Farmer Millie marrying her ‘ideal muddy match’ in Steve

An Aberdeen Angus beef farmer says she ‘got lucky’ in unearthing her ideal match – and soon-to-be husband – just days after joining Muddy Matches.

Generational family farmer Millie, from South Gloucestershire, connected with land surveyor Steve whilst country life dating at Muddy Matches -the UK’s original home of farmer love – in August 2015. They bonded over shared common ground of road cycling, skiing, and of course, an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Now, 6 years after a first date meal in a Tetbury pub, and three years into parenthood of their first born, the pair are set to marry in 5 weeks’ time (June 2021) after a surprise proposal in Cornwall.

 “Steve was my ideal match,” Millie tells us. “He looked like a nice genuine guy and had photos of him skiing which I also love.  So, I started the conversation as I thought I had nothing to lose and I’m so glad I did.

“Within a week of matching, we had met and had gone on our first date.

“We talked about what we enjoyed doing, jobs and interests and we seemed to have a lot in common. Steve enjoyed sports, being active and exploring the outdoors.

“We met a couple more times and that’s when I realised, he could be the one!

The chemistry crackled with such intensity from such an early stage that the mutually matched couple had little hesitation in throwing themselves into muddy life together… quite literally.

“After about a month of dating, we decided to enter a Mud Runner event at Eastnor Castle which was a 7 mile off road running event,” Millie tells us.  “We were very muddy by the end! Before having Rory (our son), we used to spend any spare moments exploring the countryside on our road bikes taking part in cycling events. 

“However, we’ve been living together for about 4 years and on a daily basis, I guess the muddiest thing we do now is working on the farm.

“Steve went to agricultural college so is very handy with the farm machinery and he helps me out on the farm at the weekend which is great.”

Love has bloomed in their small corner of Gloucestershire. 2 has become 3 with the arrival of little Rory – ‘a massive Tractor Ted fan’, they still enjoy long walks with their 2 cocker spaniels and renovations are under way on Millie’s grandparent’s old farmhouse to turn it a home fit for their growing family.

And, of course, wedding prep has been in full swing.

Whilst Millie admits lockdown has had little impact on farm life – ‘the cattle still needed to be fed and bedded each day’ – planning a wedding in the middle of a pandemic ‘hasn’t been the easiest’.

“We are both laid back people and what will be will be. When we started planning the wedding, we thought by June 2021 we would be allowed more than 30 guests but actually getting married is the most important thing and we can have a big party anytime!” 

“We are getting married at a church in my grandparents’ village where I use to spend a lot of time. Followed by a marquee reception on the lawn at home.

“We’re hoping that the weather will be kind to us. “

The pair will stick close to their rural roots for the big day too. ‘Simple, rustic’ is the message but ‘no tractors won’t be making an appearance’…

 By strict orders of the mud-loving bride-to-be.