‘This time of year is even more magical for us’

Gemma Hawkins, 31, from Elsenham, Hertfordshire, had two loves in her life – Christmas and her man. So surely that left her just one thing to do…

‘As I tugged the cracker, I heard a snap. The next thing I knew, a sparkling ring flew out. I picked it up and stared at Dan, whose face creased into a knowing smile. My heart swelled with happiness. There was only one answer: “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

It was 25 December 2015 and there couldn’t have been a more fitting way to propose. I’d always loved Christmas and was one of those people who counted down to it on the calendar – starting at the 100-day mark!

I’d met Dan 10 years earlier and we had two children, Teddy, now eight, and Lily, six. Over the next few months, we began making wedding plans. There was only one time of year it could happen – Christmas! So Dan and I booked Holy Trinity church in Takeley, Essex, for 22 December 2016. As the day approached, everyone was busy decorating trees and buying gifts, but there I was running around booking flowers and talking table settings.

WEDDING WONDERLAND

Finally, our day arrived and the weather was cold and crisp. We’d decorated the church with wreaths and candles, Teddy and Lily were pageboy and bridesmaid in red and white outfits, and I carried a bouquet of red roses. It felt so festive. We sang carols instead of hymns and after the ceremony, we had a reception at a stunning manor house. The tables were named after Santa’s reindeer, and in the centre of each we had a wreath. The DJ played Christmas songs and snowflakes were projected all around the room.

It was a real winter wonderland.

Now, Christmas for us is even more magical. We still decorate the house to the max in twinkling lights! For anniversaries to come, I know we’ll always do something festive to celebrate. And playing on the stereo will be Mariah Carey’s All I Want

For Christmas Is You. Well, what better song could there be?’