Kristian and Matthew met at a New Year’s Eve party. “I was drawn to Matthew’s awkwardness and his jokes that not everyone would laugh at but I just found funny and innocent,” Kristian shares. “I knew from the beginning that he was special, a unique character that deserved to be loved.” For Matthew, Kristian’s nervousness attracted him, as well as his smiles whenever they were together. “He couldn’t do enough for me. I always wanted to be around him, and his personality was so infectious,” he explains.
Five years into their relationship, the couple went on their annual New Year’s Day trip to Filey Brigg. The weather wasn’t the best and Kristian initially refused to get out of the car due to the rain. He’d also made Matthew invite his brother Adam along, which for reasons that will soon become obvious, he wasn’t thrilled about! The trio walked down to the beach and out to sea on the Brigg, with Kristian having no clue what was about to happen. Here, Adam came into his own as he was able to video what happened next as it unfolded. Noticing the camera, Kristian turned to see what Matthew was up to and found him on one knee asking Kristian to marry him. Matthew did originally have grand plans to fl y the ring in on a drone, but the weather rendered that too risky!
Waterton Park was a place Kristian’s mum grew up around, and her grandad would walk her around the grounds. So, once the couple were engaged she told her son about the venue, and it was love at fi rst sight. “The grand building and picturesque backdrop is what sold it for us,” Kristian explains. “It was the only venue we went to see. There’s nowhere else like it in Yorkshire, it looks like a fairy tale.” They were able to hold the whole day there with exclusive-use of the island, and guests adored the location and scenery. Luckily, the venue’s interior design complemented the couple’s chosen navy wedding palette too, so it was meant to be!
That decided they wasted no time in securing their date for 1st September 2023. Join us in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding as Kristian shares more of his treasured memories of the happy day... Download it free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Sophie and Craig met in York’s Yates while Sophie was up from Brighton visiting a friend. Craig danced over to her to Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl, but his cool moves were hampered by the sticky bar floor! He was dressed in a bright red Rudolf the Reindeer suit jacket and tie at the time... well it was Christmas. After a brief conversation, Craig handed over his number and they parted ways, or so Sophie thought. An hour or so later they bumped into each other again at a different bar and something compelled her to stick around this time, their two groups united. From there, a long-distance relationship blossomed.
Craig proposed to Sophie on her birthday in 2021 at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. “It was the fourth day of an epic week-long surprise trip, and I’d already decided if he didn’t propose, I would,” Sophie tells us. But Craig had it under control, he got down on one knee on the edge of a cliff – “I’m not even sure he got the question out before I started flapping around like a goose,” Sophie continues.
White Syke Fields was everything the couple were looking for in a venue. “It’s the kind of place where there’s a lot to be uncovered, yet a blank enough canvas to make it our own,” Sophie explains. “We had a big wedding, so the variety of different spaces also appealed. We loved it. And bonus points for the focus on sustainability, with upcycled furniture and a strong, local and small business ethos.”
So, that decided, the date was set for 10th June 2023. Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding to find out more. It's free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
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.
