In December 2015, Conor and Katie were two college students living in different towns - Roxton and Romford. Their paths crossed in the digital realm of Tinder, where they quickly discovered their unique connection. Over time, their conversations evolved from texting to FaceTime calls that lasted for hours.
As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Conor and Katie found themselves becoming an integral part of each other's lives. Their evening FaceTime calls turned into cherished rituals, involving not just the two of them but also their families. Through the screen, they shared the highlights of their days, their hopes, dreams, and even the mundane aspects of life.
Navigating a long-distance relationship while in college can be challenging, but Conor and Katie managed to overcome the distance with unwavering dedication and love. Every Monday, Conor would make the 70-mile journey to pick Katie up from college and bring her home to see her family. These trips not only provided valuable time together but also allowed Conor to become part of the Sheldrick family's "Monday Madness" tradition, featuring Katie's Mum and of course, Mel.
As Conor became a familiar face in the Sheldrick household, the bond between him and Katie's family grew stronger. This time spent together only served to deepen the connection between Conor and Katie, as they shared laughs, stories, and the warmth of family.
Conor and Katie's first date was a day full of laughter, warmth, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. On January 4th, 2016, they finally met in person at London King's Cross after countless hours of texting and FaceTiming. Katie, ever the worrier, was concerned she wouldn't recognise Conor despite having seen him through countless video chats.
The initial encounter was a bit awkward, as first meetings often are, but any nervousness soon dissipated as they enjoyed Katie's first taste of a Costa White Hot Chocolate - a drink that would become a recurring theme in their story.
Their adventure continued with a ride on the Emirates Cable Car, where Conor, in his typical endearingly awkward fashion, asked Katie to be his girlfriend. The day was filled with memorable moments, like feeding a squirrel in Hyde Park and witnessing Conor's hilarious pigeon impression, which left Katie in stitches.
Lunch took them to Pizza Hut in Leicester Square, where Conor's ambitious attempt to mix two flavoured drinks resulted in a concoction, he quickly realised was a mistake. Slyly, he hid it behind the drinks machine, hoping no one would notice. Their day ended with a stroll around Covent Garden and, of course, one last White Hot Chocolate at Costa before they journeyed home.
The first date marked the beginning of Conor and Katie's love story - a story that would be filled with laughter, love, and countless White Hot Chocolates.
On June 7th, 2019, Conor planned a magical proposal for Katie at the happiest place on Earth - Disney World Orlando. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as Katie had just received the fantastic news about her university degree results.
The day began with a whimsical breakfast of Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles at the Grand Floridian Hotel. Then, the couple embarked on a fun-filled day at Animal Kingdom, meeting Daisy Duck and enjoying the thrill of the safari. Little did Katie know, Conor had a surprise in store.
They returned to the hotel to get dressed for a fine dining experience at one of Disney's exquisite hotels. The original plan was to head to Epcot after dinner, but Conor had other ideas. Instead, he led Katie to the Magic Kingdom, where the iconic Disney Castle provided the perfect backdrop for his proposal.
As they posed for a professional photo in front of the castle, Conor secretly informed the photographer of his intentions. As the camera clicked away, Conor got down on one knee and asked Katie to marry him. Surrounded by the enchantment of Disney, the love of her life, and the sparkle of the castle, Katie said 'yes', marking the beginning of their journey towards happily ever after.
In July 2019, just after the magical proposal, Katie moved in with Conor and his family, finally bridging the distance between them. She completed her three-year course at Anglia Ruskin University and embarked on her PGCE at the prestigious Cambridge University.
However, just a little over six months later, the world faced an unprecedented challenge – COVID-19. Along with the rest of the world, Conor and Katie found themselves navigating back-to-back lockdowns. During this time, not much happened except for Katie discovering a passion for baking, filling their home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies.
As COVID-19 eventually receded into the past, life began to return to normal. Katie achieved her dream of becoming a qualified teacher, and the couple started their search for the perfect place to call their own. In December 2021, they found their dream home in Hanslope and began planning the next exciting chapter of their lives – their wedding.
A Glimpse into Our Special Day
As we eagerly anticipate our wedding day, we want to share with our guests a glimpse into the celebration that awaits. Conor and Katie's special day promises to be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that we will cherish forever.
The Venue
We have chosen the enchanting Winters Tale Country Barn for our wedding venue. Nestled in the countryside, this beautiful barn boasts stunning gardens and charming rustic architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for our ceremony, reception, and of course, those all-important wedding photos.
The Theme
Our wedding theme will be a rustic countryside afternoon tea, inspired by our love for the simple pleasures in life. With sunflowers and succulents adorning the venue as our flower decorations, we'll create a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of nature.
The Ceremony
The ceremony will be an intimate and heartfelt affair, as we exchange our vows surrounded by our nearest and dearest. We look forward to sharing this once-in-a-lifetime moment with those who have supported and loved us throughout our journey as a couple.
The Reception
Our reception will be a delightful celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and delicious food. Guests will enjoy a charming afternoon tea, featuring an array of scrumptious treats and beverages. As the day progresses, we'll indulge in a quintessential British dish of fish and chips, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort to our special day.
We can't wait to celebrate our love story with you at the Winters Tale Country Barn. As we count down the days until we say "I do," we want to thank you for being a part of our journey and for joining us as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.