Your Yorkshire Wedding - Issue 64 January/February 2024 by County Wedding Magazines

YORKSHIRE

WEDDI NG

WHAT’S HOT?

WIN!

2024 trends

bliss

Dress for your vibe

Planned to

Spotlight

ON... Leeds and Bradford venues

PERFECTION Wedmin help from the region’s experts

£3.55 JAN/FEB 2024

BOUTIQUE

A honeymoon in Jamaica worth £4,500

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS

HALIFAX 14 / 16 CORN MARKET HALIFAX, HX1 1TH

JEWELLERY SHOWROOM 4 WOOLSHOPS HALIFAX, HX1 1RU

ILKLEY 2 THE GROVE ILKLEY, LS29 9EG

https://sonderlustphoto.com

REGULARS 7 EDITOR’S LETTER

A warm welcome from Kelly

8 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the county

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

57 HOT TOPIC Local experts tells us what’s set to the hot in the world of weddings for 2024

97 COMPETITION

On the cover

This issue’s cover is sponsored by The Grand Lodge at Oaklands (https://oaklandsweddings.co.uk) and shows real couple Gemma and Daniel on their big day at the beautiful East Yorkshire venue. It was expertly captured by Lucy Dennis Photography (https://lucydennisphotography.co.uk).

FEATURES

47 HERE COME THE GIRLS

Win a honeymoon in Jamaica worth £4,500

Dive into this local shoot and discover what Wressle Grange has to offer its hens

VENUES

51 PLANNED TO PERFECTION

17 SPOTLIGHT ON... Leeds and Bradford

Be prepared and plan your way to the wedding of your dreams with our experts’ guidance

23 TALE AS OLD AS TIME

61 BOUTIQUE BLISS

We’ve rounded up some of the county’s most beautiful historical venues

We chatted to the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big day’s vibe

https://drawnbylightphotography.co.uk

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENTS

www.jamesgreenstudio.com

GROOMS 74 GROOMS’ NEWS

The latest best buys and product launches

www.tombenson.co.uk

77 SKIN DEEP

FASHION & BEAUTY

REAL WEDDINGS

Say “I do” in these model looks

Get the look with the latest must-haves

What could be more exciting for local wedding supplier Anna than having the chance to bring her dream wedding to life as she married her beloved Chris?

80 BEAUTY Q&A

35 RAISE A GLASS

Experience the finer side of life at Hostal de La Gavina in Spain’s Costa Brava

Claire and Jack styled their day in a palette of greens with touches of champagne

93 PARISIAN ELEGANCE

69 DAINTY DETAILS 78 BEAUTY BUZZ

Our local professionals solve your problems

82 SKINCARE 101

www.pixiejaynephotography.com

Strictly Come Dancing star and Shakeup ambassador, Neil Jones reveals his skincare tips for grooms-to-be

30 HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Holistic therapist and SBC Skincare’s head of education, Adele O’Donoghue shares her ultimate guide to wedding-prep skincare

41 WE DID IT OUR WAY

Lindsey and Stephen said “I do” on 30th September 2023 at The Oakwood at Ryther

HONEYMOONS

85 A SONG OF SUN AND SEA

We reveal why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination

89 VIVA ESPAÑA!

Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, Le Bristol Paris is everything you could dream of from a once in a lifetime visit to La Ville-Lumière, The City of Light.

Design-led

FLORAL ARTISTRY Fox Flora combine style and luxury to create exceptional experiences and unforgettable moments.

Photography by Kamila Nowak

FEATURED IN: www.foxflora.co.uk

JOIN US FOR OUR

Wedding Venue Showcase SUNDAY 21 APRIL 12 - 4 PM

Picture Perfect Moments With acres of grounds for picture perfect moments, a majestical lake and even a historic church; weddings at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa are something truly special. With enchanting event spaces; a 17th century barn for small and intimate, light, modern and contemporary space for larger gatherings, or take your vows in one of the most romantic settings imaginable, lakeside.

theconistonhotel.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

At the ready

ADVERTISING Account Manager Gillian Ward | 01376 538 485 gillian.ward@county.wedding

irst and foremost let me wish you all a very happy new year! I hope all of your Christmases were merry and bright. For those of you who found an engagement ring beneath the tree, allow me to offer huge congratulations. No doubt you’re now excitedly organising your venue viewings and scouring Pinterest for the dream outfit, and we can’t wait to be your wedmin BFF. What I can tell you is that you’ve chosen a spectacular part of the world to get married in. From the city lights of Leeds and Sheffield to the astounding history of York and the sweeping countryside of the North York Moors, there’s something for everyone to create a memorable, magical wedding day. And it’s not only the venues that are second to none, but also the local wedding suppliers. You’ll get the chance to meet many of them throughout our pages, so do click on their links to find out what they do and how they can help. There’s plenty to look out for to get you started on your journey. Don’t miss our planning SOS feature where the experts talk you through your very first steps and offer their top tips to give you the inside track. Also, it pays to get a head start on shopping for your attire. Wedding dresses in particular need ordering at least a year ahead of time, plus you’ll need to factor in time for your alterations. So, once you’ve decided on the important stuff like budget, date, and theme, turn to our bridal boutiques feature, where the county’s boutique owners offer inspiration when it comes to dressing for your vibe. Finally, if 2024 marks the point on the calendar where it’s now the year of your big day – eek, we’re excited for you. There’s plenty here to grab your eye from hen do inspo to beauty advice, I hope you love this issue. As ever, enjoy and keeeep planning!

EDITORIAL Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | 01376 535 611 kelly.andrews@county.wedding

Kelly x

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding

Kelly Andrews, editor

ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding

@CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com

Your Yorkshire Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Yorkshire Wedding is published six times a year. ISSN 1746-9384

MEDIA

PUBLISHING

EVENTS & PUBLISHING

cwe C O U N T Y WEDDING E V E N T S

www.tombenson.co.uk

30 LEAVE IT TO THE PROS Wedding industry pro Anna married her beloved Chris at her family’s venue Jervaulx Abbey, and you won’t want to miss it!

97 WIN! A honeymoon in Jamaica worth £4,500.

41 THE PERSONAL TOUCH The key thing to remember when planning your day is that it’s your wedding, your way. And that’s exactly the path Lindsey and Stephen travelled: theirs was an 47 GIRLS’ NIGHT occasion filled with everything they love. This issue’s styled shoot is bursting with hen do ideas!

www.colinwallworkphotographer.co.uk

@CountyWeddingMagazines

www.jamesgreenstudio.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding

Five minutes with...

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS After almost a decade of welcoming brides to its beautiful premises in Holmfirth, the new year will see Bijou Bridal Boutique relocate just up the road to an equally charming spot in Honley. Owner Kerensa is currently super-busy, along with her hubby, getting the new space refurbished and ready to open its doors in 2024. The new boutique will be more spacious allowing Kerensa to offer her brides much more choice. But she plans never to lose the personal, one-to-one, award-winning customer service and friendly vibe of the store, which is what makes it so special. For the latest updates on opening date, address, and more follow Bijou Bridal Boutique on social media at @bijoubridalboutique and @bijoubridalboutiqueholmfirth Also check out https://bijoubridalboutique.com

THE WEDDINGS TEAM AT BOWCLIFFE HALL

We recently caught up with the weddings team at Bowcliffe Hall, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, to learn more about the venue as well as asking the ladies’ advice on venue hunting, assembling a bigday team and styling a historical venue. Click play or scan the QR code to see the full interview. Check out https://bowcliffehall.co.uk to find out more about tying the knot in this beautiful spot.

Scan to view video

Nearlywed NEWS https://vickybengephotography.co.uk

Catch up on the latest from around the county

FROM RUBBLE TO RICHES In the summer of 2020 a couple from North Yorkshire undertook the mammoth task of transforming an abandoned Grade I listed manor house and barns into a luxury wedding venue. What you see today is a far cry from the dirt floors, rotten roofs and smashed windows that faced Naomi and Byron when they first moved into Camblesforth Hall. With a strong vision, determination and a lot of hard work assisted by a small team of specialist tradespeople, they created a dream venue for couples. Owner Naomi says, “Our main aim was to create an exclusive venue that couples could truly make their own, from their catering options to activities for their guests and being completely dog friendly. We want to ensure our couples’ weddings are exactly what they envisaged and that they could really relax and enjoy a weekend of cerebrations and, most importantly, feel at home here.” Camblesforth Hall and Grange has been recognised for its excellence as a finalist in the Wedding Industry Awards in 2022 and 2023 in both the Barn Wedding Venue and Newcomer categories as well as being awarded Highly Commended Barn Wedding Venue. Not resting on their laurels though, Naomi and Byron have now turned their attention to renovating the top floor of the house to provide further guest accommodation for couples, which they hope to have completed by April 2024 – so watch this space! Find out more about Camblesforth Hall at www.camblesforth-hall.co.uk 8

OLIVE OR A TWIST?

Carlton Towers has partnered with Fairfax Distillery to launch its very own botanical gin, a delicious blend of elderflower, lemon verbena and thyme. The gin has been created using botanicals from the Carlton Towers estate selected by owners Lord and Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard in conjunction with the family-owned Yorkshire-based distillery. The idea for the gin began in June 2023 when Lord and Lady Fitzalan Howard invited Kelly McCarthy from Fairfax Distillery to spend the day at Carlton Towers where they learned about the distillation process and foraged ingredients from the estate and herb garden creating the stately home’s first exclusive gin. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our homespun gin enhanced by self-foraged botanicals. Our gin would make the perfect gift, a souvenir for wedding couples to remember their special day or just as a treat,” says Lady Emma Fitzalan Howard. Priced at £45 per bottle, the gin is available for purchase and will be stocked in Carlton Towers’ in-house bar. Find out more at www.carltontowers.co.uk

MUST-SEE SAVINGS Gretna Green, a family-owned wedding destination located in Dumfries and Galloway, is offering 30 per cent off its luxury wedding packages for two, six, or 10 guests (including the couple). Tie the knot in the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, situated at the heart of Gretna Green village. It’s the world-famous, historical home of the anvil wedding and has been at the centre of runaway love since the Marriage Act of 1754. Alternatively, you can say your vows in the Gretna Hall Historic Marriage House. Gretna Hall was the venue of choice for the rich and famous runaways of that era. This iconic Gretna Green wedding venue was built as a private manor house in 1710 and a coaching inn later that century. The packages include two nights’ accommodations for you and your guests at Smiths or Gretna Hall and include dining options. Visit www.gretnagreen.com to find out more about the packages and for a price breakdown.

www.pixiejaynephotography.com

www.flemingphoto.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Live music is a great addition to any wedding day, from the intimacy of your ceremony to getting the party started for your evening reception. Leon Marshall has been a professional wedding musician for the past seven years, and having just been named as a Regional Finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards 2024, the multi-award-winning singing guitarist has got your day covered! “I can provide live music from the intimacy of the ceremony and throughout the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, before getting the party started for the evening do.” Leon says. “I have a repertoire of around 300 songs that my couples are welcome to choose the songs I’ll play from, and I’m more than happy to learn something that’s special to you both!” Packages start from £250 to £1,450 for a whole day of live performance including background music between sets. You can follow Leon on social media @leonmarshallmusic and his website www.leonmarshall.co.uk. Plus, you can listen to his original music on all music streaming platforms.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP Yorkshire-based brand Patricia Barclay Bridals has announced the launch of its flagship store in the Scottish Borders. A true family affair, award-winning Isobel Florence is a beautiful boutique found in the town of Dalbeattie, and Patricia Barclay gowns will be available here from February 2024. Patricia is an internationally renowned bridal fashion designer celebrating 23 years in the industry in 2023. Since 2008, she has been at the helm of her own bridal boutique, offering a custom made-to-measure and bespoke design atelier. In March 2023, Patricia launched her debut collection, Patricia Barclay, at White Gallery in London, where she secured some fantastic new stockists. Then, in September, she showcased a new collection of separates under the Amelia Gray Label. Now, following a successful Bridal Week Harrogate, Patricia Barclay has proudly announced the launch of her four labels: Patricia Barclay, designed for the traditional bride with a strong creative vision, gowns are super-glam with a sassy edge; Amelia Gray, a collection of separates, which can be mixed and matched to create the extraordinary dress of your dreams; Lily Barclay, full of timeless, classic cuts, demure dresses featuring a beautiful combination of fabrics; and Ella Rae, a whimsical collection, perfect for the fun-loving bride. Find out more about the local brand at https://patriciabarclay.co.uk. Or to book an appointment at Isobel Florence, head over to https://isobelflorence.co.uk 9

AHEAD OF THE CROWD Liz Devine-Wright, owner of hat shop Simply Devine in Tadcaster, has been recognised as Specialist Supplier of the Year at the Nation’s Wedding Awards. She has previously won several gongs in the English Wedding Awards, and is also a finalist in the forthcoming 2024 awards as a Wedding Accessories Supplier. Her latest win adds to her collection of trophies in recent years. “It’s such an honour to win the Nation’s Wedding Awards because nominations are from our customers who’ve received a fabulous hat from us, and been happy with the customer service they received,” Liz says. “We’ve been in business coming up to 20 years, which is a huge milestone for us. It’s wonderful that the awards recognise amazing people and micro businesses, which provide services to brides, grooms and their families.” Liz designs her own hats, hatinators and fascinators, but also sells headwear from other designers. She also supplies her creations to independent boutiques up and down the country. A spokesperson for the Nation’s Wedding Awards says, “Winning an award in this prestigious competition is a significant achievement, as it acknowledges the talent and hard work of those in the wedding industry who set a benchmark for others to follow.” Find out more at www.simplydevine.co.uk

RING-A-DING-DING Jessica Flinn Fine Jewellery, a beloved Sheffield-based business, has revealed its newest collection drawing inspiration from the captivating world of vintage Art Deco jewellery. This collection pays homage to the striking aesthetics of the design movement, featuring bold geometric patterns with clean lines, squares, triangles, pyramids and arcs that are nothing short of mesmerising. Emma Fathers is the brilliant junior designer who breathed life into this collection. Her creative genius led her to an intricate dance of geometric gemstones and metal shapes, creating a symphony of style that’s truly captivating. She delved deep into the opulence and vibrancy of the era, selecting a rich palette of sapphires, rubies and tourmalines, entwined with gold, platinum and diamonds. Adding a contemporary touch, the use of salt and pepper diamonds, Jessica Flinn’s specialty, bring that signature sparkle that’s bound to leave you spellbound. Find out more at www.jessicaflinn.co.uk

JOIN THE CLUB

LET’S FACE IT Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa in Leeds is excited to announce the arrival of the innovative Caudalie Resveratrol Facial (£78 for 50 minutes), featuring the newly reformulated Caudalie Resveratrol skincare products. The Facial introduces an exceptional breakthrough in skincare: 100 per cent vegan collagen that mimics the skin’s own collagen, setting the stage for the future of skin care. The results are astonishing, as the Resveratrol Patent stimulates the skin to produce five times more collagen and two times more hyaluronic acid. The new Vegan Collagen 1 strengthens the collagen fibres by 237 per cent delivering firmer skin in just 18 days! Plus, the range aligns beautifully with Caudalie’s commitment to clean formulas, comprising 97 per cent natural and vegan ingredients. Find out more and book at www.thorpeparkhotel.co.uk 10

Wonderland Blooms has blossomed over the past four years, marking its anniversary with remarkable growth. What began as a small flower studio has flourished into a haven for floral enthusiasts. In celebration of this milestone, Wonderland Blooms is moving to a more expansive workshop. The new workshop not only promises more room for whimsical arrangements but also introduces an exciting addition — the Wonder Club. This exclusive club invites flower lovers to immerse themselves in the art of floristry through specialised workshops. Aptly named, the Wonder Club promises an enchanting experience, where members can discover the secrets behind crafting stunning bouquets and arrangements. This expansion reflects Wonderland Blooms’ commitment to nurturing a community of floral enthusiasts, fostering creativity, and sharing the joy of blossoms. The larger space signifies not just physical growth but also a broader canvas for artistic expression. As Wonderland Blooms embarks on this new chapter, the fragrance of possibility fills the air, inviting everyone to join the blooming journey in the heart of the Wonder Club, launching spring 2024. Find out more at www.wonderlandblooms.uk

h on rg so ry bu al ua . in nd Jan m iu Ed a e n 8th ad th itio 2 St at ib nd ld b e x h a fie l l E th y e’ g 27 ra W din on ur d k M ed al at W atw 24 c 20 Patricia Barclay is an internationally renowned bridal fashion designer from yorkshire. Having just celebrated 23 years in the industry, the Yorkshire based British brand Patricia Barclay Bridals has launched its Flagship Store, Isobel Florence, a beautiful boutique nestled in the Scottish Borders in a lovely historical town called Dalbeattie. Isobel Florence is a family run boutique with Jule and King at the helm, where every bride who vsits their boutique will receives the full VIP treatment. Isobel Florence will be showcasing the Patricia Barclay Bridals Sapphire Collection at The Edinburgh Weddding Exhibition and also on catwalk on 27th and 28th January 2024 at Murrayfield Stadium. Patricia Barclay will be in attendance at this event where brides will be able to come and say hello and have a chat. To find out more about this local brand and its flagship boutique Patricia Barclay Bridals or Isobel Florence... 07542 169460 | www.patriciabarclay.co.uk Patricia Barclay Bridals

@patriciabarclaybridals

Isobel Florence Bridal

isobelﬂorencebridal

FREEBIES & OFFERS

WIN A £100 GIFT VOUCHER TO SPEND WITH THE BOBBY PIN Established in 2016 by Lisa Steane, The Bobby Pin offers incredibly beautiful wedding accessories for modern brides with a love of sparkle. There are luxe hair vines, crowns, headbands, combs, pins and jewellery, which all make the dreamiest finishing touches. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that a whole lot of style and love has been poured into every single piece so that it wows on your wedding day. Created to reflect current fashion trends and complement leading big-day looks, The Bobby Pin’s collections deliver something new and exciting to style-conscious brides enabling you to express your

individuality and break free of the traditional bridal mould. Prepare to shop for your dream bridal accessories with a chance to win one of two £100 gift vouchers to spend at https://thebobbypin.co.uk – taking you from Miss to Mrs in serious style! Use your voucher to shop up-to-the-minute bridal accessories, such as statement headbands, crowns and earrings, or romantic, floral-adorned hair vines, pins and combs. Alternatively, you could spend it on beautiful accessories and gifts for your bridesmaids. Enter online at www.youryorkshire.wedding/win by 29th February, 2024. Terms and conditions apply.

