Love Story ·Jun 09, 2026

Real Life Love Stories: Francis & Richard

Some love stories are worth waiting for. After getting engaged in Madrid in 2023, Francis and Richard spent the following years planning the wedding celebration of their dreams. In May 2026, surrounded by 130 of their favourite people, they finally said "I do" in the beautiful Spanish countryside, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

From Leeds to Forever

Francis and Richard first met in 2018 while both living and working in Leeds. What began as a chance meeting soon grew into a relationship that would take them across cities, countries and eventually to a vineyard in Spain surrounded by family and friends.

After becoming engaged in Madrid in 2023, they took their time planning a wedding that truly reflected who they are as a couple. Rather than rushing to the altar, they embraced every moment of their engagement and created a celebration that was worth every second of the wait.

The Wedding of Their Dreams

In May 2026, Francis and Richard travelled to Sitges, near Barcelona, where 130 of their closest friends and family joined them for a week-long wedding celebration. Their chosen venue, Masia Cabellut, provided the perfect backdrop for a wedding filled with laughter, love and unforgettable memories.

Far from being a single day, the wedding became an entire week of celebrations with the people who mean the most to them. Every detail reflected the couple's personalities, from the stunning vineyard setting to the incredible support network surrounding them.

"130 of our favourite people joined us at the vineyard venue Masia Cabellut for a week long celebration."

Their 17 grooms guys and gals helped make the occasion everything they had hoped for. Their friend Alex served as celebrant, while sisters Laura and Lucy walked them down the aisle, creating deeply personal moments that neither will ever forget.

Looking back, Francis and Richard describe the entire experience as simply perfect.

"The wedding was the event of our dreams."

Bringing a Piece of Home to Spain

Although their wedding took place beneath the Spanish sunshine, Francis and Richard made sure to bring important pieces of home with them. Their wedding outfits were created by Jo & Joe Atelier in Liverpool, while both their engagement rings and wedding rings came from Wongs.

Having those connections to home made the celebration even more meaningful and ensured that Liverpool remained part of their story, even hundreds of miles away.

"Our outfits were made by Jo & Joe Atelier Liverpool and our rings were from Wongs, so having those parts of home with us in Spain was a beautiful touch."

Their Rings

Francis and Richard chose a timeless approach to their rings. Their engagement rings were crafted as simple platinum bands, while their wedding rings were created in yellow gold, giving them a distinctive mixed-metal look that they both loved.

To make the rings even more personal, each ring was updated with the other person's birthstone. Richard's amethyst and Francis' tanzanite were carefully incorporated, creating a subtle but meaningful reminder of one another that they will carry every day.

"We loved the mixed metal look. For our wedding we have added each other's birthstone to our engagement rings."

Part of the Wongs Family

Throughout their engagement and wedding journey, Francis and Richard became familiar faces at Wongs. From sizing appointments to discussing wedding rings and polishing visits, each appointment became part of the wider experience.

What started as a jewellery purchase quickly became something more meaningful, with the team helping them celebrate each milestone along the way.

"The team feel like friends now and we have loved our visits. Nothing has ever been too much to ask."

Words of Wisdom

Having experienced a three-year engagement before their wedding, Francis and Richard have one piece of advice they would share with every newly engaged couple: don't rush.

Taking the time to plan the wedding they truly wanted allowed them to enjoy every stage of the journey, and now that the wedding has passed, they find themselves cherishing those memories just as much as the big day itself.

"Don't rush your engagement, give yourself time for the wedding you want."

As we write this, Francis and Richard are still soaking up every moment of newlywed life, enjoying a two-week stay in Sitges and Barcelona and holding onto that magical wedding bubble for just a little longer.