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Childhood sweethearts

Childhood sweethearts


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

After meeting 16 years ago at school, Steve gave Sam the most amazing Christmas present in 2012 - he proposed! They planned to get married in May, which was the month that they had met and a date was set for 2014.

Originally Sam and Steve had planned to get married abroad, but after doing some research they realised that this would be a huge expense for families and friends and opted to get married nearer to home. Sam said that her Dad's severe fear of flying played a big part in the decision too!

real wedding East Sussex National
So after making the decision to get married here, they started visiting Wedding fairs and looking for their dream venue. It wasn't long before they found that venue, and after visiting East Sussex National Sam said that they were "blown away" and this was definitely the venue for them.

Sam and Steve wanted to have an intimate marriage ceremony, so invited just immediate family and friends. Sam and Steve's children both played important roles during the day with Jordan as Pageboy, and their daughter Jade-Louise as bridesmaids. It was also a very special day for their best friends daughter Amelia Faye who is battling with leukaemia, but still managed to be bridesmaid with a big smile on her face all day.

Sam says "Without my Mum Julie & my sister Jodie by my side the whole way, I don't think I would have been able to plan such an amazing day. I'll never be able to thank them enough".

Sam and Steve 1

The colour scheme for the day was Cadbury purple, which was a reminder of Steve's Father who died 12 years ago. Everything was beautifully coordinated, from the flowers to the chair sashes.

Sam's wedding dress was designed by Maggie Sottero and the suits were hired from Dickies in Eastbourne.

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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