Spring vibes Rachel and Mark’s March wedding enjoyed the backdrop of Canada Lodge and Lake in Cardiff Images courtesy of Capture The Moment Rachel and Mark met via the dating site Match.com. “We started talking and enjoyed our first date a week later, and it’s been a wonderful journey ever since,” they tell us. “We had both been married before, so it was a surprise to find our soulmate.” Mark proposed during a trip to Canada. “He got down on one knee overlooking the sea on Vancouver Island with a Haribo ring,” Rachel says. “That was in September 2025, and we got married on 7th March 2026 – we didn’t expect to be able to plan a wedding in that time, but it all just fell into place.” The couple searched for venues and liked the name Canada Lodge and Lake because it was relevant to their engagement, so they arranged a viewing. “We knew immediately that we wanted to get married there,” they tell us. “The backdrop of water, wooden decor, fireplaces, lodges for our guests to stay in and the opportunity to enjoy breakfast together the morning after were great - it ticked all the boxes. The staff were so experienced, offering attention to detail with a desire to provide the best day for us, and the food tasted amazing, and we’ve both got high standards being Italian!” The couple decorated their day with plenty of eucalyptus and gold accents. “We also had white roses, including in the bouquets, teamed with trailing foliage,” Rachel explains. “We had a 1 pm ceremony followed by a canapé, prosecco and Peroni reception. This was followed by the wedding breakfast at 4 pm.” The couple chose a menu of leek and potato soup or beef shin bonbon to start, followed by fish pie or a roast beef dinner with apple and raspberry crumble or sticky toffee pudding to finish. “Our guests had pre-chosen their menu choices via their invites,” Rachel tells us. “There were vegan and gluten-free options, and we had so many compliments about the food.” Rachel chose two dresses from JJ’s House. “I liked them both, and because they were in the clearance section and well within budget, I kept them both,” she tells us. “One fitted immediately and was my back-up choice if I didn’t feel comfortable in the other style, which removed the stress. It also meant that I had a more comfortable dress to change into for the dinner and dancing!” Mark, along with his best man and Rachel’s son, who gave her away, wore dark green tweed suits teamed with russet-coloured ties and accessories. “Our bridesmaids, including my daughter, who was our maid of honour, wore eucalyptus-coloured dresses in stretch satin,” Rachel says. “We chose the colour and material type, and then gave the four of them the choice of style within that colour and material. Finding one style to flatter them all was impossible, so I wanted everyone to feel comfortable.” For their evening reception, the couple hired a DJ and planned a playlist to suit every guest. “We also had our speeches captured on video, which we are grateful for, because we have re-watched them many times since our special day!” REAL WEDDINGS 19
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