Your Yorkshire Wedding - November/December 2019 (Issue 39)

bevancockerill.com THE PRIDE OF LEEDS In the summer, Victoria Leeds launched a competition to find the perfect couple to tie the knot at the shopping centre to celebrate Leeds Pride. It was inundated with hopefuls, but in the end it was Ryan Clay and Ben Bagshaw who warmed the judge’s hearts and won the money-can’t-buy wedding. “Ben and I have been together for 14 years and engaged for 13 years,” Ryan explained in his entry. “Various things have happened in that time to put a wedding on the back-burner. I think Ben thinks I’ve forgotten or I’m not interested, but it’s actually the opposite. It would be amazing to surprise him with a wedding to finally commit to our love after all these years, and look forward to our future as best friends, soulmates and husbands.” The ceremony took place under a rainbow-coloured floral arch and was conducted by TV host and equal rights advocate Anna Richardson. With a navy and burgundy colour scheme throughout, and a string quartet playing, the happy duo were finally pronounced husband and husband. Anna says, “I’m delighted to have had the privilege to marry Ryan and Ben. A wedding day is always memorable, but getting married on the same day as Leeds Pride is the icing on the (wedding) cake!” After the ceremony, the newlyweds were treated to a three-course meal with 20 guests at The Ivy, a champagne reception at Harvey Nichols and an after- party at Victoria Gate Casino, along with lots of other amazing gifts from stores at the centre. Visit victorialeeds.co.uk BRIDE STYLE We adore the gorgeous new bridal collection from Sheffield-based designer Kate Beaumont. Featuring gowns, two-pieces, lace jackets and a silk camisole along with eight reworked classics, these beautifully understated pieces are perfect for the contemporary bride. “I studied fashion at university but fell out of love with it after a year travelling,” Kate tells us. “It was when my best friend, Alexandra, asked me to make her wedding dress that I got hooked again. As we looked for inspiration together, I realised wedding gowns didn’t have to be full-skirted, strapless numbers. After making Alexandra’s dress, I made my own, and I started focusing on the bias-cut designs of the 1930s.” Kate’s creations are unstructured, impeccably cut and made from exquisite laces and silks. Romantic and timeless, brides will love the comfort and ease of wearing them. “My clients are a huge inspiration,” Kate says. “I’ll often come up with ideas to change an existing dress during an appointment, and that will eventually become the start of a new design for the next collection.” Head to kate-beaumont.co.uk for more. Country life The Oakwood at Ryther is a glorious new venue set on a farm in the heart of Yorkshire’s stunning countryside. Owners Ian and Janine Dennis have lived here since 1943, with the farm being in their family for generations. About three years ago, they set out to transform the huge grain store, barns and courtyard into an unforgettable venue. The Old Grain Barn is a contemporary conversion, which allows couples to put their own stamp on the day. It has space for 160 dining guests and 220 in the evening, as well as a large dancefloor and balcony lounge area. The separate Ceremony Barn holds up to 120 loved ones and has its own bar – ideal for a post-vow drinks reception. Accommodation will be available from Spring 2020 and will feature 15 double rooms and a bridal suite. Check out oakwoodatryther.co.uk 10