Sophie and Abel tied the knot surrounded by their friends and family in a romantic ceremony at their local church

Sophie and Abel met at work. “Abel had the cheek to ask my boss to set us up on a date,” says Sophie. “My boss suggested I go for a drink with him as I was new to the role. I thought he was really fun and attractive and we’ve been together ever since.”

Abel popped the question during a trip to South Africa. “We had been on a beautiful safari and popped back to our villa to change for dinner,” shares the bride. “He took us on a different route to the restaurant, which I happily followed as I have zero sense of direction. Turns out he had planned a private dinner for us, complete with candles, flowers, champagne and incredible views of the stunning landscape. During dinner he asked me to marry him, and I cried (a lot). It was the best day of my life.”

Sophie and Abel's contacts

Ceremony venue, St Elizabeth of Portugal RC Church, www.stelizabethschurch.org.uk
Reception venues, Petersham Nurseries, www.petershamnurseries.com; Terrace Bar at Revolution, www.revolution-bars.co.uk
Photographer, Helen Jones Photography, www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk
Bride's dress, Surrey Brides, www.surreybrides.co.uk
Bride's shoes, Sophia Webster, www.sophiawebster.com
Bridesmaids' dresses, David's Bridal, www.davidsbridal.co.uk
Hair and make-up artist, Amanda White, www.amandawhite.co.uk
Groom's suit, Suitsupply, www.suitsupply.com
Groomsmen's suits, French Connection, www.frenchconnection.com
Cake, Le Papillon Cakes, www.lepapilloncakesuk.com
Flowers, Bramble & Moss, www.brambleandmoss.co.uk
Calligraphy, Kate Ridyard Calligraphy, www.kateridyardcalligraphy.co.uk
Balloons, Bubblegum Balloons, www.bubblegumballoons.co.uk
Transport, Parker Car Service, www.parkercarservice.co.uk; White London Taxi Wedding Cars, www.whitelondontaxis.com; Mayday Travel, www.coachhirelondon.co.uk
Harpist, Rebeca Jones, www.rebecajones.co.uk
Band, Soul Supreme, www.soulsupremeband.com
Singer, Michael McLaughlin
Wedding coordinator, Trust in Love, www.trustinloveweddings.com
Guest accommodation, Richmond Hill Hotel, www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk