Today’s cool couple, Rebecca and her groom, Rob, had the time of their lives at the gorgeous Wharfedale Grange, with all of their favourite people.
If you find you’re planning your big day based on what tradition dictates, you might be somewhat inspired by Rebecca and Rob’s wedding. A proposal with a guitar couldn’t be more romantic and personal, and we do love a Colin and Connie Caterpillar wedding cake combo! Frankly, if you can’t have his and hers cocktails named after you on your wedding day, when can you? Anyone for a ‘French Rebeccatini’? Or maybe a cheeky ‘Brobble’?
We’ve also got those perfect, warm, golden hour goals going on for some snaps in the surrounding fields, with a perfect palette of peach, pale pink and coral keeping things very pretty and light all day. And that sunset!
You’ll want to keep an eye out for an epic backdrop of ALL of the fairy lights for the ceremony, while the confetti cannon is certainly one way to start your married life together with a bang!
With photography by Daz Mack Photography
Proposal
Rebecca says: We got engaged on the 20th of July 2018 at home. It was my birthday, which is hugely special to me, I’m a real birthday person! Rob and I went downstairs to have breakfast and unwrap my presents. I knew he’d got me an intriguing present as he’d hidden it in the spare wardrobe, and I’d been trying to work out what it was.
When he brought it down, I couldn’t believe it – I’d been coveting this forest green Gretsch guitar for at least a year in Dawson’s in Leeds, and there it was in my front room! I was over the moon, but also gobsmacked he’d spent so much on me for a birthday that wasn’t even a milestone. That’s when he began to say how much I meant to him, and got down on one knee. It was so special, really relaxed, and just the two of us. The guitar is hung on the wall in the same room, which is a lovely reminder every time I’m home.
Setting
We got married on the 7th of September 2019. We didn’t want it to be too hot, but also wanted some sun. We weren’t too fussy about the month or date, but wanted a Saturday to make it easier for guests to attend.
We booked Wharfedale Grange for both the ceremony and reception. We chose it because they’d thought of everything, right down to the last detail – even phone chargers in the restroom area! The dedicated bridal area where we could get ready over breakfast, with the entrance hidden by a mirror for when everyone started to arrive, was also a huge plus. It was such a luxury getting ready in a dedicated room with its own ensuite, as well as having the run of the venue from early morning.
Theme
We went for a relaxed vibe, for everyone to feel comfortable. People wore what they felt comfortable in to make sure they had the best time possible. No jeans though!
Our colours were peach, coral and pale pink. I wanted pastel tones that still added warmth, and I’ve always loved this combo.
Dress
My husband has a dressmaker in the family, Angela Biggs from A Stitch in Time, who generously made my dress. We designed it together; a two-piece made of plain satin, with a mermaid puddle, a point on the waistline, a bardot neck and covered buttons down the back of the top. I always dreamt of something simple and elegant, yet memorable, and it was amazing to see it be made from design to the final fitting, and to work closely with the lovely Angie from start to finish.
Groomsmen
Rob wore a Ted Baker suit from Moss Bros. The groomsmen all wore grey suits of their choice.
Bridesmaids
My bridesmaids were in M&S bridesmaid dresses, with my Maid of Honour in a dress from Oasis. The maxi dresses allowed my bridesmaids to customise their look, as the straps could be tied differently so they could all express their individuality and feel comfy on the day.
Beauty
Alison Martin did my make up. She was great, listened to what everyone wanted, and was genuinely fun to be around whilst we were getting ready.
Transport
I just got a taxi in the morning with my bridesmaids, as we arrived early, still in loungewear and sans makeup at about 8am. One of Rob’s ushers did up his Range Rover and gave him and the Best Man a lift in style.
Photographer
Daz Mack was our photographer! I’d most definitely recommend him. In fact, my friend has already booked him for her wedding! He’s relaxed, gets the best out of people and takes the most stunning, natural photos. He’s a genuinely great guy, and a delight to work with.
It was Daz’s birthday on the day too so we got him a Mint Aero cake (his favourite!) and presented him with it during the speeches to show our appreciation.
Styling
We had a mixed bunch of greenery and coral and pink flowers, including Miss Piggy roses. Leafy Couture provided them, and helped to pick which flowers went with the colour scheme and were right for the time of year.
We also had a confetti cannon which went off during our first dance. It looks great on the photos, and was magical on the day, as well as being a signal for everyone else to join us on the dancefloor.
We had a guestbook for people to complete by the entrance, but everything else was thought of already at the venue!
Favours
We gave our guests ‘complimints’ to have after the meal.
Cake
We had a Marks & Spencer’s Colin & Connie Caterpillar cake!
Dining
We chose a more informal meal, with sharing platters of meat for the main from The Hog & Apple. We had long tables to encourage sharing and socialising. Wines were provided by Wharfedale. We went to a wine tasting event a month or so before the wedding, which was really useful, and chose the Weeton package which complemented the food and provided a generous amount per person!
We had customised ‘his and hers’ cocktails too, just after the speeches; a French Rebeccatini and a Brobble. Not only were they tasty but they helped to get people up out of their seats after the meal and speeches, socialising again and then in the right place for the cake cutting and first dance.
Entertainment
We had a band called Just Folk before, during, and after the ceremony to achieve the relaxed vibe, and then DJ Mark Green in the evening to kickstart the dancing.
Thanks to
Our venue! Everything is thought of, it’s stunning and one of a kind.
Best bit
Favourite moment of the day has to be the moment when we had just been declared officially married, walked past all our friends and family, and went to get a celebratory glass of champagne. It was just the two of us, whilst everyone congregated outside for the confetti. It was magical to finally be married, with the whole day of celebrations ahead of us.
Another favourite part was all of our families and friends meeting and getting to know each other, and having all the people we loved in the same room.
Honeymoon
We’re going to New York! We went to Cambridge for a minimoon after the wedding to relax, with a more adventurous holiday planned for later on once we’d had a chance to catch our breath.
Advice
My top tip would be to set up the day before! We went to the venue and arranged it exactly how we wanted, which took the pressure off the day itself and enabled us to focus on enjoying ourselves and getting ready.
I found Brides Up North to be a useful reference point, and the real weddings helped me to envisage more how my own day might run, as well as think of little things I hadn’t before considered.
