Love at first sight leads to Raonaid and Simon’s English garden wedding

Right from the start Simon Preston knew he wanted to marry Raonaid Lewis.

“I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her after the first date, not something I ever imagined could happen,” Simon, 33 says. “She still doesn’t believe me when I tell her this and I can’t explain it, I just knew I needed her in my life.”

After Raonaid, 26, secretly booked a US holiday for Simon’s 30th birthday, he used the opportunity to propose while the couple were enjoying the view at the Grand Canyon.

“She had no idea I was going to propose, and after all the tears there was a resounding yes!” Simon says.

The Blackpool pair held their English garden wedding at The Villa, Wrea Green, Lancashire on August 6, 2015. Ninety friends and family witnessed the ceremony, with 140 guests attending the evening celebrations.

Raonaid put together a candy bar to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth and a DIY photo booth and a live band kept the good times flowing.

“We had the most perfect day, the weather was beautiful and we danced the night away with our friends and family as Mr and Mrs Preston,” Simon says.

Photos courtesy of Tim Emmerton Photography.

The couple’s flower girl was cute as a button in a dress from Debenhams.

Raonaid’s colourful wedding bouquet perfectly matched the English garden wedding theme.

Simon teamed his sharp three-piece suit with a cornflower blue paisley bowtie and pocket square.

“Our relationship has always been easy, we make up for each other’s shortcomings and enjoy just being around each other,” Simon says.

Simon and Raonaid are now on the next step of their journey together and are due to welcome their first child.

Plenty of greenery added an English garden feel to the reception venue.