Our story began in 2012 in Italy.

We were both working for Hitachi Data Systems. I had been living in Italy for 8 years and Neill was seconded out there for business. Neill walked into the Milan office and my life changed forever. Neill had no idea, and despite my efforts it took Neill a while to go on a date (dates were arranged but I was stood up a few times for football!) It was worth the wait… 

 

After our first date, lots of memories were made and some nights out neither of us remember (probably for the best!) Things got serious - we fell in love and talked about our future. On the 17th May 2013, I moved back to the UK to be with Neill (Full time!) Joy (Neill’s mom) opened her home to me and soon after we moved into our first home together in Copthorne (Penthouse Suite!) and then into the home we are in now. 

 

We have had so many giggles and good times, sadness and hurdles too, but we have faced them TOGETHER. He is my soul mate and my best friend. 

 

I had no idea Neill was going to propose to me! I went mad when he told me that he was taking me away for the weekend! I worried about abandoning work- but he had that covered with my Manager (sneaky!) He wouldn’t tell me where we were going but gave me a clue by pointing at his PJ’s (picture purple checked Pyjama bottoms).

 

I guessed I was going to Czech Republic, Scotland or Burgundy (embarrassing now!) On the 7th April 2016 we woke up really early for our taxi to Gatwick airport. We made it to self-check in before I realised we were going to Milan. I got emotional at this point, as it was our first trip back to Italy – where we met!

 

We arrived in Milan and got into a rental car – Neill still didn’t tell me where we were going exactly! 

 

When we arrived, I burst out crying again. This was the place where we had our first weekend away together; we have both always loved Lago di Como and CastaDiva (it’s extra special).

 

We had dinner, private spa treatments and lots of our favourite drinks- aperol spritz, champagne… and then on the 8th April 2016 Neill proposed (whilst I was in a mix matched bikini and had oil in my hair!)

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I cannot wait to become Mrs Wilkinson and have all our beautiful family and friends there to share our special day.