Photography: Addison McGrath

About us: I am 27 years old and am a registered nurse specialising in trauma and orthopaedics. Darren is 36 and head of operations for an insurance broker in Southend-on-Sea.

We have two children – Imogen, who is three in June, and Roman who is two in August. We all live together in Grange Farm.

How we met: We first met in the New York Exchange Bar in Ipswich when Darren went out with some work colleagues, one of who brought me with her. Darren doesn’t remember this encounter and I thought he was not only drunk but a bit strange.

The next time we met each other was when I met Darren and some work colleauges in Romford where he worked. He claims I started texting him and I say he texted me. The rest is history.

The proposal: Darren booked a break to Euro Disney back in Christmas 2008 for me, him and Imogen. It was there in a hot air balloon on a winter’s evening that he proposed on one knee. Imogen was in my arms, just six months old at the time and not best pleased with the ride in the balloon.

The planning: The planning was all down to me with a last minute effort from Darren. The venues we loved were Orwell Park School and Woodhall Manor. As Woodhall had all the beautifully appointed bedrooms it soon became a no-brainer.

I chose the dress, decided on the wedding cake, colour scheme and together we chose the photographer, and food and Darren dealt with the car and the band (the important stuff).

The dress: I had a budget and to the surprise of Darren came in way under thanks to Grace & Lace. I went with my mum and found the dress immediately. It was a beautiful sleek and flowing white dress that looked amazing, despite restricting my breathing.

The groom’s outfit: This was a nice Coe’s number of traditional trousers, jacket, white shirt and red cravat and handkerchief. Both dads, the best man and the page boys all wore the same.

The flowers:  Windmill of Woodbridge supplied the beautiful flowers for the church, myself and the bridesmaids.

The ceremony: We were married at St Mary’s Church, Martlesham on a cold but bright winter’s afternoon. The Rivers String Quartet played several beautiful pieces of music before, during and after the ceremony.

The rings: We had his and hers platinum bands from Robert Gatward.

The reception: This was held at Woodhall Manor where 150 guests enjoyed an amazing buffet and fantastic live music by The Talent.

The cake: Cupcake Occasions supplied the cake that consisted of delicious chocolate, lemon and carrot cake cupcakes.

The entertainment: We had The Talent, a six piece band including a wind section, who played all the old and modern classics. The evening rocked with many guests on the dance floor.

The photography: Darren Perry of Addison McGrath Photography put up with us for the day to take some amazing pictures.  Darren added a friendly touch to the day and in the build-up using his extensive expereince to calm us down.

Most memorable moments: The memorable moments were me walking down the aisle with Imogen just ahead of me, the string quartet in the church, the ceremony and all of the evening as it was great to see so many friends and family all in one place enjoying themselves.

The honeymoon: I got my own way and we went to Dubai to stay at the Atlantis Palm Hotel for five days. We enjoyed the water parks, sunshine, restaurants and 11.5million litre aquarium in the amazing hotel.

Plans for the future: With two children a  new house and the wedding over and done with, Darren progressing his career and me busy with the children and my own work as a nurse there aren’t many plans for the immediate future other than some holidays for the four of us and a bit of relaxing.