Bryony and Alasdair’s autumnal wedding is sure to warm your heart. After a thorough search, they discovered the perfect setting at the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate on November 3rd, 2018. The natural beauty of the venue allowed them to have an outdoor ceremony, despite the chilly November weather. Stevie Jay Photography, a favorite of ours and a member of Supplier Love, expertly captured the joy and love shared by this lovely couple. I’m particularly fond of the bridesmaids’ burgundy skirts, which not only complemented the autumnal atmosphere but also had pockets – what’s not to love? The personal touch was evident when Alasdair wore the kilt he received for his 21st birthday, making the ceremony all the more special. Get cozy and enjoy this heartwarming wedding story.
The Proposal
As we wrapped up our snowy run in the fells behind Coniston, the winter landscape serving as the perfect backdrop for reflection, Ali surprised me by suggesting an afternoon walk to cap off our five-year anniversary weekend getaway in Grasmere. Initially, I was looking forward to a warm shower and spa treatment at our hotel, but his persuasive nature won out, and we found ourselves strolling up a small fell overlooking Windermere as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was there that Ali dropped down onto one knee, his proposal catching me completely off guard – a delightful surprise given my own plans for the weekend.
The Vision
As we planned our special day, neither my partner nor I had a definitive idea of what we were looking for in our wedding. Our priorities were clear: we wanted an experience that would be enjoyable and meaningful for our grandparents, while still reflecting our laid-back and relaxed vibe.
The Cake
We were fortunate to have Ali’s aunt Carolyn, a skilled baker, play a role in the celebration. She created a multi-tiered sponge cake featuring alternating layers of chocolate and lemon, adorned with exquisite sugar flowers that have become a treasured memento. To add an extra layer of delight, she crafted a tiny sugar figurine of our beloved pet hedgehog, Matilda, making it a truly memorable occasion.
The Planning Process
We had our hearts set on an autumn wedding, but also knew that we didn’t want to spend too long planning before saying ‘I do.’ Nine months seemed like the perfect amount of time to get everything in order. While some might worry that this timeline was too tight, Ali and I never felt overwhelmed. In fact, my tendency to overthink things actually benefited from the time pressure – it helped me stay focused and make decisions more efficiently. To tackle our to-do list, we simply created a schedule online and methodically checked off each task as we completed it.
The Venue
After scouring various online options for venues, my partner and I were determined to find one that would seamlessly host our ceremony and reception. We’d viewed a few contenders, but none had quite met our expectations. It wasn’t until we stumbled upon the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate during a drive-through town that our search came to an end. The website’s allure was undeniable, and we soon discovered why. This idyllic venue boasted a bright and airy atmosphere, complete with a stunning stained glass ceiling fixture. Moreover, its location within Valley Gardens offered an outdoor ambiance we coveted, yet remained conveniently situated near hotels and public transportation for our guests’ ease of travel. The cherry on top was the option to conduct the ceremony outside on the covered patio – a feature that proved particularly appealing given November’s unpredictable weather patterns.
Your Outfits & Accessories
When planning my wedding dress, I had a hard time pinning down what I wanted. To narrow down my options, I visited Wed2b with my family and tried on various styles. We ended up purchasing the perfect dress that day, a beautiful chiffon Grecian strapless gown that fit in seamlessly with our venue’s relaxed atmosphere. Initially, I had reservations about wearing a strapless dress in November, but this stunning gown won me over. To address my concerns, I searched for a coverup and found a lovely button-up detail from Milamira Bridal on Etsy, which added a contemporary touch to the overall look.Meanwhile, Ali’s wedding attire was a no-brainer. His family had given him a kilt as a 21st birthday present in his family tartan, so there was never any doubt about what he would wear. To complete his outfit, he hired the rest of his attire from Slaters to match with the groomsmen.
Beauty
Our pre-wedding preparations were handled by my sister, who arranged for us to get ready at the Lifestyle Lounge in Harrogate. The venue offered a unique setup, with an upstairs area and balcony that provided a serene environment for us to relax and enjoy each other’s company while getting ready. With champagne flowing and great conversations among the bridesmaids, we felt pampered and stress-free as we prepared for the big day. To top it off, we had the pleasure of having Becky Emney, a talented makeup artist, work her magic on our faces. Her stunning creations left us all looking and feeling like queens.
Groomsmen
The wedding party’s attire was a deliberate choice to blend local flair with practicality. While we strived to support nearby vendors, Slaters’ hired outfits proved invaluable for their ability to fit the groomsmen seamlessly at a convenient location, ensuring a cohesive look that mirrored Ali’s ensemble.
Bridesmaids
As my bridesmaid squad has dispersed across the country, I cherished the opportunity to reunite with them for a girls’ day out. Our initial mission was to find the perfect dresses for our special roles at my wedding. Initially, we struggled to pinpoint a style that suited each of their unique tastes and figures. To ensure they felt confident and comfortable in their attire, we embarked on a dress-hunting adventure together. After scouring various stores, we stumbled upon the ideal solution – a stunning burgundy full skirt from John Lewis’s Jolie Moi collection, which featured an added bonus: it had functional pockets! Each bridesmaid then selected her own white top to pair with their new favorite skirts.
