Sophie and Darren outside their wedding venue as newlyweds!

Written by Helen-Louise Dudney

Photography by Gina Fernandes Photography

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Social media and on-line dating often gets a bad rep, however for Sophie and Darren it got them married! Well not quite, but it was definitely the start of their love story. Darren had liked numerous posts on Sophie’s Instagram, when she plucked up the courage (with the help of a drink or two) to DM him! Their online conversations blossomed into three months of getting to know each other, until finally, this Scottish lad and Northern gal went on their first date. The distance between Glasgow and Manchester didn't deter them, as they made the regular weekend commutes, proving that their connection was undeniably special.

The Proposal

On a cold, rainy November day, Darren took Sophie to Tatton Park for a leisurely walk, to find the perfect moment to propose. Although Darren liked to believe he was keeping the surprise under wraps, little did he know, Sophie was fully aware of his intentions! Sophie likes to challenge the status quo, and her rebellious streak emerged when she refused to go along with Darren's plan to stop at a particular spot. Instead, as they wandered along a narrow, muddy path at the back of the park, with Sophie leading the way Darren took his moment to be on one knee behind her when she turned around.

The Planning

From celebrating their engagement (with a pick-up order from their favourite restaurant - gotta love 2020 and the COVID restrictions), it took 18 months for Sophie and Darren to plan their wedding.

After initially planning to have a big traditional wedding, Sophie and Darren chose to redirect their wedding fund towards their new home and focus on the priority for their wedding day - TO GET MARRIED! So they decided to forgo their initial plans in favour of a more intimate and personal celebration that felt like them. They dedicated their smaller budget to what they actually wanted, their AWESOME photographer so they would have pictures to look back on and Sophie’s dress. Overall their main plan was to have an intimate and relaxed day for themselves and everyone involved, so they found out when the photographer they wanted was free and picked a date!

Where they got married wasn’t a priority to Sophie & Darren, they knew that if they were surrounded by the people that meant so much to both of them, then they would all have the best time no matter where they were and actually realised that having a house party as their wedding reception felt much more like them.

The guests having fun and wearing heart shaped sunglasses at the wedding reception in front of the beautiful ribbon backdrop .

Theme

As a goth/punk couple, ’til death was a subliminal theme for their day. With tarot card wedding invites, ’til death wedding cake and drinks stirrers, and coffin shaped wedding favours they ensured that their wedding day was a reflection of their authentic selves, filled with meaningful details that resonated with their personalities. Along with the wedding favours they included hand written notes to everyone who attended explaining why they loved them, and treated their guests to Domino’s pizza for their wedding breakfast.

Style

Darren had a three piece suit, and in Sophie’s words “with all the trimmings,” including personalised cufflinks with the date of their wedding (a Christmas present from Sophie) and a pocket watch from his stepdad.

The groom captured looking at his pocket watch.

Sophie chose a simple A-line dress and her seamstress added custom dropped Bardot sleeves. She also wore customised Converse which had embroidered flowers along with their initials and the date they got married. Not to mention the incredible denim jacket that Sophie’s Mum painstakingly spent hours sewing custom patches onto.

The bride’s wedding dress and lovingly customised denim jacket.

Details

Stunning ‘til death wedding cake and personalised knife to cut it with.

Continuing the theme, specially designed coffin boxes made by the florist alongside the groom’s cufflinks.

Breaking with tradition

Sophie’s Dad walked her down the aisle and the newlyweds had a first dance and they honoured their favourite Scottish tradition of dancing to Runrig Loch Lomond at the end of the night, but those are the only traditions that the couple kept in. Canapés were swapped out for vegan sushi platters and baked goods from Costco. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen and even though there were speeches they did them their own way. Everyone who wanted to speak got to, including Sophie and Darren’s Mum. With one of the most special moments of the day being the heartfelt speech presented as a surprise by Sophie’s sister before they got ready on the morning. And yes both Darren and Sophie were there as they trashed the tradition of spending the night before getting married apart. Instead, after their friends and family helped them get the house ready the night before they all had a meal together and then Darren and Sophie had a casual, idyllic morning together drinking coffee and exchanging gifts before getting dressed separately. Oh and there were no wedding cars and their incredible photographer refused to let them get a taxi, so gave them a lift.

Bride sitting on the grass in her garden enjoying the Domino’s wedding breakfast.

Favourite part of the day

Ironically it was not being able to get back into their house! Sophie and Darren spent five minutes trying to make themselves heard over the music, laughter and singing when they returned from having their photos taken in the evening.

The bride and groom taking a moment just the two of them, with the bride wearing her customised denim jacket.

Advice

“Focus on what you want for your day not what you think everyone else will enjoy. Do what feels right for you and let your personality show. Your wedding is a celebration of you as a couple so show everyone who you are as a couple because they would love you both for it, that’s why they're at your day!”

Sophie and Darren definitely didn’t lose sight of what they set out to achieve, surrounded by their closest loved ones, they created a relaxed and genuine atmosphere, making the day not only special but truly unforgettable.