Story
Peter and Sophie met at an LICC day for young Christian workers in London at St Peter’s, Vere Street in March 2020. Having kept in touch in the early months of the pandemic, they had their first date playing tennis at Regent’s Park in July and started going out shortly afterwards.
Over the next few months they navigated the complexities of dating during repeated lockdowns, with a number of winter picnics, walks over golf courses, and evenings watching Poldark in the garden huddled under blankets by their new outdoor heater.
By God’s grace, they went from strength to strength and eventually were able to date normally, with early highlights including their first day-trips (Bath, Portsmouth and Oxford), spending time with one another’s friends and families in Cornwall, Northern Ireland and Northwood, and even introducing Sophie to the delights (and pain!) of Watford FC!
As time went by they began to share in more of one another’s lives; Peter moved to All Souls, Langham Place in September 2021, and they have served together in Bible study groups, 20s/30s ministry and the youth camp Peter helps with. They can regularly be found having coffee (or hot chocolate!) on the Northcote Road near where Sophie lives, exploring country houses (Sophie maintains Peter’s lifetime National Trust membership is one of his finest qualities), and competing at the noble sport of crazy golf.
Peter proposed to Sophie on an eventful evening on July 21, 2022, their second anniversary. After a romantic candlelit dinner they made their way back to where they had met for their first date, surrounded by flowers, photos and candles, where Peter began to propose. After an unforeseen encounter with a Spaniard and a subsequent police warning, they finished their proposal back at Sophie’s flat!
Peter’s favourite things about Sophie are how loving she is, her sense of justice, how deeply she feels and her gentleness and welcome of others. Sophie’s favourite things about Peter are his thoughtfulness, his gentleness, his grace towards others and his wisdom.
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We met at a training day in LICC on how to be a young Christian in the work place. Unfortunately Boris told everyone to stay at home two days later!
Who made the first move? How?
Sophie: I sent a lame fishing message to try and see him again.
Who's going to take out the trash?
Defo Peter. (That's what Sophie thinks, anyway).
What was your most memorable date?
The Great Christmas Feast: an immersive theatre experience combining a 3-course Christmas dinner with a retelling of a Christmas Carol (Sophie's favourite story).
What's your favorite activity together?
We love cuddling up and watching a movie, or being competitive at anything sporty (Peter normally wins!).
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
In our first week we are going to the Maldives. Week two is a surprise, although Sophie thinks she's guessed it...we'll have to wait and see if she's right!
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
This is a toughy as we have had so many unbelievable meals together. Our favourite has to be our 3 course brunch in the Shard!
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
We love having a day in the Cotswolds, as it's so peaceful! But we also had a lovely day in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for our first anniversary, which Sophie described as 'the first day of the rest of our lives'.
We’re on the same page about
Our Christian faith and the way we see the world.
A life goal of ours
To visit Israel and walk where Jesus walked.
The dorkiest thing about us is
We are currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia together out loud, one chapter at a time.
We are regulars at
All Souls, Langham Place on a Sunday (both morning and evening). Ole and Steen and The Cosy Bean on the Northcote Road (Friday lunchtime). Vicarage Road to watch Watford (alas, only Peter).