ALEX & CAL: Real Elizabeth Kate Bride Wearing Made With Love Austin Wedding Dress

Some love stories are written in the stars, for this gorgeous couple, theirs began all the way back in secondary school. Childhood sweethearts who reconnected after years apart, their journey took them across the world before leading to the most magical “I do” at Cave Castle. With bold, joyful styling and a day that truly reflected their personalities, this celebration was as heartfelt as it was unforgettable.

Wearing the effortlessly elegant “Austin” wedding dress by Made With Love, our stunning bride Alex embodied timeless beauty with a modern edge, a perfect match for her romantic yet vibrant wedding day.

How did you meet?

We've known each other since we were 11 - we met at secondary school, in the same tutor group. Even after I went on to further education and Cal joined the Army, we stayed in touch, and the rest is history.

Tell us about your proposal

In 2022, we took a year off work to travel, Cal had planned to propose on New Year's Eve. But life had other plans, one of our dogs slipped a disc in her spine and the other had a stroke, all within days. We had to make an emergency flight back to the UK on NYE, which completely scuppered his proposal plans. To top it off, our bags were lost in transit from Thailand - including the ring, which was missing for four days (I had no idea at the time!). Thankfully, after some amazing care and surgery, both of our dogs made a full recovery and six weeks later we were back to our travels. Cal ended up proposing at Cretya Ubud in Bali and it couldn't have been more perfect. We spent the morning swimming in infinity pools overlooking lush rice paddies and spent the evening celebrating with cocktails and the most magical sunset. It was truly worth the wait!

When did you get married?

14th August 2025

Where did your wedding take place?

Castle Castle, South Cave 

Tell us a little about the vibe or theme of your day?

Our day was all about being bright, bold, and full of joy. We wanted our wedding to feel like one big, unforgettable celebration, and it absolutely was! Surrounded by our closest friends and family, the celebrations didn't stop until the sun came up the next morning! 

Tell us about the dress! 

I'd always envisioned something simple and elegant and the moment I tried on Austin, I just knew, it was everything I'd hoped for and more. I felt truly incredible in it, completely myself, just elevated.

Any special memory from your EK appointment you'd love to share?

My very first appointment, when I found the dress, was an absolute dream. Kim and Holly made both me and my mum feel so welcomed and supported from the moment we walked in. One of the most special memories was seeing my mum's reaction when I stepped out in the dress, it's a moment that's etched in my memory forever. It was such a beautiful, emotional moment for both of us, and one I'll always treasure.

What was your favourite moment on the wedding day?

Honestly, the entire day was incredible, it's hard to choose just one moment! But if I had to, it would be the private drink my husband and I shared right after the ceremony. We arranged with the venue to have a quiet moment together before joining our guests, and it was so special to soak in those very first moments as newlyweds. It was an intimate, grounding moment that reminded us what the day was really all about, just the two of us, before the whirlwind of celebrations began.

What advice would you give to brides planning now?

Trust the process! Everything comes together so seamlessly and more beautifully than you can imagine. Surround yourself with the people who make you feel your best and soak up every single moment. It truly will be one of the best days of your life (so far)!

Share the love – list your fave suppliers:

• Venue - @cavecastleweddings

• Dress - @Elizabethkatebridal @madewithlovebridal

• Suit - @houseofcavani

• Photographer - @photographybyjameswilliams

• Videographer - @danielmarshallfilms

• Bridal hair - @pixie_hair

• Bridal party hair - @auburnhairhull

• Bridal makeup - @tnwbridal

• Bridal party make up - @victoriaseniormakeup

• Decor - @bornbohohire

• Signage - @lmj_design

• Florist - @floral_and_lace_

• Audio guest book - @beverleyeventsco

• Band & DJ - @ultraglowband

• Violinist - @barbaraviolinist

• Pyrotechnics - @ardent.fireworks

• Tattooist - @finelinewithmillie

• Content creator - @thesnapgirl_

• Prosecco wall - @ddevents_yorkshire 

From school friends to soulmates, this love story is proof that fate always finds its way. Their wedding at Cave Castle, South Cave, was filled with laughter, colour, and emotion, a true reflection of their journey together.

We adored helping Alex find her dream Made With Love wedding dress “Austin” here at Elizabeth Kate Bridal, and we couldn’t be happier to have been a tiny part of her gorgeous story.

If you’re a bride-to-be searching for “the one,” just like Alex did, book your private appointment today and let our fairy dress mothers help you find your perfect match.

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