6 minute read
BEST DAY EVER
ever James and Katy’s beautiful wedding featured navy and gold hues Images courtesy of AWPhotographic BEST DAY
James and Katy met through mutual friends and it became clear that they shared a strong connection after a few dates. Katy says, “We were confident in each other’s company; every conversation was so effortless and full of laughter.”
It was evident from the early stages of the relationship that they had found the one. Katy comments, “We’ve always had a way of making natural progressions throughout our relationship, without always thoroughly speaking about them beforehand.”
During a trip away to Buxton, the exact location of their first holiday together, James proposed on the 18th February 2019, and popped the question during a picturesque walk through Dovedale. Katy had expected an earlier proposal thanks to her work colleagues who’d convinced her that James would propose during a cruise holiday to Norway in late 2018. Although it never happened, Katy was pleased that the actual proposal was a complete surprise.
The pair initially planned the wedding before Covid-19 and once the pandemic hit the UK, the couple agreed to stick to their set date unless the day was cancelled. However, the timing was perfect and any regulations lifted before they said “I do.”
SETTING THE SCENE
When it came to sourcing the perfect reception space, what location would be better than The Dower House Hotel? The elegant property features beautiful red-brick walls, stunning windows and mock-Tudor timbers. With simple lines and beautiful shapes, the building creates the perfect backdrop for wedding celebrations. Katy says, “After visiting the venue on our first tour, we both fell in love with the Edwardian-themed country house and the beautiful grounds. We could envisage our gorgeous wedding reception and nothing was too much trouble for the team who catered to our vision to ensure the perfect day!”
James wanted to include flowers as part of the centrepieces, which looked so elegant in tall vases. The pair loved the idea of navy and white florals and incorporated this throughout the bouquet and flower arrangements.
The traditional-style table plan worked perfectly with the navy and gold colour scheme and each guest could find their seat easily thanks to the simple but elegant place names. Here guests received the perfect favours. Katy says, “We wanted to give our guests
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something a little different and gave them wild-flower seeds in brownvintage packets saying ‘let love grow’ on them.”
Katy and her Dad travelled from Woodhall Spa to Swineshead St Mary’s Church in a cream beauford wedding car, which had navy ribbons and bows to match the colour scheme. The vehicle created the perfect backdrop to wedding photography and the couple travelled back to the reception venue after the ceremony.
LOOKING THE PART
The bride wanted to create a natural and elegant style and opted for a strapless dress from KMG Bridal Studio in Billinghay. She accessorised her look with a short veil, which featured crystals to compliment the dress, a simple gold-pendant necklace and some sparkly-stud earrings. Katy says, “I was a little unsure of how everything would go together leading up to the wedding day, but I was so happy with the end result and I couldn’t wait to see James at the church.”
The groom looked dapper in a Marc Darcy navy three-piece suit with golden-check pinstripes. He says, “I had seen this particular suit in the shop window after we’d got engaged and told Katy, ‘that’s the suit I’m going to wear’. The team at Gere Menswear in Lincoln had a superb service and were so helpful.”
All the groomsmen wore matching suits but a different colour tie to allow the groom to stand out. The bridesmaids all looked beautiful in navy maxi-styled dresses, with short sleeves and sliver and navy beads.
TIME TO CELEBRATE
After being away from loved ones for so long, the couple was excited to celebrate with their nearest and dearests. Katy says, “After a longawaited family gathering post-Covid, everyone was happy to relax in the sun while eating ice-creams and enjoying each other’s company. In the evening, the guests worked off the wedding breakfast while dancing long into the night with music from the resident DJ.”
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
On the wedding morning, Katy felt nervous when she woke up, but this faded once preparations were underway. After getting her hair and make-up done, she was so excited to see James. He says, “I was initially very nervous when I woke up to an unusually empty house in the morning, but the thought of seeing my soon-to-be wife at the altar relaxed my thoughts completely.”
The couple had many memorable moments throughout the day that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. Katy comments, “We both agree that the car journey to the reception venue in the first moments as husband and wife was extra special. The open-top ride through the village of Woodhall with cheers of congratulations and rounds of applause were so overwhelming.”
The day was full of lovely and funny moments, like when James’s brother Jake announced to the whole crowd that they’d dress up with hoop earrings and vibrant-red lipstick when they were younger at their nan’s house.
The pair is so thankful to the talented suppliers who made their day possible. Katy says, “We would like to say a huge thank you as we couldn’t have wished for a better wedding and we’d highly recommend any of the companies to anyone planning a wedding!”
“Our top tip would be to not worry about the little things as it all comes together in the end and remember it’s your big day!” – Katy
JAMES AND KATY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Venue and catering, www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk | Photographer, www.awphotographic.org.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, www.kmgbridalstudio.com | Make-up, www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk | Hair, www.facebook.com/pelohairboston Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.quizclothing.co.uk | Groom’s suit, https://geremenswear.co.uk | Flowers, www.facebook.com/petalperfect62 Transport, www.lincselitebeaufordclass.co.uk
