Hand in hand, we stepped out of the chapel in Gretna Green into a cloud of confetti, and I couldn’t stop smiling. My best friend and love of my life had just become my wife. Best of all, my new-found confidence meant I was free to soak up every precious moment, instead of fretting about having my photo taken.
One year earlier, Emma and I were on a romantic getaway in Liverpool when she caught me by surprise. I’d just got out of the shower and was getting ready for dinner when I saw that our bed was scattered with rose petals. Emma was sitting on the sofa and beckoned me over. I sat down, then she turned to face me and held my hand in hers. She looked into my eyes and told me how much she loved me. Then she said: ‘I guess the only thing we need to change is this ringless finger on your left hand. Will you marry me?’ She reached behind the cushion and pulled out a beautiful ring. I was so completely taken aback that all I could do was silently nod a yes, with tears running down my cheeks.
Along with so much happiness on the horizon, something was worrying me: I wasn’t happy with my weight. It really affected my confidence, and I didn’t want to feel that way on our big day. So, a couple of weeks after Emma proposed, I walked into a Slimming World group. I’d been a member in the past, so I knew it worked, but this time I had a very special reason to slim.
My Consultant, Dee, always kept me motivated with words of wisdom if I was struggling. I had amazing support at home, too. Emma would flick through Slimming World Magazine for dinner ideas and help me prep filling packed lunches, such as tuna salad sandwiches or chicken and pomegranate salads, to take to work.
I’d seen other brides wearing dresses with pretty pleated skirts, but I’d never dreamt they’d suit me. As the scales went down, though, I felt like being more daring… The only question was which size to order? I asked Emma: ‘Should I go for a size 18 or 16?’ She looked at me in disbelief and said, ‘Order a 12, babe, you’ll fit a 12!’ I wasn’t convinced but ordered the dress anyway, thinking I could always return it. When it arrived, it fitted perfectly – I couldn’t believe it!
We walked each other down the aisle, holding hands the whole way. It really was the most magical day and I enjoyed it so much more because of how confident I felt in my dress. Without the support of my Slimming World group and Emma, I’d have felt so uncomfortable having all that attention on me, even though it was just the two of us and the witnesses. I’ll never forget that feeling of leaving the church, that gorgeous blue sky, and thinking this is it: I have my wife, my best friend, and the rest of our lives together!
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