Hannah and Ian, affectionately known as Lofty, celebrated their special day in the heart of York’s historic city center. The winter wedding was a perfect blend of modern coolness and fun, with a relaxed atmosphere that made it easy for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. The couple went all out to make their wedding truly reflective of their personalities, choosing elements they loved and politely declining those they didn’t. As a result, the big day turned out to be an unforgettable blast for everyone involved. Keep an eye out for the creative banners, sweet embroidery, denim jackets, scrumptious treats, and adorable pup that added to the celebration’s charm. Hannah and Ian looked absolutely stunning and couldn’t help but radiate happiness throughout the entire event. We’re grateful to Paul Joseph Photography for sharing these joyful images with us, allowing us to relive the magic of their special day.
1331 York Wedding
The Proposal
While we weren’t looking for romance, a commitment was already in place after 12 years together. We’d shared a home and a furry companion, so the foundation was solid. I had spent the first decade of our relationship telling Lofty that, as much as I enjoyed attending weddings, I didn’t see the need to formalize our bond in the same way. It wasn’t until I had a profound change of heart that we decided to take the next step together. What followed was a joint decision to tie the knot, sans engagement ring. We simply booked our venue and began sharing the news with loved ones.
The Vision
As I reconsidered the idea of marriage, a pivotal moment stood out – when the people we cared about were brought together to celebrate. This experience sparked a vision of an event that would be effortless and enjoyable for all, with a touch of elegance and beauty.
Budget
In the absence of establishing a specific budget, our decision to have a relatively intimate wedding proved fortunate, as it mitigated any potential financial strain.
The Venue
In the heart of York, where we called home, lies a charming bar/restaurant that stole our hearts – 1331. What made it stand out was its versatility, boasting a marriage license, which allowed us to host everything from start to finish in one convenient location. The cozy venue comfortably accommodated our 50 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.
Your Outfits
I was skeptical when people said you had to plan ahead for your wedding dress, but experience proved them right. I didn’t start looking until August, which made things more challenging since I needed a plus-size dress. Despite finding plenty of options, the final choice was a stunning lace gown from David’s Bridal that fit like a glove. I also selected a veil and commissioned a customized denim jacket with a heartfelt touch – a hand-stitched patch inside featuring a note from my uncle we lost the previous year. His attire was an entirely different story. Lofty struggled to find something that fit his larger frame, as most suit companies seemed to cater only to specific body types. However, he eventually opted for a bespoke tweed suit with personalized touches stitched into the jacket and waistcoat. We managed to get everything sorted just 18 hours before the big day.
The Ceremony & Music
The ceremony was a sweet and intimate affair, with my brother’s soulful music setting the tone. As I made my way down the aisle, Elbow’s iconic ‘One Day Like This’ played softly in the background, a sentimental choice that held special meaning for me. The ceremony itself featured heartfelt readings from Lofty’s sister and a close friend, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the proceedings.
Later that evening, my brother took center stage once more, this time delivering a poignant acoustic rendition of ‘Mardy Bum’ as our first dance. It was a truly unforgettable moment. To top it all off, he sourced an incredible band that kept the party going long into the night.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
I’ll admit, finding a photographer was not exactly my idea of fun – and to make matters worse, my furry companion Lofty isn’t exactly thrilled about posing for the camera either. It was actually my bridesmaid who recommended Paul and Kelly to me, as they had used them for her own wedding photos. I have to say, their website really caught my eye, showcasing those lovely, relaxed moments they captured so perfectly. When we met with them to discuss our wedding plans, it was an instant yes – we loved everything about them and couldn’t wait to see the final results. And let me tell you, we’re absolutely delighted with every single one of our photos.
The Styling & Decor
I discovered inspiration through Instagram, not exactly known for my creative flair, so I simply reached out to someone whose work resonated with me and asked them to bring their unique touch to the party. The on-site styling was a collaboration between Forge Events and Lydia from 1331, who effortlessly transformed the space into a stunning setting that exceeded my expectations. To further elevate the atmosphere, I commissioned dessert tables from both Finch Bakery and LouLous. With all logistical details taken care of, I focused on the finer points, entrusting Bee Davies to craft bespoke signage, name cards (featuring agate slices), and displays – including the iconic chalkboard paintings – that seamlessly tied in with the custom jacket and venue, perfectly capturing the 1920s vibe. As a final touch, I ordered personalized banners featuring our favorite song lyrics to hang behind us on the top table, adding an extra layer of personalization to the celebration.
The Honeymoon
Our romantic getaway to Bali and Hong Kong, meticulously planned for our special day, was left in limbo due to the unforeseen consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our wedding celebration took place just a week prior to the widespread lockdowns, leaving us with a sense of uncertainty and an unfulfilled dream honeymoon.
Memorable Moments
As the night unfolded, nostalgic moments abounded. Polaroid cameras and I Spy cards brought back memories of carefree days gone by. The dad-daughter dance to ‘500 miles’ by the Proclaimers was a raucous celebration of their special bond. Meanwhile, impromptu photo shoots took place in bustling town squares and quiet evening streets, reliving cherished moments from the past. A sweet touch was the charity pin wedding favors worn by all, symbolizing the couple’s generosity and love for their guests. As the night wore on, the party showed no signs of slowing down, with dancing well into the early hours of the morning – a truly unforgettable experience.