Robbie and Joanne were both ready to start a new chapter in their lives and decided it was the perfect time to find love. The pair found each other on Tinder back in 2015 and found they instantly had a beautiful connection and bonded over their interests. Joanne says: "Our conversation flowed so easily, it was like we already knew each other. Robbie was attracted to my eyes while I was attracted to his height and arms. He's the most incredible man I've ever met – kind, caring, selfless and absolutely hilarious."
Fast forward three years at a beachfront restaurant in Thailand and Robbie surprised Joanne by asking her to marry him. Joanne says: "I hoped it would happen, as I knew he was the man I wanted to be with forever. The moment he got down on one knee I was in total shock and I don't remember saying yes!"
Here Joanne tells us more about their special day…
I heard someone mention Offley Place Country House Hotel and decided to look it up – I thought it was stunning, particularly the conservatory, and as we wanted a small wedding, it was perfect!
Instead of a traditional cake, we had chocolate, pistachio and salted-caramel cupcakes with a Victoria sponge top tier.
For favours we had mini-alcohol bottles, with flavoured vodka, liquors and boxes of chocolate goodies.
We didn't want the traditional top table so we could be surrounded by our closest friends.
I opted for pink roses, gypsophila and green foliage tied with a pink ribbon for my bouquet, while my bridesmaids had ivory roses, gypsophila, green foliage and an ivory ribbon.
I had four bridesmaids in total; two had dusky pink gowns while the others wore silver in their choice of style and shoes to match.
I wore a strapless A-line dress by Essense of Australia called D2752, which was covered in lace. I bought a three-metre veil with a similar pattern to complemented the dress perfectly.
We used a template from Etsy for our place names – you're able to choose the font and layout. We opted for a soft pink flower border.
Other items of décor included ivory petals places down the aisle, lanterns filled with candles and a hanging wedding day sign.
Robbie wore a royal blue tailored suit from Moss Bros with a pinktie and light grey shoes – his groomsmen and Dad wore the same.
To finish off the look, I wore sapphire blue earrings, a necklaceand a bracelet. The necklace was a gift from Robbie that he'dgiven to me at the top of the Eiffel Tower as he likes me in bluejewellery to match my eyes.
I wanted to feature my Dad in the wedding somehow as he died when I was 13, so I ordered a bouquet charm and stuck a photo of him in it – he was with me all day.
Our Tinder selfie frame was popular with guests. We decided to do our guest book a little differently – we put a photo of us in a frame and supplied a Sharpie for people to write messages around it.
I woke up very calm on the day and extremely happy because the sun was shining through the window and it was my birthday! Robbie was very nervous but managed to squeeze in a gym session with his best man, which I'm sure helped him burn off some nerves.
The love that surrounded us was so overwhelming.
A part of the day that really stood out to me was walking down the aisle with my brother. He offered to walk me after finding out I was going to do it myself and I was so appreciative of him, he made me laugh just as I was about to cry!
My sister's speech was incredible! I asked her to do one on behalf of my Dad and she said the most beautiful words about mine and Robbie's relationship, including that my Dad would have been so proud that we chose each other – there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
My top tip for the day would be to make sure you're as organised as possible, make spread sheets and log everything! I found that I stressed about the little things a lot but didn't even notice them on the day.
Bride's dress
Entertainment
Flowers
Groom's suit
Photographer
Stationery
Venue