wedding makes it even more special,” says Stacey. The bride wore the All About Eve gown by Dando London from the Movie Classic Collection. It was a beautiful ivory gown with a nude keyhole back, ultra-thin beaded straps, an A-line skirt with a front split, sparkle underlay and delicate lace appliqué detailing. She had always imagined herself in a fitted or fishtail dress, but after feeling underwhelmed at earlier appointments, she reluctantly tried on this style and instantly fell in love. It didn’t have any of the elements she thought she wanted, yet she couldn’t stop looking at herself in the mirror and didn’t want to take it off. Although she didn’t receive the best service at the original boutique, she later found the dress again at Oliver’s Bridal & Formalwear, where Ellie made the experience truly special. REAL WEDDINGS 17
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