Jess and Martyn met when she was a professional dancer and he a professional singer during rehearsals for a cruise ship contract in Italy. “We instantly connected,” Jess remembers. “We could talk like we’d known each other forever.” The two began to build a wonderful friendship becoming inseparable, and a few months later realised they were, in fact, much more to each other than friends. Their relationship blossomed from there.
Martyn proposed on Christmas Eve while the couple were staying at Jess’ family home. Jess had popped out for some last minute shopping and returned to a trail of candles and red roses leading her to Martyn who was waiting for her on one knee. “It was such a beautiful surprise,” she tells us. “Martyn knows Christmas is my favourite time of year, and my childhood home is so special to me. He really made it a moment we’ll never forget.”
The Grand Lodge at Oaklands was the first and only venue the couple viewed and secured their date on the spot. “The natural beauty of the grounds blew us away and The Pavilion outdoor ceremony area reminded us of an amphitheatre,” Jess explains. “Not to mention the wedding coordinators, Andrea and Vicky, who are just the loveliest, most knowledgeable people, who couldn’t do enough for us.”
Find out more about W-day from the beautiful bride herself in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
“Many dresses – probably too many – were tried on!” this issue's real bride Alice says. Eventually, she found the one at the Harrogate branch of Elite Bridal. “I bought one dress in the January but returned it soon after as I felt it was too soon and not what I really wanted,” the bride continues. “My second dress I bought a few months later, a classical off-the-shoulder ballroom style. But ultimately my confidence issues caused me to have a panic last minute and look around at more boutiques.” She made it to Elite Bridal where she tried on a few more styles that made her feel more confident, and she fell in love with the final dress. “It was beautiful with lace details and sleeves, and it still had a train, which I wanted. I also felt it matched the venue perfectly,” Alice explains.
Skin health is more about what you eat than what you put on your face. So, we asked the skincare experts at Doctors Formula (https://doctorsformula.co.uk) how to adopt this philosophy to achieve flawless skin for your wedding day.
"What you eat significantly affects your skin’s overall health and appearance. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks and unhealthy fats can damage your skin’s appearance. These foods can contribute to inflammation in the body, which may manifest as acne, redness or dull skin. Additionally, diets lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E and omega-3 fatty acids can result in skin issues such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven tone.
"By prioritising a diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can support your skin’s health from inside out, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion. For example, nuts are super-rich in various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are the go-to snack for many celebrities.
"Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are collagen-stimulating and contain nutrients such as vitamin C and ellagic acid, which help to provide a youthful glow and ease sun-induced UV skin pigmentation. What about starting your day with a smoothie containing seasonal berries, chai tea, and a bit of almond milk like Megan Fox?
"Green tea is also a good option and it isn’t only great for fat burning but is full of vitamins B2 and E, which help keep the optimum levels of collagen and aid in firming a younger looking skin structure while developing new skin cells.
"Dark leafy greens too are a skincare staple. They contain high levels of chlorophyll, which helps protect your skin from premature ageing and inflammation. The darker the leafy green, the more chlorophyll it contains.
"If you do fancy a treat though, dark chocolate is a healthy choice. It’s filled with antioxidants that help to reduce dark spots on your skin and flavanol that can protect against sun damage. Since it’s loaded with skin-healing nutrients, this sweet treat can aid you in achieving youthful-looking skin."
I adore cover bride Kelly's delicate bouquet by Ivy Lane Floral Studio in Hull. "When it came to the flowers, I asked our florist for a colourful and relaxed vibe," she tells us.
Don't miss the opportunity to claim your free boudoir photo shoot with Debbie Wilkinson! Offer ends 30th June.
Tasteful, sophisticated and sultry best describes the style of Debbie Wilkinson's boudoir photography. Based in Hull, with 34 years in the business, Debbie and her all-female team are passionate about what they do and never cease to be overwhelmed by the power of boudoir photography and the positive effect it has on her female clients.
