James & Anoushka's Wedding | UKbride

I did, however, think he was rather handsome and we ended up catching each other's eye during work, soon enjoying a quick drink together after work."

"On day one of my new job," elaborated James, "I was introduced to Anoushka by a manager, who immediately commented afterwards "I can see your going to be trouble with Anoushka as your distraction" I initially moved to London to live a bachelor's life with my friends!"

Anoushka tells how James proposed, "James had secretly asked my father (who lives between London and Malaysia) when he was visiting in September and secretly organised the whole proposal with my mother during a visit in December.

James secretly organised the whole proposal with my mother

One morning, he instructed me to pack my bags then whisked me away to the Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang under the false pretence that it was a surprise early Christmas present for us. We sat down to a romantic dinner on our own private beach under the stars at sunset, complete with own private chef and waiter. Just after dessert, he went down on one knee and popped the question! It was just so romantic!"

"As Anoushka has Indian roots" James said, "it was very difficult for us to decide whether to opt for a Hindu wedding in Malaysia or a traditional English country wedding that all our friends and family were able to attend. So, we decided to have both... much to my father-in-law's delight!!! The English wedding was the first and easiest decision as my parents have a beautiful house with stunning grounds that was a perfect setting for a traditional English marquee wedding reception. We're really looking forward to our Hindu wedding in Malaysia."

"I tried on a few dresses, and it's true; you really do know when you have found your dress... and I did. I put it on and I walked out and as ridiculous as it sounds we all welled up; strapless with a lace bodice and a full skirt, it had an ivory sash around my waist with a beautiful antique brooch, I also had a blue sash which I changed into for the reception, it had a real vintage look, it's a shame you're only to wear it once!"

The bride told us, "I was nervous, but only at the last minute, before I walked into the church, when I think the reality of the situation hit me! Lucky for me my father as always was there to hold my hand. My father knows how much I love James and when I started to panic and the music began, he pushed me through the door and as soon as I saw my family and friends and most of all my gorgeous husband to be I was calm again.

"Walking down the aisle was so surreal and so hard to take in, but seeing James waiting for me at the altar definitely helped to calm me down. The fact my dad seemed to take it all in his stride as he high-fived all his friends on the way down certainly set the tone for the day... everyone seemed to have big smiles on their faces!"

Dad high-fived all his friends on the way down the aisle

"Our vicar was so friendly and calm throughout the whole time and he really helped us both control our emotion and nerves. However it was very emotional looking into James eyes and saying my vows and I did get a little choked as the words are so strong - but as he smiled back at me it was all fine.

"My father's speech was fantastic - he had no notes, it was spontaneous and amazing - it made me laugh and it made me cry; the perfect speech. As a surprise my aunt and James's two sisters read three of my grandma's poems which was really emotional as I was close to my granny before she passed away. It meant so much to me and it felt like she was part of our day - there definitely was not a dry eye in the marquee."

James' favourite parts were "The ceremony, reception, speeches were all amazing and my best man Christopher did a great job with his speech... though I'll never admit that to him in person. However, for me it will be the first dance that remains in my mind the most. It suddenly felt like Anoushka and I were the only two people in the room dancing to our favorite song - from the moment it finished I don't think either of us left the dance floor.

"We had a small spa-break immediately after the wedding for a few days which was really relaxing, but our main honeymoon will be after our wedding in Malaysia.

"We'd like to thank both our mums for being so supportive and organising both of us, despite us living in London, my mum in Malaysia and James's mum being based in Lincolnshire!"

How are you finding married life? "Being married makes one feel so complete. I'm getting used to being introduced as James's wife and to being Mrs Stevenson,but it is a lovely feeling. I sometimes have to pinch myself as I am so happy and excited about my life with James - in a strange way it makes you feel secure, not that I wasn't before but it's now official, this is for keeps!"