MAGICAL MOMENTS
Proposals, picnics & PERFECT MEMORIES
Yorkshire is made for romance, whether it’s a rugged landscape, stately home or dreamy hotel. We talk to couples who made the county part of their memorable moment...
LOCATION, LOCATION
When it came to choosing a venue for our wedding, Andrew and I realised that neither of us had any great feelings for any buildings or ceremonies that were held within, but instead felt a real connection to being outdoors and under open skies. Ilkley Moor, and Cow and Calf Rocks in particular, spoke to us, as it’s our local stomping ground and climbing venue.
We got our legal obligations out of the way with a very short and intimate ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall, then bussed our small party of 45 to Ilkley Moor for a picnic under the sun. We gathered everyone together for a walk up the hills to a beautiful, secluded spot on the moors where we exchanged our meaningful, handwritten vows. On the walk back we couldn’t help but take advantage of the stunning surroundings, and being avid climbers, we scaled the Hanging Stones rocks for some epic photos.
Doing it this way meant we could keep everything local to West Yorkshire and low key, as well as having minimum impact on our environment and focusing the day around the people attending rather than pomp and ceremony.
LAKESIDE LOVE
Jamie and I met at school and were friends for years before becoming a couple. Four years ago, we crossed paths again and I knew from our first date that this was truly special. In our first year together, I lost two of the most important people to me, my beautiful grandma Margret and grandad Bill.
The way Jamie held us all together and showed such care towards myself and my family, I knew that we were a team and could face whatever challenges that could be thrown at us in the future.
One day he took me to our favourite hotel, Swinton Park and Estate, where we went for a walk around the grounds. When he asked if I would like a picture looking out onto the lake, I turned back to see him on one knee with the most amazing ring I had ever seen. It had one of his mum’s diamonds in the middle – he had lost her a few years ago, so it was very special.
He then took me for lunch at our favourite restaurant, The Alice Hawthorn, but surprised me with all of our friends and family gathered in the barn to celebrate. We are getting married at Hornington Manor, which fits very well with our Yorkshire -themed wedding full of local suppliers.
