I’m thrilled to share Kylie and Nathan’s enchanting wedding celebration with you! As a huge fan of their love story, I must admit that my enthusiasm isn’t solely due to Kylie’s kind words about our publication. The electricity in the air on December 9th, 2018, at Hornington Manor in North Yorkshire was palpable, and Chris Barber Photography did an exceptional job of capturing the joyous atmosphere. We’re grateful to share these stunning photographs with you today.What struck me most about this wedding is how Kylie and Nathan expertly balanced attention to detail with a relaxed, carefree vibe. It’s clear that they put their hearts into every aspect of the celebration, from Kylie’s beautiful skirt and jumper combination to the sparkly winter bridesmaid dresses. The decorative touches are equally impressive, thanks in part to Kylie’s Dad, who crafted the metal work that added an extra layer of charm.The party atmosphere was infectious, with guests dancing before the wedding breakfast even began, courtesy of Sam Scherdel from Bands For Hire (booked through our trusted Supplier Love members). Let these wonderful images and the fantastic film by Lukas & Laura Films transport you to this winter wonderland. Enjoy!
The Proposal
After seven years together, Nathan finally proposed to me. Initially, I had expressed a desire for something low-key and unplanned. He listened attentively, and on June 6th, 2017, he surprised me with an unexpected proposal. I had just had a terrible day at work and was lounging around the house in my dressing gown when Nathan disappeared upstairs and reappeared with a ring box. Earlier that morning, I had jokingly suggested he should take off to New York City to get the perfect ring – little did I know, he had already obtained it! When he emerged with the ring, I was taken aback. He got down on one knee (since I was already seated) and asked me to marry him. I paused for a few moments, taking in the scene before tears of joy began streaming down my face. With a resounding ‘yes,’ I accepted his proposal. It’s worth noting that Nathan had been paying attention when I mentioned specific rings I liked – specifically an 18ct rose gold band with an arrow detail and a 1ct salt and pepper diamond at its center, which he had cleverly acquired from Digby & Iona.
The Vision
For our special day, we aimed for a fun-filled celebration that blended entertainment, cuisine, and excitement! We’re not ones to follow traditional norms, and certain rituals made us anxious, so we skipped them altogether. Instead, we focused on creating an atmosphere that felt authentic to us.
Our chosen venue allowed everyone to stay over for two nights, giving us the freedom to make it our own. Sleeping apart the night before wasn’t an option; we opted to spend the eve together, watching a bit of TV – Match of the Day, naturally! – and discussing what the next day might bring.
The rustic barn setting didn’t quite fit our style, so we added a touch of glamour with metal accents, twinkling lights, and candles. The result was a unique blend of romance and edge, perfectly capturing our personal taste.
The Planning Process
With our engagement still fresh on our minds, we wasted no time in getting started with the wedding planning. Within just four weeks, we had secured our ideal venue and registrar for Sunday, December 9th, 2018 – the date was officially set! As someone who thrives under pressure, I took charge of most of the planning myself, finding the process to be a thrilling challenge rather than overwhelming. With a clear vision in mind, I was determined to bring my unique ideas to life. Fortunately, our chosen venue already boasted an enchanting atmosphere, exuding a romantic charm that only added to our excitement.
Budget
Our wedding celebration was significantly enhanced by the unwavering support of our families, who generously contributed towards the overall cost. My parents’ unrelenting commitment played a crucial role in making our special day possible, and I will forever be grateful for their selfless efforts.While we didn’t compromise on what we wanted to achieve, I took great care to ensure that every penny was spent wisely, avoiding unnecessary expenditures and keeping our total expenditure around the £30,000 mark.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My bespoke wedding attire was crafted by the talented Hayley at Glory Days Bridal in York. I first discovered her through my hairdresser’s recommendation and after just one appointment, I knew she understood me. As a non-traditional bride-to-be, the thought of trying on traditional dresses filled me with dread. Instead, I’d long been inspired by Olivia Palermo’s jumper and skirt wedding dress, and I was thrilled when Hayley didn’t bat an eye at my desire for a similar look. Together, we created sketches that perfectly captured my vision. The jumper was made from charcoal grey mohair, paired with a light grey silk cami underneath, while the skirt was crafted from exquisite ivory lace, lined with the same silk and finished with pockets and a scalloped edge. I felt like myself in this outfit – comfortable and confident.To complete my look, I commissioned Alison at Vintage Bridal Millinery to create a bespoke headpiece. She perfectly understood my style, designing dark and light grey leather leaves adorned with crystals and beads for a shimmering finish. The piece was so striking that people couldn’t help but ask to touch it! Alison also crafted a beautiful hat/fascinator for my mom.My shoes were the perfect finishing touch – my velvet grey and rose gold Ted Baker pumps added a touch of elegance to my overall look.When my dad arrived at the morning’s dress rehearsal, he surprised me with a stunning rose gold infinity bracelet from Tiffany’s. It was the perfect addition to complete my ensemble.Meanwhile, Nathan had been looking forward to splurging on a Paul Smith suit for years, and that’s exactly what he did. He opted for a navy jacket and trousers with fine black pin dots, paired with a white shirt, burgundy tie and pocket square featuring tiny white hearts. His shoes were brown, cufflinks featured film cameras, and his belt and braces were both from Paul Smith. The pièce de résistance was the U Boat watch he’d been eyeing for years – it was my wedding gift to him.
The Venue
As we embarked on our engagement journey, excitement reached a boiling point! My trusted friend and Maid of Honor, Jen, is a talented florist who asked me to help her curate a wedding at Hornington Manor. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to be a part of it.The moment we arrived at the venue, I knew that this was the place where our special day would come to life. The sprawling Manor House, boasting 22 lavishly decorated bedrooms, was a sight to behold. The grand barn, with its soaring ceilings and striking metal chandeliers, left me awestruck. The rolling hills serving as a picturesque backdrop for our photoshoots were the perfect finishing touch.What truly sets Hornington Manor apart is its liberating atmosphere. With no restrictions on decoration or catering, we had the freedom to bring our unique vision to life. As I walked through the venue with Jen, the warm 30-degree weather only added to the sense of serendipity.I returned home and couldn’t stop raving about my experience to Nathan. We decided to revisit the venue with my parents, and they too fell in love with its charm. Our encounter with Jo, the head of the wedding team, revealed that the only available dates for 2018 were December dates – a perfect fit for our winter wonderland aesthetic.The fact that we hired the venue for the entire weekend allowed us to host an unforgettable Saturday evening BBQ, masterfully prepared by our Best Man. As the stars twinkled above and we sipped on prosecco, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
Bridesmaids
My bridesmaids, comprising three of my closest friends – Jen, Katie, and Fiona – and my two sisters-in-law, Hollie and Anne-Marie, played a significant role in my special day. One of the first decisions I made was selecting their dresses, with each bridesmaid having the option to choose one that made her feel comfortable. However, during our initial fitting session, we discovered that all three of them had fallen in love with the same blush pink dress! As a result, Jen, Fiona, and Hollie opted for the blush pink dresses, while Katie and Anne-Marie chose matching light grey dresses. The dresses, designed by Maya at Asos, perfectly complemented our winter wedding setting and looked stunning on each of my bridesmaids. Meanwhile, Ayda, the daughter of one of my closest friends, Jen, took on the role of flowergirl, wearing a beautiful outfit from Next and Zara.
Groomsmen
The wedding party boasted an impressive lineup of Nathan’s closest friends, comprising five individuals – Marcus, James, Oliver, Lee, and Michael – as well as his two brothers, Ryan and Kyle. Joining the group were my brother Brad and both dads, Mario and Danny. The groomsmen were dressed to impress in their tailored two-piece suits from Next, paired with navy ties and pocket squares that added a touch of sophistication. Meanwhile, our two pageboys, four-year-old Isaac and four-month-old Reuben – our own little nephews – looked adorable in their casual outfits from Next and Matalan. We opted for a relaxed and super cool vibe for the kids, ensuring they felt comfortable and not too formal.
