We are bringing back an edit of our top-performing real weddings from the TJ archives. These are our very best weddings that our audience has loved the most, and the ones we think are still very relevant and aspirational.
We met on the second night of university and have been inseparable ever since. We live in Manchester with two cats, Marcy and Lila, and a puppy, George.
We both work from home, Alex as a freelance podcaster and producer, and Jen as a creative coach. There wasn’t a proposal. Instead, we decided to get married one autumn evening, while strolling through Paris on holiday. We already felt like each other’s family and wanted to solemnify it by saying “I do”.
We didn’t really have a plan or a theme, but we knew we would return to Paris with those closest to us to get married. We had amazing photographers and a celebrant booked, our outfits organised, and a location and time planned, but much of our wedding day was left to just happen naturally. It felt very intimate, low key and true to us.
Getting married at the Palais Royal was magical. The ceremony and exchanging of vows was, of course, such a memorable moment as well. We both did our best not to let our emotions get the better of us, but of course some tears were shed.
Spending the day before the ceremony creating my bouquet and everyone’s buttonholes was a real highlight — we visited some florists so we could choose flowers we liked, and then my mum and my brother’s girlfriend worked hard to turn them into something very beautiful. Being able to carry a bouquet my mum made for me, and seeing everyone wearing buttonholes they’d made the day before, made everything feel even more intimate.
What we most love about our relationship is that we always feel like a team. We’re building a life together that we really love and cherish each day. Through good times and bad, we’re always there for each other, and after seven years together, we really do feel like each other’s better half. We can always be completely ourselves around each other. We always show up for our relationship every single day.
Photography: The Curries | Bride’s Dress: Catherine Deane | Groom’s Suit: The Kooples | Groom’s Shoes :Next | Bride’s Jewellery: Oliver Bonas | Rings : Artemer Studio | Ceremony Location: Palais Royal, Paris | Celebrant: French Grey Events | Floral: Bride & Groom | Bride’s Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Hair & Makeup: The Bride
