Editor loves and inspiration

Charlotte and Matt met on Tinder. After chatting on the phone, they decided to meet for a first date at a pub in Wakefield. The two talked and laughed non-stop and even sat in the car together after the pub had closed to continue their conversation. As Covid hit not long after they found themselves thrown together in scenarios that might otherwise have taken months, or even years, but Charlotte believes this helped to strengthen their relationship.

Matt proposed one Christmas Eve. Charlotte had just managed to get their son Blake down for a nap when Matt handed her a scratch card. Nothing particularly unusual as they have scratch cards every year at Christmas, that was until Charlotte matched three rings and started to realise something different was happening. She scratched off the prize panel and Matt got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, just as the card revealed.

Initially, the couple were looking to get married abroad but after some research they were still unsure so decided to look at some UK venues to be sure. “Temple Newsam was an absolute wildcard for us as we didn't know they did weddings,” Charlotte shares. “We've always loved visiting stately homes and have spent a lot of time at Temple Newsam either with friends or together as a family. When we met Josh and looked around, we were blown away by what it had to offer.” Josh then told them about a new room available for hire, so they went to take a look. “As soon as we set foot in The Picture Gallery, we knew it was the place for us,” Charlotte explains. “A jaw-dropping room, the Gallery was the perfect backdrop for our wedding and suited us as a couple.”

So, with all thoughts of an overseas wedding dismissed, the date was set for 26th April 2025. 

Find out more about the big day in the Jul/Aug25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

For all your gorgeous grooms out there, there's a bold new fragrance on the block: Coach For Men Eau de Parfum. Inspired by the unique layers that make us who we are, this scent packs a delightful punch. The top notes are, bergamot oil and cardamom, followed by the heart notes of geranium and cedarwood, and finished perfectly with base notes of Saffiano leather and vetiver. More than a fragrance, this new intense version of the iconic Coach For Men Eau de Toilette is an invitation to truly be yourself on your wedding day. Priced £78, for 100ml. Visit www.johnlewis.com for more details.

For more groom's news and fashion, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

If you've opted for a city-centre location for your nuptials, perhaps a fashion forward short bridal dress will be your vibe. Check out our fashion feature in the May/Jun25 issue - these sassy short styles will take you from day to dancing. I love this oh-so cute little number from Quiz Clothing.

Download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

I love this touch! Real bride and Disney fan Rachel labelled the bottom of her flats with her groom's name to mirror the sole of Woody's boots in Toy Story – so cute!

Discover the story of the couple's big day in the May/Jun25 issue, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Carlton Towers (www.carltontowers.co.uk) is a privately owned Victorian Gothic-style country house in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Set amongst 250 acres of parkland, which looks simply stunning during the spring, you can enjoy a celebration with your loved ones immersed in a historical setting. Whether it's an intimate ceremony you craze or an elaborate reception, the house and grounds are exclusively yours.

In early spring the grounds sparkle with snowdrops, complemented by magnificent ancient trees. When you tie the knot here, you can experience life on the estate, creating special memories in a stunning space that guests will remember forever.

You can also escape to the pretty walled garden vineyard, which provides a lovely backdrop for private, intimate photographs. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are grown here, which produce Carlton Towers Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine 2022. This has become a popular toast drink for newlywed couples, a delight for a springtime drinks reception, or the perfect gift, a souvenir to remember your special day.

READER OFFER
Carlton Towers is offering readers of Your Yorkshire Wedding a complimentary bottle of Carlton Towers Brut Rose Sparkling Wine 2022 when you book you wedding at the venue. Simply quote 'Your Yorkshire Wedding' at time of booking. Offer ends 30th June 2025.

For more springtime wedding inspiration, download the May/Jun25 issue free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download 

Lauren and Brendan met during lockdown when Brendan was a trainer at Lauren's new job. The first time she saw him over Zoom, when he asked everyone to turn their cameras on, she immediately felt the attraction! “We both thought the other had the most beautiful, excited, deep eyes and instantly fell for each other,” Lauren says. Two weeks later, they managed to meet in person in Sheffield and have been inseparable ever since.

Brendan proposed on his birthday. They had discussed their future, but the timing was a surprise for Lauren nevertheless.

The two share a passion for history, so when they were invited to view the rarely seen Mayor's office for some professional portraits, they were bowled over. “It was really important to us that our venue be in Sheffield as this is Brendan's hometown,” Lauren explains. “We also wanted somewhere we could visit again and hopefully show our future children.”

