Real Life Bride | Laura + Alfonso

Laura + Alfonso | 19.05.18

Today we’re talking to Laura, our Mediterranean beauty and effortless Ellie Sanderson real life Bride. They chose a relaxed rustic theme for their wedding day, with the dramatic Canary Island scenery as their back drop. Read on to be inspired by their gorgeous day…

Team ES | Tell us about your proposal?

Laura | We had talked about getting married before, but it was on Valentine’s Day when he came back from work with flowers and a letter formally asking me if I wanted to be his wife – obviously my answer was ‘YES’. After 11 years together and having our son, who makes us feel stronger as a couple, I had no doubts!

Team ES | Did you pick up any tips during the planning stage?

Laura | I actually bought a wedding book. It really did help because it made me aware about everything I needed to plan in advance!

Ellie Sanderson Real Life Bride

Team ES | What was your wedding dress experience like?

Laura | My friend came from Brighton to be with me on the day and she really knew what I was looking for. I chose around 6 dresses, all of different styles and although I felt pretty in all of them it was the last one that was the one. It made me cry so I knew it was meant to be!

Ellie Sanderson Real Life Bride

Team ES | What did you love most about your dress?

Laura | My dress was light, comfortable and it showed what I wanted to show off, the shape of my body. It was simple, different to any other I had seen before and the most important thing – I felt beautiful in it!

Team ES | Where did you get your wedding inspiration from (pinterest, magazines etc)?

Laura | Pinterest was my principal inspiration.

Team ES | Did you follow a theme for your wedding?

Laura | Not really a theme as such, we tried to be in keeping with the venue – a fresh, natural, rural style.

Ellie Sanderson Real Life Bride

Team ES | Did you walk down the aisle to a particular song?

Laura | Yes, a beautiful song that explains the real meaning of our emotions that day between my husband and I. Hasta mi final by Il Divo.

Team ES | Did you practice your first dance or wing it?

Laura | We did practice the dance the night before the day and it worked!

Team ES | Most memorable moment of the day?

Laura | There were two important moments for me. During the ceremony my niece did a speech for me explaining how important I have been to her and for her education. Also, at the end of the ceremony, when we came out of the church my friend and his band sang for us as a surprise!

Ellie Sanderson Real Life Bride

Team ES | Did you follow the something old, new, borrowed, blue tradition?

Laura | No entirely but my friend bought me my earrings, they’re really special.

Team ES | Tips for brides to be, what one thing would you recommend?

Laura | Make sure you enjoy every minute of your day!. Ellie Sanderson Real Life Bride Team ES | What are you both up to now, did you go on honeymoon?

Laura | We went to Marrakech for our honeymoon!

Team ES | How did you come to choose Ellie Sanderson?

Laura | I have been living in Oxford for 8 years now, I used to pass through the street where Ellie Sanderson’s Shop was located and always looked in the window looking for my dress – even when I didn’t have wedding plans, but it was fun. Then when it was my turn I knew the first shop I was going to visit!

Team ES | Anything else you think we should know about your wedding day?

Laura | It was a perfect and magical day and it was thanks to our friends and family, they made it possible!