Freebies & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

JEWELLERY MUST-HAVES

Independent British brand Scream Pretty is giving readers the chance to win £150 to spend online at www.screampretty.com Say ‘I do’ to wedding season and RSVP to any summer soiree in style with Scream Pretty’s stunning treasure trove of jewellery. From lustrous opulent pearls, playful floral motifs, colourful touches and statement sparkle, Scream Pretty’s collection of consciously crafted recycled-sterling silver and gold-plated recycled-sterling silver designs have something for every wedding party. Its Modern Pearl collection features classically chic Baroque pearl necklaces and charm hoops, or for a touch more glam, why not opt for the Pearl and Tennis Chain earrings? Elsewhere, its Simple Sparkle and Audrey ranges bring sparkling crystals across a host of earring designs from dazzling huggies, beautiful bows, signature drop studs and delicate threaders; all designed to mix, match, layer, and stack, sitting as intricate accents that can be worn in piercings across the ear for a dainty curated look. For bridesmaids’ gifts, Scream Pretty’s Zodiac Coin Pendants make thoughtful personalised gifts, whilst its collection of heart, oval and precious hand carabiner charm collectors make the perfect keepsake. Designed with the ethos ‘Be seen. Be heard. Scream Pretty.’, this jewellery brand has you covered for every occasion.

Image credit: Lucy Dennis Photography

Dream Weddings PHOTOGRAPHERS: Christopher Lewis, The Wedding Guy, Bowness Films, Laura Calderwood

Surrounded by the stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside, Falcon Manor is the perfect place to say “I do”

FA L L I N L OV E W I T H FA L C O N M A N O R Visit our website for dates and details of upcoming open day events or to book a private viewing with our dedicated wedding team.

www.falconmanor.co.uk Skipton Road, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9BD | 01729 823814

LOCAL VENUES

FALCON MANOR 01729 823 814 | www.falconmanor.co.uk Located in the sleepy Yorkshire town of Settle, Falcon Manor is a romantic wedding venue that’ll become exclusively yours for your special day. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas that create a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding or celebration, Falcon Manor embraces its former elegance as a historical manor house while introducing modern touches and contemporary design. The grandeur of the Manor’s architecture is complemented on the inside, with a roaring log fire in the entrance hall to welcome you as soon as you walk through the door. Step into the light-filled Garden Room boasting the most beautiful feature lighting and a luxurious, neutral design that’ll enhance your chosen theme and styling. Falcon Manor is fully licensed for civil ceremonies, which take place

in the stunning Garden Room that’s filled with daylight and opens out onto a beautiful terrace. Alternatively, choose an outdoor ceremony in the pavilion surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales countryside. Able to accommodate up to 87 guests in both locations, the Manor is a perfect place to exchange vows. As the day becomes night the Manor takes on a whole new ambience and atmosphere, projecting the warmth and magic of dusk through the bay windows of the Garden Room. Knowing you want a party, the staff are on hand to deliver the best evening for you and up to 150 guests to dance the night away. A private and exclusive bar is open until 12.30am. Why not add some extra special touches with Falcon Manor’s personalised gin bar or personalised Bowland Brewery pump clips? The gin bar option includes four bottles of gin with personalised labels, and you can also choose one of our Bowland Brewery ales to serve on the day and name it with your very own pump clip.

Spotlight on...

LEEDS AND BRADFORD © Phil Sproson Photography

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

CHEVIN COUNTRY PARK HOTEL 01943 467 818 | www.chevinhotel.co.uk With its woodland surroundings and tranquil lake in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, Chevin Country Park Hotel allows you to create a picturesque setting for your big day. The main building of the Hotel is the largest log cabin in the country, which will make it a talking point among guests and with the opportunity to stay over in one of the woodland cabins or lodges, their experience will be one to remember. The venue can cater for a variety of weddings from small, intimate gatherings, up to 100 guests. It’s the policy here only to hold one wedding per day, so you can be confident that the team will devote all of its time and attention to you to ensure your day is truly special for you and all your guests.

Hold your ceremony in the Conservatory (90 guests) before moving through to the Woodlands Suite for your reception. The space has a modern twist while maintaining the Hotel’s rustic feel. The Garden Lounge is suitable for more intimate vows (30 guests) and benefits from panoramic views over the lake and woodlands. Here, there’s a real log fire providing warmth and ambience. It can also host your reception for the same number. Woodlands (100 guests) too has wonderful views, this time over the spectacular grounds thanks to its bi-folding door. It has a more modern feel to it and is versatile, complementing most themes for your ceremony and reception. The venue offers top table flowers, a pre-wedding menu tasting for two, use of the honeymoon suite for the night of the wedding, complimentary leisure membership for one month before the big day and discounted rates for guest accommodation. 17

https://hannahbrookephotography.co.uk

The Faversham is one of the most sought after alternative venues in the city of Leeds and is ideal for those looking for less traditional nuptials. Originally a hotel, opening its doors in 1947, the venue has undergone an impressive renovation and has been reimagined to create a stylish backdrop to any wedding day. Located just five minutes from the city centre it has its own private grounds with parking. The multi-purpose events space with original glass-roofed Conservatory, elegant Lounge and outdoor south-facing terrace combined with the Main Room’s original flooring and exposed brickwork

make it a dreamy setting for a wedding. The Faversham’s eclectic mix of vintage, industrial and modern furniture provides you with the flexibility to create your own settings in each room. You can host your ceremony in the Conservatory for up to 85 people or for up to 120 people in the Main Hall. Afterwards, the team can cater your wedding breakfast for guest numbers of 60 up to 140 and evening receptions for up to 300 people. The experienced in-house events management team will be on hand throughout your day to ensure everything runs perfectly. From the initial enquiry, throughout the planning, to the final execution, they’ll ensure every detail of your big day is taken care of and the process is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

https://hannahbrookephotography.co.uk

THE FAVERSHAM 0113 243 1481 | www.thefaversham.com

LINEHAM FARM 0113 378 3945 | www.linehamfarm.co.uk Set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside and surrounded by 120 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Lineham Farm with its 17th-century farmhouse, is an idyllic backdrop for your celebration. It provides a completely blank canvas for you to get creative with, making your day your own, and with exclusive use of the venue for the weekend, it’s wonderfully flexible to boot. The Barn Room (110 seated and 150 evening guests) is the main function room and indoor ceremony area here. With Yorkshire stone walls, a high beamed ceiling and twinkling fairylights its a cosy, magical setting. Alternatively, marquee weddings allow you to create the perfect balance of an indoor and outdoor celebration as you immerse yourselves in the outstanding beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. The event field has plenty of space for marquees, tents, tipis and yurts. You also get exclusive use of the farmhouse, cottages and courtyards. The Courtyard is the ideal spot for ceremonies, drinks receptions or 18

even evening celebrations. Sheltered from the wind by the Yorkshire stone buildings, and with plenty of space for an outdoor bar, it’s a lovely sunny space made for mingling. There can be few settings more magical for a ceremony than the farm’s unspoilt woodlands. Set among towering fir trees, beautiful foliage and natural wetlands, the space is intimate and enchanting. Hold your entire wedding beneath the forest canopy or simply use the woodland for scenic photographs. Lineham Farm provides accommodation for up to 50 overnight guests. Additional friends and family can make use of the dedicated camping area or stay at one of the many nearby hotels. The lovely double room on the ground floor of the farmhouse is set aside as the wedding suite, complete with seating area, kitchenette, log burner and en-suite bathroom. From street food and pizza vans to cocktail bars and sit-down meals, find the caterers you love and the venue will happily accommodate them for you. It also has a selection of recommended suppliers in case you get stuck. You have access to the kitchen and dining facilities with plenty of fridge space for food and drinks.

Chevin Country Park Hotel A unique destination with an alpine feel. otley, west yorkshire. a peaceful woodland location, in the heart of Yorkshire countryside. the hotel features classically styled function rooms, tranquil lake & luxury spa. packages for up to 160 guests can be tailored to your requirements. make your wedding a day to remember at chevin. events@chevinhotel.co.uk 01943 467818

Waterton Park Hotel a historic property in rolling parkland. walton, west yorkshire. whether it’s a lavish affair for up to 145 or an intimate party for as few as 6, tie the knot & celebrate in either historic walton hall on the island, or the more modern waterton park hotel. both share the same idyllic lakeside setting, the perfect backdrop for your photographs. weddings@watertonparkhotel.co.uk 01924 257911

The Perfect Yorkshire Wedding

Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club provides a romantic setting in the rolling Yorkshire countryside for the wedding of your dreams. Set in 200 acres of stunning grounds, our hotel offers a picturesque setting with splendid banqueting rooms. The historic charm of our hotel will add a touch of luxury to your day. Whether you’re planning an intimate event, or you choose to go for grand, invite your special guests to Hollins Hall, where your celebration will be remembered forever. Hollins Hall Hotel & Country Club | Hollins Hill, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QW Tel: (+44) 1274 534272 | Email: weddings762@theelitevenueselection.co.uk Facebook | Instagram @HollinsHall

www.nickcallaghan.com

LOCAL VENUES

CROWNE PLAZA LEEDS

www.martynhand.com

Crowne Plaza Leeds boasts stunning sites for your reception, delicious catering, an open-plan bar and restaurant, and a grand staircase entrance that’s guaranteed to delight your guests. Together with stylish accommodation and on-site Spirit Leisure Club, the team is all set to make your special occasion a memorable one. From the moment you enquire,

you’ll be assigned a dedicated wedding coordinator who’ll be with you every step of the way, helping as much or as little as you wish. Ceremonies take place in Headingley (60 guests), an intimate room ideal for romantic “I dos.” Once you’re wed, you’ll move through to Roundhay (150 guests) for your wedding breakfast. The space has its own private bar, mezzanine level for a drinks reception and a grand staircase for your photos. You can party the night away here with 180 loved ones. The venue also offers a free menu tasting.

https://toastofleeds.co.uk

0113 261 6848 | https://letsdomeetingsandevents.com/hotel/ crowne-plaza-leeds

WHARFEDALE GRANGE 0113 288 6320 | www.wharfedalegrange.co.uk Located in the heart of Yorkshire between Leeds and Harrogate, Wharfedale Grange is small privately-owned estate set within a breathtaking panorama that spans the North Park of Harewood Estate. Once a strawberry farm it has now been transformed by its interiordesigner owner into a farmhouse-luxe paradise. You’ll find yourselves enchanted by the modern-yet-timeless décor! Here, you’ll find the private bridal preparation suite behind a secret door, plus a separate ceremony room, luxurious split-level cocktail bar, the grand South Barn twinkling with vintage chandeliers and even a oneof-a-kind gossip room complete with prosecco tap and phone chargers! The North Barn, designed to be striking but with romance in mind, is where the magic truly happens! The space has a built-in sound system to play your ceremony music and you may even want a gospel choir or musicians playing from the balcony above. The venue also offers al fresco “I dos” in the shape of an arbour overlooking the Yorkshire countryside.

The Cart Barn features a fully-equipped couture cocktail bar with bespoke glassware that’s unique to the venue, you won’t find any ordinary wine and water glasses here! The bar comes fully staffed with trained, uniformed mixologists who really know how to produce a cocktail or two. On the mezzanine you’ll find a cosy log burner, velvet sofas and Designer’s Guide chairs. Antique mirrors, a huge original Belle Epoque chandelier, Fornasetti plates on the bookcase and the venue’s signature quirky décor are everything you need to set the scene for your big day. The South Barn is the luxury wedding breakfast space and home to the venue’s dancefloor. It features seating for up to 250 guests throughout, although 60 to 200 is perfect for downstairs. Twinkling festoon and fairylights illuminate your way and imagine your first dance beneath the huge glittering rose gold mirror ball while the entertainers of your choice play your favourite song through the impressive built-in sound system. A stone’s throw from the Barn is The Farmhouse, a six-bedroomed Grade II listed Georgian structure offering six en-suite bedrooms. With its own private driveway you can arrive here from 3pm the day before your wedding. 21

From the moment you step inside, your adventure begins. Let us take you on a wonderful tour of our beautiful Manor. Each space is entirely unique, yet entirely perfect. Floral heaven, art deco glamour and prohibition moods, we have it all and more. 01484 504000 - weddings@manorhouselindley.co.uk

- www.manorhouselindley.co.uk

https://jackcookphotography.com

HISTORICAL VENUES

SNEATON CASTLE 01947 603 150 | https://sneatoncastle.co.uk Sneaton Castle Estate is a family-run business, with a team passionate about turning your dreams into reality. Situated a mere stone’s throw from the historical seaside town of Whitby, it feels like a world away. Plus, there’s a myriad of photo opportunities both within the Castle walls and without. Imagine saying “I do” in the Castle’s fully-dressed, breathtakingly beautiful chapel, which is truly somewhere special. Licensed for civil ceremonies, your next chapter together in life starts here at Sneaton Castle. The venue uses produce from its own farm whenever possible and also provides a list of local suppliers that’s evolving on a daily basis! Local

producers provide the venue with the pick of the crop, leanest cuts and catch of the day and are so proud of what they produce. The venue’s wedding package includes a delicious three-course Castle Charm wedding breakfast or a Vintage Nostalgia afternoon tea for 60 to 80 guests depending on the day. The carefully renovated Sister’s Priory is available to host your guests overnight with its modern en-suite rooms in a characterful setting. Complementary from 7.30am on the morning of your wedding until the ceremony is the Dovecote Dressing Room. A light and spacious room it’s ideal for getting ready with your bridal party with large full-length mirror, make-up chairs, floral arch and shower room. Plus, there are two further guest bedrooms located alongside the dressing room. Also included in the package is Our Lady Honeymoon Suite where you can spend your first night together as newlyweds.

Tale as old AS TIME

We round up some of the county’s favourite historical venues

MANOR HOUSE LINDLEY 01484 504 000 | www.manorhouselindley.co.uk A hidden gem nestled in the heart of the desirable village of Lindley, West Yorkshire, Manor House Lindley is ideally situated just a mile-and-a-half from the M62. Its dramatic facade emphasises its heritage with sandcoloured stone and imposing columns around the front door, while large windows offer a glimpse of the tasteful interior design within. To one side, a sunny terrace entices and between buildings the beautiful courtyard brings a distinctly Roman feel. Painstakingly thought out and masterfully executed, the design of the Manor’s interiors stems from the Far East mixed with contemporary touches to give it a feeling of high-end luxury. The pièce de résistance is The Coach House, the designated wedding space, where vaulted ceilings and stained-glass blends with an opulent bar area and carved panelling. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and contain period features such as elegant fountains, leafy trees and a perfect view of the famous

Lindley Clock Tower. The dramatic sweeping drive leading up to the Manor’s forecourt is also ideal for making a grand entrance on your big day. Ceremonies can be held in the spectacular Coach House (140 guests). Its clever dividers allow for an intimate wedding or a grander affair. Lindley Cellars (40 guests) offers pace for an alternative ceremony style. The space channels the Prohibition Era of dark and intriguing dens hidden from plain sight. The Lantern Room (40 guests) boasts a large bay window letting in ample light and bare brick walls. For even more intimate gatherings, The Lounge (eight guests) is located in the accommodation suite. Receptions too can take place in any of these spaces (140 wedding breakfast, 200 evening reception guests). There’s also St Stephens C of E Parish Church right next door. Various packages are available, and options may include free overnight accommodation in the fabulous wedding suite and free menu tasting once the initial deposit has been paid. 23

www.kazooieloki.co.uk

RISE HALL 0345 450 4545 | www.dine.co.uk/venues/rise-hall The Morning Room and Drawing Room can be combined for your ceremony to seat up to 120; or instead choose the Morning Room alone for 80. Receptions for up to 180 (250 for your evening affair) take place in the Orangery Ballroom, a light-filled space with five sets of patio doors leading out to the terrace. There’s also a honeymoon suite, 30 further individually-styled guest bedrooms, a firepit and even the venue’s very own traditional Yorkshire pub bar!

www.flashforwardphotography.co.uk

Rise Hall is one of Yorkshire’s largest privately-owned Grade II stately country houses offering exclusivity just a short distance from Beverley. With 30 acres of lawns and woodland, there are ample locations for you to get the perfect wedding shots, while inside you’ll discover interiors designed with wedding couples in mind – think original features, inviting places to relax, and an Orangery Ballroom dressed in fairylights.

