Can we get a Fri-yay! Just sneaking in before wine o’clock is this truly stunning real wedding, which took place in one of our favourite northern cities, and at a fabulous venue that we’ve had the pleasure of visiting for ourselves.
Kirsty and Dan instantly fell for the gorge interiors and beautiful features of The Principal York, – as did our Features Ed Rachel (read her experience of the hotel here), so we totally get their draw to its charm and opulence.
Planning a wedding that would wow, they built on the hotel’s beautiful rooms with luxurious décor and blooms in deep, dusky pink and elegant silver.
Kirsty’s intricately detailed dress just blows us away and we love that she had a second makeup artist to transform her pure bridal beauty to a glam night time look, ready to party at the evening reception. Now that’s an idea worth noting!
With images by Daz Mack.
kirsty says:
We got engaged on the 22nd April 2015, in our bedroom. We had just had our beautiful baby girl Honey, who was a week old and planned to celebrate my birthday in York with a nice meal and a bit of shopping during the day. I was getting ready upstairs and Dan came up looking a bit pasty, he said he had been wanting to wait until we got into York however he couldn’t wait because he felt sick and he just dropped on to one knee and asked if I would marry him, I said yes…of course! We then celebrated my birthday and engagement!We set the date for 1st September 2017, as this was the only Friday available at our dream venue The Principal, in York, which was needed for our best man who is a teacher.
We fell in love with the venue’s staircase and black and white tiled hallway when we first saw it. It took our breath away and we knew this is where we wanted to celebrate our big day.
We went for an elegant/romantic theme. I wanted everybody to walk in and think wow!
We had a dusky pink and silver colour scheme. We chose the silver due to men being in grey tails and wanted it to tie in with what they were wearing. When I saw the swatch colour for the bridesmaid dresses I fell in love straight away and then started to look at flower arrangements and just knew the two colours would go together perfectly.
I went dress shopping with my mum. She had sourced a wedding dress shop in Northallerton which she said had good reviews. I always knew I wanted something quite fitted and the style of a fishtail dress. I tried a few on and didn’t feel special and then I saw the dress and tried it on. I felt like a princess. It was very detailed with lace and sparkle and had a feature back, which I adored. It was very different to everything I had seen and just knew it was for me.
I had two bridal makeup artists. Catherine Elizabeth, who is based in York, came in the morning to do my hair and makeup and also my bridesmaids’ and my mum’s. Catherine Elizabeth was recommended by The Principal and was amazing for giving me the fresh-faced bridal look I wanted. In the evening I had Amy Halliday, who gave me a glam night time look.
Dan wore a grey three-piece suit which had a tails jacket, all from Moss Bros. The groomsmen wore the same.
My two bridesmaids were in Dessy bridesmaid gowns, which we bought from Joys Bella Bridesmaids in York.
On the day of the wedding, Dan travelled from his mum’s in a classic car, which was hired from The Wedding Car Hire Company. We then used the car after we got married to take us in to the centre of York to be able to get some pictures in the centre.
Daz Mack – photographer extraordinaire – captured our day and he was amazing! Everybody felt comfortable around him and he was very friendly. His style is amazing and his pictures are beautiful. They aren’t the typical wedding shots, which we loved! I have recommended him to everybody I know that is getting married.
In terms of flowers, I had a bouquet which was provided by Dutch Nurseries in York. They created all the flower arrangements and buttonholes.
To style the venue we had candelabras with a flower arrangement around them in the centre of the tables and had a long arrangement for the top table. We had a variety of flowers put in different pots dotted around the room on shelves also. They were all provided by Dutch Nurseries.
As favours, we gave our guests bottles of alcohol. The ladies had miniature bottles of cava, and the men had different miniatures, such as vodka or whiskey.
Our wedding cake was a five-tier creation made by Linda Hoffmann, who is based in Wakefield.
Meal-wise, we had a variety of canapés in the afternoon and then for our wedding breakfast we had a tomato soup to start, chicken breast with vegetables and a peppercorn sauce for main, and a chocolate mousse served with caramel ice cream for dessert.
We hired singer Richard Daniels, to provide the entertainment. He did two sets; one during the day and one on the evening. He sang swing and was amazing.
We also had a candy cart and photobooth for the evening to keep our guests entertained.
After our celebrations at The Principal, we would definitely recommend the venue to other couples. It is absolutely amazing! The staircase is to die for and the hallways are absolutely gorgeous. The gardens are also lovely and the staff team are phenomenal. When you walk into the hotel its interiors take your breath away.
On reflection, I’d say my favourite part of the day was spending the morning getting dresses and made-up and then being able to walk down the most amazing staircase I’ve ever walked down towards my husband to be. It was lovely to walk into the ceremony room to see all of our close family and friends there and Dan stood at the bottom.
We have just returned for our honeymoon – we went to Finolhu in the Maldives for five nights and then Dubai for three nights.
My top tip for other Brides Up North would be to hire an amazing photographer to be able to capture the most amazing pictures of your day. Also, take five minutes together to just talk as it goes so fast!
