How It All Began
Max and I have always known each other. Growing up in the same church and sharing not only the same birthday but the same birth year meant our lives were intertwined from the start. We were familiar faces to one another but never really connected in a meaningful way. That changed about three and a half years ago when Max sent me a simple “hey” on Snapchat.
A Rainy Day Proposal
Fast forward to the day Max proposed. He had planned an adventure to a bridge he’d been working on, wanting to have a picnic by the river’s edge. We drove three hours only to be greeted by pouring rain. Max suggested we still have the picnic by the bridge, but I insisted it was too wet and urged him back to the car, completely unaware that he’d planned to propose there.
Determined not to let the rain ruin the moment, Max drove us to a waterfall on a friend’s private property. As we walked around, crossing stones to get to the other side of the river, I gazed down at the waterfall, soaking in the beauty of the day. When I turned around, there he was, on one knee. I always thought I’d see a proposal coming, but Max completely surprised me.
What Marriage Means to Us
For us, marriage is about so much more than just a wedding day. It’s a lifelong commitment to growing together, supporting one another’s dreams, and standing by each other through every season of life. It means celebrating the highs, weathering the lows, and always choosing each other no matter what.
The people and place
When it came to planning the wedding, our church was the obvious choice for the venue. It’s a place that has been part of both of our lives for as long as we can remember, and it felt so special to exchange vows there in front of just over 300 family and friends. The day was a true celebration of love and community, made even more meaningful by the presence of those dearest to us.
Finding the Perfect Dress
Finding my dream gown was a journey in itself. I thought I wanted something structured with lace, but the dress I fell in love with was the opposite—soft, simple, and whimsical. I’ve always wanted long sleeves, so that was a must, and the process of shopping with my mum made it all the more special. We’re incredibly close, and sharing that experience with her was something I’ll always cherish.
Max and the Wedding Party’s Look
Max, on the other hand, is used to wearing a suit every Sunday for church, and his go-to color is navy. I joked that he could choose any color except navy, and he delivered with a look that was both classic and dashing. For the bridal party, I stayed true to my love of pink. The girls wore Aje dresses that I managed to find on Facebook Marketplace, each one in perfect condition, while the boys wore suits that matched Max’s.
A Labor of Love for the Big Day
The styling for the day was a true labor of love. Two days before the wedding, close family and friends came together to help set up, adding all the final touches. We kept things simple and timeless, with florals that reflected the same soft and whimsical vibe as my dress. My bouquet, as well as the bridesmaids’, featured classic pink and white flowers, while the groomsmen and immediate family members wore delicate boutonnieres.
A Special Tribute to Max’s Granddad
One of the most memorable touches of the day was something I arranged for Max. His granddad had passed away a few years ago, so I had a photo of the two of them placed on the inside of his tie. It was a small but meaningful way to ensure his granddad was with him on such an important day.
The Most Memorable Moment
As the big day unfolded, the highlight for me was the moment I reached Max at the end of the aisle. It’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words. All my nerves melted away, and it felt like it was just the two of us in the world. Max swears he didn’t cry, but there were definitely tears in his eyes. When he looked at me, I saw a man completely in love, ready to be my husband. His simple words—“You look beautiful”—were all I needed to hear.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Brides
The day was everything we’d dreamed of and more. The best advice we received during the planning process was to keep things simple. It’s not the décor or the flowers that guests remember most—it’s the love and joy shared on the day. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing, except maybe waking up a bit earlier to avoid the rushed morning!
For any future brides, my advice is to savor every moment because it truly goes by in the blink of an eye. From the laughter of setting up with loved ones to the magic of walking down the aisle, every memory is a treasure. And when you finally stand with the person you love, ready to start forever, it’s a feeling like no other.
After hearing her story, it’s clear that this couple’s journey is a testament to love, faith, and the beauty of shared experiences. From their serendipitous beginnings to a heartfelt proposal and a wedding that perfectly reflected their values, every detail of their relationship speaks to their deep connection and shared commitment. As she reminisced about the moment she saw Max at the end of the aisle, her words reflected not only the joy of that day but the promise of a lifetime together—a love story as timeless and genuine as they come.
At When Freddie Met Lilly, we’re passionate about turning your dreams into reality. We couldn’t be happier to have been part of Serena and Max’s journey. Congratulations to the lovely couple!
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