HIGH TRENHOUSE 0333 112 2747 | www.hightrenhouseweddings.com A charming exclusive-use wedding venue set in beautiful secluded grounds within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, High Trenhouse is perfect for intimate weddings wrapped in nature. It has all the atmosphere, facilities, ambience and a variety of spaces available for you to hold your ceremony. From a lovely airy room with a vaulted ceiling to a wooded glade and a tree-lined meadow flooded with sunshine, the venue is exclusively yours. Surrounded by three-and-a-quarter acres of greenery, mossy walls, winding woodland paths, ponds and all the livestock and wildlife you’d expect, the venue is an idyllic oasis of calm and tranquility. If you’re not quite trusting the British weather though, the meadow will comfortably hold a tipi or a marquee for more covered space. Both buildings have their own dining spaces, bar and lounge wrapped up in beautiful gardens 24

and woodland. The venue’s lawned areas are wonderful for congregating for canapés and cocktails, and there are plenty of quiet corners to relax in and explore. Ceremonies are held in Malhamdale Room (80 guests), Littondale Room (60 guests), Resting Hare Veranda (20 guests) or Epic Stores (20 guests). The venue’s buildings and spaces are also suited to formal sitdown meals or more relaxed dining options. The in-house team will take care of all catering for the members of your party staying overnight, but outside catering is required for the main event. Both buildings boast fully-stocked comfortable bars. Bennett’s is a lounge with conservatory, while North End’s bar is smaller with an attached veranda. Beers and spirits are sourced from local brewers and distilleries wherever possible and there’s a bevvy of non-alcoholic options too.

Planning your dream wedding? Explore endless possibilities at Bowcliffe Hall Bring your vision to life at one of Yorkshire’s most spectacular wedding venues, with special details perfectly paired to suit your wants and needs. However big or small your special day will be, say “I Do” to Bowcliffe Hall.

An amazing hidden gem of a venue! Bowcliffe Hall, Bramham, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 6LP www.bowcliffehall.co.uk | events@bowcliffehall.co.uk | 01937 541111

BOLTON CASTLE info@boltoncastle.co.uk | www.boltoncastle.co.uk The setting of Bolton Castle creates a bold statement as your guests arrive. Visible from across the dale, the Castle sits proudly looking across Wensleydale. As your loved ones arrive in the village, their first view is the stunning fortified Castle complete with portcullis. The gardens wrap around three sides of the Castle with the remaining walls set into manicured lawns. The gardens are renowned for their rooms – including a physic garden with herbs and flowers used extensively in the medieval period, to the beautiful arches and rose gardens. The maze provides a lovely opportunity for some memorable photographs and is edged with gravel paths and manicured lawns. Priding itself on flexibility, the team at Bolton Castle will work closely

www.clairehirst.co.uk

HISTORICAL VENUES

with you to achieve that fairytale wedding of your dreams. You can hire the entire castle and gardens or choose to enjoy a ceremony in one room with two hours for photographs in the garden. The Castle can host both small intimate gatherings as well as larger affairs. Wedding ceremonies and receptions can be held in The Solar Room and The Great Chamber, where Mary Queen of Scots was held in some luxury. It also welcomes weddings on the lawn with the Castle as the backdrop, alternatively a marquee works well for both vows and celebrations. The Great Chamber within the Castle walls is perfect for the “I dos” with a capacity of 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and 220 for an evening do. A marquee on the lawn with magnificent views of the Castle and Wensleydale caters for 250 guests for a reception. What’s more, Bolton Castle’s on-site falconry allows the venue to offer couples a barn owl to deliver the rings at the outset of the ceremony.

BOWCLIFFE HALL 01937 541111 | https://bowcliffehall.co.uk A special day calls for a special setting and Bowcliffe Hall certainly won’t disappoint! Charming and beautifully characterful, Bowcliffe Hall is a spectacular country estate set in 28 acres of award-winning gardens, that exudes contemporary elegance from the moment you drive through its gates. The fully-licensed estate offers magical surroundings for weddings all year round, boasting four distinct rooms and venues to choose from, which can welcome up to 85 day and 150 evening guests. Each venue varies in size and design, depending on your requirements. From the traditional Bowcliffe Room, adorned with captivating original features, facing onto expertly manicured grounds, to the Blackburn Wing, an architectural marvel shaped like an aeroplane wing, nestled among

ancient woodland. Alternatively, those looking for an intimate and luxurious venue may prefer the Drivers’ Club, home to Bowcliffe Hall’s very own private members club, with decor inspired by the opulent 1920s and the Golden Age of Motoring. The venue’s highly-experienced team of in-house chefs will work closely with you to curate a food menu that tantalises your taste buds. Revel in a selection of delectable starters, mouth-watering mains and scrumptious desserts, all meticulously created using seasonal, locallysourced ingredients where possible. Bowcliffe Hall offers absolute exclusivity and flexibility. Its team will act as your personal wedding coordinators, ensuring that each and every detail has been thoughtfully considered and brought to life, as you say “I do”. 27

A charming exclusive use wedding venue for up to 50 people set in beautiful, secluded grounds within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. For intimate weddings wrapped in nature, High Trenhouse has all the atmosphere, facilities and ambience

Civil Ceremony License. Indoor & Outdoor Weddings. Access to 3.5 acres of secluded grounds. Call us now for more information and to arrange your personal tour with our events team.

Phone: +44 (0) 3331122747 Email: enquiries@hightrenhouseweddings.com Web: www.hightrenhouseweddings.com

Capturing life`s greatest moments My photographs are the essence and emotions of life that captures everything I see and feel in a slice of time.

www.yorkshirephotographyservices.co.uk

PAUL KINGWOOD

Yorkshire Photography Services Yorkshire_Photography_Services yorkshirephotographyservices@hotmail.com 07468 523115 / 07787 297753

Home away

FROM HOME

What could be more exciting for local wedding supplier Anna than having the chance to bring her dream wedding to life as she married her beloved Chris? Images courtesy of James Green Studio

REAL WEDDINGS

nna and Chris met online. Although Chris messaged first, he then took a week to respond to Anna’s reply. When it finally did come, the note just said: “I’m rubbish at messaging people back. Shall we just meet?” They’d both discovered a common interest in CrossFit and he attended a gym Anna was herself interested in joining, so she thought: “Why not?” They got together for a lunchtime Nandos, and having both made strange requests with their food, immediately felt comfortable with each other. “We both had a lot in common, but were also both independent. Having our own interests was very important to us both,” Anna says. Anna’s family has owned Jervaulx Abbey for more than 50 years, so it’s a huge part of their lives. Knowing how important it is to Anna, Chris came home a day early from a trip away with friends to set up candles and flowers in one of her favourite parts of the ruin. In on the plans, Chris’ sister called Anna to let her know that something had happened at the Abbey and that she should go down there. When she arrived, she found her family there waiting who advised her to go inside straight away and see what had happened. “As I walked in and saw the candles, I thought how cute it was that someone must have just got engaged,” Anna remembers. “Then I saw the flowers my sister had arranged and it started to click, but there was no sign of Chris!” Having expected her to walk into the room, he was still in his hiding place behind a hedge, but Anna had remained frozen in the doorway. She continues, “When he eventually realised I was there, he emerged, pulled me into the room, got down on one knee and asked the question.” The venue choice was obvious. Jervaulx Abbey regularly hosts weddings, and Anna works with the couples to arrange them. “I already knew how beautiful, relaxed and unique the Abbey was,” she explains. “With my job, I’ve visited loads of venues but nowhere compared.” So, the date was set for 20th May, Anna’s favourite time of year. “The lambs are out in the parkland, the birds are singing away and the Abbey becomes so colourful,” she tells us.

SETTING THE SCENE Anna and Chris were legally wed in the Abbey on the Wednesday prior to their big day. This allowed them to ask a close friend to conduct the ceremony for the main event. “Clarke did an incredible job, with the right level of loving, commitment, personal and funny,” the bride says. Anna was keen to have wedding favours that doubled up as place names, so she made the guests name keyrings from resin using the colours from the wedding palette. “I was so happy to see them all being taken away as a lovely memory from the day,” she tells us. The bride also turned her hand to creating the table plan. She chose florals that would be used in the fresh flower arrangements and painted them onto a big blackboard, which stood on an easel at the entrance to the marquee. The couple had opted for a long trestle-table layout for a more sociable dining experience. “We actually decided to avoid centrepieces,” Anna 31

shares. The centrepiece for them was the food. Caterers Hog and Apple offer raised boards for the spread to go on, which looked impressive in their own right. “The presentation is stunning and we wanted enough room to make it easy to be placed down,” she continues. The couple also bought their own glasses with cut glass decanters containing mead for their toasts. Along with the wine and bud vases, these were just enough to fill the tables. Having worked alongside Emma at The Petal Studio for years, Anna decided she wanted to collaborate with her on her own wedding. The two settled on a meadow vibe to complement the Abbey and used urns to create a statement backdrop for the ceremony. This was later moved to the dancefloor where the wedding cake was displayed and used as its backdrop. Not wanting to waste any of the incredible blooms, the meadows also went into the marquee to decorate the table ends. With a gorgeous muted pastel palette throughout the displays included big blousy peonies, tulips and a selection of blooms carrying sentimental meaning including lily of the valley and forget me nots. Given Anna makes wedding cakes as a career, this was always going to be the most anticipated element of the day! Anna took inspiration from her wedding dress and its hand embroidery. Together with her sister they combined two techniques to create the showstopper: Anna hand-painted the flowers while Gayle used brush embroidery over the top. She also created some sugar flowers inspired by the couple’s wedding florals and used an off cut from the bride’s dress to create a big bow. There was also an incredible dessert table for which Anna baked all of her favourite cakes and sweet treats decorated with palette colours and hand-painted to tie into the day.

“Don’t forget to eat! You run on adrenaline and don’t often feel hungry, but do remember to eat and drink plenty of water.” FOOD FOR THOUGHT Food and music were two of the most important aspects of Anna and Chris’ day, as going to gigs and finding street food to try are things the two of them enjoy as a couple. The Hog and Apple provided their sharing boards and the newlyweds adored the Brazilian twist on their traditional wedding meal. There were a selection of three meats – steak, chicken and pork – with plenty of sides to choose from. “It all looked as good as it tasted and it was such a joy when guests told us how delicious it all was,” Anna shares. A food van was enlisted for the evening. The couple found Spud and Bros as a food festival and asked them immediately if they catered for weddings. “We loved that it was a small business making poutine,” Anna says. “It was something a little different but at the end of the night, cheesy chips and gravy is a perfect option.”

“We had a golden hour walk around the Abbey. It was so special to have a few moments to ourselves.” LOOKING THE PART Anna discovered Savin London gowns online and immediately fell in love with the floral inspiration. So, she visited the White Yard, which stocks the designer. She’d met 32

REAL WEDDINGS owner Clare before her consultation, who had told her that there was one dress in particular, Ailyn, that she should not leave without trying. “I couldn’t have picked a more perfect gown for myself,” Anna explains. “The neckline, the fit, the pattern... every detail was perfect.” Clare’s husband owns Tweed and Groom, so Chris chose his suit from there which featured an orange strip complementing their palette beautifully. His tie too was chosen to complement the wedding flowers. His groomsmen meanwhile hired their dark navy suits from Moss. Originally, Anna had her heart set on dusky pink for her bride tribe as she thought the colour would work with the flowers, but they found a wrap around dark navy blue dress in Phase Eight and as soon as her sister tried it on they knew it was perfect. “I quickly realised the flowers would pop against this colour, and I’m so glad we went for a dark dress as the girls felt a lot more confident,” Anna tells us.

“Find suppliers you trust, this made our planning so much fun.” CELEBRATE IN STYLE The couple surprised their guests by having a brass band emerge from the ruins just after the ceremony. They played Celebrate as they walked back up the aisle had enjoyed the confetti throw. They then led all assembled through the Abbey ruins and played during the reception drinks. As neither Anna nor Chris are big prosecco fans, they instead chose to serve some lovely summer flavours with bramble gin and Pimms. When it was time to move to the marquee for the wedding breakfast, the band again lead the way. Everyone loved them as they created a wonderfully happy atmosphere bursting with excitement. A photo booth was a huge hit later on and captured some hilarious moments, especially as the evening wore on! “Our first dance with confetti canons before guests joined us on the dancefloor was such a magical moment,” Anna says. Marc and Abi Band took over in the evening well and truly getting the dancefloor going.

ROLL CREDITS Venue, Jervaulx Abbey, www.jervaulxabbey.co.uk | Photographer, James Green Studio, www.jamesgreenstudio.com | Videographer, Your Story Studios, www.yourstorystudios.co.uk | Bride’s dress, The White Yard, www.thewhiteyard.co.uk | Alterations, The Bobbin Bridal, www.thebobbinbridal.co.uk | Jacket, Beth Wilson Embroidery, www.bethwilsonembroidery.com | Hair and make-up, Nala and Knot, www.nalaandknot.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Tweed and Groom, www.tweedandgroom.co.uk | Cake and desserts, Where The Ribbon Ends, www.wheretheribbonends.com | Flowers, The Petal Studio, www.thepetalstudio.co.uk | Stationery, Lylun Designs, www.instagram.com/lylun_designs | Catering, The Hog and Apple, www.thehogandapple.co.uk | Spuds and Bros, www.spudsandbros.co.uk Wedding rings, Bradley’s the Jewellers, www.bradleysthejewellers.com | Entertainment, Marc and Abi Band (via Jonny Ross Music), www.marcandabi.co.uk (www.jonnyrossmusic.com) | New York Brass Band, www.newyorkbrassband.co.uk | Marquee, Wills Marquees, www.wills-marquees.co.uk | Confetti, Your Confetti, www.yourconfetti.com | Embroidered handkerchief, Extra Special Touch, www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk | Bar, The Bar Stewards, www.instagram.com/the_bar_stewards 33

DIY Wedding Floristry - Create your own stunning wedding flowers on a budget At YouFloria, we know the cost of weddings quickly add up, so we’ve created a solution to help you save money, without compromising on quality or beauty. We empower you to create everything from breathtaking bridal bouquets to sensational floral arches that’ll leave your guests saying “WOW”. How? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3… 1. Pick - Simply pick one of our many floral bundles to suit your colour scheme. 2. Package - We'll send you everything you need to build your beautiful blooms. 3. Produce - We'll provide helpful 'how-to' videos to guide you through the process of producing Your floral creations.

As a little gift, we’re offering 10% off all packages booked before the end of February 2024! Visit www.youfloria.co.uk or email hello@youfloria.com and choose your DIY wedding flowers today!

Wonderland Blooms Making floral dreams come true

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Raise a

REAL WEDDINGS

GLASS

Claire and Jack styled their day in a palette of greens with touches of champagne Images courtesy of Drawn by Light Photography

lthough Claire and Jack knew of each other from school, it wasn’t until they were a bit older that their paths regularly started to cross during nights out in town. “We started talking on my birthday one year and that’s when Jack finally asked me out on a date,” Claire tells us. Claire had always said that she didn’t want Jack to propose in public, so he surprised her and popped the question in their hotel room while on a mini-break in Nottingham. “As soon as we arrived at Bunny Hill for our first viewing we loved the grounds and how the venue made us feel,” Claire remembers. “The staff were amazing and we remember driving away thinking this is where we want to get married – everything about it was perfect.” The couple also loved the fact that Bunny Hill was exclusive use, all theirs for the weekend, which meant they could really personalise their day. So, they wasted no time in securing their dream location and setting the date for 2nd September, 2023. Here, the bride tells us more...

Jack wore a dark green three-piece suit, with black trousers and champagne-coloured tie, which he received lots of compliments on. His groomsmen, father-of-the-bride and father-of-the-groom were dressed to match. A singer entertained guests during the day. She played as guests arrived, throughout the ceremony and then for the reception drinks.

My Essense of Australia gown was from Ava Rose, which stylist Beckie helped me pick it out. It wasn’t the style I thought I’d go for when I started looking, but the first time I tried this on and saw myself in it I fell in love straight away.

My bridesmaids all wore the same olive green satin dress from Pretty Lavish.

My brother did a reading during the ceremony, which was lovely.

We met with our venue stylist around 10 months before the wedding to go through our colour palette and décor options. 36

REAL WEDDINGS

We had large hurricane vases with petals and chair sashes on the end of each row in the ceremony room. Large stands with flowers stood at the altar, which were moved to the reception tables later to form part of the centrepieces. We also had vases scattered around the venue for my bouquet and the bridesmaids’.

We did our own favours: a shot of Tequila Rose and scratch card for each guest. The table plan, place names and order of the day were all designed by one of my bridesmaids. She also did our stationery, so she made everything to match. The tables were named after local pubs. We didn’t want a traditional wedding cake, so we opted for single tier with cupcakes and brownies, which went down very well. I’m a big crisp lover, so we had a whole wall of them!

On the top table we had a long green runner to complement the palette as well as candles and little vases.

We had The Hog and Apple cater our day with sharing platters for starters, which our guests loved. This was followed by a chicken dish for main course and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

We had a surprise performance, which myself and Jack knew nothing about. My mum and two aunties did an ABBA routine, which went down a storm!