Discover the story of the couple's big day in the May/Jun25 issue, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding-free-download

“I love a statement installation and regularly see these at weddings that I work on,” says Lindsey Chadburn from Erin & Peony (https://erinandpeony.comshares. “I've freelanced on a blue moon pampas before, large broken arches, church and cathedral entrance arches, arches with mirrored flooring leading up to them to give the illusion of water, and installations that hang from the ceiling on a ladder, recreating The Ivy in someone's marquee! I've worked on some impressive and interesting floral design projects that I was lucky enough to be involved in.”

For more floral inspiration download the May/Jun25 issue free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Image credit: Flower arch by Mollie & Mauve (www.mollieandmauve.co.uk)

In much the same way you determine the vibe of your wedding, you can ensure that your first meal together as marrieds reflects the two of you. “A bespoke menu is a great way to personalise your wedding breakfast,” Rebecca Barker from Dine (www.dine.co.uk) says. “Adding your favourite dish or including a menu chosen by each of you, is a lovely way to bring a bit of personality to your day.”

Steve Mayo from Good Food Story (www.goodfoodstory.co.uk) says, “We love nothing more than to create bespoke and personal menus for our couples, be it using grandma's recipe for your favourite dessert, taking inspiration from your honeymoon destination for a canapé service, or replicating your all-time favourite restaurant dish. It can be very magical and personal and can make a wedding menu incredibly memorable for guests. Guests will often recognise this – 'This menu is so you guys, we love it!' Make it your own!”

For more top catering tips, download the May/Jun25 issue free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Rachel and Andy met at university in Lincoln. “Andy was a lovely, attractive guy who was completely different to anyone I'd ever met,” Rachel shares. “He made me so happy, and I enjoyed spending time with him. I felt lucky when he asked me out.” Meanwhile, Andy found himself attracted to Rachel's personality and sense of humour. “As we got to know each other, I realised just how much fun she was, and it didn't take long for me to know she was someone truly special,” he says.

Andy proposed at Disneyworld Florida beneath the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. “It was a complete surprise, and I was in utter shock because after nine years I thought it'd never happen!” Rachel tells us. “She didn't expect me to propose in public as I'm quite a reserved person,” Andy says. “The nerves showed as I opened the ring box upside down at first!”

Rise Hall was the first venue the couple visited but that was enough for them! They fell instantly in love with the secluded countryside setting. “No other venue could compare,” Rachel remembers. The beautiful historic charm provided the perfect backdrop for their special day, while the gorgeous grounds offered an array of stunning photo opportunities. “It was the perfect setting, making it everything we'd dreamed of for our wedding,” Rachel explains.

So, they didn't hesitate, the date was set for 22nd June 2024. Here, Rachel shares her memories of the big day and gives us a peek behind the scenes of their planning.

Find out more about Rachel and Andy's big day in the May/Jun25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Pagie and Jordan met at the Reading Festival when they were teenagers, after chatting online for two years. The two knew they were soul mates the day they met and didn't leave each other's sides for the entire festival. However, they also knew that aged 16 and 17 they were too young to make a long-distance relationship work (Paige lived in Manchester and Jordan in Durham) so, they decided to remain best friends. Sadly, they lost contact for a few years, but reconnected when Paige moved to Paris to work and the two flew bi-weekly to each other in Paris and Durham, which is when love blossomed between them. Now adults, they managed to maintain their long-distance love for around six months before deciding to settle together in Manchester and have never looked back. “The universe finally brought us together just when the time was right,” Paige says.

Jordan proposed six years into their relationship. The couple went engagement ring shopping together in the summer of 2023, before Jordan put it away for a rainy day! It turned out to be a very sunny day though when he proposed in their swim-up suite in their favourite hotel in Majorca a month later.

The duo love the historical Gothic style and Paige is a huge Disney fan, so they wanted their wedding to look like a real-life fairytale. They knew Allerton Castle was the place for them right away, especially with it being the halfway point between their families in Manchester and Durham. “It's like it was made for us,” Paige shares. They were also completely sold by the grand staircase, perfect for the bride's royal princess entrance, allowing her to reenact the Cinderella ballroom scene of her dreams for the first dance.

So, with the date set for 29th August 2024, the couple set about planning their own fairytale. Join us as we hear more about the magical big day from the bride herself...

Find out more about the couple's big day in the May/Jun25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download