Your North East Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 34)

WINE AND DINE A romantic vineyard proposal in Santorini led to wedding bells for Laura and Ryan Images courtesy of Amy Lou Photography Laura Howarth-Kirke, 27, married Ryan Hewitt, 32, at Le Petit Château on 16 th September, 2018. L aura met Ryan when she was shown around the BBC while looking for a job. “Ryan’s boss asked him to give me an overview of his role,” recalls Laura. “I thought I appeared interested – but I found out later that Ryan thought I was bored! I got the job and was seated next to him, but we barely spoke for a few months because he didn’t really like me after our initial meeting! We only really got talking at the Christmas party after a few drinks, and the rest, as they say, is history.” The couple had been together for two-and-a-half years when Ryan proposed. “Ryan surprised me by booking a holiday to Santorini for my birthday,” continues Laura. “On the actual day, we were driven to a vineyard for wine tasting and dinner. We went for a walk just before sunset, only for me to hear our song, Jamie Lawson’s Wasn’t Expecting That , playing. I then spotted tons of candles arranged in the shape of a heart – but was still surprised when Ryan got down on one knee!” It took them two years to plan their wedding, with the couple sharing the organising. Here Laura tells us more about their big day… 43  REAL WEDDINGS