Lauren & James | Real Weddings Overseas
Meet Lauren & James
We met at a friend’s party back in 2003. James came with my friend’s older brother and we got talking. To be honest I didn’t think anything would happen from that night, and could’ve killed my friend when she told me she gave him my number the next day. I’m so glad she did now though! 🙂
The proposal
Whilst living in London, James took me to Oslo, Norway for my b’day where he took me to dinner at a beautiful restaurant one night. He didn’t get me a card on my actual birthday, which I was really upset about. After dinner, back at the hotel, he said he had a surprise for me and handed me a card, which was funny because I’d given him so much grief about not getting one. It said some beautiful things inside and finished with ‘ I have something special to ask you…’ and there he was on one knee!
Your Wedding Day
Our day (and week) was so special! We organised our big day in Vanuatu, where neither of us had ever been before – a bit risky!
We had 30 of our closest friends and family join us in Port Vila and we had the most amazing and fun time in the week leading up to our wedding with all of them, eating, drinking, partying, exploring and shopping.
On the day, rain threatened on and off all morning, with the sun shining through in between. We got married on a beautiful island (Erakor Island Resort) where the staff were so helpful in organising everything for us before we arrived, and also once we got there and met them.
The wind was crazy during the ceremony (not great with a floor length veil!), but no rain. We got married on a palm tree covered beach, followed by drinks and canapes and a local dance performance on the sand where they got the guests involved.
The reception was held in the restaurant set over the lagoon and everyone danced all night long to the local band who were brilliant! Food was delicious and all the local suppliers did a great job.
It was everything we could have wished for, and Vanuatu will forever have a very special place in our hearts.