The Readings & Music
As our special day unfolded, a unique blend of traditional and personal touches created an unforgettable atmosphere. The ceremony featured a heartfelt reading by Allan, Ali’s dad, of Union by Robert Fulgham, accompanied by poignant passages about nature’s beauty from John Muir. To add a personal touch, we chose our own walk-in song, an instrumental version of Here Comes the Sun, and our walk-out tune, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship. This intimate setting set the tone for the rest of the celebration.Later in the evening, Ali’s mum Marsela drew upon her Scottish heritage to lead a quaich ceremony at the reception. This symbolic ritual marked the union of our two families and provided an opportunity for a whisky toast, fostering a sense of community among our guests.To kick off the party, we hired the talented Capstick ceilidh band, which had everyone on their feet and dancing with infectious energy. A ceilidh is an excellent way to get everyone involved and having fun, and I think we might have even surprised the band with the sheer enthusiasm of our guests! Following the ceilidh, we curated a playlist featuring suggestions from our friends and family, ensuring that the party remained lively throughout the night.
The Flowers
When selecting a florist, we opted to follow the venue’s recommendation and chose Regal Florist. As neither of us had extensive knowledge about flowers, we provided them with our autumnal color scheme and let them take the lead. They created stunning bouquets for me and the bridesmaids, as well as being understanding when one of the bridesmaids’ severe hay fever made traditional flowers an issue. Additionally, they crafted buttonholes, greenery garlands for the staircase, loose flowers for the tables, and a beautiful flower arch that seamlessly tied together our décor.
Your Photographer
When it came to selecting the perfect photographer for our special day, we placed immense importance on finding someone who not only possessed exceptional skills behind the lens but also shared our values and personality. At a wedding fair, we stumbled upon Stevie Jay, whose warm demeanor and captivating photographs immediately resonated with us. Her expertise and attention to detail became evident as she effortlessly directed us throughout the day, instilling a sense of calm and confidence that ultimately resulted in breathtakingly beautiful memories captured on camera. The stunning images she produced now serve as a treasured keepsake, allowing us to relive the magic of our wedding day with precision and clarity.
The Details & Décor
We opted for a DIY approach to décor, focusing on bright and simple aesthetics. To avoid over-accessorizing, we rented chairs from Laura Lindsay at Bridebay, much to my relief – I’ve always had a soft spot for minimalism when it comes to chair covers. Adding a splash of color to the ceremony without relying too heavily on flowers, we invested in paper lanterns to suspend from the venue’s picturesque terrace. The rest of the décor was intentionally understated, allowing the natural beauty of the space to shine through. It was the subtle details that ultimately brought our special day together. Given our engagement took place during a trip to Grasmere, we chose to incorporate this personal touch into our favors (and place cards) by including Grasmere gingerbread with beautifully calligraphed tags for each guest. Flanking the cake were two wooden ducks, purchased at a local country show with Ali’s prize winnings from participating in the event. Beside them sat a jar of jelly snakes, a sentimental nod to our shared habit of treating each other to these treats whenever we visit the corner shop together. On the tables, we placed small potted cacti and succulents – my initial attempts at propagation having yielded tiny but not yet mature specimens. As a tribute to our former home in Glasgow, we sourced a selection from GreenLivingGlasgow.
The Honeymoon
After a several-month hiatus, we embarked on a 14-day escapade to Sri Lanka during the festive season of Christmas and New Year. The experience proved to be an ideal blend of cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, and rejuvenating downtime.
Memorable Moments
There’s no denying the unparalleled joy of exchanging vows with your partner, feeling overwhelmed by emotions and love as you gaze into each other’s eyes. The opportunity to capture these special moments together, sans distractions, is a treasure. As we relished this quiet time, it was wonderful to reflect on the beauty of our union.But what truly makes these memories shine are the little nuances – like when Ali had an unexpected fashion faux pas at breakfast. His kilt-clad appearance in the hotel lobby still has me chuckling. It’s these lighthearted moments that make our love story all the more rich and unforgettable.
Advice For Other Couples
As the big day approached, my partner and I couldn’t help but think how much easier it would be to just elope and skip the wedding planning stress altogether. But looking back on our special day with loved ones, we’re so grateful for all the memories we made that it was absolutely worth the effort. So don’t worry too much about the details – at the end of the day, you’ll have an incredible experience regardless.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
In the heart of a beautiful autumnal setting, Stevie Jay Photography captured the love story of Alasdair and Bryony in a truly unforgettable way. With a dream team of vendors, including Wedding Photographers member Stevie Jay Photography, The Sun Pavilion as their venue, and decor hire from Laura Lindsay Weddings and Events, this wedding was truly one-of-a-kind. Alasdair’s bride, stunning in her Wed2B gown, paired her shoes from Steve Madden perfectly with a touch of elegance added by Milamira Bridal’s cover up and Agnes Walker’s hair piece. The bridesmaids’ skirts, courtesy of Jolie Moi, added a pop of color to the overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, Slaters brought their A-game as the groomsmen, while CGC Event Caterers kept everyone’s taste buds satisfied with their delectable spread. Regal Florists took care of the beautiful blooms, and Capstick Ceilidh Band got the party started on the dance floor. Hair & make-up magic was courtesy of Lifestyle Lounge Harrogate and Becky Emney Make Up, while Dollz Confetti provided the perfect celebratory atmosphere. The cake topper, designed by Sophia Victoria Joy, added an extra layer of sweetness, and Green Living Glasgow’s cacti and succulents brought a touch of whimsy to the decor. Gemma Allen Studio created the invitations that set the tone for this special day. As Rachel said, ‘What a fabulous autumnal wedding day Alasdair and Bryony, and so personal too.’ Thank you again to the happy couple for sharing their love story with us today.