'We got pregnant a month after dating - now we're married and couldn't be happier'
A couple who fell pregnant just a month after they started dating say they've "proved doubters wrong" and are now happily married. Connor Neal, 24, met his partner, Chloe, 21, in October 2023 after they bonded over their struggles with ADHD.
A month later, on November 4, the couple made their relationship official and found out in December that Chloe was expecting in December. When their friends and family found out about the pregnancy, the couple said some were understandably sceptical.
After finding out he was going to be a dad, Connor popped the question on New Year's Eve 2023 and the pair tied the knot on April 6, 2024, in a small ceremony surrounded by 35 guests. The pair are now "happily married" and excited to welcome their baby boy - who they have already named Albie - this August.
Connor, a soldier in the British army, from Ipswich, Suffolk, said: "It was a mixture of emotions when I found out Chloe was pregnant.
"We were so soon into our relationship. I saw she was my life partner within that month and I saw a lot of positives in her. I thought 'why not have the baby?'. We have been given this opportunity that many people don't get the chance to get."
Connor and Chloe, an operating department support worker, started messaging each other through TikTok after he posted about his struggles with ADHD. Connor said: "Chloe commented with 'my everyday struggles'.
"I then found her on Instagram and she sent me a direct message that said 'hello my ADHD boyfriend'. I liked the confidence and we ended up FaceTiming for a week or two."
After speaking constantly the pair decided to meet in person in October 2023 and spent the weekend at Mersea Island, Essex. Connor said: "She drove down to Essex and we spent the weekend together.
"We went down to the beach together and got to know each other. We instantly clicked and became official a month later."
In December 2023, Chloe took a pregnancy test which revealed she was expecting her first child with Connor. Chloe said: "I have worked out the dates and the day that Connor asked me to be his girlfriend was the night our baby was conceived which is so sweet.
"Originally I was shocked and I called my mum straight away. The following weekend Connor came up to meet my parents. Connor is very confident and he can take confrontation well. He was happy to speak to my parents about his plans for us and not be uncomfortable about it and my mum liked that."
After finding out Chloe was pregnant, Connor knew she was the woman he wanted to marry and planned to pop the question on New Year's Eve. He said: "When we found out about the pregnancy Chloe told her mum and dad and I told mine.
"We were worried about how they would take it, her mum was shocked as she didn't know me at that point but they were very supportive."
Connor and Chloe spent New Year's Eve in Weymouth, Dorset, at Connor's sister's house. Connor said: "I took Chloe to a nice little pub for mocktails as she couldn't drink. Whilst we were there, my sister, Shannon, was setting up the engagement - she had no idea."
Chloe added: "I don’t cry in social situations but when this happened it took me by surprise so much that I cried. That is when I knew I wanted to be with him and he was the one. I was so happy I couldn’t stop giggling and laughing – I was so warm inside."
The couple had a small wedding at the town hall in Ipswitch surrounded by 35 of their closest family and friends in April 2024. Chloe said: "As soon as I saw him I cried my eyes out.
"I could see him at the end and he was crying himself. I couldn’t have wished for it to be any better, I reminisce about it all the time - if I could do it all again I would."
Connor added: "It was perfect, the reason I wanted to get married is I wanted to show her that I meant everything I had said to her. I wanted to prove how much I loved her and how much I was willing to be with her."
Connor and Chloe are sharing their journey on TikTok @conandchloo