Beauty
With a straightforward haircut, I opted to keep things simple and didn’t require an elaborate hairstyle. Meanwhile, for the bridesmaids, we enlisted the expertise of Sophie Oxford, my MOH’s hairdresser and alma mater classmate. Arriving promptly at 7am in the dark, Sophie got to work transforming the girls’ looks, including my mom’s. Her exceptional skills and attention to detail left everyone looking stunning, including Auntie who received extra TLC with her fascinator. The makeup department was a DIY affair, with the ladies taking turns to create a natural, understated look that allowed individual personalities to shine through. Fiona, one of my bridesmaids, proved to be an expert in eye makeup, earning rave reviews from guests. Nails were tended to by Vikki Moore at The Beauty Bank in West Yorkshire, who went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule. In fact, she even worked on her birthday to ensure I had my nails done just before the big day. For my eyebrows and lashes, I turned to Helen Maher, a perfectionist based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, who has been doing my brows and lashes for years. Finally, my tan was courtesy of Lauren at Bespoke Beauty in Harden, West Yorkshire, my go-to expert for all things skin-related.
The Readings & Music
During our special day, we opted for three readings from close friends. Our friend Sadie delivered Wendy Cope’s ‘A Vow’ with elegance, followed by Chris’s poignant rendition of Robert Fulghum’s ‘Union.’ The pièce de résistance was my Mum’s hilarious take on the classic Grease song, ‘We Go Together,’ which had everyone in stitches after months of careful practice. For our ceremony and wedding breakfast, we enlisted the talents of Sam Scherdel via Bands For Hire, who exceeded our expectations. We let him choose most of the setlist, but did request a few special songs, including Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Power of Love’ for my walk down the aisle in December. During the register signing, we chose Coldplay’s ‘Magic,’ which holds sentimental value for both of us. Our first dance song was The Killers’ ‘A Dustland Fairytale,’ which has been a constant companion throughout our relationship and shares a special significance with us as fans. In the evening, we were thrilled to have Suicide Blonde, a friend-of-a-friend’s band, perform. They brought their A-game, making it feel like we were at a gig rather than a wedding! We can’t recommend them highly enough.
The Details & Décor
As I reflect on our wedding planning journey, I’m struck by the incredible impact my dad had on bringing our vision to life. From metal work to lighting and decor, he was instrumental in creating a truly unique atmosphere. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the custom-made metal centre pieces, which added a touch of elegance to each table. We also commissioned 12 little metal hangers for the table names, a square metal cake stand, a frame with mesh for the table plan, and four stunning candle holders that became a hot commodity among our guests! Keith at Event Light & Sound provided us with an impressive array of lighting options, including a dance floor light curtain and Edison bulbs. To create a warm glow, we collected over 100 candles in various shapes and sizes from B&M and Homesense. We also used battery-operated lights to add ambiance to the cake stand, card box, and bar.One of my favorite details was the ‘Couple Goals’ board, which featured a printed photograph of every couple at our wedding. This went down incredibly well, especially when we included photos from previous weddings for couples who had already tied the knot. For our confetti shot, we opted for artificial snow confetti from Dollz, which added a magical touch to the photos.Personalized touches were everywhere, from the custom-made wooden mixers and straw flags to the homemade candles made by my mom, bridesmaid Fiona, and me. We also created ‘Lucky Bags’ for the guys with foam aeroplanes, slinkys, yoyos, and bubble gum. Our favors were a hit, especially the homemade candles in three different scents.The evening took off with our cigar bar, which featured an impressive selection of cigars brought back from various holidays by my mom and friend. We displayed these in decorative boxes I’d picked up from Homesense, along with boxes of mini Tic Tacs for guests to freshen up. To top it all off, we had personalized matches printed for the occasion.Our guest book was an old book, ‘Between Silk and Cyanide,’ which we found at a vintage bookstore in Camden Market. The idea was for guests to find a word or phrase that resonated with us/our special day, circle it, and write a message alongside. Unfortunately, not everyone signed it, but it was a lovely gesture nonetheless. In retrospect, I think having a groomsman circulate the book would have been more effective in encouraging signatures.
The Flowers
My incredible florists, My Mum of Honour and her brilliant mother Alison, were a dynamic duo who brought my wedding vision to life. Despite my initial indecision, they remained calm and composed throughout the process.The first decision I made was my bouquet, which featured lush greens paired with quicksand roses, Astilbe, and a statement piece – a stunning king protea, which has always been my all-time favourite (I can almost imagine it in Little Shop of Horrors!). The bridesmaid bouquets focused on various shades of green, including eucalyptus, asparagus leaf, and olive, accompanied by dark-coloured berries. To finish the look, we used exquisite hand-dyed ribbon from Lancaster & Cornish, with the maids sporting burgundy and blush hues while I wore both colours.My dad, a skilled metal fabricator, got to work on creating the centre pieces after I showed him an idea on Pinterest. What he didn’t know at that point was that he’d end up crafting far more than just those centre pieces! The final product – tall square stands adorned with wild and foliage-based flowers – exceeded my expectations. Jen and Alison took care of the rest, leveraging their keen eye for detail and styling.Flowers were used to create a beautiful table plan, which featured another mesh stand crafted by my dad. Jen skillfully incorporated proteas and foliage to complete the look, earning plenty of compliments from our guests. We also used button holes featuring roses with olive and silver brunia, while loose olive branches lined the aisle.The registrar’s table was transformed into a stunning setting thanks to Jen’s creation – a breathtaking foliage garland that left everyone in awe. After our wedding, Jen & Alison closed their business as Alison decided to retire. Now, I’m not sure where I’ll find my go-to florists in the future, but nothing seems to compare to the exceptional work they did for me.
The Cake
We’re fortunate to have Amanda as a friend who’s a master baker. When I asked her to create a cake for our celebration, I must admit that I was indecisive at first, changing my mind about 50 times before finally settling on a three-tiered all-black masterpiece. Little did I know that plain black fondant can be quite unforgiving and demanding to get just right! Thankfully, Amanda didn’t stress too much, as the cake turned out perfectly smooth, finished with black ribbon and a touch of elegance added by some fresh flowers. The simplicity was actually a breath of fresh air. As for the flavors, we opted for a delightful combination of chocolate, lemon, Biscoff, and ginger – each one equally delicious in its own right.
The Food
When it came to catering for our wedding, we were looking for something easy-going and perfect for sharing with our guests. A traditional roast dinner was out of the question – we wanted something more relaxed and social. After visiting a wedding fair at Hornington Manor, Jo recommended Hog & Apple, who catered many weddings in the past. Their website caught our attention, and after exchanging emails with Ged, the man in charge, we decided on a sharing platter for starters and mains. The starter platter featured an assortment of delights, including pork pie, terrine, tear-and-share bread, pâté, tabbouleh, and cheese. For the main course, we opted for the Smokehouse BBQ, which consisted of buttermilk chicken, braised beef pots, racks of ribs, pulled pork, fries, pit beans, and various breads. To cap it all off, our dessert was a delightful mini chocolate torte topped with a generous dollop of Eton mess – a perfect combination of my and Nathan’s favorite treats! Hog & Apple also impressed us with their canapés during the drinks reception, offering pulled pork nachos, goat’s cheese and tomato tarts, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and Welsh rarebit. Hornington Manor provided our reception drinks, which included mixed beers, prosecco, or hot Pimm’s – a perfect choice for a winter’s day. To top it all off, the guys from Pizza Loco served some incredible pizzas in the evening, leaving everyone wanting more. It was the perfect food to round off an unforgettable night.
Your Photographer
Chris Barber is an exceptional photographer who has been a delight to work with for us. Five years ago, he captured our friend’s special day and we were instantly impressed by his talent. Fast forward to today, and we’re thrilled to still be recommending him to anyone looking for a wedding photographer. When you hire Chris, it feels like having your best mate behind the lens – he puts you at ease, makes you laugh, and takes photos that are natural and unposed. But what really sets him apart is his lightning-fast reflexes and keen eye, which allow him to capture every precious moment without missing a beat. The resulting images are truly magical, evoking feelings and emotions that will be cherished for years to come. In short, don’t bother looking elsewhere – Chris Barber is the perfect photographer, and we’re not just saying that because we share a surname!
