We got married on May 31st 2021 at Bushey Country Club after nearly 9 years together. We first met in 2012, when I took my son to Nir’s Waffleland café. We became friends, and had our first day the day before Valentine’s in 2013. My son Rafaeli adored him, and he proposed in November 2013. Sadly, we broke up the next year but he never left our lives, and we’ve always been in love. We got even closer over Covid, and in late 2020 I figured it was my turn to propose to him. I put a trail of tea lights in my home, and called him over. We planned the wedding soon after, but lockdown meant we had to postpone to spring 2021, then becoming May 2021. When the day finally came it was beautiful!
I had always wanted an outdoor wedding with the Chupah (canopy). Bushey Country Club grounds are stunning and the weather was amazing. I wanted to be as economical as possible, so I created all the decorations myself and made the centrepieces look like cocktails. The top table was, of course, Champagne! I loved wedding planning, it was exhausting but so much fun.
I knew exactly which dress I wanted and hunted up and down the country to find it! I chose Ronald Dress Rosabella (style 68055) which is no longer in stock as it is from a few years ago. I contacted Ronald Joyce who helped me with he name and style, and I found Butterflies Bridal in Stockton on Tees who were so helpful and sent it to me. I was delighted, it had the most beautiful detail. The illusion back detail and subtle sparkle made me feel like a princess. This was the only dress I even looked at!
The day ran absolutely perfectly, better than I could have dreamed. My favourite part was seeing Nir for the first time, and going to the Chuppah with my parents and my son holding a candle. Rafaeli took my hand, and guided me the rest of the way. It was perfect.
Even though we only had a 30 guest wedding due to Covid restrictions, it felt like hundreds as everyone was so involved and the atmosphere was unbelievable. My son is the ultimate hero of our relationship; without him Nir and I would never have met, and they fell in love from the word go. The two of them are the greatest team, and now Nir and I are married I feel so blessed to have this family and Nir as his father figure.
My advice for future brides is to relax and put your own spin on the wedding; my handmade centrepieces though non-traditional looked amazing! Also, don’t expect perfection. Something always goes amiss, but don’t lose sight of the reason for the day.
Our photographer was E Jacobs Photography.
Written by Emily Cook