12 Questions With Newlyweds Fran Newman-Young & Peter Clarke

We caught up with newlyweds Fran Newman-Young and Peter Clarke for an exclusive shoot at the Four Seasons Tower Bridge where they relived their wedding. In the perfect London wedding setting, they wore their wedding outfit and discussed how life has changed since their wedding in Mallorca.

When did you know that you had found “the one”?

Peter – It was right from the very beginning at Secret Garden Party on the Swings. We have had ups and downs over the last 10 years, who hasn’t, but at no point have I ever thought that Fran and I wouldn’t spend the rest of our lives together.

Fran – It was definitely at Secret Garden Party when I knew I’d found my match. When it came to knowing he was ‘The One’ was one of our trips to Mallorca when we were driving through the Tramuntana mountains. There’s nobody that makes me laugh more. There’s nobody who’ll say ‘yes’ as quickly to a silly, spontaneous adventure.

Were there any memorable challenges or surprises during the wedding planning process?

Peter – I was surprised by how hard it is to plan a wedding, especially when it’s overseas and a large party size. I was quite against spending extra money on a wedding planner, but they were crucial. Moments were life savers and probably saved us money in the long run, they made the whole experience on the weekend totally seamless.

Fran – For me, it was knowing when to book what and it seems the process abroad – or at least in Mallorca – was quite different to friends’ experiences planning a wedding in the UK. Many of the photographers and videographers I’d shortlisted were booked over a year in advance.

On the flipside, the suppliers in Mallorca didn’t need to be booked until months before the wedding. The very meaning of a ‘wedding planner’ is different to the concept when getting married abroad; communication is less frequent. I was hoping to confirm all the details; the lighting, flowers, tableware way ahead, but this just isn’t how it’s done there and you had to trust their process.

What is your favourite memory of your wedding?

Peter – The most memorable moment has to be the Ceremony and seeing Fran walk down the aisle surrounded by friends and family. She looked incredible. I couldn’t stop crying! It’s also crazy just how short the ceremony is, all that planning and then 15 minutes from start to end is quite surreal.

Fran – There are so many incredible memories. I’m so glad we had four days to celebrate and time with family before. Each day had such a different vibe to it and a different level of formality. Getting ready with my bridesmaids, mother and my younger sister, Olivia, who was also my makeup artist, was really special. I love the personal touches including choosing our friend, Stefan, to be Celebrant. The speeches by my father, the best men, and Pete were really moving. There were also some amazing, wild moments on the dancefloor and at our boat party.

Peter, how did you feel when you saw Fran?

Well at both our London ceremony and our Mallorca wedding, I burst into tears. I knew I would cry, but not like that. In London, I remember her walking through the doors and the room just gasped at how amazing she looked. From that point, I was a mess. I felt like the luckiest man in the world!

Mallorca was slightly different in a sense because we had completed round one already. I remember waiting quite a while in the sun and then the bridesmaids came one by one down the aisle. Suddenly I saw Fran with her father come around the corner. She was wearing “the famous dress” that Savannah Miller had designed bespoke for her. Once again I broke down sobbing – much to my friends’ delight! She looked like an angel. Seeing her in the dress again has made me feel quite emotional!

Fran, how did you feel walking down the aisle?

I was really nervous. I struggled to sleep in the lead up to the wedding. Two years of planning and excitement was quite the build-up! My head was buzzing with to-do lists. As I walked towards the ceremony area, I heard the beautiful Iris String Quartet play ‘I Gioni’. I was overcome with emotion. But, as I took my father’s arm and slowly walked down the aisle towards Pete, I began to feel back in my safe place.

Peter, how did you plan your wedding outfits?

Having a well-fitting suit for my wedding was really important for me, I wanted to look good and wear something special. My best men took me to Cad & The Dandy on Saville Row which is arguably one of the best tailors in the world. James the owner made matching suits with their own individual twists. It was a serious operation and an experience I’ve never had before. It was worth every penny and it just worked so well.

Is there anything you would’ve done differently?

Peter – It was perfect.

Fran – I really wanted to do a speech, but I was just too nervous to get my head around it. I guess that will have to wait until the next big celebration! We also had some disappointment when the wedding photos came in. There were very few family photos, despite discussing how important it was to me. The skirt of my dress was also messy in all the photos. In hindsight, I wish I had asked someone – either the planner or in the party – to oversee this.

Has your relationship changed since you were married?

Peter – The wedding planning itself added some stress and tension to our relationship, but it made us stronger. There is definitely also a feeling of the turning of a new, exciting chapter.

Fran – Not much has changed. I would just say Pete feels even more like home now.

Did anything scandalous happen at your wedding?

Fran – We had some surprise guests join for our Wedding Brunch. A superyacht sailed into Cala Deià. A group of dashing Mexican men aboard the yacht were disheartened to find their spontaneous lunch plans thwarted by our private booking. However, one of the bridesmaids took the initiative to invite them to join the celebration. Let’s just say, at least one of our guests had an especially memorable time behind the rocks!

Peter – I’ve heard a few stories. There were definitely a few sneaky kisses between our single wedding guests too.

What’s the most ridiculous argument you’ve had in your first month of marriage?

Peter – I can’t think of anything specific, but we had some arguments as a result of the wedding blues!

Fran – We’ve argued about what to do with all our wedding memorabilia; the oyster shell place settings, printed menus, table-plan and all my “bride-to-be” bits. I’m sentimental and would love to keep it all, but I have no idea what to do with everything!

What are you most excited about for the future as a married couple?

Fran – I can’t wait to travel the world with Pete, to grow together and go on many more adventures. So long as we can bring our dog, Oslo, to some of them, of course!

Peter – Building a life and a family together. However that looks.

Any advice for newlyweds?

Peter – Ride the blues post wedding, it’s one hell of a comedown but it too shall pass. We have been together 10 years and whether it’s post wedding or later on in relationships you have to find a way to keep it new and fun in places.

Fran – Remember that it’s the small moments that are really important. The moment you treat your loved one when they walk through the door and vice versa. Have regular date nights. This doesn’t mean you have to go out. For me, it’s about quality time together and a kitchen dance now and again. I love cooking dinners together, reminiscing over wedding memories. Make sure you go through your wedding photos and videos together. Watching our final wedding video was really amazing, really emotional. There were parts I’d forgotten and it transported us back there.