During the evening we had another live singer who performed two live sets, followed by a DJ who kept the dancefloor full until the end of the night. Guests loved him! Our wedding coordinator Sallyanne stood out to us on the day and even our guests picked up on how amazing she was. Nothing was too much for her. Everything was thought of and so well organised. We could just enjoy our day because we knew everything was taken care of. All of our suppliers helped the day run smoothly and our wedding coordinator from Bunny Hill was amazing. The whole day was stress free due to how organised everything was.

THE W-DAY TEAM Venue, Bunny Hill Weddings, www.bunnyhillweddings.co.uk | Photographer, Drawn By Light Photography, https://drawnbylightphotography.co.uk | Dress, Ava Rose Hamilton Bridal Couture, https://avarosehamilton.co.uk | Suits, Suit Culture, https://suitculture.co.uk | Accessories, Chiffon Rose Bridal Boutique, https://chiffonrosebridalboutique.co.uk | Wedding rings, Rox | Hair stylist, Hair by Megan Boyne, www.instagram.com/hairbymeganboyne | Make-up artist, Paige Roderick Makeup, www.instagram.com/paigeroderick_makeup | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Pretty Lavish | Cake, Laura’s Bakeaway, www.instagram.com/_laurasbakeaway | Flowers and venue styling, Shindig Event Styling, www.shindigeventstyling.co.uk | Entertainment, Demi Marriner, www.demimarriner.co.uk | Michael Mulholland, https://michaelmulhollandacoustic.com | Catering, The Hog and Apple, www.thehogandapple.co.uk 38

If you're looking for a wedding photographer that feels more like a friend... look no further. I make it my mission to capture genuine fun & romantic moments whilst making it the most amazing experience.

drawnbylightphotography.co.uk | lisa@drawnbylightphotography.co.uk | 07794259408 |

@drawnbylightphoto

perfect

grassland space for your

bespoke event

This site enables you to build your very own bespoke celebration perfectly with the option of hiring the Woodland to say your ‘I do’s’. Fully-licensed for civil ceremonies.

Escrick, York YO19 6EA Tel: 01904 728252 Email: enquiries@escrick.com

www.escrick.com

www.dominiclemoinephotography.co.uk

Set in picturesque parkland, Escrick Park Estate offers glorious uninterrupted views across the former deer park and open landscape stretching for miles. The grounds are mostly facing south, providing a very special location for your marquee event.

www.dominiclemoinephotography.co.uk

www.tuxandtalesphoto.co.uk

REAL WEDDINGS

WE DID IT

our way

Lindsey and Stephen said “I do” on 30th September 2023 at The Oakwood at Ryther

Images courtesy of Tom Benson Photography

indsey and Stephen met online and within three dates knew this was it. “Finding out that Stephen used to come fishing at my parents’ ponds when he was younger, made it feel like we were destined to meet all those years later,” says Lindsey. Feeling that their lives fit together perfectly, Stephen proposed on Lindsey’s 30th birthday at home with help from their children, five and four months. “It was the perfect, intimate proposal I’d always dreamed of,” Lindsey remembers. When time came to look for a venue, the couple had in mind somewhere with accommodation allowing them to make a weekend of their celebrations. The Oakwood at Ryther was the first one they viewed and within 10 minutes of their arrival, knew it was the one and booked it on the spot. When you know, you know! Read on as Lindsey tells us more about the big day and behind the scenes. 41

After visiting various bridal shops my mum and I finally went to Jaynes Bridalwear in Doncaster. They were incredible with a selection of dresses in all sizes, this really helped me to find the one. I chose Hepburn from the Pronovias Hollywood Glamour Collection. It was the perfect princess style I’d been looking for and it had pockets!

-piece suit with a black shirt and Stephen wore a Marc Darcy black three were in black. Both best men wore tie. He wore Dr Mar tens boots too, his h the bridesmaids’ dresses. black suits with burg undy shirts to matc

We both knew the look we wanted when looking for inspiration – a black and burgundy gothic wedding was perfect for us. 42

the ceremony and then changed I wore Carvela Lovebird vinyl heels for boots. into a pair of white Dr Mar tens platform

Our little girl, Chloe, read a poem during the cerem ony: A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton. It was one of the more emotional parts of the day. Having your children be involved throughout the day is just an amazing feeling.

lents for the favours and we as a I’m a keen gardener, so I wanted succu touches throughout the wedding family are into Pokémon so some small names. gave a nod to that including the table

REAL WEDDINGS

The food was incredible! The Hog and Apple worke d with us to create a perfect menu. For the wedding breakfast we had sharin g boards for all three courses: Yorkshire deli board, barbecue sharing board and a trio of desser ts. For the evening food we had our caterer’s speciality burgers with loaded fries.

I used to be an events manager, so I’ve seen many weddings and knew the smallest of details mattered to me. A lot of the decoration including the mirrors for the welcome signs and table plan, and the glass candle holders I sourced myself from car boot sales and charity shops. I even collected and spray-painted toy dinosaurs and unicorns for the children’s name cards.

I did all the of stationer y for the day myse lf including the wedding newspaper for the ceremony, menus, nam e cards, and the table plan.

ist in Howden who also did the Centrepieces were from All Occasions Flor amazing and made my vision a bouquets and buttonholes. The girls were ers in all the floral arrangements reality. They even included pheasant feath as a nod to my family business.

One of my bridesmaids is a very talented, professional cake maker and wanted to make our cakes for us. She knew the colour palette and created three of the most beautiful bakes I have ever seen. Flavours were red velvet, Kinder, and gluten-free vanilla bean.

When booking any vendors make sure you get along with that person because they really do make your wedding day and don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, no one will be offended if you aren’t happy with the first make-up trial or want to change the font on the stationery because it isn’t what you had imagined. 43

dresses to suit their body type but All five bridesmaids wore different style all were burg undy.

Magician Rich Reynolds entertained our guests throug hout the drinks reception, and they all raved about how amazing he was. A highlight of the day and well worth the money.

DJ Yorkshire (Bryn Towning) provided our evening entertainment, and was fantastic, one of the most dedicated DJs I’ve ever seen. He took note of the details from the day and ended the night with the Pokémon theme tune, which for us was perfect! He really is Yorkshire’s best DJ!

rs. They all We were so lucky that we had the most amazing vendo girls to the DJ, made the day so fantastic from the make-up and hair everyone involved was truly lovely.

The whole day was amazing but the cake cutting stands out as one of the best bits. I’d purchased a sword for the groom as a wedding present and he was blown away with it. It now hangs in his office as a permanent reminder of the day.

A special mention has to go to our phot ographer Tom Benson. We aren’t the type of people who enjoy having our photo taken and we certainly didn’t want to spend most of our day posin g for them. Tom was seriously amazing, not only was he the lovely guy who made us feel so at ease but he captured the most amazing photos. He really is worth ever y penny.

LINDSEY AND STEPHEN’S BIG-DAY CREW Venue, The Oakwood at Ryther, www.oakwoodatryther.co.uk | Photographer, Tom Benson Photographer, www.tombenson.co.uk Dress, Jaynes Bridalwear, www.jaynesbridalwear.co.uk | Alterations, Once Upon a Dress, www.onceuponadress.co.uk | Suits, Suits For You Castleford | Wedding rings, Chapelle | Hair stylist, Lauren McRae Professional Wedding Hair, www.laurenmcrae.co.uk | Make-up artist, Lucy Taylor Make up and Lashes, https://lucytaylormua.weebly.com/index.html | Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJ’s House | Cake, JJ’s Bakes, www.facebook.com/jjsbakesuk | Flowers, All Occasions of Howden, https://alloccasionsflorists.co.uk | Catering, The Hog and Apple, www.thehogandapple.co.uk | Entertainment, Rich Reynolds Magician, www.richreynoldsmagician.co.uk | DJ Yorkshire, www.dj-yorkshire.co.uk 44

Our collections feature timeless silhouettes with feminine twists, modern quirks, elevated textures and highly luxurious accents. We have been working hard to ensure we offer a comprehensive range of bridal gowns covering specially designed plus size sections and our new “ready to wear” wedding dresses.

Get in Touch! 3 Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN1 2HJ | enquiries@jaynesbridalwear.co.uk | 01302 365601 @jaynesbridalwear

Jaynes Bridalwear

Transform your celebration into an unforgettable experience with DJ Yorkshire’s exceptional music expertise. With a vast library of tracks spanning diverse genres, including 60s to modern hits, I’ve got the perfect sound for every moment. I use a custom-made music planner, experience a personalized touch where you have the freedom to shape your event’s musical journey. My dynamic DJ services guarantee a lively atmosphere and a dance ﬂoor ﬁlled with energy. Let DJ Yorkshire create the soundtrack to your special day, creating memories through the power of music.

www.dj-yorkshire.co.uk

07951495844

@dj-yorkshire

DJ Yorkshire

Adrian Salamon Magic Professional close-up wedding magician based in Yorkshire Perfect for entertaining during the wedding reception, wedding breakfast, and during the evening party

“We had so many compliments about Adrian’s performance at our wedding. He entertained and amazed our guests, which made our special day all the more memorable!” Helena Holmes

www.adriansalamon.co.uk contact@yorkmagician.co.uk AdrianSalamonMagic

Our flexible tailored services are perfect for any event - whether you are planning your dream wedding day, a corporate event or putting together an unforgettable party. Get in touch for more information about the services we offer, or for a no obligation quote. www.alesandcocktails.co.uk info@alesandcocktails.co.uk

alesandcocktails

07849 123560

Yorkshire_magician

LOCAL SHOOT

Here come the girls Dive into this local shoot and discover what Wressle Grange has to offer its hens Images courtesy of Colin Wallwork Photographer

fter chatting with Claire from Wressle Grange about their newly-formed collaboration, Vicky Pettitt from Ales and Cocktails decided to show guests what they could do while staying at the venue and demonstrate its fabulous features. “I was inspired to pull together a shoot that would capture the fun of being part of a cocktail masterclass but wanted to show off other fabulous suppliers that we work with too, so guests could see how to make their stay more magical,” she says. The palette was inspired by Ales and Cocktails’ copper cocktail trees, Vicky wanted it to pop with colour and create beautiful moments that the team could capture with the photographer. The goal was a stylish and sophisticated look, so copper tones accented the whole shoot from cupcakes to balloons and matching gowns. 47

LOCAL SHOOT

THE DREAM TEAM Venue, Wressle Grange, www.wresslegrange.co.uk | Photographer, Colin Wallwork Photographer, www.colinwallworkphotographer.co.uk | Shoot coordinator, cocktails and bar, Ales and Cocktails, www.alesandcocktails.co.uk | Dresses, JoyBellaBridesmaids, www.joysbellabridesmaids.co.uk Accessories, N & S Designs, www.nsdelicatedesigns.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Catherine Elizabeth, www.catherine-elizabeth.co.uk | Biscuits and cupcakes, Sweet Chic, www.sweetchic.co.uk | Catering, Celebration Cheeses, https://celebrationcheeses.com | Sequin wall and balloons, House of Hudson Events, www.facebook.com/houseofhudsonevents | Workshop setup, Yorkshire Feathers, www.yorkshirefeathers.org | LOVE letters, Spectra Entertainments, www.spectraentertainments.co.uk 49

MARTIN MOORHOUSE Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies

As your Toastmaster, I will add style and the presence of that famous red tailcoat will add colour to the event. I will take away and manage all the stress and anxiety of organising an event – no matter how big or small. I will liaise with other professionals involved in your event whatever it may be. These may include Photographers, Videographers, Musicians and DJ’s or Catering staﬀ. I aim to ensure that you have a most enjoyable event. There is no such thing as a silly question – your concerns are my concerns. I make myself available for contact throughout. I will listen and advise every step of the way to ensure that you as Host, Hostess or event organiser are satisﬁed with every arrangement.

07792 523434 | martin@toastmastermartin.co.uk | www.toastmastermartin.co.uk

Lady J Wedding Car Hire Hi, my name is Robert and I offer to you the very best Chauffeur driven wedding car service using my beautiful ‘Lady J’ Jaguar XJ Sovereign long wheelbase limousine. She offers a superb ride on her air suspension! Inside there is limousine size climate controlled space, heated rear leather seats, picnic tables and lambs wool rugs. On your big day ‘Lady J’ will be fitted with ribbons of your colour choice, bows to match on the four door handles and a flower display in the rear window, again to feature your choice of colour for your big day!

07739 883994 | robslater59@outlook.com

perfection

PLANNED TO

PLANNING FLOWERS SOS

Local suppliers from various specialisms share words of wisdom to help get your planning off on the right foot ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND PLANNING

LILY JONES, QUIRKY WEDDINGS www.quirky-weddings.com

We’re engaged! Now what? Now you’re engaged, it’s natural to start thinking of your big day; the date, venue, theme, flowers, reception, what guests to invite and of course for the bride, the all important question of the dress! The list seems endless and to some daunting, which is why wedding planners are invaluable. One aspect that often gets overlooked, especially at the early stages, is the transport. How will the couple arrive at the wedding ceremony? Usually this is one of the least expensive items on the list but an important one if you want to arrive in style making it a memorable part of the day. So, while thoughts of big-day planning need to include all of the above and more, it’s important to ask yourselves about what transport you want for your big day, and how this will fit in with your plans. How can I best make my mode of transport fit in with the theme for the day? Colour is important. White cars used to be the norm, but when it comes to the photos, it’s the worst colour to use as a backdrop for those dressed in white or ivory. Black is still considered a colour for funerals, so what’s needed is a dark shade to contrast with your dress and make you stand out on this all-important occasion. Lady J comes in a deep metallic blue, with champagne leather seats, both of which contrast beautifully with the traditional hue of a bridal gown. To pick up on your chosen palette, she can also be adorned with ribbons and bows in the colour of your choice with matching flowers on the parcel shelf in the rear. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to wedding-day transport? The simple truth is that if you want to play it safe where the weather is concerned but still wish for style and comfort then you should look for a modern mode of transport.

https://sonderlustphoto.com

LOVE AND CARRIAGE ROB SLATER, LADY J WEDDING CAR HIRE Lady J Wedding Car Hire

We’re engaged! Now what? When you’re ready to start planning, sit down together and decide what part of the wedding is most important to both of you. Knowing this will help you to allocate your budget in the right places. Do this just you and your partner at the beginning, no family and no friends until you’ve had your first conversation together. Chat about the vibe of the day and come up with some key words to describe it such as: relaxed, informal, chilled, colourful. This will help you when you start looking for suppliers – if their vibe doesn’t match yours then they’ll struggle to help you create the day you want. The final thing to do before you head out into the big wide wedding world to find your venue and suppliers is to set your budget. Even if you don’t really have one, you need to put a number on it so you know what you have to work with. Don’t spend money you don’t have, no one wants to start married life in debt, and you can create the most magical wedding on a very small budget if you’re savvy about it. Allocate a rough amount to each aspect of the wedding, giving your crucial elements the most money, and then you’re ready to find suppliers to suit and it won’t be as overwhelming. What else do we need to have? You don’t need to have anything! Everyone and their aunt will try to tell you what traditions need to be part of your wedding day, and you’ll feel the pressure to keep everyone happy but those days are long gone. If there's something you don't want on your wedding day then don’t have it! It’s your day, no one else’s. How can we make our big day totally us? Everyone’s love story is unique so have a think about what makes yours. What things did you bond over while dating? What little traditions do you already have between you? What do you both love? Do you have any little in jokes? Then, take all of those things and incorporate them into your wedding day. People worry all the time that something might not fit their theme but the theme is you. Whatever you choose, it will fit because the theme is your love story and all of the things that combine to make it. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to planning an alternative wedding? Find suppliers that understand your vibe and have a similar vibe themselves. There are hundreds of wedding suppliers out there so don’t settle until you find someone who makes you go YES! When you find them, you’ll know. If you’re after a non-traditional wedding day then don’t attend traditional wedding fairs – you won’t find your people there. Go to alternative ones, have fun, and meet the people for whom no idea is too wacky.

