C hris and Rachael were introduced to each other through a group of friends after they came back from travelling. Rachael was ready for a fresh start and boy did she get one as Chris and she hit it off straight away. They felt like they had known each other for years and couldn't believe how much they had in common.

They went on lots of dates to get to know each other. Beautiful walks around the island, romantic meals, picnics on the beach and they did lots of home cooking at both their houses as cooking is something they're passionate about.

After 11 months Chris took Rachael on a romantic trip away to Barcelona for a week and they had a fantastic time. It was at this point that they knew things were getting serious and they loved living in and out of each others pockets 24/7. It was at that time that they decided to live together which was so much fun and they loved every minute of it.

After 12 months of living together Rachael and Chris then made the next step and bought a house together which thy told me was an amazing feeling and a great commitment to make. They both knew the Isle of Man was their home and they both dreamed of buying their first property here.

They completed their family home with two cats and their child Molly the King Charles Cavalier. A passion for dogs is something they had in common and both knew was something they really wanted.

Between then and their engagement they did lots of travelling together around Europe and Rachael took Chris to the Dominican Republic for his 30th Birthday.

Two years after buying their house together and 4 years into their relationship, Chris then took Rachael for a romantic 2 week holiday to Egypt. Egypt was somewhere she had always dreamed of going and somewhere he knew she thought was a magical and romantic place to go. It was there in Egypt on 25th May 2012 that Chris asked Rachael to marry him. He had asked her mum and dads permission before asking her and it was very romantic.

Chris had taken Rachael diving that day which was fantastic and a wonderful thing to do together underwater. He then arranged for massages afterwards and then went back to their room. Rachael decided to take a long hot bath after a wonderful day together. It was when she came out of the bathroom that Chris was no where to be seen and there was a little note left outside the door. When she opened the note it was leaving her little clues as to where to find items in their room that all had such cute meanings. Rachael had no idea what was going on but she followed all 12 clues that were left around the room. The last one said that the last clue was out on the balcony. When she opened the curtains all she saw was Chris, down on one knee, holding up a sign and a box saying Rach i love you, please marry me. She screamed and burst out crying and of course said yes.

Chris put the ring on Rachael's finger and they drank champagne and celebrated with the people in their hotel as lots of people had seen Chris outside waiting for Rachael and heard them getting engaged. After all the excitement and phone calls back home, Chris had then arranged for a romantic meal at a restaurant in Egypt. The whole day and night was an experience they will never forget and it was the happiest day of their lives.

Since then they have been back to Egypt in March 2013 as they had such a magical time there the first time.

They celebrated their 5 year engagement on the 5th May 2013 which is the actual day they had their engagement shoot which is a great way to reflect and celebrate.

And in just over 12 months they will be saying their vows on 24th May 2014 and getting married!

I met Rebecca and Tim last year and photographed their son Daniel’s 3 months and his first Christmas sessions. They are such an adorable couple. I had great pleasure working with them, and I was so happy that they asked me to be their wedding photographer to capture the new chapter in their life.

It was such a prefect day for Rebecca and Tim’s wedding. They put so much thought into their wedding and it was beautiful. Rebecca looked stunning in her wedding dress. Daniel had just started walking, what perfect timing so he could walk down the aisle with mummy. It was so cute!

It was a wonderful and emotional day for the couple, surrounded by their family, friends and love ones. I am grateful to have the opportunity to capture their big day and witness their love. Shan x

Credit:
Wedding Dress: Pronovias – Bridal House
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo – Bridal House
Shoes: Rachel Simpson
Menswear: Savile Raw Tailors
Makeup Artist: Euphoria
Hairstyling: VIP Hairdressers
Catering: Bradda Glen Café
Flowers: Flower Studio - Heidi Baker
Favours: Macmillan
Stationery: To Have And To Hold
Entertainment: Latin Kings / Matt Fletcher
Transport: IOM Transport / Platinum Vintage Cars
Rings: Wilkins
Wedding Cake: Sally Humphrey
Venue: Embellished Elegance
Videographer: Nick Coole

I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of this lovely couple Helen & Chris on 1st April. I love the glen theme of their wedding and the green dresses of the bridesmaid were lovely and fresh.

The wedding was relaxing and intimate. Helen looked so beautiful on her wedding day. She is a very artistic lady. She DIY’d all her beautiful wedding stationary and table decorations. I love the idea of the wedding tree. It’s very cute!

I wish you both a very happy marriage! Love, Shan x

Credit:
Wedding Dress: Pronovias, Bridal House
Bridesmaids Dress: Madestudio - Etsy
Makeup Artist: Charlotte Easton
Hairstyling: Rachel Lewis
Hairbands: April at Gardens of Whimsy
Flowers: Oopsie Daisy
Catering: The Sound Cafe
Favors: Life Association Charity
Stationery: Handmade by Helen
Entertainment: Yogi
Rings: Green Karat
Wedding Cake: Allison Ratcliffe
Venue Decoration: Handmade by Helen