Planning diaries: Opus Couture sales consultant bride-to-be Sophie Taylor shares her wedding plans

Sophie Taylor and Alan are already engaged, but the Opus Couture sales consultant is counting on a second proposal… 

September 2025 update – love story and romantic engagement

Alan and I met twelve years ago while working on board a cruise ship – me as a dancer, him as an engineer.

Not exactly your typical office romance! I still remember the first time I clocked his cabin. It had portholes. Mine didn’t. I thought, “Right, he’ll do,” and, honestly… the rest is history.

What followed was many years of long-distance living in different time zones, before I finally moved to Scotland in 2021.

That’s when the real countdown to a sparkly ring began – especially once I started working at Opus Couture; helping brides find their dream dress only made me more excited for my own turn.

It’s such a joy to be part of those once-in-a-lifetime moments with our brides, and I was ready for it to be me walking into the fitting room!

Find inspiration for wedding dresses and elegant veils, plus statement accessories here

Then, last May during a European road trip, it finally happened.

We were in Lake Como, on a very hot, very sweaty walk – hair frizzing, sunscreen melting – when out of nowhere, Alan casually dropped to one knee. I was in complete shock.

He proposed with the most thoughtful emerald placeholder ring, knowing I’d want to be part of designing my own engagement ring (he was very correct about that). It was romantic, spontaneous and very us.

But… over the years, I’d casually mentioned that I had a couple of ‘proposal rules’ – namely: not abroad, and not coinciding with any big events.

So, a surprise proposal in Italy one week before my brother’s wedding meant both rules were broken! We decided to keep it between us for a month, so the focus could stay on my brother’s big day – and I could secretly enjoy being a fiancée without all the questions just yet.

That said, it was still incredibly special and, since I love any excuse to extend a celebration, we’ve decided to have a little ‘re-proposal’ soon once my engagement ring is ready. I can’t wait to relive that buzz all over again!

We designed my dream ring last month and she’s an absolute beauty. I can’t wait to see her in person – and to find out what Alan has planned for Proposal 2.0. No pressure…

Find guidance on choosing engagement and wedding rings here

We’ve now booked Holkham Hall in Norfolk for next September. I always knew I wanted to get married there. It’s just the most magical setting – completely timeless, with the kind of views that make you catch your breath.

It’s also the perfect middle ground for our Scottish and English guests to travel to. 

Technically, we’re both planning the wedding… although the other day Alan had to ask me what date we were getting married on, so make of that what you will!

We’ll also be getting legally married in Scotland at some point before the big day, but we haven’t planned any of that yet. Makes sense, though… two proposals, two weddings! Why not go all in? 

What’s next in our wedding planning journey?

Next up on my list is dress shopping, which feels surreal considering I spend my working days helping other brides find their dress.

I’m curious (and a little nervous) to see how I’ll be on the other side of the mirror. This first chapter of our journey has been full of laughs and surprises, and learning to lean into the chaos.

If Proposal 1.0 was anything to go by, I’ve no doubt Proposal 2.0 and the rest of our planning will be just as memorable. Until next time – hopefully with a sparkly new ring on my finger (again), and a dress of my own!

October 2025 update – dream wedding dress and planning a wedding in Norfolk

Hello again! If my first diary entry was all about proposals and first steps, this is the one when things really start to feel official.

We’ve booked our civil ceremony in Scotland for the week before the big day in England – so yes, we’re officially going to have two weddings!

Double the vows, double the champagne, and (most importantly) double the excuses for new outfits.

In between the planning, we squeezed in an incredible trip to New York to visit my best friend. And of course, no NYC trip would be complete without a little wedding dress adventure.

First stop? Kleinfeld, the original ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ shop. Walking through those doors felt surreal, and the day only got better when I actually met Randy Fenoli himself. He’s every bit as fabulous in person as you’d imagine, and has the softest hands.

We also visited the Berta flagship store, and wow… what an experience. The gowns were everything – glamorous, sparkly and so cool.

Everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations and fittings

Standing there wearing one of them was a pinch-me moment: after years of helping brides find their gowns, I found myself on the other side of the mirror. While we were there, I nervously showed my friend the Berta dress I’d found at Opus.

It’s one thing to fall in love with a gown, but another to let someone else in on the secret. Watching her face light up when she saw it was such a relief and made me even more certain I’ve found something really special.

My day dress is definitely decided (which feels surreal to say!), but then I threw a spanner in the works… I tried on a dress I’d never seen before, and suddenly I’m considering a potential night-time dress.

I’m basically doing the complete opposite of what I always tell my brides: once you’ve found the one, stop looking! Not advised at all – but here we are.

The highlight of the trip wasn’t just the dresses, though. It was asking my best friend to be my maid of honour. She said yes (phew!) and I can’t imagine doing this without her by my side

And now we’re on the countdown to Proposal Number Two. (Alan, you may recall, first proposed in Italy on the eve of a major family event – two big no-nos!).

My engagement ring is almost ready, which means he is under strict (self-imposed) pressure to pull off round two of popping the question. I have absolutely no idea what he’s planning this time, but let’s just say the anticipation is very real.

How to clean and store your wedding jewellery

So that’s where we’re at: ceremony booked, day dress chosen (night-time dress tbc), bridal party starting to take shape, and a second proposal pending any day now.

If the last year has taught me anything, it’s that nothing about this engagement has been predictable – and, honestly, that’s what makes it so much fun.

What's next?

Until next time, hopefully with a shiny new ring on my finger (for real this time!).

*Note to my brides: do as I say, not as I do – once you find your dress, close the Pinterest tab immediately. Trust me!