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

REAL WEDDINGS 33 look. He wore a wine-coloured three-piece suit with red accessories. He changed into a funky red and gold shirt for the evening celebrations. The two maids-of-honour wore forest-green pantsuits. “These were easy to wear, stylish and modern,” Sandra says. “With the added benefit that they could wear them again.” TIME TO CELEBRATE As musicians specialising in wedding services themselves, the music was always going to be a key part of the day. “A band of Medieval musicians, A Merrie Noyse Minstrels, greeted guests and set the scene,” Sandra says. “Our friend, Mike Jordan, played classical guitar for the ceremony and the talented pianist Joanna Williams performed during the drinks reception and supper.” The party really got started in the evening, with dancing led by The Arbeau Dancers, who taught guests various steps including an old-fashioned conga! After this, there was a second ceremony on the castle’s staircase, during which the couple made pledges to each other and performed The Wedding Song . The party then got started again with a host of incredible musicians including Den Miller who led a now-legendary rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody among their group. Moroccan performer Hassan Erraji explained that in Morocco guests bring drums to weddings to make as much noise as possible to bless the newlyweds. “We certainly felt blessed,” Sandra smiles. “It was wonderfully wild!” There was a fantastic magician, Wee Magic Al, who worked the room and entertained everyone with close- up tricks, while a vintage photo booth provided hilarious mementoes for guests to take home. “We finished the evening with a spectacular firework display over the lake,” Sandra says. “Our last dance was to our own recording of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love , which was made famous by Adele.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS The pair both had very different starts to their day. “Steve had the unenviable task of taking the very delicate cake from The Boar’s Head in Ripley – where we were staying – to the venue,” Sandra explains. “All the while, I was having a wonderful time singing, dancing and getting ready with my bridal party!” On the day, Sandra says it all felt like a film. “I had a profound sense of the importance of making the most of every moment,” she says. “I just wanted to slow everything down so I could take it in better.” The couple wanted to say a special thanks to Dave Suttill, the venue’s VIP front of house manager. Sandra says, “He provided exceptional service; every wedding needs a Dave!” 