Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting celebration of Georgia and Carl’s union at Georgia’s childhood church on May 4th, 2019. The newlyweds then indulged in an intimate reception at Middlethorpe Hall in North Yorkshire, where great food, wine, and music delighted their guests. As you’ll see, this lovely couple prioritized the finer things in life, resulting in a truly unforgettable day.
One of the standout elements was Georgia’s stunning hoop, which she wore instead of a bouquet to showcase her beautiful dress. This thoughtful touch added an extra layer of romance to their special day.
We’re grateful to Leeds wedding photographer Andy Withey Photography for capturing the essence of this elegant and intimate affair. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your stunning work with us.
The Proposal
It was in the picturesque Austrian Alps, where we’ve shared countless memories of skiing and hiking together as a family, that Carl surprised me with the most unforgettable proposal. Little did I know at first that our trip wasn’t going to be just another long weekend getaway to Normandy with my parents. As it turned out, I was in for a thrilling adventure instead! Having always been on high alert for Carl’s spontaneous surprises, I didn’t initially suspect anything out of the ordinary when he whisked me away to Austria. It wasn’t until we arrived at our hotel that I caught up on Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding on my phone – a perfect distraction from the excitement building within me. And then, just as the afternoon sun began to set over the majestic Alps, Carl got down on one knee in a serene moment of tranquility, accompanied by a bottle of fine champagne.
The Vision
As our wedding planning began, we initially dreamed up an edgy, ski-season celebration in Austria. We envisioned a hip mountain bar as the backdrop, pulsating with house music and flowing cocktails. However, as we delved deeper into the details, reality set in – many of our loved ones wouldn’t be able to attend, and the lively atmosphere might not resonate with everyone’s tastes. Our initial concept began to unravel, replaced by a desire for a more low-key, stress-free wedding that would genuinely make all our guests feel appreciated.
The Planning Process
We embarked on the planning process shortly after getting engaged, aiming to tie the knot within a year. The first May bank holiday became our chosen weekend, allowing us to celebrate anniversaries with an annual bank holiday tradition. With a clear vision for a low-key celebration, we began by establishing a guest list and budget, striking a balance between our desired wedding atmosphere and the number of loved ones we wanted to share it with. Once this foundation was laid, the rest of the planning fell into place with relative ease. We both favored an afternoon ceremony followed by a reception, evening meal, and cocktail party – no need for a disco! Our approach allowed us to prioritize personal preferences over rigid wedding traditions. As fate would have it, our carefree attitude led to a vibrant celebration featuring forest green as a unifying thread throughout the decor, attire, and stationery.
Bridesmaids
For the bridesmaid’s dresses, we opted for Coast’s beautiful designs. To complete their looks, we paired them with Dune’s stunning gold heels featuring pearl details, which harmoniously complemented our accessories. As a thoughtful gesture, I surprised my bridesmaids with matching pearl and gold earrings to mine, along with cute clutch bags in gold and Wolford tights to add a polished touch to their overall appearance.
The Venue
We opted for a ceremony at the church where I was christened, situated in the village where I spent my childhood. This 13th Century stone-built sanctuary boasts stunning stained-glass windows, and its intimate atmosphere made it an ideal setting for our traditional, low-key wedding. The modest size of the church, with only eight rows of pews, further solidified its suitability for our special day.For the reception, we selected Middlethorpe Hall, a charming William and Mary-style country house nestled just outside York’s city centre. Our fond experiences celebrating milestones there in the past had already earned it a place on our shortlist. The exceptional cuisine, wine, and service only reinforced our decision to mark this occasion at this esteemed venue. With Middlethorpe hosting no more than one wedding per week and a total of just a handful annually, we felt confident that every detail would be meticulously attended to, and the staff’s evident enthusiasm about hosting our celebration added to our excitement.