Debbie says, “Our boudoir photo shoots are designed to make you feel incredibly sexy, confident and empowered. You'll be pampered and guided through the entire process by our talented team, ensuring you feel comfortable and beautiful every step of the way.
“This photo shoot isn't just about capturing stunning images; it's about guarantee that you'll leave feeling like the confident, empowered goddess you are!”
The Boudoir Experience includes an empowering Boudoir or White Sheet photo shoot, personal consultation and styling recommendations, two outfit changes, professional photo retouching, same-day cinematic viewing, 9x6 mounted print of your choice, and approximately three hours of glamour and confidence!
We've partnered with Debbie Wilkinson Photography this issue to offer readers a free Boudoir Photo Shoot including a 9” portrait, worth £199 (offer open to women over the age of 18). To claim, simply scan the QR code or claim via bit.ly/4bDJnmM. Offer ends 30th June 2024.
Flowers and weddings have gone hand in hand since the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians carried posies of fragrant herbs and wore floral garlands at their nuptials to ward off back luck as well as to symbolise new beginnings, fidelity and fertility. Today, it's difficult to imagine a wedding without them. Since those early days, they've become a staple of wedding styling, bringing themes and palettes together and creating an atmosphere of joy and romance. If your own big-day blooms have now reached the top of your to-do list, dive in, as we've asked the county's florists some of the most pressing questions at the forefront of our minds. So, don't finalise your flowers until you've read our annual flower feature in the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding! It's free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Kate was the wellbeing lead and Emma was head of year at the same school. During Kate’s first staff briefing Emma read out a notice and as soon as she heard her voice the world stopped turning for her. “I fell in love instantly,” Kate remembers. For various reasons, they couldn’t be together, but instead became best friends. “I kept my feelings hidden for a couple of years,” Kate remembers. “I eventually declared my love to her though, and happily she felt the same.”
Emma proposed to Kate in Kensington Gardens on New Year’s Eve. “I knew it was coming at some point because we’d had engagement rings made out of my great grandma’s engagement ring, which we designed together,” Kate explains. It was a rainy day, so the gardens were deserted. Emma had both rings with her, so once she’d got down on one knee and asked Kate to be her wife, Kate then got done on one knee to ask the same.
Although the couple live in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Kate is a Yorkshire lass born and bred and still has family there. Emma fell in love with the area as soon as she visited with Kate, so they both knew where the wedding would take place. “I love the spectacular, rugged views, so I knew Holmfirth Vineyard would be perfect,” Kate shares.
Join us as Kate tells us the story of their romantic W-day, 31st December 2023. Download the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding to find it, at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Alice and Josh met during their first year of university. “We became really close friends and eventually it blossomed into something more,” Alice says. We fast forward to 2022, by which point the couple had been together for nine years. They gone out to celebrate this milestone anniversary in York. Unbeknownst to Alice, Josh had enlisted the help of her mum to decorate their living room with balloons and banners while they were out, and when they arrived home, the Champagne was waiting. Josh dropped to one knee and proposed with this late grandma's ring. “It was the perfect end to the night, and the rest is history,” Alice says.
We think it'll be love at first sight when you see the beautiful oak-framed Grand Hall at Sandburn Hall along with its arched window with stunning views over the golf course and lakes. The setting is delightful, the hall is gorgeous, the food is delicious... what more could we ask for?
While Katie and Corey worked together as teachers at the same school, they only really got to know each other while on a residential visit to Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. Together they took a group of 12 primary school children to learn about farming and the countryside. “It's often the first time these children have stayed away from home, so we get them involved in the cooking but Corey and I were left with the washing up!” Kate tells us. And that's where it all began.
Their love blossomed over time and Corey surprised Kate by proposing at More Hall Reservoir. To celebrate, they'd planned to head over to The Barn Cafe at Whirlow, where they first bonded during that memorable trip, but alas it wasn't to be. The diamond from the engagement ring had decided to go walkabout and although they searched high and low, sadly didn't manage to find it. “It wasn't the proposal either of us imagined... although we can see the funny side of it now and enjoy having a story to tell,” Kate laughs.
