I met Hannah at the start of sixth form and though we didn’t take many of the same subjects, we bonded instantly over a shared love of the sea, rom‑coms, and chocolate! Seventeen years later those passions are much the same—now balanced with the joyful responsibilities of jobs, dogs and kids. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had Hannah as a best friend and sister figure in my life for the last seventeen years. We've both been such an important part of each others lives so making her my maid of honour was an easy decision but one I may regret come the speeches! On the day if you see an adorable curly‑haired little girl waving a flower wand with the bridesmaids - this is Sophia, her daughter who is likely to steal the show!

Saskia and I were introduced when I joined the local swimming club age eight so we've known each other a very long time. There's not many friends that you are happy to see at 6.30AM on a Saturday to train but we always enjoyed catching up at the end of sets. We really did grow up together and swimming was just one thing we shared. At 18 we both headed North to University, her in Durham and me in York and very much felt like southerners in the cold North! We we would often take trains to see each other, and it never felt like any time had gone by and that remains the same to this day and I know will always be the case.

Emma and I went to primary school together, but moving to different secondary schools meant we lost touch. In 2020, thanks to our parents exchanging Christmas cards, I found out that Emma was moving to Cheltenham for work so I reached out and the rest is history! I am so grateful that work brought her near to me again and we have shared many an evening venting about the frustration that is online dating in your 20s! I distinctly remember telling her about Alex and after several dates her commenting that she thought we would end up getting married...how right you were!

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