also put together a beautiful wisteria arch which was placed behind the top table, as well as flower garlands across the mezzanine level. She also organised small chair decorations for the ceremony barn, along with flower arrangements for either end of the aisle.” COME DINE WITH ME Food was a huge part of the couple’s day. “We started with canapés of roast beef-filled mini Yorkshire puddings, rosemary and olive goat’s cheese scones, and belly of pork with black pudding purée,” says Rebecca. “For our wedding breakfast, friends and family enjoyed starters of Iberico chorizo, Whitby scallop and pork belly served with apple and chorizo cannelloni; wild Yorkshire mushrooms on balsamic sourdough toast; or chicken liver parfait with red onion marmalade and sourdough crisps. The main course was either hog roast served with Yorkshire puddings, chive-crushed potatoes, tender stem broccoli, carrots, stuffing, and ‘proper’ gravy; sea bass with pearl barley and mussel risotto, parsley purée, sea vegetables and chestnut mushrooms; or roast butternut squash filo parcel with pimento sauce, chive-crushed new potatoes, tender stem broccoli and carrots. This was all followed by Greek lemon cake with ice cream, or frozen apple parfait with apple sorbet, fresh apple, caramel, fennel meringue and sherbet.” For their wedding cake, Rebecca and Craig opted for a design made of cheese. “Created by Love Cheese of York, it featured six cheese wheels over five layers,” remembers the bride. “We decorated it with small flower garlands put together by our florist, placing it on a personalised laser cut cake board and finishing with a wooden topper. After we cut the cake, our caterers laid it out on the top table for our evening spread, along with crackers and chutneys from Wilkin & Sons.” WEAR IT WELL Rebecca found her dream dress in Essex, where the couple now live. “I wore the Champagne Arabella design from Abigail’s Collection in Colchester,” she says. “My mum and maid of honour picked out the dress originally, but when I saw it on the hanger I initially dismissed it. However, I’m so pleased they persuaded me to try it on! The ballgown fit was very flattering for my shape, and also made me feel beautiful and ‘bridal’. The dress had a stunning glittery underlayer that shimmered as I walked, with the lace keeping it classic and traditional. I also loved how the buttons ran all the way down the back, from the top to the very end of the train.” Craig, his groomsmen and both dads, meanwhile, headed to Slater Menswear to pick out their suits. “We wanted the men to wear a tweed-style design, as we felt it worked well with our venue as well as being in keeping with a Yorkshire wedding,” says Rebecca. “Choosing light sage green suits with burgundy ties, Craig opted for a paisley tie to separate himself from the rest of the party.” Then there were the bridesmaids, choosing satin burgundy floor-length gowns from David’s Bridal. “Their dresses were A-line, with a plunge neckline, low back and flutter sleeves. I also had a modesty panel sewn into my stepdaughter’s dress, as she’s only 13 and this made her feel more comfortable.” LET’S DANCE! Entertainment-wise, Rebecca and Craig opted for a live band. “We chose Nic & The Wildhearts, booking them as a duo to perform for the reception drinks, then as a five-piece band for three sessions throughout the evening,” says Rebecca. “Nic was unfortunately unwell on the day of our wedding and couldn’t perform – but our guests were none the wiser, as she arranged REBECCA’S TOP TIP “Be organised. We had a mega-spreadsheet that we filled in with the contact details of all of our suppliers, the deposits paid and when further payments were needed.” REAL WEDDINGS 35
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