Kudos to Brides Up North reader Catherine for taking matters into her own hands and asking for her man’s hand in marriage! One very sweet proposal and a lot of planning later, this small but perfectly formed celebration was the result.
With images by Rebecca Jones Photography.
Catherine says:
We got engaged in our living room on Friday the 13th January 2012! And I asked Jonathan to marry me! It was all such a secret! I nearly popped! I initially wanted to propose on his birthday at our favourite local cupcake shop and have the big question iced on the cupcakes,but the shop was closed for the week! Aaaahh! However the shop re-opened and I nervously ordered the cakes for Friday the 13th of all days! I was a nervous wreck all day!I wanted that night to be just a “normal Friday night” so I sat watching a film waiting for Jonathan to finish work. We chilled out, listened to music and ordered our take away.Later I lit the birthday cupcakes and sang a wobbly and very nervous Happy Birthday! to which I presented the “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” cupcakes!
We have been together 15 years it sure was time!
We fell in love with Carlton Towers in Yorkshire. We visited their wedding fair and booked the day after for the following April! It is absolutely breath-taking venue, the rooms and surroundings are stunning. It was perfect for our small intimate wedding.
A themed wedding didn’t appeal to us and we felt the venue spoke for itself. From day one we only wanted to focus on our happiness and our guests.
I fell in love with my dress in a magazine and just had to find it! I chose and bought my dress 18 months before the wedding from the amazing Kellie at Wedding Belles of Otley in Yorkshire. I cannot thank her enough. My Wedding gown was Sorrento by Alan Hannah, it was perfectly me!
My beautiful bouquet was of David Austin Juliet roses. Emma at Beau Ideal Weddings close to Carlton Towers lovingly prepared all bouquets, buttonholes and table arrangements. I was overwhelmed with her talent and expertise she delivered for our understated wedding. Everyone was thrilled with her work. She made my dreams come true!
We chose the bridesmaids’ dresses to compliment the flowers. The navy and gold looked classy against the subtle but striking peach.
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We had our wish of a small wedding but we involved all our special people as much as we could. My sister and niece were bridesmaids and Jonathan’s niece was a flower girl. There was no one else for such an important job as Jonathan’s nephew who handed us the rings! He looked so grown up and proud at his job and brought a tear to our eyes.
We were honoured to have Jonathan’s sister and brother for our witnesses and of course the cherry on the cake… my dad giving me away!
Saying our vows was so special! Looking into each others eyes and making those promises to one another its truly magical moment you will never forget.
Our wedding was photographed by Rebecca Jones Photography. She was more of a friend and guest on the day, she was truly amazing. She is such a genuine easy going person, her talent for photography meant the smallest to biggest memory was caught on camera. We have been blown away by her photographs, they are beautiful, subtle and real. She surpassed all expectations!
We didn’t choose the traditional tiered wedding cake, there was no other option than to follow up the engagement cupcakes! We used our favourite and local shop We Luv Cakes in Crawshawbooth, Rossendale. Sarah has been such a big part of our story let alone using her to celebrate other special occasions over the years. She’s a gem and was thrilled to be asked!
I work in a primary school which limits us to school holidays, so being married at Easter meant that we enjoyed two days sight seeing in York with family immediately after our wedding and then Jonathan and I had three fabulous nights on our own at the Hotel Du Vin in Harrogate.
It was great reminiscing about our special day together. We are hoping to possibly go abroad next year!
My top tip for other Brides Up North would be to make it your day! Don’t get to caught up with things that aren’t that important – it’s about you and your future husband getting married. Make it as stress free and as enjoyable as you can! Relax,enjoy and make happy memories!
Congratulations Catherine & Jonathan!
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2014 Rebecca Jones Photography
