'Our wedding cost under £50'
New UK|August 14, 2023
As Sammie Tessier, 26, from Hampshire, proves you don't have to splash the cash to achieve your dream day, two other brides share their unusual wedding stories
ELLIE FAWCETT, KATE GRAHAM, MATTHEW BARBOUR
'Our wedding cost under £50'

'From the moment I swiped right on Ryan's Tinder profile in 2015, I had a good feeling. Seeing his face, I knew instantly he was The One.

We went on a walk at Portchester Castle in Hampshire for our first date and were chatting away for so long that we walked round the castle twice. We clicked instantly and had so much in common. He was so sweet and funny - and loved a bargain just like me.

I'd always been a thrifty person, ever since I was a little girl. My parents worked and we never struggled financially growing up, but I'd always loved saving money and had a great eye for hunting down bargains. I'd spend my weekends trawling through charity shops to hunt down hidden gems.

My proudest achievement was definitely a pair of Dr Martens boots that I found in a charity shop for a tenner. They're usually around £100. And they were my size-result! 

Ryan loved seeing what I'd found after a rummage at the second hand shop and even joined me some weekends to pick up some bargains for himself. It was obvious we were a match made in heaven.

After six happy years together, we found out we were expecting our first child. We were so excited to become parents.

Ryan was helping me prepare for my driving test when he got down on one knee and popped the question.

"Sammie, I love you so much. Will you marry me?" he asked, looking nervous.

"Of course!" I said as I flung my arms around him, nearly knocking him to the floor.

I'd never been too fussed about getting married - but I love Ryan so much and was so excited to be his wife. It felt special with a baby on the way, symbolising our new start as a family of three.

Most little girls dream of a big white wedding, but that had never been my goal. I just wanted to be legally recognised as a family and I knew I didn't need anything extravagant for it to be the most special day.

This story is from the August 14, 2023 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 14, 2023 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView All
A STICKY SITUATION
New UK

A STICKY SITUATION

Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
New UK

THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY

Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
New UK

LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF

The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
New UK

Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"

Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
New UK

'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'

Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st

time-read
5 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
New UK

'I am so looking forward to Christmas'

Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
New UK

I'm turning the anger into positive energy

His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
New UK

‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle

Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
New UK

'There were rats..it is a real jungle

Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
New UK

'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'

Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024