Beauty
I entrusted my hair to Andy from The Attic Experience in York, who also styled my mum’s and bridesmaids’ locks. My hair trials were a bit of a challenge – I had three before settling on a sleek and groomed bun that framed my face beautifully. Andy was understanding of my fashion-forward vision and didn’t flinch when I opted for his original suggestion after the first trial. Meanwhile, my Maid of Honour’s hair was a one-time wonder, thanks to Andy’s skillful touch. On the beauty front, Amy George did an incredible job with my make-up, as well as that of my mum and bridesmaids. I sought her out after admiring her work online and was thrilled when she agreed to do trials for both me and my mum. Her professionalism and attention to detail put us at ease, and we loved the final results.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Carl, affectionately describing himself as ‘vertically challenged,’ found it challenging to find a well-fitting suit despite being only slightly below average height. To address this issue, we had his handmade by Mullen & Mullen, the same bespoke tailors who created a stunning suit for Father of the Bride. Carl’s tailored look was completed with a dark green tie from Reiss and black Loake shoes.In contrast, my dress was carefully selected from Love Bird Bridal in Ilkley. Initially, I considered opting for a slinky design that would accentuate my figure, but as I tried on various dresses, none of them truly felt like me. I wanted to enjoy the full 3-course meal without worrying about adjusting my dress, and nothing seemed to fit the bill.Fortunately, my mother discovered the perfect dress for me – Jesus Peiro’s Style ‘6000.’ As soon as I tried it on, I knew I had found the one. The clean lines, stand-up collar, and modest design gave it a touch of tradition while allowing me to feel like myself. And, as an added bonus, it featured cleverly designed pockets!To complete my look, I chose a cathedral-length veil with a thin pencil edge from silk, paired with gold Russell & Bromley slingback heels adorned with a tiny sixpence inherited from my grandmother. For finishing touches, I selected small pearl and gold earrings from Etsy and borrowed an emerald and diamond dress ring from my mother – with the condition that it would be returned to her, much to my dismay.
Groomsmen
The groomsmen’s attire consisted of their personal navy suits, which were complemented by a sophisticated dark green and navy houndstooth tie courtesy of T.M. Lewin.
The Readings & Music
When it came to curating the soundtrack for our special day, music was a top priority for us, and we spared no expense in ensuring that every moment was perfectly set to song. From the harpist at the church to the pianist at Middlethorpe Hall, we carefully crafted a musical journey that would transport our guests and leave them with lasting memories. At the ceremony, the harpist played a beautiful mix of contemporary and classical tunes as guests arrived, during the bride’s entrance, and during the signing of the register. The church organist also treated us to our chosen hymns, which we felt perfectly captured the joyous atmosphere of the occasion. My Dad and I made our entrance to the Beatles’ ‘Here Comes the Sun’, a nod to Carl’s Merseyside roots that set the tone for the day. Our ceremony playlist also featured ‘Once More Step Along the World I Go’ and ‘Jerusalem’, two hymns that held special significance for us, particularly given our non-traditional approach to faith. One of my closest friends, whose fiancée was a bridesmaid, brought some levity to the proceedings with a reading from William Penn’s essay on marriage, while Carl’s Grandad delivered a moving passage from Colossians. We also surprised our guests with a reading from Bob Marley, which had everyone laughing and nodding in agreement. As we exchanged our vows, we sang ‘All You Need Is Love’ to the tune of another Beatles classic, and as we made our exit, Florence and The Machine’s ‘You Got The Love’ brought the house down. At Middlethorpe Hall, the Gershwin Gang got the party started with some swingin’ tunes during the drinks reception, while Alec Robinson kept things mellow at dinner. And when the night wore on, Melanie Wildley took center stage, belting out a setlist that was equal parts fun and romantic. Throughout it all, we were surrounded by music that reflected our personalities, our love story, and our commitment to one another.
The Flowers
Fiona Hogg, a North Yorkshire wedding florist, brought our vision to life with precision and creativity. We shared some inspirational images and ideas with her business partner Miranda, and they effortlessly grasped the essence of what we wanted. The result was a seamless interpretation of our concept, which included a unique bridal bouquet alternative that I could hold comfortably while still showcasing the bow at the front of my dress. When it arrived on the morning of the wedding, I was amazed by how closely it matched my mental image – so much so that I felt a lump in my throat! Our shared goal was to create a rich, vibrant color palette featuring pinks and peaches with deep greenery. We opted for an organic look, avoiding uniformity and symmetry, which Fiona expertly understood. Every detail, from the flower arch at the church to the buttonholes and table centers, exceeded our expectations. The ladies spent quality time with us discussing how to harmoniously integrate flowers, tealights, fairy lights, and greenery to create a stunning atmosphere that impressed our guests. We received numerous compliments on the venue’s presentation, which was largely due to Fiona’s dedication and creativity. In fact, we loved our flowers so much that we’ve commissioned a silk floristry specialist to recreate one of the centerpieces as a keepsake.
