Laura and Samuel shared their big day with friends and family at the Shireburn Arms

Laura and Samuel first met while working at Preston Hospital. “We were introduced in passing but never really spoke,” says Laura. “Years later, I was working as a nurse at Blackburn Hospital, and Sam sent me a Facebook message asking what it was like to work there as he was thinking of applying for a position. He told me later that he made it all up and never had any intention of working there but wanted a reason to speak to me. We talked for a while and met up for a coffee, which went really well, so we continued seeing each other.”

Samuel popped the question in April 2019. “We were supposed to be going to the Lake District for a day out,” shares the bride. “He made me get up super early, and I couldn’t understand what the massive rush to get here was, but I went along with it. We arrived at Elterwater nice and early and set off on a walk. There was a bench overlooking the water, and Sam told me to go sit down so he could take a photo. He then told me to close my eyes and that he had a surprise to which I responded ‘is it food?’ When I opened my eyes, Sam was down on one knee holding a box with the most beautiful white gold engagement ring in it. I, of course, said ‘yes’ and I’ve never been more surprised in my life. How he kept it a secret I will never know. He had even asked my parents for their permission and planned a meal with my family later in the day where there was a beautiful engagement cake waiting for us.”

Laura and Samuel's contacts

Venue and catering, Shireburn Arms, www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk 
Photographer, Fish 2 Photography, www.fish2.co.uk 
Dress alterations, Chantana, www.chantanatailors-blackburn.co.uk 
Groom's suit, Slater Menswear, www.slaters.co.uk 
Hair stylist, Bliss Beauty and Bridal, www.blissbeautybridal.co.uk 
Make-up artist, Leanne Jackson, www.leannejackson.co.uk 
Bridesmaids' dresses, Tfnc London, www.tfnclondon.com 
Cake, Maria Dobson Cake Design, www.mariadobson.co.uk 
Flowers, The Flower Girls, Whalley, www.flowergirlswhalley.co.uk
Wisteria tree and chair sashes, Creative Events, www.creativeevents.company 
Transport, Broughton Wedding Cars, www.broughtonweddingcars.co.uk 
Entertainment, Dancefloor Couture, www.dancefloorcouture.co.uk 
Confetti cannon, Take A Peek, www.takeapeek3d.com