Forewarning, this is a lengthy post (5 min read), but this love story is too good not to share. Pictures at the end.

Aleata and David tied the knot at De Vere Tortworth Court in Bristol and it is not a wedding I will ever forget! Firstly, I love these guys; they were so, so much fun to photograph and their energy is simply infectious.

THE PROPOSAL

How Aleata and David met couldn't have been more 21st century, they both swiped right and it was love at first sight! They had their first date in a London pub where David gave Aleata a wooden carved elephant from Zambia (top dating tip, try this as they moved in together 3 months later).

David's Proposal to Aleata was so sweet and riddled with mishaps and mayhem it could have been plucked straight from a romantic comedy.

Attempt 1 - David had planned a couple’s photoshoot using iconic London destinations as the backdrop, with a view of proposing in front of the camera. Unfortunately, that didn’t go as planned, so once finished David suggested exploring St Paul’s Cathedral, one of Aleata favourite places.

Attempt 2 - While in the Cathedral David and Aleata were climbing the 'The Whispering Wall', here David aptly tried whispering a proposal but his efforts were thwarted by a young boy answering his whisper. Aleata, oblivious, carried on climbing to the top of the building.

Attempt 3 - Thinking on his feet David decided the top of the Cathedral would be perfect to pop the question, however, the stormy weather had other ideas.

Attempt 4 - After the weather eased David suggested taking a selfie in front of the Cathedral (and these guys love a selfie, trust me, we’re friends on social media), but without missing a beat Aleata spied an interesting shop and whisked David away.

Interlude - After a little shopping, stopping for a bite to eat and over a few drinks Aleata toasted "to our unconditional love for each other". David told me here that he was thinking the toast should have been to their engagement instead.

Attempt 5 - David suggested a stroll around 'St James Park', while there, Aleata offered to help a family take a group photo, seizing the opportunity David asked if they would take one in return. Next thing he’s down on one knee and blurting out those 4 magic words. Without hesitation, Aleata said "yes" and told me she hasn't stopped smiling since.

- Well done David!

Nothing about David and Aleata is ordinary, for a start they booked me as their wedding photographer before they had actually got engaged (honoured). They forgot to mention this little detail so I was very surprised 2 months later when I saw their proposal picture pop up on social media.

It’s also worth noting that Aleata had to text me 46 days before her and Davids wedding. It read ‘you need to start working on your photoshop skills’, accompanied by a picture. She had had a major high-speed cycling accident resulting in the loss of many teeth, 3 fractures to her jaw and a lot of bruising. OUCH! The awesome thing about Aleata (and David) is they didn’t even consider postponing the wedding, it was happening as planned and it was going to be amazing. And it was, 46 days later Aleata was fully healed (through sheer determination), sporting a beautiful smile and in party mode.

THE WEDDING

The wedding was in late August, the sun was shining and the atmosphere was electric. Guests filtered into the Orangery (my favourite part of De Vere Tortworth Court) for the ceremony. The two things that I can remember so vividly about this part of the day is how very clear it was that David and Aleata love each other. And the poor Registrar that could not get David’s full name right. David is Zambian and his surname (which is not complicated) must have been said twenty different ways, none of them correct. Lucky Aleata and David are super chilled and it was all met with lots of laughter.

The whole wedding had a very party-ish vibe, everywhere I looked there was laugher, smiles and good times being had by all. At one point during the wedding breakfast the whole room erupted into song. The speeches are always my favourite part of every wedding and these ones were so funny and heart warming, I laughed and shed a few tears.

Prior to the wedding Aleata and David had requested some after dark photos, so after some epic dance-floor action we snuck off to capture a couple of cool shots in the grounds. We had a lot of fun doing this, and they were thrilled with the results.

All in all, it was truly a perfect day. Aleata and David beautifully compliment one another and I am still bursting with joy that I got to document their special day.

SPECIAL NOTE TO ALEATA & DAVID

No one deserved this perfect day more than the two of you. I am so happy that I got witness the beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible and for choosing me as your photographer. I hope your new adventure together gets better each and every day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness!