What a wedding! On September 14th, 2018, Dan and Laura tied the knot at the Crab and Lobster in North Yorkshire, surrounded by an eclectic mix of quirky decorations that perfectly captured their unique style. The venue’s offbeat charm was the perfect backdrop for their nonconformist celebration. Laura stunned in her lace-sleeved dress from Graces Loves Lace, a true bohemian beauty. Dan and his groomsmen looked sharp in brown tweed suits and flat caps, while the bridesmaids radiated elegance in long sage green dresses. The overall aesthetic was nothing short of stylish.And then there were the flowers – oh, the flowers! I’m utterly smitten with the vibrant orange and pink bouquets featuring dahlias and blue thistles. It’s a testament to A Little Picture for capturing these stunning images. I particularly adore the portraits of Dan and Laura amidst the trees.
The Proposal
As we celebrated our 5th year anniversary, my partner and I embarked on a hike up Froggatt Edge in the picturesque Peak District. Our shared love of rambling brought us to this scenic spot, where Dan popped the question at the summit. However, the excitement didn’t end there – as we navigated our way back down, we found ourselves turned into accidental rock climbers, navigating steep inclines and dodging obstacles with a newfound sense of adventure.
The Vision
As we began planning our special day, we deliberately steered clear of grand, formal weddings in favor of something more laid-back and unique, where every guest would feel at ease. Our vision was to create an atmosphere where all attendees could unwind and recharge, akin to a mini-vacation. Furthermore, considering the significance of our parents and grandparents to us, we made sure that the event would be accessible and enjoyable for them as well.
The Planning Process
With only 12 months to plan our big day, we were under a fair amount of stress. Working long hours and having limited time for preparations didn’t help ease the tension. Adding to the pressure was the fact that every detail, from decorations to logistics, was carefully crafted by us ourselves – a labor of love that required even more time and effort.
The Venue
As I stepped into the Crab and Lobster, I was immediately struck by its unique charm. Having previously visited other venues, I had always been drawn to this place’s quirky allure, which only intensified upon our stay. The eclectic décor, with its wild flair, perfectly complemented the immaculately manicured grounds, creating a visually stunning experience that rivaled – if not surpassed – any of the others we’d encountered.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I wore a stunning dress by Australian designer Grace Loves Lace, which boasts a flagship store in London. The exquisite garment was crafted entirely from French lace, providing me with the comfort and confidence I needed to take on the day and night without hesitation. To let the dress’s beauty shine, I opted out of wearing a veil, allowing the intricate details at the back to be fully appreciated – including the delicate ‘wings’ that added an extra touch of glamour. Meanwhile, Dan chose a classic tweed suit from Top Mark tailors in Pontefract, which he perfectly complemented with three coordinating flat-caps for a charming photo opportunity with our grandparents, both proud Yorkshire natives.
Beauty
I was fortunate to have two of my closest friends, Emma, a senior hairstylist and loyal bridesmaid, and Sarah Gray, an exceptional makeup artist, help me get ready for the big day. Emma expertly crafted a half-flower crown to complement my relaxed pin-up hairstyle. Meanwhile, Sarah worked her magic to give me and my bridesmaids a natural, effortless look that perfectly captured our desire to feel like ourselves on this special occasion.
The Flowers
As fate would have it, our stunning bouquet was crafted by the incredibly talented Tracey Campbell of Campbell’s flowers in Kelham Island, Sheffield. Upon meeting her, I vividly described the autumnal hues and effortless ‘just picked’ wildflower aesthetic I desired, and to my surprise, we shared a unified vision! From that moment on, I had complete confidence in Tracey’s ability to bring my dream to life – and she exceeded all expectations with breathtaking accuracy. The blue thistles served as my something blue, cleverly incorporating a touch of Scottish heritage, reminiscent of the places dear to Dan’s heart, where his mother and stepfather reside.
The Details & Décor
My Aunt, a former artist, deserves credit for crafting the unique centerpieces from scratch. To create this one-of-a-kind decor, we collected an assortment of unusual gin bottles, carefully selecting mismatched and quirky pieces to reflect our style and the venue’s character. This labor of love wasn’t just a reflection of my Aunt’s skill, but also infused the celebration with personal significance, making it a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Our families have a long-standing joke about finding humor in life’s challenges and knowing that there’s always a way out. The paddle, a symbol of this mindset, serves as a reminder that even when we feel stuck, we can find our footing again.
To make the celebration even more special, each table was named after one of our favorite travel destinations, with Froggatt Edge – where Dan proposed – taking center stage at the top table.
The Readings & Music
In lieu of traditional readings, we opted for a playlist of meaningful songs that reflected our shared love of music – despite having vastly different tastes! As I walked down the aisle with my grandfather, he was treated to one of his favorite tunes, ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ by Bely Basarte, a heartfelt tribute and thank you for being such an integral part of my life. To further infuse our special day with personal touches, we incorporated music lyrics from all of our beloved songs into the décor – a subtle yet impactful nod to the power of music that brings us together.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen’s attire, including those worn by the grooms’ fathers – namely both grandfathers and Dan’s father – was sourced from reputable outfitter Top Mark Tailors, who provided the necessary formal wear for the occasion.
Bridesmaids
In a thoughtful touch, the bridesmaids’ attire was designed to be versatile, donning multi-way dresses in a soothing sage green hue that harmonized beautifully with their distinct hairstyles and colour palettes. Specifically, they wore dresses sourced from The Daint Yard, which proved to be a clever choice considering the dresses’ adaptability to each bridesmaid’s unique style.
The Honeymoon
We’re eager to start planning our next adventure, but for now, we’re looking forward to a brief getaway to Iceland. The trip is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to experience all that this incredible country has to offer.
The Cake
It’s a pleasure to credit the talented Zoe Bristow, whose exceptional baking skills have earned her a reputation with her business, Zulu’s Cakes (Facebook). In fact, I recall feeling quite apologetic when Zoe was trying to locate the cake topper that had been patiently waiting in my car until after the wedding breakfast. The cakes she creates are not only visually stunning but also boast an incredible taste. Her passion for baking is truly inspiring.
Your Photographer
When selecting the ideal photographer for our special moment, we were drawn to the incredible Alice Little (A Little Picture). Having previously discovered her work online, I had a strong sense that she would be an excellent fit. And as it turned out, my intuition was spot on. Upon meeting Alice, it was clear that she possessed a unique ability to capture stunning, natural, and relaxed photographs while also creating an atmosphere of utmost comfort for her subjects – us! It felt as though having a close friend by our side, which made the experience truly enjoyable.
Your Filmmaker
Andy Little, Alice’s husband, brought his filmmaking expertise to capture our special day on vintage film stock, perfectly aligning with the nostalgic atmosphere of the venue.
Memorable Moments
As I walked down the aisle for the first time with Dan by my side, the emotional moment was finally here. Despite feeling anxious all morning and nervous throughout, seeing him helped me relax. In fact, I had been hoping he would be there to calm me down beforehand, but of course, that wasn’t possible. Our simultaneous glance at each other seemed to ease our nerves.The ceremony came to a close, and we walked out as newlyweds to the tune of ‘Riptide’, a special song that holds memories of our time in Margaret River, Western Australia – a place close to our hearts. It was an added delight to see our little godson Leo, accompanied by my maid of honour and sister-in-law, make his way down the aisle with such poise.The true highlight, however, was being surrounded by our loved ones and friends, all gathered in one beautiful location. The joy and warmth we shared on that day is something money couldn’t buy – it’s a treasured memory that will stay with us forever.
Advice For Other Couples
Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of enjoying your special day. Remember, small imperfections are easily overlooked by your guests. Instead, focus on building a rapport with your photographer. You’ll be spending plenty of time together, so it’s crucial to find someone you connect with and feel at ease around. This will help create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to truly be yourself on the big day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the big day approached, Dan and Laura shared their joyous celebration with us. From behind the lens of a camera to capturing the magic on film, photography and videography played a vital role in preserving the memories of their special day. The picturesque venue set the tone for an unforgettable experience. With crab and lobster making an appearance on the menu, the couple’s love for each other was matched only by their love for a delicious feast. Fresh flowers added a touch of elegance to the proceedings, courtesy of Campbell’s Flowers. The bride’s stunning dress, courtesy of Graces Loves Lace, was the perfect accompaniment to her radiant smile. Her attendants were resplendent in their matching attire, while the gents looked dashing in their suits from Top Mark Suit Hire. With makeup mastermind Sarah Gray ensuring the bridal party looked their absolute best and hair stylist Emma Keeton working her magic, it’s no wonder Dan and Laura’s wedding was a true fairytale come true. The attention to detail didn’t stop there, as Jo Haigh’s décor and Zulu’s Cakes’ scrumptious treats ensured every aspect of the celebration was nothing short of perfection. And as the happy couple exchanged their vows, we were honored to be a part of their special day.