Olivia knew how to make her big day a cut above the rest.

Clinking glasses with my sister, Lauren, I excitedly talked about my upcoming wedding plans.

‘I think I want to get my hair cut before,’ I said, pulling at my long brown mane.

‘No you should definitely wait until after the wedding,’ she replied.

All my life, long locks were what everyone had known me for.

Ever since we’d first got together five years ago while at university, even my fiancé, Luis, hadn’t seen me with a shorter ‘do.

But having recently got engaged, I couldn’t help but think a makeover would be the perfect way to mark the start of a new chapter.

Yet, people didn’t seem to share my enthusiasm.

‘You’re going to want long hair for the photos!’ friends said.

I put the idea on the backburner as I got busy planning.

Then a year later, I was scrolling through TikTok when I spotted a video of a bride getting her hair cut midway through her wedding.

I love that, I thought.

Then, a lightbulb flashed in my head.

It was the perfect compromise between wearing a long hairstyle, while also having my dream transformation.

There was only a month to go before the wedding, so I quickly got in touch with my hairdresser, Savannah, to explain my idea.

She was nothing but supportive.

We worked out the ideal time to sneak away from Luis and undertake the haircut.

I knew I wanted to keep it a big surprise from him.

But I decided to tell my mum, bridesmaids, and maid of honour, Lauren.

‘So, there’s going to be an extra surprise during my wedding,’ I told Lauren. ‘I’m going to be cutting my hair off on the day.’

She stopped in her tracks.

‘Really?’ she said, her jaw dropping.

‘Yes!’ I said laughing.

‘Do what you want to do, but I think you might regret that,’ she replied.

I knew it was a bold move.

But despite some people’s reservations, I was confident I was going to love it.

Suddenly it was the morning of the big day, and me and all my bridesmaids gathered to get ready.

Nervous excitement filled my tummy as I thought about the chop in just hours’ time.

What if Luis hates it? I thought.

But there was no time for doubts as I headed to the church.

In front of 200 guests, me and Luis said ‘I do’.

Afterwards, we headed to our reception venue for our big entrance and some food.

We did our first dance, then while everyone was eating dinner, it was time.

‘I’m just going to change outfits,’ I said to Luis.

Moving quickly, I met Savannah in another room and sat down.

‘Are you sure about this?’ she said.

‘Yes,’ I replied, taking a deep breath.

Then, she began to snip.

Within 30 minutes my new look was complete.

She held the mirror up to my face and I gasped.

‘I love it!’ I squealed.

My bridesmaids were stunned, too.

Now, it was time to show my hubby.

Clad in my new glittery jumpsuit, I walked back into the reception.

‘Don’t turn around, Luis,’ said the MC. ‘There’s a surprise for you.’

As he waited in the middle of the room with his eyes closed, I approached from behind and tapped him on the shoulder.

When he spun around, his eyes widened.

‘Oh my gosh,’ he said seeing my jumpsuit.

Then, the penny dropped.

‘Oh my gosh,’ he repeated once he’d noticed my tresses. ‘You’ve cut your hair!’

He absolutely loved it.

All my guests couldn’t wait to tell me how amazing I looked, too.

I felt like a new woman.

For the rest of the night we danced until our feet hurt.

Now, we’ve been married just over a year and my locks have almost grown out again.

Still, I loved my wedding do’ so much, I’m planning to get it cut again soon.

After the ceremony, my photographer put a video of my mid-nuptial haircut on TikTok and it went viral, getting over 23.5 million views.

Getting my locks cut just made the celebrations even more special.

It goes to show, love really was in the h-air!

ENDS

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