SOMETHING SWEET

PICK OF THE BUNCH JILL ALEXANDER, THE LITTLE FLOWER HUT www.thelittleflowerhut.co.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Decide on your wedding suppliers and get them booked as soon as possible. When it comes to choosing your wedding florist look at their style, if you love it get in touch and start a conversation. Remember though, if you love their work it’s likely lots of other couples will too, so securing your date is really important. Have an idea of budget but be realistic, flowers are expensive and it’s not just the flowers you pay for, it’s the florist’s expertise and craftsmanship – it takes real skill to ensure every bloom looks as perfect as it can throughout your entire day. Plus, your florist will spend hours researching for your wedding proposal, so there’s a vast amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. What flowers are in season for my wedding day? Being a sustainable florist I work with local growers and the seasons. The flowers available will depend on your wedding date and I always suggest the most beautiful varieties in season with the aim of creating a unique floral vision for you. If you have your heart set on a particular flower that won’t be in bloom I’ll always suggest an alternative that looks very similar without compromising the overall style of the day. How can we make our big day totally us? Think about the role you’d like your flowers to play. No matter your budget a showstopper bouquet is always a must. I specialise is creating bespoke bridal bouquets that reflect a bride’s personality. Beautiful crafted, luxurious and the epitome of romance, every bride should experience a beautiful bouquet that mirrors her and complements her beautiful dress. If you have a healthy budget then a wow statement can be created through scale and the floral elements we create, whether that’s a knockyour-socks-off cloud to stop your guests in their tracks, a statement arch, or beautiful aisle meadow packed with the most gorgeous varieties and fragrance. There are so many ways to make your day totally unique and bring out your personalities. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to wedding flowers? Share your ideas on how you’d like your day to look and trust your florist. Let them have creative license, chat regularly and be prepared to have your mind blown with the most exquisite florals from a mix of colours, tones and textures. 52

We’re engaged! Now what? Well, what happens next is completely up to you – you could spend two years planning or two months, so set yourself a timeframe you feel comfortable with. If you’ve got very set ideas about what you want for your celebration then you’ll need a bit of time to get everything in order but if you’re the king or queen of winging it and more flexible with your ideas you could pull a celebration together pretty quickly! Either way, have a date in mind before you start speaking to venues and suppliers. What budget do we allocate to the cake? Don’t rely on average costs of what a wedding cake should be as these take into account people who choose not to have one, those who have a family member make it, and others who choose a supermarket version, which all brings the average down. So, when you go to a professional cake maker for a bespoke bake, you’re surprised by the cost. If you’re looking for something bespoke and/or your cake maker is going to have to do a lot of handmade decorations, include personal details, co-ordinate with a florist, or there’s a lot of design elements, be sure to get a few prices from local suppliers, to give you a better idea of what to expect. These may vary depending on the cake makers’ experience, so ask to see their previous work. And, if you love a cake maker but they seem out of budget, ask them what would bring the price down. How can we make our big day totally us? Meet your suppliers. Where possible, this will give you a really great idea of who you’ll vibe with. Photographers are going to be spending the day with you and your loved ones, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Cake makers and florists will spend quite a bit of time with you ahead of the wedding too, either in person or via email and phone calls, so you want to choose someone who doesn’t grind your gears! Wedding fairs are a great way to make those in-person introductions, while social media will also give you a good idea. What’s your top planning tip when it comes to the wedding cake? Book a consultation. Not only is it a great chance to try delicious cake, and get to know your supplier a little better, but it’s a lovely experience you can enjoy together. I love them, and do my best to make sure my couples feel at ease; we talk about the details but also we talk about you guys. I want to hear all about your wedding plans and engagement!

https://charlotteevephotography.com

https://georginaharrisonphotography.co.uk

HANNAH ANDREWS, HANNAH’S KITCHEN https://hannahskitchenleeds.co.uk

Specialist Wedding Hair & Makeup Artists A team of mobile, award-winning, published specialist Wedding Hair and Makeup artists committed to providing you with the ultimate bespoke, tailored service on one of the most important days of your life. Our team have the passion, creativity and technical expertise to deliver high-end bridal hairstyling and radiant, flawless and beautiful makeup. We create flawless natural makeup and beautifully styled hair for the modern, classic, fun and elegant bride to be and bridal party.

Email styleloungeuk@gmail.com

Facebook /thestyleloungeuk

Instagram @thestyleloungeuk

Celebrations in the heart of the Dukeries Bondhay Golf Club combines endless charm and character, with the class and elegance of a prestigious sporting club

Renovated function room

Exquisite grounds and gardens

Delectable culinary experiences

Perfect accessible location

Exclusive venue hire

Trusted partners

01909 723608 www.bondhaygolfclub.com

Whitwell Common, Worksop, Notts, S80 3EH

Scan to find out more

Kay Binnersley Bridal ~ Bespoke Bridal Hair and Make Up ~

Prepare to be dazzled by the artistry and creativity that have earned me global recognition in the world of bridal hairstyling. Drawing inspiration from the latest trends and timeless classics to create breathtaking bridal hairstyles that make heads turn.

Don’t settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary. Book your consultation with multi-international award-winning bridal hair stylist, Kay Binnersley, today Photographer: Peter Rowling’s

www.kaybinnersleyhair.co.uk Kay Binnersley Hair Bespoke Bridal Styling Kay binnersley hair bridal

Hannah’s Kitchen specialises in bespoke

WEDDING CAKES, CUPCAKES, CAKE TABLES & FAVOURS Book an in-person design consultation or order a consultation box to taste a selection of my most popular flavours. Check out

@hannahskitchenleeds for recent work and inspiration.

T: 07534 119 361 E: hannah@hannahskitchenleeds.co.uk

www.hannahskitchenleeds.co.uk

YOUR BIG-DAY BEST KAY BINNERSLEY, KAY BINNERSLEY HAIR www.kaybinnersleyhair.co.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Start looking at dates, it’s never too early. Once you’ve booked your venue the next top vendors to secure are your photographer, hairdresser and make-up artist. Also, start visiting bridal shops for dress ideas. Bridal parties don’t realise we hair and make-up artists are up there with the top important five to book early as our diaries fill up super-quickly. What order will you carry out the treatments on the wedding morning? We usually start preparing the hair ready to style then we work on the bridemaids first before we commence styling the bride. Once everyone is in their outfits we add the final touches and place in any hair accessories and veils . How can we make our day personal to us? As a bridal hairstylist, I focus on creating a personalised experience for the bride and groom – understanding your preferences, considering your wedding theme, and tailoring hairstyles that reflect your individual styles. Communication is key, so I make sure I listen to your ideas, offer suggestions, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident with your chosen looks. On the wedding day, staying calm, being flexible, and bringing positive energy to make the experience memorable for you and your party is key. What is your top planning tip when it comes to wedding hair? Schedule a thorough trial session well in advance of the wedding. This allows me to understand your preferences, test different styles, and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, create a detailed timeline for the wedding day, ensuring there’s ample time for each member of the bridal party.

https://danielgablephotography.com

https://mhillaryphotography.co.uk

PLANNING FLOWERS SOS

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! EMILY ALEXANDER, YORKSHIRE ROSE EVENTS www.yorkshireroseevents.co.uk We’re engaged! Now what? Breathe. Revel in that warm, fuzzy feeling for as long as you possibly can. Your family and friends’ first question after saying congratulations will be: so when’s the big day? There’s no need to rush into deciding on a date the moment you’re engaged though. So, take your time thinking about the season you’d like to get married in. This is always a good starting point and helps you to navigate the next steps in the planning process. How far in advance do I need to book my venue? Weddings are all-season affairs now, so don’t assume that autumn and winter or early spring weddings will have guaranteed availability. Generally speaking one year in advance is ok for most venues, however, if you’re wanting to secure a spot at a popular one we’d always say two years, as this is an ample amount of time to source your suppliers too. How can we make our big day totally us? As a sustainability-focused wedding planner I’d say ask your suppliers about eco-friendly elements. Upcycling old furniture for a dessert table or photo booth area, favours that are edible or keepsakes – a favourite of ours is hanging decorations for those Christmas weddings. Supporting a charity close to your heart either through donations instead of wedding gifts or pin badges as favours are also popular choices. Lastly, having certain colours or themes running throughout the day tying everything together reflects you as a couple is a great way to make it your own. What’s your top planning tip? Be methodical. If you have the time and are able to plan your own wedding without the support from a planner or coordinator on the day, keep track of everything. As soon as you find an idea, file it. Organise your ideas into a moodboard or spreadsheet, then take it one step at a time. Start with the larger elements, like securing your venue, caterers or band if you plan on having one. Keep a track of online receipts, booking forms and meeting dates to make sure you’ve accounted for everything. Most of all, enjoy this magical process. Don’t worry if it all becomes too much though. There are lots of planners and coordinators out there to rescue you and support you through your special day should you need it. 55

We have hosted some fabulous weddings here in our rustic barns, each with their own individual style from festival style, boho, traditional, rustic, each one diﬀerent relaxed & lots of fun. CREATING BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE FLOWERS FOR YOUR SPECIAL WEDDING DAY.

THE DIARY IS FILLING UP FAST FOR 2024 - WE ARE ALSO TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2025

The Watering Can Florist style is modern, colourful and elegant. Liz always prides herself in staying up-to-date with the

latest trends having amassed years of experience in the wedding industry.

AUSTFIELD FARM, AUSTFIELD LANE, HILLAM, NORTH YORKSHIRE, LS25 5NQ

www.thewateringcanflorist.co.uk hello@thewateringcanflorist.co.uk

Charlotte 07818 415320 | Jason 07857 131412 | bertsbarrow@yahoo.com

www.bertsbarrow.co.uk |

ASK THE EXPERTS

www.stevegroganphotography.com

HOT TOPIC 2024 hot picks Our local experts give us the inside track on what to look out for in the world of weddings for 2024

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Liz Wood from The Watering Can (www.thewateringcanflorist.co.uk) says: Following on from the success of my brides choosing the most colourful bouquets in 2023, I’m going to say the bolder and brighter the better! Muted colours have been around too long so let’s have a change and go wow. Let’s make 2024 a bright floral boom filled with the colours of the rainbow in your bridal bouquets! Show off your colourful personality by having a floral, colourful wedding. Why not bring back those hippy days with any colour goes? On that note, sunflowers along with other brightly coloured blooms will give you a wedding to impress. Your Yorkshire Wedding says: 2024 is set to be the year of sustainable weddings. So, we hope to see more and more couples looking for

locally-grown flowers and working with their florists to repurpose their arrangements as much as possible to minimise wastage – from ceremony, to reception, to gifts. We’re also expecting to see a boom in showstopping statement installations, such as hanging floral hoops and breathtaking backdrops that are oh-so Insta-worthy. These help you to create a magical, immersive wedding wonderland as well as practically to effectively and beautifully fill the space at your venue if you have particularly high ceilings or empty corners. On the flip side, minimalism is in! We’re seeing more and more couples opt for banquet-style seating arrangements with shared grazing experiences. So, with the food taking centre stage it’s time to think practically, and mismatched, vintage bud vases filled with small but elegant arrays of delicate blooms are a cute way to go.

FUZZY FEELINGS Your Yorkshire Wedding editor Kelly Andrews says: Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards, has introduced its colour of the year 2024: PANTONE 13-1023, or to you and me, Peach Fuzz! Here at Your Yorkshire Wedding HQ this annual announcement is always highly anticipated, as we love to see how the wedding industry will embrace each new hue. Last year, Viva Magenta flew and we saw it inspiring many a glorious styled shoot. Indeed, thanks to the hotly-tipped colour-palette trend for 2024, we think it’ll be sticking around. We’re all loving this year’s reveal though. For us in the wedding industry, it’s a more traditional return to gentle pastels, and with rusts and corals proving popular during the second half of 2023, we think Peach Fuzz will be welcomed with open arms. We can’t wait to see what the industry’s creatives do with it. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute says of their choice, “A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves. Drawing comfort from Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing.” 57

THE RISE OF THE CELEBRANT

www.orangeivyphotography.com

Humanist wedding celebrant Rachael Bowers from Ceremonies with Rachael (www.ceremonieswithrachael.com) says: There was a 49 per cent increase in searches for celebrant weddings during 2023, so I predict that their popularity will continue to grow in 2024! A celebrant is like your personal cheerleader, coaxing the best out of you on your wedding day. If you want help writing wedding vows, we can do that. If you’re anxious about being the centre of attention, we can design a pressure-free ceremony. If you want to get the wedding day going with a bang, we can do that too. Whatever your vibe is, a celebrant can incorporate it into your wedding ceremony in a way that civil ceremonies don’t. My couples tell me they love celebrant-led weddings because of the freedom they offer. You can hold your wedding anywhere; indeed I’ve recently led weddings in castles, family gardens, rustic barns and stately homes. But couples also love the level of personalisation: when you work with a celebrant, they get to know you and your story, and use that knowledge to craft a ceremony you and your guests will love. I adore working with couples to create wedding ceremonies that shout about their love in an engaging way.

https://clarecoleman.com

VINTAGE MEETS MODERN Michelle Nina Hanson from Lister Horsfall (www.listerhorsfall.co.uk) says: As we anticipate 2024, wedding jewellery trends are set to blend classic elegance with modern innovation. A resurgence of vintage-inspired designs with intricate details and heirloom aesthetics take centre stage. Vintage gemstone cuts like cushion and emerald make a notable comeback, adding an element of nostalgia. Personalised creations too gain popularity as couples seek to imbue their jewellery with sentimental value. The emphasis on sustainability and ethics drives a trend towards responsible practices, with couples choosing sustainable materials, ethically-sourced gemstones, and eco-friendly processes. The appeal of sustainable choices aligns with a desire for meaningful symbolism, each piece a testament to enduring love and a commitment to ethical values. Customisation extends beyond engravings to include birthstones and entirely bespoke pieces, allowing you to weave personal narratives into your wedding adornments. In terms of metals, yellow gold’s enduring appeal offers a warm and romantic alternative to traditional white gold. A mix of metals also becomes more prevalent, providing you with the opportunity to experiment with diverse textures and tones.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Helen Emson at Willow and Bear Floral Design (www.willowandbearfloraldesign.com) says: We predict that 2024 will see the continuation of beautifully self-assured floral designs that focus on the finer details. Many bridal designers have used intricate details in their fashions using layers of florals, texture and bold designs that ooze refinement with classic lines and modernity, so our floral designs mirror these style choices closely. Throughout 2024 and beyond we have many exciting projects with bold striking sculptural yet romantic designs utilising minimalist natural tones and pared-back colour to create playful and confident floral features. When we create authentic designs these reflect the personalities of the couples with the use of bold tones and textures in both the flowers and the styling elements of their day. By using understated glamour, we add the memorable details that create perfectly individual and intimate wedding spaces. The addition of dreamy finishing touches such as beautifully styled candlelit ethereal tablescapes sitting perfectly against botanical accents creates subtle drama and unapologetically confident designs.

AWARD-WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Aﬀordable Packages from £799 Secure your date & package for just £100

www.dashphotography.co.uk dash@dashphotography.co.uk 07484 212018

Ceremonies with Rachael Humanist wedding celebrant

Creating heartfelt, joyful wedding ceremonies for laidback, creative couples. To make your wedding ceremony personal, natural, engaging and fun, get in touch today! Get in touch! rachael.bowers@humanistceremonies.org.uk www.ceremonieswithrachael.com @ceremonieswithrachael @yorkweddingcelebrant

Looking for that perfect Venue after you have exchanged your nuptials. The Bradford Golf Club is a premiere venue set in the tranquil countryside of the hamlet of Hawksworth in the heart of Yorkshire. Whether it’s a small intimate setting or A Grande celebration our Rodney foster suite is ideal for seating up to 100 guests for your wedding breakfast, with its large windows allowing the natural light to grace your day and our amazing, picturesque balcony captivating the charming Airedale Valley making it perfect for those photography backdrops in your wedding album. With our very own dedicated Wedding planner included in all our packages to help you with every aspect of your day from preparing your flowers with our very own inhouse florist, the latest trends or helping you find local suppliers we can help you to unwrap the day you truly want here. We have a great selection of menus available in all our packages, including sample tasting to help you choose, using locally sourced fresh produce and a great selection of wines to compliment your meal. After your day has drawn in and the lights change creating that perfect romantic atmosphere you can toast in that first dance with our very own in-house DJ and dance the night away with all your guests and have a day that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Bradfordgolfclub.com | The Bradford Golf club, Hawksworth Lane, LS208NP | 01943875570 | events@bradfordgolfclub.co.uk

bliss

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES FLOWERS

BOUTIQUE

We chatted to the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big day’s vibe

Timeless romance

PICTURE THIS... A stately home or country manor house venue styled in a timeless fashion with a classic pastel colour palette. You can rest assured your wedding photos will never date and you can look back with no regrets... because you walked down the aisle in one of these gorgeous gowns.

Designer Sassi Holford Style Stephanie Find it at Bijou Bridal Boutique

Designer Watters Wtoo Style Dee with Bow Find it at In Love Club

Designer Willowby by Watters Style Olena Find it at The Little White Dress Company

Editor's tips

Our top tip for newly-engaged couples is to hit the wedding shows as soon as you can. It’s the best way to meet suppliers and assemble your W-day team. While you’re there, be sure to experience a catwalk show. It’ll help you find the inspiration you’ve been looking for from silhouettes, to fabrics and designers; as well as guiding you towards a boutique you might want to make an appointment with. It's best to start dress shopping a good 12 months ahead of the big day. On average it will take your dress at least 20 weeks to arrive after you order, and you'll need to factor in time for alterations after that.

Designer Adriana Alier Style Zuley Find it at Cristello Bridal

Designer Nikeen Asar Style Olivia Find it at In Love Club 61

Fashion-forward chic PICTURE THIS... An urban-chic, industrial venue or modern minimalist city setting. It’s a fashion-forward, black-tie affair, with an edgy vibe and oodles of white blooms with clean-cut greenery... and you walk down the aisle in one of these stunners.

