Those of you who thought you needed a holiday before checking in with Brides Up North this morning? You’re going to need one even more now. No apologies from me – scratch the favours off the to do list and book a mini break instead. Your hubby or wife to be will only thank you for it. Trust me.
This morning we journey to the Amalfi Coast in Italy (a hotspot firmly on my own travel to-do list) to celebrate Emily and Sam’s sun bleached wedding day. This home grown Leeds couple decided to forgo any chance of rain on their wedding day in exchange for La Dolce Vita. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me at all.
With images by Sarah Beth Photography, assisted by Thomas Arran.
Emily says: Sam and I were celebrating our six month anniversary and we had day full of activities such as rock climbing, a game of tennis and then a romantic Italian meal. Sam seemed a bit shifty and ordered sparkling water (which he hates!) and then he suggested a walk around Roundhay Park (where we went on one of our first dates) to walk our dinner off.
The night was so still and beautiful. We sat on a bench and that’s where he proposed and pulled a bottle of champagne from underneath the bench with two glasses (which he planted earlier in day). Fireworks then started going off over the lake, set of by his two best friends! It was just simply perfect.
We were married on 31st July 2013. We wanted a wedding in the summer in Italy and as most of my friends and family are teachers it seemed a perfect time!
We chose Ravello Town Hall Gardens, Italy. We saw the Amalfi Coast in a holiday brochure whilst on another holiday and said to each other that it would be an amazing place to get married. So when Sam proposed we just knew that was the place. So six months later we flew over to view possible wedding venues. The gardens was the last place after a very long day. The view just blew us away and we booked it there and then.
We decided on a pure Italian classic theme. Our car was an Italian vintage car, our table names were Italian cities, the food was all traditional Italian, with Italian cake and wine! We immersed ourselves in our love of Italy!
We chose pale blues for our bridesmaids and groomsmen to blend in with the sea and coastline, and whites for table settings and flowers with hint of vintage creams. We wanted our decor to fit in with the scenery.
One person who was sadly missed on the day was my Mum.
My mother was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer four days before we flew out to get married. My mother, stepdad, and two sisters stayed in England to support my mum as she was very unwell. Our friends and family pulled together to organise a blessing back in England after we cut our honeymoon short so that my mum and sisters could attend.
My bridesmaids wore light sea blue maxi dresses from Jane Norman (my Mum spotted them as I as never thought to look there!), bags from Anya Hindmarch and shoes from Zara.
I always thought that I would wear lace! After trying many dresses on I fell in love with about six and all were so different! I felt so confused about what I wanted. Then I tried one on at my best friend’s mum wedding shop and it just felt right. Layers and fitted, I knew it would look perfect in the setting.
Sam wore a light blue tailored suit. It was lovely and light.
I carried a bouquet of white roses (my favourite and also my middle name) from a local Amalfi florist.
Sarah Beth Photography flew over to Italy to shoot our wedding. I knew Sarah from a previous job and thought her images were amazing! We met up and discussed ideas and I knew they would be perfect. Sarah and Tom (who assisted her on the day) were a massive part of our holiday and day and have since been booked for four weddings through my friends as they saw the fabulous photos they took!
The wedding was truly beautiful and breath-taking. It was simple, classic and romantic – our whole theme for the day. The local people were so friendly and clapped as we walked past.
Our wedding planner organised a private trip for myself and Sam to a famous grotto near our reception venue. We had a rowing boat and a lovely guide who sang a beautiful tune to us. It was a very special and private moment.
We had five days in Sorrento before wedding to relax and unwind, then seven days in Amalfi with our best friends and family, where we had loads of trips and meals. We had planned to go to Rome and Sardinia but due to my Mum’s illness we came home early.
My top tip for other Brides Up North would be to try not get to stressed with the planning and enjoy it! On the day take time to step back and take it all in.
Congratulations Emily & Sam!
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2014 Sarah Beth Photography assisted by Thomas Arran.
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