Southsea couple have two weddings in two countries across two months

The Southsea couple, who run their company Linguistica Translation and Recruitment together, had their wedding in two parts during the course of two months and in two countries.

Carrie, 40, says: ‘We got married in Portsmouth Register Office in May 2017 and had a beautiful reception with just our family and bridal party in Southsea, which was absolutely lovely.

‘A month later we had a blessing and reception at a country house near to where I grew up in Spain, which we managed to drag out to a week-long celebration with our friends and family.

‘Despite some hiccups – forgotten rings, flat tyres, misplaced wedding rings and wedding certificates, dead magpies, and a broken wedding dress – every part was just what we wanted. I wish I could do it all again.’

The couple met years before and a friend had already tried to set them up – and now they realise why.

‘We met at a friend’s 40th birthday dinner,’ explains Carrie.

‘We shared the same friend group and knew of each other. They had tried to set us up years before but we were both quite happy being single at the time. This was the first time we had been face to face and the connection was instant.

‘We were sitting opposite each other and flirted, talked and laughed the whole night. We just clicked, it was perfect.’

When they started dating, Carrie and Jon realised they had a lot in common, sharing a love for food, cocktails, festivals and spending time with friends.

‘We got engaged in summer 2012, at our villa in Spain,’ says Carrie.

‘We had spent a lovely day at the beach with our friends and family. It was late, everyone was asleep and we were just pottering around the house. Jon had asked for my dad’s permission – unbeknown to me – and it was a total surprise. It was perfect, no fuss, just the two of us.’

As the couple reminsce their happy wedding, they say it was one of the happiest days of their lives. Between running their business and looking after their children Holly and Harriet, they are yet to go on a honeymoon.

Carrie laughs and says: ‘Maybe next year? We're thinking Mexico or Hawaii.’

Jon, 48, adds: Carrie has a huge passion for life, whether business or pleasure. She puts 100 per cent into everything the does, with a determination few people have; and if it's possible to succeed, she will find the way.

‘She has a keen mind, a soft heart and a fierce love for her family. Between you and I, I very much look up to her.’

Looking at her husband, Carrie smiles and says: ‘Aside from being the cleverest person I know – which is extremely annoying as I like to be right all the time – Jon is the kindest, most decent man I have ever met. He makes me laugh every single day and he puts me and our girls at the absolute top of his list, always.’

All pictures by Carla Mortimer Photography.