#EnzoaniRealBride: Sophie and Sam

Tell us your love story...

"We met through friends 8 years ago. From the moment we met, I was in awe of his kind and gentle nature. In the very beginning, we had fun with lots of date nights. Trips to the cinema, shopping and eating out. We were a couple, but more importantly, we were the best of friends.

I live with a lifelong chronic illness, and in 2013, after our first year together, I was hospitalised for a number of weeks. Crohn’s Disease had knocked me down, and it took my body a while to respond to treatment. At the time, I thought that it would be too much for Sam, but I was wrong. He didn’t leave. Sam sat by my bedside every day during visiting hours. He would buy me magazines, make sure I was comfortable, and would help to keep me calm. It was at the time that I knew this man was the one for me. He was there in sickness and in health, years before we even took our vows."

"After 5 amazing years together, we purchased our first home and we settled in with our puppy, Rex. Just when I thought the year of 2017 couldn’t get any better, Sam set up a dream proposal in Disneyland Paris. After dark, as the fireworks show concluded, he waited for Main Street USA to empty. To my surprise, Sam was down on one knee. He proposed with the most beautiful ring that he had designed himself. It couldn’t get any better. We were the only two left in Disney in our own bubble of love. I remember crying happy tears all night. Sam has always made me feel worthy, but in that moment, I felt that my life was a true fairytale. Everyone, regardless of their circumstance, deserves to live their very own fairytale."

What made you say yes to the NICKY? (Besides the fact that you look stunning in it?!) 

"Upon first glance, the Enzoani NICKY dress took my breath away. It was not what I had imagined I would pick, but I couldn’t deny the feeling. When you know, you know. As I stepped into the dress for the first time, I had a true Cinderella moment. I was transformed. It was love at first sight, and I had my very own glass slipper moment. It fit me perfectly, I knew at that moment that I was an Enzoani bride.

The lace is romantic, the beading is exquisite and the silhouette is stunning. My favourite part of the dress was the way it made me feel. I felt confident, empowered, and it felt like me. There were no rules with the NICKY dress, the sky was the limit. I paired the NICKY with the NURIT skirt for the extra wow factor. I created two looks as a nod to my childhood dreams. Who doesn’t dream of being a princess?"

(We totally agree!)

Tell us about the most memorable part of your dream day ...

"With COVID-19 impacting many lives, we knew that our 2020 wedding would look different. Nevertheless, we decided to press ahead. At the time, the UK restrictions meant that we were only able to host 13 guests (15 people including the bride and groom). This wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but we just wanted to get married. Our guests and our suppliers went above and beyond for us, we didn’t miss out on a single thing. It didn’t feel like we had compromised as we had included all of the little details that we originally planned for. Spending the time with our closest family and friends was invaluable to us. We got to make more precious memories during the day than we otherwise would have been able to enjoy if we had hosted the original guest list. It is the intimate moments that will forever be our favourite thing about our day."

We noticed the sweetest pup was able to join your day?

"Our venue was a pet-friendly venue, and this meant we were able to include our fur baby, Rex, in our day. Rex was a highlight and brought so much more joy into the day."

Do you have any advice for other brides? 

"Don’t be scared of having an intimate wedding. Don’t be fearful of having to trim down your guest list because of a global pandemic. Your guests will understand. You can create the best day possible, the sky is still the limit even with restrictions. Find the right suppliers and put your trust in them, let them do what they do best. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that time is precious, make sure you enjoy all of the little beautiful moments with your closest family and friends. Intimate weddings can be a fairytale."

Thank you to Sophie and Sam for sharing your special day with us!