Some love stories start on dating apps. Ours began in flip-flops.

It started in the summer of 2020 on the sun-soaked shores of Menorca - two passing holidaymakers who exchanged pleasantries and went their separate ways. Fast-forward two years, same island, same sunshine, same families… but this time the universe clearly had other plans.

One balmy evening (and perhaps one too many G&Ts later), a cheeky kiss changed everything. The next morning James and the kids flew home, but fate wasn’t finished. Two weeks later we met again for our first proper date in London - a mix of nerves, laughter, and that rare feeling you’ve found something truly special.

From then on, not even 100 miles - or James’ beloved golf - could keep us apart. Nine irons were occasionally swapped for the 2.5 hour drive to Sonia, and quiet weekends turned into adventures together.

Family has always been at the heart of our story. Sonia, Jess and Marnie had already travelled a path marked by great love and deep loss. Through it all, James, Libby and Fraser brought kindness, patience and warmth, and slowly but surely our little crew blended together into something new.

Two and a half years later, Sonia and the girls packed up Cambridge for Winchester, where life quickly became a rhythm of shared school runs, joint chaos and a house full of laughter.

So when James proposed during a family weekend away over dinner at Ivy Asia, it felt perfectly fitting. It was a moment that celebrated not just the two of us, but all six of us - the wonderfully imperfect, perfectly blended family we’ve become.

Now we can’t wait to make it official and celebrate this next chapter with all of you.