Editor loves and inspiration

Chelsea and James met back in 2013 at the pub. James played for the local football team and Chelsea had gone along with her mum who played for the darts team. “I'd noticed James, and could appreciate that he was a good looking boy, but as he'd just finished playing football he was sweaty, still in his kit and had flip flops on,” Chelsea says. “It definitely wasn't love at first sight!” It was Chelsea's mum's friend who commented they'd look good together and asked for her phone number to give to James. Happily, once they started talking, they realised how similar they were and found plenty in common. “We have the same sense of humour, same values and are equally as sarcastic as each other,” Chelsea shares. They started dating around six months later and the rest is history... well, almost!

James proposed on Westminster Bridge in 2022. Chelsea had taken him to London as a surprise for his birthday, so James in turn decided to surprise her by popping the question. Chelsea admits though that she had been expecting it. They'd been together nearly eight years by this point, so she'd been hoping and praying it would happen soon! “It was the world's fastest proposal,” Chelsea laughs. “He didn't even put the ring on, he put it in my coat pocket and was far too concerned about getting back up off of one knee before anyone saw him! It wasn't romantic in the slightest, but that's just James in a nutshell, anyone will tell you. It was perfect for me though. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.”

The couple were set be wed on 8th August 2024 at Christ Church Brampton Bierlow and set out to find a reception venue nearby. “Rotherham was the perfect location,” Chelsea says. She went to view Hellaby Hall Hotel on a showcase day and knew straight away it was the one. “I could just imagine me, James and all our family and friends there,” she continues. “I loved its rustic charm and everyone was so nice and helpful, plus the grounds are beautiful. I was sold!”

Find the bride's account of the big day in the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Emily and Charlie met in 2013 when they both attended the same school in Derbyshire. They've been together ever since and, says Emily, “Charlie has always been the funniest person in the room. He's also extremely kind and caring.” It was all of these traits that attracted her to him.

Charlie proposed on their ninth anniversary, while the couple were walking their Labrador, Dennis, at Curbar Edge in the Peak District. When they arrived at the top on this chilly but beautiful sunny day, with no one else around, Charlie popped the question.

Although the couple went to look at several venues they kept coming back to the idea of hosting their big day on Charlie's family farm in East Yorkshire. “It meant we could have a blank canvas to work with and we'd be able to make the day exactly how we wanted it,” Emily explains. “It's a special place for Charlie and me. He's grown up on the farm and I've been welcome there since being with him. We both adore going up there and helping out whenever possible. The views are unrivalled.”

So, with the date set for 13th July 2024, planning got underway. To find out more, download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

When people ask us what to book first our answer is always: the venue. Without having your venue secured, you won't have a date and without a date you won't be able to book the rest of your suppliers. Hit the internet as soon as you're ready to start planning and check out all of the incredible locations in this glorious county. From historical to quirky and everything in between, Yorkshire has it all. Pop over to the Find a Service section over at www.youryorkshire.wedding as well as the venue section, both great places to start.

For more top planning tips, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download