.
.
.
Charlotte and Daniel’s simple celebration with it’s muted and moody colour scheme was all about one thing: keeping it real. Their pretty and personal wedding day focused on the ceremony and the people around them because, when all is said and done, isn’t that what really matters?
.
That, and one stunning wedding gown. Obvs.
.
With images by Shelley Hughes of Diamonds & Doodles.
.
.
.
.
Charlotte says: We got engaged at Castle Howard – walking in the grounds in April 2011 – and were married on 12th August 2012 at Fairfield Manor, Mercure Hotel, York.
.
.
.
.
We wanted a hotel wedding and this hotel had some lovely grounds compared to some of the city centre hotels and was only just outside of York so people could easily get there. It also had plenty of parking, again in contrast to some of the city centre hotels. The staff were all great from the beginning and clearly knew what they were doing, with plenty of experience.
.
We decided against a theme and aimed for a fairly relaxed day with a hint of the traditional wedding. We chose a muted colour scheme of dark purple and gold.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
My dress was a slim-fitting dress, with straps that crossed over at the back from The Bridal Lounge in York. It had some beading design on the straps and under the bust. The dress was called ‘Jazz’. I carried a small hand tied bunch of purple and cream flowers including freesias by Kymm Queen who designed the table flowers to match.
.
We didn’t have any bridesmaids. The groomsmen wore their own suits and wore matching gold ties. Daniel’s suit was from Marks and Spencer.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
My favourite part of the day was the ceremony. For us the whole day was all about us getting married and we had carefully chosen readings for our closest friends and family to read. We weren’t too worried about all the other details as we knew the hotel had taken care of all that.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I made my own invitations, menu cards, table name cards, seating plan and favours. We wanted the day to be really personal. Daniel, his best man, the father of the bride, the bride and the father of the groom all made really lovely speeches after the meal.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Our cake was made by Daniel’s godmother; it was a circular, two layered sponge cake with marzipan and icing with a purple ribbon around each layer. We asked the florist to put flowers on the top.
.
.
.
.
.
.
After the wedding we honeymooned in Sao Raphael in Portugal.
.
.
.
.
.
.
My top tip for other Brides Up North would be to really enjoy the day – make sure you invite your closest friends and family. Be prepared to be a little overwhelmed though! Make your day about the getting married and the ceremony and don’t worry about all the other details – they will all come together by the end.
.
.
.
.
Congratulations Charlotte & Daniel! 
.
.
Get in touch to see your own Real Wedding featured on Brides Up North. Here’s how.
.
.
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Shelley Hughes at Diamonds & Doodles
This is not a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
.
.