Your Filmmaker
Booking Lukas & Laura was a fantastic decision for our video needs. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor made us feel at ease throughout the entire process. What impressed me most was their ability to blend into the background, allowing us to focus on enjoying each other’s company without feeling awkward or forced. Although we haven’t received the final product yet, I’m excited to see how it turns out!
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows in December, we opted to put our honeymoon on hold until the summer. Instead, we spent a leisurely few days in Bath, indulging in plenty of relaxation, good food and drink, and exploring the stunning spa at the Royal Crescent hotel. Our accommodations were at the charming B&B Leighton Townhouse. As we eagerly anticipated our Italian escapade, June 1st marked the start of our two-and-a-half-week journey, taking us from Milan to Florence, Rome, Naples, and ultimately, the idyllic Ischia.
Memorable Moments
As I made my way down the aisle, I was overwhelmed with joy seeing my loved one’s beaming face waiting for me. The excitement in the air was palpable as we exchanged warm greetings and well-wishes from our friends and family.
What truly stood out to us was the infectious energy of the evening – the pulsating rhythms, the joyful melodies, and the carefree revelry that permeated every corner of the celebration. But amidst all the merriment, our most cherished moment was when we took a quiet moment to ourselves, signing the register and savoring the knowledge that we were officially husband and wife.
Advice For Other Couples
As I delved deeper into advice for newlyweds, I noticed a consistent thread – the importance of quality time together. It’s truly magical to share moments with your partner amidst loved ones, a rare occurrence that should be savored. The memories created during this period are invaluable. Others cautioned against sweating the small stuff, and while I concur to an extent, I also recognize the effort and dedication that goes into perfecting the details. For those who crave control and precision, I say embrace it! Taking the time to get everything just right can bring a sense of relief and satisfaction.
Charity
It’s hard to put into words the depth of sorrow that Nathan felt when he lost his dear friend Oliver to suicide in 2017. Oliver was someone who would have been a cherished part of our wedding celebration, serving as one of our groomsmen. His absence was deeply felt on our special day, but we found ways to honor his memory and keep him close. To ensure that Oliver’s spirit was still with us, we surprised the men in attendance by gifting each of them a Mind charity badge to wear. Additionally, we set up a collection bucket at the bar, and we were thrilled to see our guests’ generosity shine through as we raised an impressive £460. It was a poignant reminder that even though Oliver wasn’t physically present, his impact on our lives and those around him would never be forgotten.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we look back on the enchanting wedding celebration of Kylie and Nathan, it’s hard not to feel grateful for the incredible vendors who helped make their special day truly unforgettable. From photographer Chris Barber Photography capturing every precious moment, to videographer Lukas & Laura Films preserving the joy and laughter for years to come, each contributor played a vital role in bringing the couple’s unique vision to life. Behind-the-scenes magic was also courtesy of Sophie Oxford, Lauren at Bespoke Beauty, Helen Maher, Vikki Moore, and Lily Knight, who worked together to create a stunning atmosphere with impeccable hair, makeup, brows, lashes, nails, flowers, and ribbon. Of course, no wedding would be complete without the perfect attire, thanks to Kylie’s elegant rings from Digby & Diona, Nathan’s stylish ring from F Hinds, Brides Outfit by Glory Days Bridal, and Groom’s Outfit from Paul Smith & Mrs Bow Tie. ASOS and Next also helped get the party started with coordinating bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s outfits. As for the soundtrack, Sam Scherdel from Bands For Hire got everyone on their feet with his fantastic daytime performance, while Suicide Blonde brought the energy as the evening band. And finally, Dollz and Lancaster & Cornish provided the perfect finishing touches with confetti and ribbons respectively. We’re so grateful to have been a part of Kylie and Nathan’s journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this lovely couple.