Your Yorkshire Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 35)

REAL WEDDINGS 33 “We have a 1978 GMC American pick-up truck, which we are doing up,” Rachel explains. “It came in handy when transporting items to the venue, but we thought it suited us so much we kept it there for the day. Our photographer, Kieran Paul Photography, got some brilliant shots with it.” A relaxed vibe was created in the tipi with a chill-out section, fire pits and blankets outside and a handmade children’s tent. LOOKING THE PART Rachel found her perfect dress in Ava Rose Hamilton in Keighley. “It’s the most friendly and beautiful boutique,” she remembers. “I had no idea what I wanted but I knew Matt would like me in something elegant and fitted. I chose Valeria by Atelier Pronovias.” She let the gown be the main focus with simple diamond jewellery, but hidden under her skirt were the most incredible sapphire-blue platform shoes. In the evening, she changed into a pair of cowboy boots, which Matt bought for her as a wedding present. The groom took full control over the men’s outfits. He and the best men had buttonholes made by the florist: a shotgun cartridge with a pheasant tail feather and calla lily to fit in with the country theme. Rachel bought him a personalised pocket watch to complete the look. The best girls wore handmade skirts in soft grey with a white top. “It was difficult to choose a colour to go with our white theme,” the bride says. “I gave them free rein, which worked brilliantly.” TIME TO CELEBRATE Fun was the order of the day at this wedding. “We entertained our guests with Nerf guns, live music, games such as I Spy dotted around, a wedding quiz, dare dice and a bucket-list book,” Rachel tells us. “For those who like things a little quieter we had a relaxed chill-out section complete with fire pits. And of course – the reason for choosing the setting – we had the abbey ruins to explore.” The happy couple chose a brilliant local band to kick off festivities. “The Bootleggers UK are hard to define and do justice to, but everyone was so impressed and they definitely got people dancing,” Rachel explains. “Matt also made a brilliant playlist for each section of the day from country and rock to pop and cheesy tunes.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS On the day, the newlyweds felt excited to party with all their loved ones. “Having everyone together in one place to enjoy themselves was amazing,” Rachel says. “Having a family member conduct the ceremony was so special and I’m eternally grateful. My sister, who was essentially our wedding planner, went above and beyond to make the day perfect,” the bride remembers. “Many of my family are in the forces and mid-way through the ceremony there was an unexpected flyby that interrupted the service – we couldn’t have planned it better!” The images of the day have left Rachel and Matt with incredible mementoes. “Kieran Paul’s photography is outstanding and it deserves to be shown everywhere. He manages to capture the essence of people and turn it into art,” the bride says. 