BACK TO LOVE: The Ballad of Marthe and Tash

Tash and Marthe just have that ‘soul mate’ vibe - true adventurers, who have weathered a long distance relationship spanning the UK to The Netherlands. They stand firm in embodying and representing their values and identities and hold each other safely throughout all the trials and tribulations all those things inevitably bring.

Quite literally a model couple (check out their gorgeous bridal shoots in this post!) and inspirational duo with a blog on their globetrotting experiences with an LGBTQIA+ angle - in non covid times of course . But they have been through the same journey any engaged couple has been through this past year, but all their experiences thriving against adversity so far have gifted them a pretty laid back, grown up attitude about the whole thing - read on to try and absorb some of this secret magic haha! ✨✨✨

Things finally seem to be slotting into place for them though and we are loving the sound of their plans. Can’t wait to see the big day when it comes for real, beauties!!

Connect with T & M at @_breakingthedistance and Breaking The Distance

Who are you both and what do you do?

We are Tash (English) and Marthe (Dutch). Together we are Breaking the Distance. I (Tash) am a professional performer, as well as being a Diversity & Inclusion speaker and facilitator. Marthe is an oncology nurse as well as a professional Yoga Instructor and Doula.

How did you meet?

We met back in Jan 2019, when we were both in Bali, staying at the same surf and yoga retreat.

Fave things about each other?

I (Tash) love Marthe’s gorgeous blue eyes. I also love that she is literally my best friend and the person I can share everything with.

I (Marthe) love Tash’s beautiful smile and her optimistic view on life and people. She has a sexy and playful humor and the ability to make me feel safe, wherever we go.

How did the proposal go ?

We actually had two proposals and they were both perfect. The first was when I (Marthe) proposed to Tash on our 1 year anniversary, back in Bali at the surf retreat where we met. The rain was pouring down outside and it was just the two of us. Then 6 months later, Tash proposed to me in Holland whilst celebrating my birthday with all my immediate family. It was a total surprise and so nice to be able to actually enjoy it with family.

What was your original wedding date and what has the journey been since March 2020 - both logistically and emotionally?

We had originally planned to get married in June of this year, however, thankfully we hadn’t booked anything. We soon realised that this was going to be too risky and so we decided on September. But, our perfect venue was fully booked and so we had to book October instead. We actually feel very lucky in how the organising has gone.

GORGEOUS BRIDAL SHOOT WITH MARTHE AND TASH BY STEPHANIE DREAMS PHOTOGRAPHY - SHOOT TEAM Props @tohaveandtohire_weddings Florist @the_vase.co
Stylist/planner @hiresocieties Dresses @dandelionsandpearls Veil @rebeccaannedesigns Stationery @amyverse Cake @cakegallerylondon Hair @occasionhairbymegan
Venue @brightonharbourhotel Workshops @loveforall_lgbtq Jackets @bewilderly

What is the current plan now? And how are you feeling? How did you feel with the latest announcements?

Our current plan is to get married on 19th October 2021. We feel really optimistic about it, however, we do get nervous when the government makes announcements that nothing will change for weddings.

What vibe/style are you hoping to have for your wedding, mood boards, aesthetic?! what will be the most important parts to you? Has this changed over the past year?

We are both really laid back about the style of the wedding and we guess this will be reflected on the day. We aren’t bothered about 1000’s of flowers or crazy table settings. The most important things to us are being with all the people that mean the most and having dresses that we both love, lol!

Have there been any the wins from the situations?

The extra time to save and plan has been a win. When we think about the idea of getting married in June we are both so happy we have the extra months.

Any advice or words for other couples going through the same thing?

I think ultimately it’s about deciding on what means the most to you as a couple for your day. Decide the things that are non negotiable and let them guide everything else.