I DIDN’T WANT TO BE A BIG BRIDE!

Naomi Smith, 33, knew her wedding photographs would last a lifetime – she had five months to act

- DONNA SMILEY, RACHEL TOMPKINS

Gazing at my wedding photographer’s portfolio, I looked at the beaming brides in their beautiful dresses. I was so glad I’d chosen her to capture my special day, but suddenly, I had a realisation. ‘She can work magic, but she can’t edit out my fatness,’ I panicked to my fiance, Colin, then 43.

It was April 2019 and Colin and I were due to marry in six months’ time. Colin was always telling me I was beautiful, but at 14st 7lb and a size 16, I didn’t feel it. And I certainly didn’t want to be a big bride on our big day!

BEFORE 14ST 10LB SIZE 16

I’d always struggled with my weight, with it creeping up to 14st by the time I’d finished university in 2010.

When I was 22, I started dieting and in two years I lost nearly 4st, taking me to 10st 7lb, and a dress size 12, better for my 5ft 2in frame. I felt happier, and more confident than I’d done in years.

A few weeks later, I met Colin through a mutual friend and, as cliché as it sounds, it was love at first sight. He was such a gentleman, paying me compliments and taking me out for romantic dinners.

Within a year, we’d moved in together. The only problem was that Colin didn’t want marriage or children and they are things I’d always wanted. Only, after a while, I got my head round it and decided being in a happy relationship was more important to me.