Jordan and Mark met via friends while studying at university and would often see each other at parties. In fact, it was one birthday party in particular where they really hit it off, but it was just when Jordan was about to move to London for work. However, they didn’t give up and met up in London for a few dates, as well as embarking on a long distance relationship with Mark remaining in Leeds. Happily, everything worked beautifully for the couple and seven months later, Jordan moved back up to Yorkshire. Mark popped the question in their kitchen one day with the words: “I wanted to begin our next big adventure in the place we started our first one.” The two had purchased a big renovation project a year before, intended to be their forever home, so it’s sentimental to them. “I wasn’t expecting a proposal, but obviously I said ‘yes’,” Jordan says. “He’d already put Champagne in the fridge, ready to celebrate.” Setting out on their venue search, the couple had only visited one venue before meeting the staff at Escrick Park. “They took us to look at Skipwith Hall and we immediately fell in love with the gardens there,” Jordan explains. “So, when we found out we could get married in the gardens, we were sold!” The two are both fans of the great outdoors and Jordan adores wildflowers, so they quickly knew it was the venue for them. “We were able to make it really personal to us and knowing they only had a few weddings there each year meant it felt extra special. An extra bonus was that the day we had our first date was available, so we were married five years later to the day,” Jordan continues. That all-important date was 24th June. Join us now as we find out more... LOOKING THE PART In honour of their venue and great love for the outdoors Jordan and Mark opted for a country garden theme with a palette of spring colours including sage, orange, coral and blue. The brief for the flowers was wildflowers. After meeting with their florist and discussing the palette, they came up with a natural look featuring caramel, coral and orange roses, bunny tails, coral and green dahlias, and blue pansies. They were also keen to incorporate Mark’s Australian heritage, so they included a few springs of eucalyptus. The five table names were also chosen to reflect the theme: freesia, blue iris, gladiolus, chrysanthemum, and peony, along with their meanings in a botanical guide style. Meanwhile, place names were wooden hearts carved with each guests’ names doubling as a memento for them. They were also gifted wildflower seed pouches made from recycled materials and personalised with the newlyweds’ initials. The long, rustic banqueting tables were decorated with sage green chiffon runners with centrepieces featuring floating candles and sprigs of foliage dotted around. “We didn’t want the tables too crowded as we were having sharing platters,” Jordan tells us. The venue was also highlighted by a partial floral arch adorned in the same flower varieties as the bridal bouquet. The reception took place in two huge stretch tents, and the entrance was decorated with two olive trees. Also to be found were hay bale seats, vintage lamps, and bottles containing fairylights. Jordan made signs to guide guests through the venue, while Mark’s mum dried flower petals for their confetti. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD The delicious wedding breakfast was provided by El Kantina. “They were so amazing,” the bride says. “We had lots of comments about how great the food was.” The couple used recyclable bamboo plates and cutlery with reusable linen napkins wanting their big day to be as sustainable as possible. “Laura from El Kantina is so lovely and made sure everything was just how we wanted it,” the bride continues. “As we were busy with photographs she even made sure that some canapés were saved for us.” Louisianna’s Bars created bespoke cocktails for the newlyweds, which were a big hit. “They’re a really great group who know how to have a good time,” Jordan tells us. LOOKING THE PART “I’d never daydreamed about my wedding dress from a young age,” the bride REAL WEDDINGS 29
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