Sara and Ollie said their vows at their dream wedding venue, Usk Castle
“Ollie was living with his parents, near my nan’s farm,” says Sara. “We had never met as we went to different schools, and Ollie initially thought that I was older, so never took the opportunity to approach me, but in his own words, it was love at first sight.”
Ollie tells us all about his proposal plans. “I took my parents to the spot where Sara and I often stopped while walking the dogs,” shares Ollie. “We met harpist Kathryn Anne Rees at the clearing and hung ribbon from the branches, littered the floor with rose petals and set up a picnic blanket complete with champagne, chocolate and strawberries. Sara was completely oblivious! For all she knew, we were just walking the dogs, but as we got closer, she could hear the harp. She looked at me puzzled, and as we walked a little further, we could see the decorations and Kathryn playing. Sara took my hand and pulled me back and said ‘babe she must be making a music video’ and I said ‘no this is for you.’ It was perfect! I could barely get my words out, and neither could she. We were so happy sitting on the blanket in the dappled sunshine listening to Kathryn. It was magical and more than I ever wished or dreamed it could be.”
Speed up bridal prep with Coco & Eve's newest release
Lots of brides want that perfect glow on their big day and, in the run up to your wedding there's lots to be getting on with, so anything that can be made quicker and easier is a massive plus. Coco & Eve's newest release is perfect for a busy bride-to-be. Designed to eliminate the harsh scrubbing and over-exfoliating of the skin to remove leftover tan, giving you more time to focus on those wedding prep plans that need your time and attention. This scrub removes tan in just 60 seconds and leaves the skin prepped for a fresh application.
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Free Wills Month: Six things engaged and married couples should know about writing a will
Getting married is an exciting time, with plenty to plan and look forward to. While writing a will might not be top of the wedding to-do list, it's an important step in making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected if the unexpected happens. Free Wills Month gives people aged 55 and over the opportunity to write or update a simple will for free with a participating solicitor in selected locations across the UK. But you don't need to wait until you're 55 to make a will. Getting married, buying a home or starting a family are all good opportunities to think about how you'd like to protect your loved ones.
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Don't Leave Your Old Pensions Behind: A Wedding-Day Financial Checklist
With National Pension Tracing Day approaching on 25th October, millions of workers across the UK could have thousands of pounds in lost pension savings from previous jobs without even knowing it. As couples prepare for their big day and build a new life together, pensions are often the last thing on the wedding planning checklist, yet they are one of the most important pieces of your shared future. According to newly published research from the Pensions Policy Institute, there are an estimated 3 million lost pension pots across the UK, holding a staggering £18.7 billion. With the average UK worker changing employers 12 times over their career, losing track of old savings has become an easy trap to fall into.
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From ‘I do’ to ‘we own’: Five tips for newlyweds getting mortgage-ready
The wedding bells have rung, the honeymoon is over and married life is getting underway. For many newlyweds, the next exciting milestone is finding a place to call their own. Whether you've been renting, living separately or staying with family before tying the knot, buying your first home together is a big step. But just as planning the perfect wedding comes with its challenges, navigating the mortgage market and getting onto the property ladder as a newly married couple can bring its own set of hurdles. Tanya Elmaz, managing director of intermediary sales at Together, shares his five top tips for newlyweds looking to make their property dreams a reality.
