In a classic friends-to-lovers trope, Sophie and Tom met while competitively
swimming for Great Britain and remained friends—at least for a while. Deep down, Sophie always knew their friendship was meant to be something more, and after their first date, she knew he was the one.
Their adventurous spirits led them to a romantic engagement on the Dubai World Islands and a private elopement in the Tanzanian Serengeti National Park. Sophie and Tom’s wedding daydreams came true as they were surrounded by nothing more than zebras, antelopes, buffaloes and the local Masaai tribe.
Despite their private safari ceremony, Sophie still wanted a gown that could serve as a reminder of the magical day and be worn for their future celebrations with friends and family when they returned. Not being a “girly-girl,” Sophie worried she wouldn’t find the right fit. All of her worries were relieved when she discovered the All Who Wander layne gown while scrolling on Instagram.
Read on to discover how Sophie fell in love with a dress that felt just as unmistakably herself as her and Tom’s special destination African elopement.
SOPHIE, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?
Tom and I met while competing for Great Britain in swimming. We had been friends for a long time before our relationship began, but even from our first date, I knew he was the man I would marry one day. We got engaged on the World Islands in Dubai. Tom grew up in Dubai, so it meant a lot to him and his family, as it was a place with many happy childhood memories. It’s also where we spent our first holiday together eight years earlier.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DRESS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.
I wanted my wedding dress to be as “me” as possible. I’ve never been a “girly girl,” so choosing a wedding dress made me feel quite nervous, but when I saw the All Who Wander layne gown on Instagram, I knew it was the one for me. I tried a few other dresses on before the layne gown, but nothing compared.
The dainty, vintage-inspired floral lace long sleeves, high mock neckline and unique botanical details all complemented my style and complexion so well. I’ve never felt more comfortable in an outfit, and I fell in love with the dress more each time I tried it on.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.
We eloped on a safari at the Four Seasons in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and it was absolutely magical. We started the day with a hot air balloon ride, watching elephants, giraffes and hippos from the sky at sunrise. On our drive back to the lodge, we saw lion families, more elephants and hundreds of zebras and antelopes. We got ready while watching buffalos from our balcony, then had our ceremony with a Masaai tribe. It was incredibly unique and very lowkey, yet everything we had ever dreamed of. There was no pressure whatsoever.
Tom and I have never liked being the center of attention, so sharing our vows and experiencing such a once-in-a-lifetime setting as just the two of us was beyond special. We then met our family in Zanzibar to continue the celebrations and had a party with all our closest family and friends after we returned, which meant I got to wear the dress again!
We have memories to last a lifetime, and we are so happy that we decided to do it this way.
Cheers to Sophie and Tom!
Vendor Acknowledgements:
Photographer: Green Wedding Film
Bridal Shop: Laura May Bridal
Venue: Four Seasons Serengeti
Makeup: WAO Faces
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