'We're not in a rush to get to tomorrow we're enjoying every single moment'

An impromptu decision to tie the knot in secret on holiday in the Maldives just felt right” for former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring and her new husband Tom Thornton-Brookes

- KENZI DEVINE

For most couples, saying “I do” comes after months of planning and preparation. But for Steph Waring and her new husband Tom Thornton-Brookes, who secretly tied the knot in a stunning Maldives ceremony on 15 July, their big day couldn’t have been more stress-free.

“We woke up, went for breakfast, spent some time at the pool, then started getting ready for the ceremony,” says the former Hollyoaks actress as she exclusively shares all the details – and photographs – from their special day with OK!.

Chatting from their villa at the idyllic five-star Maldives resort Ifuru Island, where they held the ceremony, it’s clear to see Steph, 46, and Tom, 44, are in a bubble of marital bliss.

“The way everything has transpired, it feels like it’s meant to be. Everything is perfect,” beams Tom, who works in private security. His new wife agrees, saying, “I just can’t stop smiling.”

The couple, who got engaged in December 2021, decided to marry in secret during their South Asia holiday, with no other guests in attendance. The resort’s stunning “secret spot” offers the perfect backdrop, with a private white sand beach complete with a beautiful wooden altar.

But while exchanging their vows with the sun going down on the horizon was the dream, the weather had other ideas for the bride and groom.

“We were meant to get married at 5pm, but I had a gut feeling the weather was going to take a turn in the afternoon,” says Steph, who is best known for portraying Cindy Cunningham on Hollyoaks. “So we asked the resort if we could move it to 2pm and they pulled it out of the bag – it was perfect sunshine. Then a storm started later on!”

After spending the morning together, Steph and Tom separated to get ready for the ceremony, with the blushing bride slipping into a gorgeous floaty white wedding dress from Flamingo Boulevard Bridal Studio.