Your Photographer
I’m delighted to share the story of our photographer, Andy Withey, who captured the essence of our special day with his documentary photography style. As a friend of mine, I was initially nervous about approaching him, but thankfully he enthusiastically agreed to join us. His unobtrusive approach allowed him to snap candid moments as they unfolded, rather than staging elaborate posed shots. Given our laid-back wedding vibe, Andy’s style proved to be the perfect fit. We didn’t want to spend more than 10 minutes on formal photos, so we could focus on enjoying the celebration with our loved ones. As we relive the memories through his photographs (many times over!), they accurately reflect the joyful atmosphere of that day – filled with love, laughter, and fun. Andy also brought a Polaroid printer, which he used to surprise us with a few printed photos during dinner. It was wonderful to share these intimate moments with our guests, who were able to leave heartfelt messages for us to treasure.
The Details & Décor
Julia, Middlethorpe Hall’s contact person, worked tirelessly with us to craft the perfect celebration. She meticulously planned every detail, ensuring our special day felt luxurious and polished. The venue’s thoughtful touches included a red carpet for arrivals, place cards, menu booklets, cake knives, and an impressive display of silverware, fine china, and crystal stemware during dinner. This attention to detail elevated the entire experience, making us feel like royalty.In tribute to Carl’s Italian heritage, we took on the challenge of brewing Limoncello at home and packaged it in mini bottles, complete with personalized gift tags for our guests. Carl’s mother also crafted elegant dark-green satin gift bags containing five traditional sugared almonds per guest as a thoughtful favor.We opted against a traditional guestbook and instead chose to preserve the champagne bottles we had received as gifts. We enjoyed these celebratory drinks, selected our favorites, and asked our loved ones to write heartfelt messages on the bottles. These will remain cherished keepsakes until our 5, 10, 15, and 25-year wedding anniversaries, when we’ll gather to read and reminisce about this special moment.
The Honeymoon
As newlyweds, we embarked on a 10-night adventure to the picturesque Maldives, selecting the opulent Ozen by Atmosphere resort as our haven for relaxation and indulgence. This tropical paradise allowed us to indulge in snorkeling excursions, savor a diverse culinary experience, and revel in the tranquility of island life.
The Cake
When it came time to choose our wedding cake and treats, Carl’s sister generously treated us to a tasting at York Cakes. As soon as we took a bite of their lemon curd cake, we knew we had found the perfect choice for our big day. To complement our flowers and overall aesthetic, we opted for a small cutting cake and an impressive macaron tower featuring flavors that suited our tastes. One of the highlights was the pink passionfruit-flavored macarons – a delightful surprise for our guests, as they allowed us to enjoy both a classic lemon curd and a fruity twist on our special day.
Memorable Moments
As Carl and I reflect on our special day, one moment stands out in particular. Following dinner, we found ourselves alone in the drawing room for a few minutes, savoring the quiet intimacy of being newlywed. The band’s final song was dedicated to us, and as the staff discreetly excused themselves from the room, Carl and I took our first dance together, surrounded only by the music and each other. It was an undeniably romantic moment, one that we’ll cherish forever.
Advice For Other Couples
Take a short break from the chaos of the celebration, just five minutes of undivided attention with your partner. The day’s excitement can make it easy to get swept away in separate activities, but Carl and I found that stepping away from the drinks reception gave us a chance to reconnect, share stories about our morning, and simply bask in each other’s company. It was a small moment, but one we’re grateful for.
The pressure to create an entirely original wedding experience can be overwhelming. Don’t feel obligated to go above and beyond just because it might not have been done before. Remember that your wedding is unique simply because it’s yours. If the thought of doves or singing waiters seems too extravagant, don’t stress about it. Your guests are there to celebrate your love and union, and the day will be memorable to everyone for that reason.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer behind the beautiful moments captured on this special day is Andy Withey Photography. The stunning venue where it all took place was Middlethorpe Hall, perfectly set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. The floral arrangements that adorned the space were designed by the talented Fiona Hogg, adding a touch of elegance to every corner. Music played a significant role in the festivities, with Ruby Paul’s enchanting harp melodies, Gershwin Gang’s lively swing band performance, and Alec Robinson’s soulful piano playing on Middlethorpe’s own house pianist. Melanie Wildey’s soothing vocals also added to the joyous atmosphere. The bride’s gown was designed by the renowned Jesus Peiro, while the groom and father of the bride opted for stylish suits from Mullen and Mullen. Guests arrived in style thanks to Superior Motor Cars, who provided transportation services. The talented team at Amy George Hair created breathtaking hairstyles, with Andy McClintock at The Attic Experience lending their expertise as well. For a sweet treat, York Cakes provided an exquisite cake that was the perfect delight for all. Stationery and design were handled by the creative minds at Rosemood Atelier. We’re honored to have been a part of Georgia and Carl’s special day and thank them for sharing it with us.