Designer Serene by Madi Lane Style Flynn Find it at The Little White Dress Company

Designer Ronald Joyce Style Zilpah Find it at Cristello Bridal

Designer Bon Bride Style BB:05 Find it at In Love Club

Editor's tips

Think carefully about who you invite to join your shopping entourage. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, which will only lead to confusion and be less helpful than you'd hoped. Stick to the select few whose opinions you couldn't do without and they'll steer you right. It’s easy to get swept up in all the gorgeous gowns on offer, so how to avoid busting the budget and before that, how to settle on one? There’s a general rule of thumb out there on the internet that says you should allocate five to 10 per cent of your overall budget to the dress but it really does depend on what you feel comfortable with and whether this is one of your non-negotiable elements. We recommend above all that you’re realistic about what you want and the rest will fall into place. For example, if you have lots of detailing and heavy beading, an acceptance that this isn’t going to come cheap will stand you in good stead, it’s then up to you whether you want to compromise. Designer Kelsey Rose Bridal Style Raine Jacket Find it at The Little White Dress Company 62

Designer Sassi Holford Style Ella Find it at Bijou Bridal Boutique

www.bijoubridalboutique.com

Bijou Bridal Boutique

Charaya by Caroline Castigliano

bijouholmfirth

thelittlewhitedresscompany.co.uk hello@thelittlewhitedresscompany.co.uk

@littlewhitedresscompany

Bridal Gowns & Accessories "Pushing the boundaries of the conventional bridal style" Scarborough | North Yorkshire 01723 563273

sarahgoodbarn2020@gmail.com bridalhairby_bronte 07412 509750

Rustic radiance

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES FLOWERS

PICTURE THIS... An idyllic countryside barn setting, full to the brim with wistful styling features such as lace, hessian, wood, farmyard props, pampas grass, wildflowers and meadow-inspired arrangements... and you walk down the aisle in one of these beauties.

Editor's tips

Fear not, when you find the one all is not necessarily as we see it on TV with much arm flapping and tears. If you’re not the emotional sort, it’s unlikely you’ll suddenly start while you’re dress shopping, and that’s completely fine. Sometimes, it will simply be a case of weighing up your options and feeling satisfied with your decision. As long as you feel comfortable in that, there’s no reason to doubt it, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! The fun doesn’t end when you order your dress, as now you get to start shopping for your accessories. It’s generally recommended to do this after you’ve decided on your attire as it’s easier to make the jewellery work with the dress rather than the other way around. The right piece can elevate your look or solve any niggles you may have. Your choice can depend on your neckline, hairstyle and detail on your dress. Finally, to veil or not to veil, that is the question! Whether they be short, elbow, fingertip, knee, chapel, cathedral or royal length, statement veils are in as is personalisation, so whatever you do, don't dismiss it until you've tried it.

Designer Catherine Deane Style Tori (top), Tara (skirt) Find it at In Love Club

Designer Lilian West by Justin Alexander Style 66233 Find it at The Little White Dress Company

Boutique directory

BIJOU BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 58 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AZ www.bijoubridalboutique.com @bijoubridalboutique Psst... The boutique will be relocating in 2024 so keep your eyes out for the new address! CRISTELLO BRIDAL 6-10 St Mary's Street, Penistone, Sheffield S36 6DT www.cristellobridal.co.uk @CristelloBridal IN LOVE CLUB 23 Monor Square, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3AP www.inloveclub.co.uk @inloveclubbridal THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS COMPANY 35 Victoria Road, Scarborough, YO11 1SH www.thelittlewhitedresscompany.co.uk @littlewhitedresscompany Designer Ivory & Co by Sarah Bussey Style Meadow Rose (in blush) Find it at Bijou Bridal Boutique

Designer Adriana Alier Style Amelia Find it at Cristello Bridal 65

The Leggers Inn

We are a beautiful family run venue located on the Calder & Hebble navigation in Dewsbury. With our own boat yard and canal boat (which yes you can arrive on!) Think exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings and waterside views in a laid back rustic venue. We have a lot of beautiful outdoor space as well as indoor Function suites. Contact us via Facebook or Whatsapp to find out how we can help plan your dream Yorkshire wedding! TheLeggersInn

+447828394286

The Leggers Inn WF129BD

Fall into a fairytale world of flower girl dresses, denim jackets & accessories

www.theivylily.com

hello@theivylily.com | Insta: the.ivylily

FASHION

Dainty

DETAILS Say I do to these model looks

www.airebarcelona.com/en-gb 69

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www.josephinescott.co.uk

www.halfpennylondon.com 70

FASHION

www.almanovia.com/en 71

https://clairepettibone.com

www.alexandragrecco.com 72

https://miamiabridal.co.uk

www.hermionedepaula.com

FASHION

www.bridalweek.com

https://wearerewritten.com

www.madelinegardnernewyork.com/en

www.pronovias.com/gb/editorial/marchesa-for-pronovias

Japanese watch brand Orient has released a new design exclusively for the UK market. The Orient Mako Diver model features a rotating bezel with six grooves, along with a metal dial with a lustre finish. Solar battery charging is achieved through the three sundials, and luminous light is used for the numerals, indices and hands, allowing the time to be read even in the dark. Head over to www.orientwatch.co.uk for more information.

Eco-friendly jeweller Aurum has unveiled a new collection of rings. Featuring an array of lab-grown gems, the rings include precious stones, each set in 14K yellow or white gold. All of Aurum’s jewellery is made from recycled gold and silver, lab-grown diamonds and precious gems. The packaging is also sustainable and is crafted from renewable leaves and stones found on the beaches in Iceland. Visit www.aurumiceland.com for more information.

Grooms’ NEWS Grooms editor Melissa Cullen reveals the latest best buys and product launches

Luxury menswear designer Brahaan has released its newest collection. The company has meticulously crafted items that embody the perfect marriage of Italian finesse and Indian grandeur. Reinforcing the house’s fashion authority while capitalising on its rich heritage, its suits and tuxedos are a tribute to the artisanal excellence that Italy is well renowned for. “We’ve drawn inspiration from India’s rich cultural tapestry, infusing regal elements into every garment,” says the team at Brahaan. “From intricate embroidery to opulent textures, these pieces exude regality. Our designs seamlessly blend modern precision with traditional elements, creating a timeless look that’s perfect for formal occasions.” Discover more at www.brahaan.com

LANX designs and makes luxury footwear for men and women. New for 2023, the company is offering a bespoke tattooing service for your wedding shoes. Customise your shoes with the date of your special day, your new married name, or a heartfelt message. The tattoo artists at LANX will work with you to create a bespoke design that is personal to you. Check out www.lanxshoes.com for more information. ChloBo Man is a new jewellery collection from ChloBo Jewellery. Blending contemporary and essential styles, the collection was inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhism, a concept that focuses on a simple, clean, and uncluttered way of being. Encompassing some of the most mindful semi-precious stones, every piece of jewellery within this collection has been carefully crafted to house a hidden meaning. To see the full collection, visit www.chlobo.co.uk

The Moss Bros name goes back 172 years to when Moses Moss opened two stores in Covent Garden. With the company now offering much more than just formalwear, Moss Bros has decided to rebrand and be known simply as Moss. Brian Brick, the CEO, tells us: “Evolving and evaluating what the Moss brand stands for is essential. It serves the needs of our existing client base while at the same time enticing new customers who hadn’t considered us in the past. We have reimagined our product offering for the way our customers are living today. For AW23, we have released a collection that is stronger than ever and considerably more diverse.” For more information, visit www.moss.co.uk

YOUR WEDDING SPECIALIST

Premium Mens Tailoring to hire or purchase from leading brands including Hugo Boss, Wilvorst, Roy Robson & Remus Uomo. 40 - 44 Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL Tel: 01226 203891 13 - 17 Cross Square, Wakefield, WF1 1PQ Tel: 01924 372548 Email: info@frankbird.co.uk

WWW.FRANKBIRD.CO.UK

Don't Miss Your Opportunity to Book One of the UK's Best Wedding Photography Couples! Why Trust Us to tell your love story? Because 100's of other couples already have. Every couple pictures their wedding day to be perfect. A day full of love, laughter and joy all captured in beautiful images they will cherish forever. Yet, given the number of photographers, packages, and prices available, how do you choose the photographers that will provide you with both incredible photos and a truly personal experience? Your search is over! We take the uncertainty from your wedding planning and give you total confidence to create beautiful yet genuine memories. You will receive the photos you want and an experience you'll remember for all the right reasons. Simply put, we are as invested in your day as you! Get In Touch:

07413 002480 matthew@fitzpatrickphotography.co.uk

INTERVIEW

SKIN DEEP

Strictly Come Dancing star and Shakeup ambassador, Neil Jones reveals his skincare tips for grooms-to-be

ur grooms’ editor, Melissa Cullen, chatted with Strictly Come Dancing star and Shakeup ambassador, Neil Jones, to discuss male skincare. What do you suggest for grooms-to-be who are conscious about looking after their skin in the run-up to the big day? Research potential products and test them on a small part of your skin a few weeks before the wedding. If everything is good, work out a simple routine of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising, and try to add in a weekly mask to help get your skin in shape for the big day. Keep to a routine that works for you, and drink plenty of water, as it will help massively. On the big day, use a face spray to refresh the skin in case you get a bit hot and nervous. It’s also good at taking away any oiliness or shine. Do you have a skincare routine you would recommend? I always use a face wash, followed by a clarifying toner, serum and moisturiser. My routine is pretty straightforward, and it suits my skin and its needs. I use the Shakeup Face 4Ward Multi-Action Facial Wash, the brilliant Face 4Ward Pro-Youth Serum, and the trusty Hydrate in a Hurry Moisturising Stick. I’m also obsessed with the Shakeup Age Def-Eye Instant Lifting Eye Cream. With a new baby and a Strictly schedule, it’s certainly helping me look like I’ve had a good night’s sleep when I haven’t. Throughout the day, I use a moisturiser or

face spray to keep my skin soft and hydrated, and then in the evening, I follow the same process. A couple of nights a week, I like to use the You Do the Mask Purifying Clay Mask from Shakeup to help banish any buildup and blemishes. Tell us about your own healthy living regime. How do you stay fit and healthy in between series and tours? Well, honestly, this is something I struggled with in the past, as you just want to rest and recover. But now I’m finding that the best way to recover is with active recovery, which means I continue in the gym but with strength and mobility because my body needs to be able to move. I’m a big ice and cold-water therapy fan, as I find it helps with my blood flow, and mental state, so I take regular ice baths and daily cold showers. I’ve also decided to reduce sugar in my life, but I’ll still have the occasional cake or dessert but no soft drinks. I now drink a lot of tea, black and herbal, plus matcha and as much water as I can, but I’ve never really indulged in alcohol or coffee. Eating the right foods gives our body the vital fuel it needs, and knowing what ingredients are in them and asking where they came from is just as important. You can still have a hamburger, but it’s about the quality. People are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment; how can we choose products that are environmentally friendly but still good for our skin? Great question, and one I am excited and passionate about. I truly feel that if we eat and

shop more locally, it will have a massive positive impact. I know this is not always possible, but I try to search for a local farm or farmer’s shop, butcher or baker. I’m also looking into how I use my garden because we can grow so much of the food that we use to cook. It’s all about using what we have. Nature provides food in its own protective packaging, so don’t buy it if it’s in extra cellophane. Just one step at a time, day by day, small changes can help. What products couldn’t you live without? Without a doubt, it’s the Shakeup Hydrate in a Hurry Moisturising Stick – it’s an essential, and I also can’t live without my Murdock Beard Moisturiser. The new Shakeup Age Def-Eye Instant Lifting Eye Cream is also a must. It’s helping tackle those eye bags and dark circles I have right now! How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst the pressures of a hectic schedule? It’s really hard, but it’s all about discipline, preparation and balance. Plan your meals and prepare them because you can’t make decisions when you’re hungry or tired. Get enough good-quality sleep and spend as much time as you can being happy with loved ones. Is there anything you can suggest to calm the stress levels during wedding planning? A cold shower! It helps you feel less stressed and brings your blood pressure down. Shakeup products are available from www.shakeupcosmetics.com and www.amazon.co.uk 77

WINTER WARMER

The latest launch from clean fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn is here to warm you up this winter. A love letter to the brand’s home of NYC, Apple Love is the ultimate cosy gourmand fragrance. A grown-up apple scent, it’s fruity yet sensual opening with a burst of juicy apple, before smoothly transitioning into a symphony of peach skin, muguet, plum blossom, sugar cane, and vanilla. If Carrie Bradshaw had a signature scent, this would be it! £110, https://e-scents.co.uk

BODY BEAUTIFUL

Dive into luxury with Nadaya’s Body Blitz Oil, a sublime fusion of nourishing ingredients designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Enriched with natural extracts, to smooth and tone dry, stressed skin and visibly improve skin tone, it’s 100 per cent natural, vegan certified, cruelty-free and made in the UK. £45, https://www.naydaya.com

Beauty BUZZ

Get the look with the latest must-haves

FRUITY FRESHNESS

RETINOL FOR BEGINNERS

Say hello to Q+A’s NEW Retinol Facial Serum. Expertly formulated with a gentle, low-irritation grade of 0.2 per cent retinoid, it’s still strong enough to deliver incredible youthboosting results but without sacrificing your skin. Perfect for long-time retinol users or anyone just starting out, the formula also includes the soothing benefits of bisabolol to help keep irritation to a minimum and nourishing squalane to prevent skin feeling tight or dry. Q+A’s first ever retinol product, its designed to prevent and correct early signs of ageing, uneven tone, and hyperpigmentation, all while leaving you with a plump and glowing complexion. £12, www.qandaskin.com 78

Time to say goodbye to dull, tired-looking skin and hello to a brighter, hydrated and poreless-looking complextion that glows with Ciaté London Watermelon Burst Hydrating Primer. Its skin-loving ingredients combat dehydration combined with an ultra-lightweight texture that glides on. Not only does it provide the perfect base for your foundation, its caring ingredients help nourish and brighten throughout the day. £24, www.ciatelondon.com

MULTI-TASKING MOISTURE

Discover the award-winning rich, creamy, skin glowing pots from Elemental Herbology. Based on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, the brand sources the highest quality, natural ingredients and combines them with the latest technologies to bring your skin the ultimate nutrition. The Cell Plumping Moisturiser is formulated for even the most sensitive skin, leaving it plump and healthy. Made with royal jelly, CoQ10 and evening primrose it supports collagen and elastin production, boosts elasticity and protects from free radical damage. £55, www.elementalherbology.com

BEAUTY NEWS

TIME TO SHINE

With TikTok searches for glass hair on the up and up, Hair Proud has released its new Glass Hair Heat Activated Smoothing Shine Spray helping you to achieve your #glassgoals. Reflect the ultimate look in one easy step and achieve the shine’n’smooth combo for healthy, happy looking hair that, as a bride, will help you outshine the rest! £8.95, www.iamproud.com

GET FRESH

A fresh new prospect for your beatuy routine, Ringana’s new FRESH Cleansing Water contains micelles, formed by mild sugar tensides, that envelop and remove accumulated dirt helping to minimise blocked pores. The oil-free formulation is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly good for skin that’s oily. It can be rinsed off after application or left on to do its work. £21.92, www.ringana.com

REGENERATE AND REVITALISE

Scan to view video

myBlend is a new luxury cosmetic brand offering a vision of beauty that harnesses the power of three synergies: nutri, derma and tech to deliver personalised solutions and results for your skin’s needs. I recently got the chance to pop along to H-Beauty to try the fuss-free concise new line of products featuring 95 per cent natural ingredients and focusing on skin regeneration. I love the premium, yet uncomplicated nature of the brand allowing you to choose your easy-to-understand routine tailored for you by the website’s skin diagnostic tool. A core combination of moisturiser and serum will get you ready to face the day in double quick time. There’s one product that I immediately knew you guys would love though, and that’s the Glow Fluid (£65). A must-have for the no make-up make-up look, its lightweight, pearlescent texture wraps the skin in a veil of light and makes it glow as well as caring for its microbiota. I’m in love! Click play to follow my facial from Harrods’ very own facialist, Jessica, and find out more about the products. Also, check out https://my-blend.co.uk

SILKY SMOOTH

My latest beauty obsession is the SBC Hydra-Collagen Moisturising Gel. The brand’s best-selling water-gel has been used by professionals for more than 30 years. Loved by all for its versatility, it can be used on the face or body. It’s a dream on my dry legs, and soaks straight in leaving my skin soft and silky, so I can get dressed right away, even with tights! From £9, https://sbcskincare.co.uk

SLEEP WELL

This Works has introduced its new deep sleep 5% retinoid complex, a potent yet gentle formula clinically proven to target fine lines and wrinkles, firm, and boost the skin while you sleep. It boasts the brand’s 100 per cent natural Deep Sleep Functional Fragrance of calming lavender, camomile, and vetivert, proven in fMRI brain imaging to help encourage relaxation and calm the mind before sleep. £32, www.thisworks.com

AU NATURALE

FFØR’s new Re:Bond Mask is a natural alternative to Olaplex, and this intensive leave-in treatment does it all – strengthening hair from the inside out. The vegan and 90 per cent naturally derived formulation nourishes, reinforces, and continues the strengthening process following chemical treatments, while smoothing the cuticle and creating a barrier from UV damage and urban pollution. £60, www.fforhair.com

PURPLE PASSION

A bold new fragrance from Sol de Janeiro, Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist is a gorgeous woody gourmand fragrance with notes of vanilla orchid, sugared violet and sheer sandalwood. £35 for 240ml or £22 for 90ml , www.spacenk.com/uk 79

Beauty

Q&A

Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals

EXFOLIATE LIKE A PRO!

HAIR TODAY

I’ve heard that exfoliation is important, particularly at this time of year, but how often do I need to and how do I know if I’ve over done it?

What hairstyles will be popular with brides in 2024?

