When/how did you first meet?

We met in Lincoln during January 2005, when Luke had just returned from travelling in Australia. He was with three friends and they asked myself and my friend Jess to join them. Luke and I really hit it off and after a fun evening we exchanged numbers and kept in touch.

When in the relationship did he 'pop the question?' How did he propose?

Luke proposed when we were on holiday in Cayo Coca in Cuba during November 2008. I packed the suitcases, of course, but he managed to sneak the ring in last minute!

A few days into the holiday we went for a lovely evening meal near the sea, and then a walk along the beach. Luke stopped on a jetty and he proposed there. It was really romantic and I was touched by the effort he'd made. We only rang our excited parents from holiday - though they already knew as Luke had asked my dad's permission and showed both mums the ring - telling everyone when we arrived home was lovely.

Which aspects did you decide upon first?

The dress was one of the first things I looked for as I was so excited about trying some on.

The next thing we arranged was the reception venue. We found this part so difficult as we have family in Newark and Horncastle and we didn't want the journey to be too long for any of them. We looked at lots of venues in Lincoln then saw an advert for the Charlotte House Hotel and when we went for our appointment, we absolutely loved it. They worked around our budget and helped us to put a personal touch on the food, drink and decor. After that the rest started falling into place.

Any differing ideas about how your big day should be or things you both wanted to do differently?

When we first got engaged we actually both wanted to go abroad to get married. After a little while we started looking at ideas and it soon became apparent that there were going to be loved ones who wouldn't be able to attend if we did go away.

As the planning went along I realised just how much I actually wanted all our family and friends to share our special day. We're both really glad we were married in England and we loved every minute of it.

Was planning your big day fraught or enjoyable? Did you both contribute ideas with equal enthusiasm?

At the beginning the planning was very exciting and enjoyable. As time went on though, it did get hard work as we were also renovating our new house, and were both working long hours. I'm an organised person so that definitely helped but it was a little bit stressful at times.

We dealt with the big things together, but Luke was happy to let me go ahead and add the little personal touches that I wanted.

The jobs that Luke took on were the suits and the honeymoon... and he did a great job of both!

How did it feel to walk down the aisle and take your vows?

I enjoyed walking down the aisle but it was nerve-racking with everyone turning to look. The photographer had to tell me to slow down as I was rushing slightly. I loved taking our vows and we've both said we found it

really emotional. There were a few giggles throughout the ceremony but everyone enjoyed singing the hymns so that relaxed us.

Who did you choose for attendants and why?

Bride's View: My bridesmaids were four of my best friends. We're very close and I knew they would be a great support. They planned a lovely meal for me the day before the wedding and gave me a lovely photo album with lots of pictures and comments gathered from over the years; it was a lovely surprise! The pageboys were our nephew and my close friend's little boy.

Groom's View: I grew up with my best man and ushers; they were the obvious choices for the day. They all did a great job and helped the day run smoothly!

What made you choose your dress, and can you describe it?

I went to several bridal shops and tried a variety of styles on. I found lots of dresses I liked but nothing seemed to have the 'wow factor.' I then attended a show at Proposals in Grimsby where they had some of the new Maggie Sottero range in for that weekend only. It wasn't going to be on sale for another three months.

I tried a style called Fleur on and I just fell in love with it. It had a modern twist which was just what I was looking for, and it was like nothing I'd seen on anyone before.

My Mum and two of my bridesmaids were with me and they all loved it too, so I ordered it that day.

Where was your reception held?

Our reception was held at Charlotte House Hotel near the castle in Lincoln. We hired the three downstairs areas which included the outside terrace, the lounge bar and the orangery. We used the terrace for the welcome drinks and canapés, the lounge bar for a chill out area and the orangery for the meal and then the disco.

Did you have a honeymoon? If so where, and most importantly, did you enjoy it?

Luke organised the honeymoon and only told me about it when we went to finally book it. We enjoyed a fortnight in Aruba; and it was fantastic. It was pure relaxation, which is just what we needed after the hectic run up to the wedding!

Any friends or family you'd like to thank?

We would like to say a massive thank you to both sets of parents for the emotional and financial support they gave us. The day wouldn't have been possible without them.

We would also like to thank our bridesmaids, best man and ushers for not only being great on the day, but also for throwing us fantastic hen and stag weekends!

Anyone suppliers you want to recommend?

All our suppliers were great but Wedding Car Lincs stand out as one of the best. Apart from the car being stunning, the service was very professional and nothing was too much trouble for the driver.

Our florist, Pete's Flowers, was also very good and although we chose simple ivory roses, made them look very elegant by using crystals. I was also so happy with the bridesmaids' dresses which were customised by Beetlebum by Design. I had fallen in love with a teal colour scheme and found some plain prom-style dresses but wanted them to look more 'special.' Gorgeous sashes were added by Beetlebum by Design who matched the colours on my dress and I had lovely beaded detail finished off with an ivory flower.

How are you finding married life?

We now feel a bigger sense of commitment. We're expecting our first baby next month so we're now preparing for our new arrival, and the start of family life... which we're very excited about.