A Love Story

I wanna be yours.

That’s it in a nutshell isn't it? Can there be any better way to say how much you love someone? So simple, succinct and yet so full of just about everything that matters. 

Sophie and Lara want to be each other's ‘Yours’, for now and forever. And they want to share that commitment, this moment of unity with all of you, Because you are all a huge part of their story and so very important to them both.

Lara and Sophie met each other online, and it would be true to say that many were not sure at all about a future union, because on  paper they appeared to be not in the least bit compatible.

Sophie prefers an ordered and organised approach to life, she loves a long walk and knowing what each day will hold. Whereas  Lara has a more relaxed approach to life, she doesn't want to plan every moment of her spare time, and long walks are not top of her list of priorities. Lara is more of a ‘sit by a  fire woman’ (indoors and outdoors), a glass of something in one hand and a book in the other. 

Modern architecture is Sophie’s passion, comfy clutter is Lara’s.  And barbecues. Sophie would like me to say that she hopes no one has bought them any barbecue equipment as a wedding gift as the three barbecues already taking up residence in the back garden are quite enough. Lara would like to add that in her opinion Sophie has yet to fully recognise the glory of cooking outside, and she will continue to educate and enthuse her gorgeous wife on the merits of this delectable method of culinary creativity.

And yet, after their very first chat together they knew that they had found each other. 

Lara describes a feeling, almost immediately,  “of coming home” and of “desperately not wanting to lose sight of Sophie”. 

Sophie says she felt a sense of “joy” and “surprise” as to how settled Lara made her feel.

And there it was, the very beginnings of love, togetherness and the sheer pleasure of the possibility of a future full of sharing and support of each other.

Because there is so much more that brings these two wonderful people together.

And nothing is greater than their huge love for each other's families. Their wonderful siblings, nieces and nephews. Sophie’s mum Jean.

In the 5 years that Sophie and Lara have been together both families have suffered losses of loved ones. Sophie’s father Nigel, Lara’s mother Joan. Tough times that have resulted in both families pulling even closer together and have framed just how important it is to have that one special person standing right alongside you, to hold you, to push you forward when you didn’t feel you could take another step. And the commitment to each other that Sophie and Lara will be making today means that they will never be alone, that those steps will be taken in unison, whatever the path may be.

But let's not forget that there have also been masses of pure joy and laughter and celebrations along the way. Large family holidays involving Welsh farmhouses, karaoke (I'm looking at you Darren as I hear your rendition of I Will Survive is quite something!), giant vats of  bubbling mac ‘n’ cheese and swimming races with lilos. Everything that a really great  family holiday should be . 

I've been told about the occasion when a large party of family members, and several friends went to the races and Sophie got locked in the loos and missed virtually the entire day. But you were never left alone were you Sophie? Everyone took turns to sit outside the door relaying events to you until you were finally freed, whereupon a large glass of fizz was placed in your hand and a winning bet that Lara had put on for you in the other hand. In your own words: “It turned out to be a surprisingly cheerful trip!”.

Who could have known that when these two fabulous women first met that the ripples of unity, fun and joy would reach so many? 

Love creates more love, and outward it spreads in a thrilling yet comforting wave encompassing all who are fortunate enough to be in its path. And aren’t we all lucky to be here today to share in Sophie and Lara's love for each other? To be able to witness their love story.

And I think I can add here that we are all truly grateful that Lara does not have an aversion or phobia to blood otherwise things may have turned out a little differently!

If you don’t know what I'm referring to I'm pretty sure someone will fill you in on the details! spoiler : first date,  coffee, large glass of red, no food, fainting, bump on head, trip to hospital, followed by…(indicate where we are) this wonderful day. This wonderful love.

In a moment Sophie and Lara will exchange vows that they have written for each other. These vows will encompass love for each other, love for all of you, love for a good laugh, love for a great glass of wine and a plate of food. 

Pure love in all its forms.

I wanna be yours; Sophie and Lara you are each other's “Yours” and this love story is just beginning.