Faye Purcell, head of research and development at skincare brand Q+A (www.qandaskin.com) says: Exfoliation is brilliant for achieving radiant, fresh, and flake-free skin however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate. How often you do it depends on your skin type but as a rule of thumb, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. A great entry level AHA product for all skin types is the Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner, £8. Containing glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, it brightens, balances, hydrates and reduces skin congestion in a few swipes. With continued use, it can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily but if your skin is dry, you may need to do so just once a week or if oilier you could benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. I’d suggest using a gentle formula like the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, £8.50, once, or twice a week as it’s highly effective at buffing the skin but is also packed with skin soothing ingredients. Whether you need to exfoliate in the morning or evening depends on the ingredient you’re using. A chemical exfoliator, like an AHA should be used at night, as they can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. The same goes with retinol. Start with a thorough face cleanse to decongest your pores and create a clean canvas, then move on to your chemical exfoliator but always take care to follow the usage instructions. If it’s a toner or a serum, usually there’s no need to wash off. Follow with a barrierprotecting moisturiser. A physical exfoliator can be used in the morning. Work a 10p-sized amount into skin gently in circular motions, so as not to drag or tear. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel. Follow with a daily moisturiser, and always apply your SPF. If your skin looks or feels red or irritated, you could have over done it. You may think that harsh, gritty, or strong formulas will work faster giving you quicker results, but they can do more harm than good. As with any skincare, always follow the instructions. If it says leave the product on for one minute and rinse, don’t leave it on for 10! Go low and slow – lower inclusions of exfoliating ingredients gradually introduced into your regime can still have a big impact. When using any exfoliator, it’s vital to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells makes the skin underneath more prone to sun damage so don’t skimp on this important step.

Sarah Goodbarn from Bridal Hair by Bronte (www.facebook.com/sarah.weddinghair) says: It can be a challenge to pick a hair style for your wedding day, after all this is one of the biggest days of your life, your hair will be in all the photos, videos and in this day and age, social media. So, you’ll want to feel proud of your choice when you look back. Take into consideration your hair texture and length, are you wanting a veil, a head dress or will you keep it simple? It’s sometimes not an easy choice, so this is where I can help to guide you into making the right choice. For 2024, I’m noticing a lot of my brides are really wanting the undone look, a very natural bridal up do with cascading curls and waves with plenty of movement. This look can bring the essence of romance and class to your vibe. I also really love the cascading mermaid braid. My lovely brides who choose this look tend to want a bohemian style with a timeless and elegant feel. Intertwined ribbon or hair vines can complement this particular style well. Always remember, it’s important to feel like you on your wedding day. Your look has to reflect who you are as a person and also the feel of what you want to achieve for your big day.

Castle Grove’s central location and stunning interior make for a memorable venue for any wedding. Our function rooms accommodate both ceremonies and dining, from smaller, intimate gatherings, to larger parties of up to 150 guests. With a choice of unique spaces, alongside in-house catering and a private bar, Castle Grove could be the perfect venue for your wedding. To discover more, request a brochure, or talk to a member of our experienced events team who look forward to welcoming you.

www.castlegrovemasonichall.co.uk Moor Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 4BP | 0113 275 2526

HA IR | B EAUTY | MAKEUP | TRAINING

An exclusive Salon based in the beautiful market town of Bawtry, South Yorkshire. We offer hair, makeup, beauty, skincare and aesthetic services. Not only are we a commercial salon, we also offer qualified courses through our accredited training academy, approved by the Awarding Body, VTCT. We have a team of professionals, each with an abundance of experience offering a range of high quality, professional services and treatments. We want our clients to look and feel fabulous and embrace The Creative Quarter experience, this is something we carry into our bridal work whether it be in salon or on location. With over 10 years experience in the wedding industry, we pride ourselves on providing a personal and professional service from start to finish. Our bridal services range from hair and makeup, to helping with corsages on the wedding morning, it’s the little parts of our job which make it so memorable and special. With our years of experience, we have friends in every aspect of the wedding industry, and love to collaborate on photo shoots and editorial work. This gives us all the opportunity to really express our creativity as well as working along side industry professionals. Anna Boyes from @Theblondeandtheblooms had this to say on one of our recent collaborations, “The ability to see things differently is everything, The Ethereal Autumn concept was created with the modern bride in mind. Our aim as a designer is to create breath taking, bespoke experiences.” Holly from @ hollystonesweddings shot this concept and was really able to capture it perfectly. Working alongside wedding industry professionals to create images like these is something we love doing, and gives us a level of creativity which we then carry into our everyday work. Photo credit : @hollyroseweddings Florist: @theblondeandtheblooms Dress: holmes&co | Venue : Carlton towers Hair and makeup : Jess & Billie @thecreativequarter

Bridal makeup artist based in Sheffield, travels UK/destination. Over 15 years of creating beautiful bespoke wedding makeup so that you look and feel your very best!

makeupbypacha@hotmail.com

@makeupbypacha

Photo Credits: Marie Anson photography, Lizzie McNeil photography, and SL Photo and film.

SKINCARE 101 with Adele O ’Donoghue

Holistic therapist and SBC Skincare’s head of education shares her ultimate guide to wedding-prep skincare

dele O’Donoghue has gained more than 20 years’ experience working in the skincare industry, which for her all began when she trained as a holistic therapist. During her time practising the valuable techniques she learned, she felt a passion to share her practical, relatable and affordable beauty tips, which is just what she gets to do as a regular guest presenter at QVC and TVSN. Plus, as head of education for SBC Skincare she strives to ensure the brand brings relatable conversations to the forefront, ensuring everyone feels understood

and included. So, who better to turn to for advice on handling wedding stress and the toll that can take on your body, as well as on achieving that flawless complexion in time for the big day? Beauty and wellness editor Kelly Andrews quizzed Adele in search of answers. What do you love about SBC, what makes it different? SBC is a small independent British skincare brand that has an exceptional reputation within the industry. We’ve been supplying skincare solutions to the professionals for over 30 years. The trust and reputation we’ve built over that time makes me extremely proud. Every formula is made in small batches in the UK, which gives us complete ingredient traceability and quality control. SBC Skincare remains an affordable, luxurious brand with exceptional customer loyalty built upon results. What are your top skincare tips for our brides-to-be? Wherever possible, begin to take care of your skin and wellbeing sooner rather than later. Don’t make dramatic last-minute changes a few weeks before your wedding that may cause a reaction. Great results don’t rely on one facial the week before your wedding but on consistent care over a longer period until you’re glowing on your day. Try to cut out overly processed foods too. Eat a diet rich in colourful vegetables and fruits, as well as protein, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Great skincare starts from within so eat your skin beautiful. How can holistic therapy help with wedding planning fatigue and stress? Holistic therapy doesn’t have to be complex or reserved for expensive retreats. Simply having an awareness that our everyday rituals including the small habits and thought patterns could have an impact on our emotional and physical wellbeing can improve our stress levels. Taking the time to understand your own personal stress triggers and circumstances can help you to adjust to a demanding lifestyle. Changes to diet and sleep habits will improve energy levels and by prioritising yourself in these ways, your self-worth, mental clarity, and confidence will improve. 82

Breakouts are a common side effect of stress. How can we prevent and treat these so as not to jeopardise the look of wedding make-up? Try to prevent stress by introducing some self-care practices. Ensure that some of your daily exercise includes mindful stretching and meditation, yoga is always a great choice. If you have time before your wedding, try introducing a retinol into your regime. Considered the gold standard of skin care, retinols accelerate cell turnover to reveal fresher, younger skin cells and decrease congestion. Always apply in the evening followed by a broad-spectrum SPF the following day. Regular facials aren’t always within budget. Can you recommend a daily at-home self-care/skincare regime to perfect the complexion in time for the big day? You can most definitely achieve great results at home, make sure your basic regime is consistent. Always cleanse thoroughly morning and night, apply broad-spectrum SPF during the day and a daily moisturiser regardless of your skin type. Protecting your natural barrier is key to achieving healthy strong skin so look for ceremides, lipids and antioxidants within your skincare formulas. You can upgrade to salon-worthy skin care by introducing a weekly mask. I’d recommend SBC Hydra-Collagen Clay Mask to purify the skin, while combatting fine lines. To quench thirsty skin, apply one of SBC’s Moisturising Gels: Hydra-Collagen, Hyaluronic, or Propolis & White Willow for example. Use a thick layer to tackle specific concerns while hydrating thirsty skin. What are the biggest trends in skincare at the moment and what’s your favourite? I prefer proven results rather than trends, but I’m delighted to see a return to the clean skin aesthetic. I would, however, urge you not to feel under pressure to achieve flawless skin. Remember that your skin is the most incredible vital organ and feeling comfortable within it and learning to love your own is the real success. Enjoying the process of massaging your skin helps to energise and uplift you before your day begins, and think about just how therapeutic a deep cleanse can be at the end of the day. It all helps us to clear our minds and decompress.

BEAUTY INTERVIEW

Can effective skincare have an impact on mood and stress reduction? Feeling comfortable within your skin will affect your mood and stress levels, particularly if you’re suffering with a skin concern such as sensitivity or irritation. Finding a regime that not only suits your skin but brings back radiance and health is essential for your confidence. As we’re in the midst of winter, how can we protect and treat skin for the ravages of the season? Winter brings different challenges to our skin. The most important thing you can do to protect it is to apply a broad-spectrum SPF regardless of the weather. UV rays are around us 365 days a year and UVA rays that are present in light penetrate deeper into the epidermis where they disrupt the production of collagen and elastin.Look for skin care containing nourishing and repairing ingredients, such as propolis, rosehip oil and hyaluronic acid to protect and maintain the skin’s natural barrier that may be compromised by harsh winter stresses. Dry and stressed skin can really benefit from the addition of a balm, such as the Propolis & Honey Rescue Balm. Finally, indulge in some winter habits you’ll love! Our Arnica & Sandalwood Muscle Soak creates a warming cocoon to soak cold, tired muscles with a beautifully comforting aromatic.

unsettled, but a well-established sleep regime will really help. SBC’s Night Rituals range is formulated with a luxurious sleep-inducing fragrance and enriched with magnesium and silk proteins. Wedding gowns with plunging necklines and open backs are on trend at the moment. What can brides do to make sure skin shown off looks its best. Exfoliation is the skincare key to that vital glow! SBC’s Glycolic Serum is a lightweight body moisturiser that contains a carefully balanced blend of AHA’s to gently remove the dry, dull skin cells on the surface of the skin to reveal fresh, young, and plump skin cells. It also helps to prep before any hair removal, preventing in growing hairs, and of course, if your thing is using self-tan, it will ensure a radiant finish. What product can’t you live without in your beauty kit? SBC Hydra-Collagen Replenishing Cream Cleanser. Nothing else in your regime will work to optimum levels without an effective, respectful cleanser. I love the texture of the nourishing cream that leaves my skin soft and hydrated. Everything else works far better with a great base. CHECK OUT... https://sbcskincare.co.uk www.instagram.com/adeleodskincare

Dry, oily or combination skin. Complexions don’t always fit into one of these tidy boxes. Is it possible to tailor a regime to suit the specific needs of an individual’s skin? While it’d be great if life were that simple, we know it rarely is. Don’t feel the need to commit to one whole skincare range but choose your serum to tackle and visibly change your main concern such as pigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles. Look for textures that suit your skin type with specific actives that relate to your skin’s needs and finally, find formulas you can afford to change according to the season and hormonal fluctuations. How can we achieve that sought after bridal glow on the morning of? Try to set a healthy sleeping pattern at least a couple of months before your wedding, it really is one of the most important factors to ensure you’re caring for both your emotional and physical wellbeing. We understand that sleep the night before your wedding may be a little 83

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A song of sun AND SEA

HONEYMOON

County Wedding Magazines’ editor Melissa Cullen reveals why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination

hilst I sit here in mid-October wrapped up in a blanket, jumper, and thermal socks, my mind can’t help but wander back to earlier in the year when I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia. Ideal for those of you who are looking for a city break and a beach-side destination, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination with everything you need for the perfect honeymoon.

ARRIVE IN STYLE My Dubrovnik adventure began bright and early in the morning when I was whisked away to the airport by a private taxi from Jayride. My driver arrived ahead of schedule, picking me up in a luxury vehicle; his friendly demeanour made the journey fly by and, before I knew it, we’d arrived at our destination London Gatwick Airport. A pleasant three-hour flight later, via easyJet, I’d arrived in Croatia ready to begin my adventure in earnest. I couldn’t wait to visit the filming locations for Game of Thrones, having been an avid fan of the TV series for years, and to see what other delights the city had to offer.

A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD A brief drive from the airport and I’d arrived at my accommodation, Valamar Tirena Hotel. Perfectly situated near the beach and the Old Town, the four-star resort has everything I look for in a holiday: culture, friendly staff and luxurious rooms. There are over 208 bedrooms to choose from, many with seaside views, and I was pleased to find mine had a king-sized bed, impressive views and a walk-in rainfall shower – I could have happily spent most of my trip just in the bedroom.

you also have access to the venue’s sister hotels, home to delicious restaurants and my favourite area, the Balance Mediterranean Spa by Valamar. Located inside the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, the spa had all the luxuries you’d expect, such as a steam bath, saunas, a Vitality bar, a relaxation lounge and both indoor and outdoor pools. I spent most of my time by the indoor pool, surrounded by spacious loungers, I loved curling up with a good book and enjoying the peace and quiet. Losing track of time, I’d almost drifted off to sleep when the lovely masseuse came to collect me for my massage. I’ve suffered from neck ache for years, probably due to having a desk job, so I always jump at the chance to have a treatment. Feeling my worries (and knots!) drift away, the masseuse did a wonderful job and 35-minutes later I felt like a new person.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Amongst my friends and family, it’s no secret that I’m a fussy eater, and I often feel overwhelmed when eating at a restaurant; so, I was a bit apprehensive when I arrived for lunch at Oliva Grill, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant by the pool. In hindsight, I feel silly as the menu had so many mouth-watering options that I wanted to try them all. I opted for the carbonara pasta, which was delicious, and I couldn’t wait to come back another day to try the tuna steak that I saw several other diners enjoying profusely. For dinner, the Valamar Tirena’s buffet restaurant is a must-try. I love a buffet, but it’s hard to know when to stop, and that was the exact problem I found myself having each evening. Everything looked so appetising that I had to try it all. Naturally, I also found space for a dessert…or two.

REST AND RELAXATION

FUN IN THE SUN

One of the best things about staying at the Valamar Tirena Hotel is that

Before arriving in Croatia, one of the things I was most excited about was

Dubrovnik’s largest play area – Maro World. Ideal for all age groups, it has everything from interactive games, trampolines, and softplay zones to gaming lounges filled with all the latest tech. I felt like a kid in a sweet shop wandering around the 13 different play areas and was very tempted to take my shoes off and try the slides out for myself. With highly trained staff on-site, you can relax knowing your children are taken care of while you enjoy some me-time by the pool, or treat yourself to a spa treatment. Or if you’re a big kid like me, you can even join in with the fun and challenge your kids to a whole host of games and activities. I couldn’t wait to tell my nephews all about Maro World and I have promised to bring them for a visit soon.

A SEA OF DREAMS After spoiling my inner child, it was time to venture out and explore Dubrovnik and what better way than by boat? The marina was a short drive away, and before I knew it, I was on a private vessel heading around the Elaphiti Islands. These magnificent islands are a wonder to behold and as with many stunning locations, the pictures don’t quite do them justice. Jetting around the islands, our boat’s captain chose the perfect spot to drop anchor, giving us an opportunity to swim with the many fish that call the Adriatic Sea home. Diving near the awe-inspiring reefs and caves is a must for anyone visiting the area and is one of the many highlights of my trip.

HISTORIC WONDERS Old Town is an essential destination for anyone visiting Dubrovnik, but the best way to travel, in my humble opinion, is by electric tuk tuk. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the vehicle arrived at our hotel, but before I knew it, we were careering through the streets and mountains of Croatia. Our kind driver even stopped at Dubrovnik Bridge to give the group a moment to snap some pictures and stand in awe of the impressive architecture. With the wind in my hair and the sun beating down on me, I found myself wishing to live in that moment forever. Old Town was everything that I had imagined it to be, with streets steeped in a rich history, I could imagine various Game of Thrones characters scheming around every corner! Our guide told us about Croatia’s past, showing us the beautiful buildings and

introducing the group to friendly locals and what I’d been waiting for: Fort Lovrijenac (AKA King’s Landing!). I must have taken a hundred pictures of Old Town, but looking back, I don’t feel any of them really came close to capturing its beauty; it’s truly a location that needs to be seen to be believed. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we were escorted to a cable car, which elevated us up to Srđ Mountain. Providing impressive views of Old Town and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, the sights were breathtaking. Situated at the top of the 415-metre-high mountain was Panorama Restaurant. A highly desired location, the restaurant not only has the views in its favour, but the food and drink were also spectacular. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have visited this picturesque setting, and I would highly recommend the location to anyone thinking of visiting Dubrovnik.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY For the evening’s entertainment, I was treated to a performance of a musical rendition of Around the World in Eighty Days, written by Jules Verne and performed at Lovrijenac Fort in the Old Town. Having never read the book and knowing a little about the plot, I was excited and interested to see how the story had been translated into a musical. Commissioned especially for the Dubrovnik audience, the play was full of slapstick comedy, catchy tunes and fabulous acting; it was a joy to watch and the perfect way to finish my last day. Lovrijenac Fort hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s showing when you visit. A short taxi trip back to the hotel, and a couple of drinks later, it was time to hit the sheets. I awoke the next morning dreading checking out. I wanted to spend longer in my little piece of paradise and was heartbroken to be leaving. I’m looking forward to returning with my husband and showing him just how wonderful this city truly is.

