The story of us
Est. 2013
April 1996
On 24th April Jess was born at Lewisham hospital; 2 hours away from home for the Read’s at that time, but just 3 miles down the road from Louie who was born exactly 2 weeks before.
25th September 2012
We first met on an AS Level Design trip to London. As two awkward teens, we sat next to each other on the coach trip back to Somerset. Jess stole some of Louie’s McDonalds fries and a friendship began; little did we know this would end up being the most special friendship we’d have.
27th March 2013
She said yes! (for the first time). This was the day it all became official and Louie asked the (first) big question “Would you like to be my girlfriend?”
September 2014
Off to university we went; Jess to study Graphic Design at Plymouth and Louie to study Business Entrepreneurship at Falmouth. The following year Louie moved to Plymouth to study Marketing.
October 2022
We moved out! After a few years of living with Jess’ parents, we moved to our home in Shepton along with Jess’ older brother Rich.
2nd December 2023
It happened! Louie got down on one knee and popped the question; read the story of our proposal down below!
25th August 2024
On a bit of a last minute weekend camping trip to Newquay, we got our first tattoos together.
9th December 2024
We made one of our best decisions ever and welcomed our 10 year old rescue cat, Theo, into our lives.
1st March 2025
We found our venue! Another last minute trip down to Cornwall, and we had found the place we’re going to start our forever. We can’t wait for the big day with you all!
The proposal
There was never any question as to whether we wanted to spend our lives together; we’re best friends and couldn’t imagine it any other way.
With 2023 being a special year for us celebrating 10 years together, Louie knew he wanted to propose that year. So, he bought the ring, and was waiting to decide on the where and when.
That was when Jess told Louie she had planned a winter weekend getaway to Cornwall for the first weekend of December, and he knew that was it. That was how he’d do it.
The week before our weekend away, Louie arranged to see Jess’ parents, Carolyn and Chris, to get both of their blessings.
When it came to the weekend, Louie was sure Jess knew because she insisted on getting some Prosecco to take. Really though she just wanted it for the vibes in the hot tub!
After a day spent on a lovely walk around a nearby reservoir where we chatted about the future, it was back at the Shepherd’s Hut, as the sun began to set over the hills, that Louie turned to Jess, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
