ALWAYS AND FOREVER

REAL WEDDINGS Always and forever Check out Simon and Sam’s stunning wedding, which featured a lavender and white colour scheme

Images courtesy of The Jasmine Cottage Studio

Simon and Sam first met at work and gradually became part of the same friendship group. After spending more time together, the pair started to fall in love and became a couple.

On the pair’s 10th anniversary, Simon proposed by a river in York. He says, “It was a slight surprise for Sam because we’d already been together so long – she was wondering if I was ever going to pop the question!”

The pair set the day for August 26th 2021, and created a memorable wedding to celebrate their love.

Here Simon shares details about their special day...

The rolling hills of the Amber Valley created the perfect backdrop to our wedding at Shottle Hall. The venue had a selection of wedding spaces to pick from and on-site accommodation. We originally hadn’t planned to get married outside until the last minute, the scenery behind us as we exchanged vows was amazing.

The bridal bouquet featured white and lavender roses as well as various flowers. Sam says, “I was slightly nervous in the morning, but more excited once we were all ready to go. The morning started a bit stressful trying to get everyone ready and as a result, I forgot the bridesmaids’ bouquets!

We decided against a head table as we didn’t want to feel separate from everybody else. We kept our centrepieces minimal with candles and wreaths made by Greenfingers Florists.

We had Macmillan Cancer Support badges for our favours. Giving back to a vital charity meant a lot to us as Sam’s mum passed away two months before the wedding from cancer. Shottle Hall’s menu was excellent! We settled on one meat and one vegetarian option – both were equally as appetising.

Sam says, “I picked a beautiful dress with my mum; I was glad she at least got to see the gown on me.” Me and the groomsmen all wore grey suits with lavender ties, but I wore a larger buttonhole to differentiate myself.

It was just amazing to be surrounded by all our friends and family. We had vanilla and chocolate flavours for our ombré cake, which had purple and white icing.

A live band played two sets during our day, and we had a large gathering on the dancefloor.

SIMON AND SAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue and catering, www.shottlehall.co.uk | Photographer, www.jasminecottagestudio.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Wed2B | Make-up, www.facebook.com/theglossystudio | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.ever-pretty.co.uk | Flowers, www.greenfingersshop.co.uk Entertainment, The Beat Roots www.bandsforhire.net | Venue styling, www.icedandspliced.com