HONEYMOON BLISS Whether you’re looking for a relaxing honeymoon, an on-the-go adventure or a family-moon, the Valamar Hotels have something to suit. There’s plenty to see and do across the different properties that will leave you wanting to move there permanently.

BOOK IT Valamar Tirena Hotel, www.valamar.com/en/hotels-dubrovnik/tirena-hotel Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel, www.valamar.com/en/hotels-dubrovnik/valamar-dubrovnik-president-hotel Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, www.valamar.com/en/hotels-dubrovnik/valamar-lacroma-dubrovnik-hotel easyJet, www.easyjet.com/en Holiday Extras, www.holidayextras.com Jayride, www.Jayride.com Eco Tuk Tours Dubrovnik, www.ecotuktoursdu.hr Dubrovnik Boat Charter, www.dubrovnikboatcharter.com Panorama Restaurant, www.nautikarestaurants.com/panorama-restaurant-bar Dubrovnik Cable Car, www.dubrovnikcablecar.com Midsummer Scene Theatre and Music, www.midsummer-scene.com 86

HONEYMOON REVIEW

Viva España! Kelly Andrews experiences the finer side of life at Hostal de La Gavina in Spain’s Costa Brava

y name is Kelly, I’m 42 years old, British and I’ve never been to Spain. Never. How did I manage to miss out on the quintessential Brits abroad destination? Probably because that exact connotation was all I’d ever seen of Spain: Ibiza, 18-30 holidays, and all that jazz. It didn’t appeal. How wrong was I? Let me tell you, the breathtakingly beautiful Costa Brava could not be further from all of that. Having been on my first adventure to sunny Spain recently, I’m happy to report it’s now my most beloved part of the world, which I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to honeymooners, and here’s why...

THE GOLDEN AGE OF LUXURY Nestled between two secluded bays on the Costa Brava, Spain’s less trodden coastline, S’Agaro’s Hostal de La Gavina sings with elegance, luxury and old-world glamour from every corner. Since opening in 1932, the hotel has been patronised by stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age including Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne and Peter Sellers; and, for me at least, evokes memories of classics such as To Catch A Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Indeed, Pandora starring Ava Gardner, Suddenly Last Summer starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mr Arkadin by Orson Welles were all shot here. With 74 suites and rooms with sweeping views over the Mediterranean, its effortless style and second-to-none hospitality will give you a honeymoon to remember. Comfortably ensconced in one of the hotel’s 11 superior rooms, I was very much taken with its Mediterranean romance. The balcony terrace and its breathtaking view is something I’ll never forget. From the moment I arrived and swung open the doors, I sat there looking out to sea and would quite happily still be there now. It was definitely the most difficult farewell when the time came to leave. For two honeymooners enjoying breakfast here, surely there could be nothing better. The glorious shining jewel in the hotel’s crown though is the Royal Suite,

which has played host to Spanish royalty, celebs and honeymooners alike. Stepping through its doors is akin to entering a stately home. Designed in spectacular Louis XV style, the walls are adorned with wood and silks, while Sevres vases, only otherwise found in the Louvre, decorate the alcoves. The opulent, genuine Bohemian candle-glass chandelier is the sitting room’s centrepiece and looms large above the decorative marble floor. Of course, the large terrace spanning the width of the suite is a highlight, complete with loungers and patio set ready and waiting for lazy days sipping champagne and enjoying a bite to eat. The first free moment I got during the trip, not caring a jot for the rain (which we brought with us from Blighty) I made a beeline for the outdoor, seawater pool. I’d been excited to take a dip from the moment I arrived. Bobbing along alone in the bracingly icy, buoyant waters, looking out over the bay at sunset was an experience of sheer bliss. Of course, during the warmer months with the sun beating down on it, the pool will offer you yet another vibe, but this was heavenly for me! Alongside the pool, facing the Med, is the Gavina Spa. Its privileged indoor swimming area boasts magnificent views over the bay of S’Agaro along with a Jacuzzi, two spaces for massages and treatments, plus saunas and a small gym room.

A FOODIE’S PARADISE In nearby Girona, there are no fewer than 18 Michelin stars held between 12 restaurants, including one with three, and Hostal de La Gavina is very much part of that local foodie culture. Indeed, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Candlelight, is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Romain Fornell. Renowned for its exquisite haute cuisine menu, the restaurant combines tradition and modernity in its beautifully tranquil setting where candles flicker and piano music fills the air. I had the privileged opportunity to try the eight-course Spring Collection tasting menu, which was utterly unforgettable. Dishes included white asparagus, beurre blanc

Scan to view video

and caviar; tortellini of langoustine and foie with Nantua cream; and squab in two firings with souffle potatoes. All was expertly paired with unbelievable wine selections by the knowledgeable sommelier. Equally unmissable is La Taverna del Mar, located on the beach of Sant Pol, just a two-minute walk from the hotel. Let’s be clear, seafood is a big deal here, as it is for the region as a whole, and this eatery will bring you the freshest and very best. It was here I discovered Catalonian delicacy sonsos, or Mediterranean sand eel. Fried and crispy it’s delicious served with a chilled glass of local white wine. Plus, the serving of wild sea bass in a sea salt crust is a wonderful piece of theatre, not to mention the perfect way to cook fish. It’s also well worth trying Galician clams and red tuna tartare. In fact, whatever the experts suggest, trust me, go with it. I’ve never eaten seafood like it and given the restaurant’s partnership with local fisherman to deliver the freshest fare, I likely never will again. For a lighter meal in between dips, head to poolside restaurant Garbi. Its light and healthy menu offers many of the delights found in the renowned Mediterranean diet. The paella here is to die for!

on Carrer Ciutadans. For dessert the final stop was the oh-so quirky, Wonkaesque Rocambolesc Gelerateria. As I was visiting during Girona’s Temp de Flors (Flower Festival) they were offering new floral flavours created especially for the occasion, which had to be tasted! If you’re a wine enthusiast, a little further out of town you’ll find Clos d’Agon (https://closdagon.com), a 15th-century vineyard based around a picturesque historical farmhouse. Hostal de La Gavina has recently partnered with it to offer guests exclusive wine experiences. I met the estate’s Nora for a fascinating tour, where I learned of the vineyard’s own micro climate, which allows it to be ecological as the wind clears the humidity creating the perfect environment for its fruit. The grapes are all picked by hand so only the best ones get through at harvest time allowing the passionate winemakers, such as Miguel, to make award-winning wines. Although the aforementioned wet weather didn’t permit us to, you do have the chance to idyllically picnic among the vines, as you indulge in a glass of the wonderful Clos d’Agon Valmaña wine with cheese and charcuterie board.

OUT AND ABOUT

TAKE IN THE VIEW

Just one hour north of Barcelona and half an hour from beautiful Girona, Hostal de La Gavina is excellently appointed for exploring the Costa Brava. I headed into the medieval city of Girona for a culinary tour and thoroughly recommend a visit. Catalans are quite rightly very proud of their local dishes and delicacies, and during the tour I had the opportunity to sample many of them. If you’re in town, do seek out a xiuxiu for breakfast. Made from an old Girona recipe these sweet treats can only be found in the city and its surroundings. When in Catalonia it’s virtually impossible not to try some jamon (Iberico ham), unless of course you’re vegetarian or vegan in which case there’s no shortage of equally divine alternative local bites. Served with some Manchego cheese or perhaps some local Catalan goat’s cheese and a glass of Cava it’s a real treat. I became addicted in a very short space of time! Girona was originally a city of traders, which is a heritage still evident in the city’s food markets. With vegetables at least three times the size of anything I’d ever seen before and more fresh fish than you could ever dream of finding in your local Morrisons – anchovies, cod tartare, sonsos – they’re worth looking in on. Paella is of course a must-have in Spain, but if you get the chance, do try Catalan speciality Fideua, made from short noodles instead of rice. Packed so full of flavour, you won’t be happy until you’ve finished the dish! I stopped at L’Arròs &... for mine, an intimate seafood restaurant

For days when you’re looking to stay a little closer to base, the Cami de Ronda coastal path (www.camideronda.com) runs alongside Hostal de La Gavina. The entire 43-kilometre stretch would take around two days to walk in its entirety, but you can enjoy a gentle stroll in stretches however you wish. I thoroughly enjoyed a short 30-minute stint along the bay, with it’s breathtaking views of S’Agaro, the Mediterranean and the historical hotel with its folly, a particular treat first thing in the morning. So, there you have it. The Costa Brava is an idyllic corner of the world, a paradise for foodies, wine lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the luxurious surroundings, or set out on an adventure to explore the region, Catalonia has so much to offer and Hostal de La Gavina is a dream of a base.

FIND OUT MORE Rates at La Gavina start from €280 (approx. £239) per night for a Classic Room, including breakfast, and from €380 (approx. £324) per night for a Superior Double Seaview Room, including breakfast. Hostal de La Gavina, Plaça Roserar s/n, 17248 S’Agaró (Costa Brava), Girona, Spain www.lagavina.com +34 972 32 1100 gavina@lagavina.com

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Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding venue? Look no further than Blackton Grange Estate! This stunning celebration estate is all about creating memories and spending time with loved ones. With full exclusivity of the estate for two nights or more, you can tailor your wedding to your individual needs. And unlike many wedding venues, there are no packages or corkage fees, and you have 100% flexibility to choose your own food and drink suppliers. One of the best things about Blackton Grange Estate is that it is entirely your own. You won’t have to share the space with anyone else, meaning you can truly make it your own. Set within 11 acres of Designated Dark Skies Wilderness, in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s the perfect place to celebrate life’s biggest milestones. The newly renovated farmhouse on the estate can accommodate up to 18 guests, so you can keep your loved ones close by throughout your celebration. And to make your day as stress-free as possible, Blackton Grange Estate comes with a dedicated coordinator who will help ensure everything runs smoothly. Prices start from just £4,200 for a 2 day/night hire, which includes full exclusive use of the estate, luxury farmhouse accommodation for up to 18 guests, a licensed wedding barn with ceremony space for 70, dining space for 70 evening party space for 90, and a personal wedding coordinator. And as a dry hire venue, you have complete control over every aspect of your event, from the food to the decor to the entertainment. This means you can make your special day truly unique and save money by choosing your own vendors and avoiding any hidden fees from the venue. At Blackton Grange Estate, every story deserves a happily ever after. Contact us today to start planning your dream celebration and make your special day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Blackton Grange Estate, Baldersdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 9UX Facebook: BlacktonGrangeEstate Instagram: BlacktonGrangeEstate Email: weddings@blacktongrange.co.uk Web : www.blacktongrange.co.uk

HONEYMOON

Parisian elegance

Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, Le Bristol Paris is everything you could dream of from a once in a lifetime visit to La Ville-Lumière, The City of Light. Rachel Westall checks it out...

f a honeymoon with the wow factor is what you’re after, you’ve found it. The iconic Le Bristol Paris is located at one of the city’s most prestigious addresses on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel opened in April 1925, when the roaring twenties were in full swing. During that carefree and prosperous era, Paris attracted all the big movers and shakers from the worlds of culture and fashion: think Balenciaga, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Picasso, Mondrian and Dali. Over the years, famous clients have continued to parade through the doors of Le Bristol Paris: from Rita Hayworth to Charlie Chaplin. Today, photographers still anticipate who will be revolving through the entrance of this chic establishment. This fashionable location is at the heart of Paris, moments’ walk from Metro line Madelaine and walking distance to sights including the Tuileries, Les Invalides and Musee d’Orsay. When you want to rest your feet from city life, the indoor rooftop pool on the sixth floor makes this hotel a cut above the rest. Expect views over Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower. Utterly breathtaking. The spa, backing onto a courtyard garden, offers a menu of luxurious treatments. There are eight treatment rooms, including a private couple suite. What more could you want after a morning at The Louvre than a soothing, restorative massage?

PEACEFUL PARIS Did you know, Le Bristol was the first hotel in France to receive the title of Palace? This is a much higher honour than being a five-star hotel. The rooms really are the epitome of comfort – and they’re huge! Indulge in suites with beautiful Louis XV and Louis XVI-period furniture and original artworks. Vast marble bathrooms have roomy showers and deep tubs; many have dual vanities, Dyson hairdryers and plush toiletries. Le Bristol’s Junior Suites can be extended with adjoining Deluxe rooms to create more space for the entire family. Everyone is welcome.

WELCOME HOME Le Bristol Paris is a house of incomparable Parisian style and elegance, where you immediately feel at home. It has an extraordinary way of welcoming guests from the moment you enter. Expect warmth, conversation and even a sighting of Socrate, the resident hotel cat. For pet-owning guests, Le Bristol Paris is singular in its ability to welcome fourlegged family members. As a family-run hotel, VIP treatment is waiting for your mini me’s! Children receive a welcome gift on arrival, as well as special surprise in the room, and the concierge team can arrange a wide range of activities in and around Paris that are sure to appeal to young and old alike. There’s even a kid’s club!

THE SECRET GARDEN A favourite place of mine was the new garden - a hidden treasure where you forget you’re in the French capital. It’s an oasis of flowers and calm where each tree, shrub and flower was deliberately chosen with care by Lady Arabella Lennox – Boyd, world-renowned landscape designer.

HOME TO FOUR MICHELIN STARS Foodies’, there’s no need to leave your hotel. At Epicure restaurant, chef Eric Frechon, who holds four Michelin stars, has created a celebrated establishment that’s typically French and fabulous. White tablecloths and immaculate attention to detail, this is for special occasions. Secondly, there’s the less formal Le 114 Faubourg, for lunch and dinner, which also possesses its own Michelin star. Here, sample dishes such as hand-chopped beef tartar flavoured with anchovies, and potato wafers or Grenebloise style roasted brill, cauliflower mousseline with seaweed butter – mouthwatering. Furthermore, Café Antonia reflects a more spontaneous side of Parisian life, where you can enjoy breakfast, stop for coffee or enjoy afternoon tea or a glass of wine. Le Bristol really is a reason in itself to visit the City of Love. You’ll fall head over heels time and time again.

TO BOOK! Email: reservations.lebristolparis@oetkercollection.com Visit: www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris 94

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COMPETITION

WIN L

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE HONEYMOON IN JAMAICA WORTH NEARLY £4,500!

et yourself be carried away by the relaxed Jamaican atmosphere on your honeymoon, whether you’re enjoying a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean, sipping on a piña colada in a crystal-clear pool, or on an outing exploring breathtaking mountains and blue lagoons — get ready to enter a state of absolute bliss. Located in Montego Bay, the prize will consist of six nights in a Junior Suite at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, one of the Palladium Hotel Group’s five-star all-inclusive hotels. The winners of the contest will enjoy pristine and private beaches and coves, and idyllic sunsets in the Caribbean Sea. Thanks to the Infinity Indulgence® service, during your stay, you will be able to access all the exclusive facilities and services of the resort’s two hotels: more than 20 bars and restaurants with local and international cuisine and premium cocktails, shows and various entertainment activities such as classes and mixology courses, beach events and more!

The winning couple will also be able to access the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre (at an extra cost), which includes the gym and various activities such as yoga or volleyball classes.

THE PRIZE: Six nights in a Junior Suite at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa on an all-inclusive basis. For your chance to win answer this question and enter online: Q: What is the name of the Spa at this five-star all-inclusive hotel? For more information about the hotel: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa +876 619 0000 | www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en

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Visit us online at www.youryorkshire.wedding, www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com

Parsonage The

Hotel & Spa

Making your Dream Wedding unforgettable The Parsonage Hotel & Spa was built in early 1840s and maintains many of its original features. Located in the small village of Escrick only a short drive from the historic city of York. The Parsonage is an ideal venue for a truly wonderful wedding. ◆ CIVIL CEREMONY LICENCE ◆ SPA AND HEALTH CLUB

60 EN-SUITE BEDROOMS ◆ MANICURED GARDENS ◆ AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONE WEDDING PER DAY ◆ AWARD WINNING CHEFS

The Parsonage Hotel & Spa E S C RIC K • YORK • YO1 9 6 L F 01904 728 111 / sales@parsonagehotel.co.uk / www.parsonagehotel.co.uk /

www.camblesforth-hall.co.uk naomi@camblesforth-hall.co.uk

Your Dream Wedding Awaits Steeped in historic charm and beauty, Grade 1 listed Camblesforth Hall and Grange is a hidden gem in Yorkshire which will provide a magnificent backdrop to your special day. Nestled within the grounds is the newly renovated barn Wedding venue, The Grange. Offered on an exclusive 3 day hire basis, you have the time and freedom too design the Wedding of your dreams. From the breath-taking Coach House, to the beautifully adorned Hemmel Barn, to the ‘rustic-chic’ Poultiggery Bar, each space is perfectly designed to give you a seamless Wedding Day. The large courtyard gives you and your guests ample space too enjoy a drinks reception in the sunshine, or why not enjoy a glass of champagne on the lawn in front of the Hall? The opportunities are endless.