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

DECK THE HALLS How do we create a traditional, cosy Christmas theme with our styling and props without it looking over-the-top? Christmas weddings are some of my favourite to style. My clients often ask me how to create a festive feel without it being too flashy or traditional. My advice would be to choose a definitive palette to use throughout the day and try not to go overboard. Frosty blues paired with white and silver can be just as seasonal as the classic red, green and gold. If you want a traditional look, opt for greenery. Use lots of ferns and spruces as your base, then you can either glam it up with gold accents or introduce white and natural elements to give it a Nordic vibe. JEN’S TOP TIP: You can never have too many candles! Jen Sawdon-Mckay | My Pretties UK | myprettiesuk.com kieranpaulphotography.co.uk bhavnabarratt.com THE GREAT OUTDOORS We’d love to get married outside, but we’ve found out it’s not legally recognised. What are our options? There’s something really special about being outdoors for your wedding ceremony, isn’t there? A summer meadow, the grounds of a stately home, a peaceful woodland, or simply a special family garden – being outside allows you to say your vows in a setting that’s romantic, timeless and deeply personal. But you’re right, the law in England and Wales states that a legal marriage ceremony cannot take place outside. Problem? Not necessarily! Look at it this way – when a baby is born, the birth is registered before a christening or naming ceremony, in the same way that you can separate the legal registration of your marriage from your ceremony. Unless you choose to make more of it, the legal occasion can be short with only a couple of witnesses. This means you can save your vows, exchange of rings and any other elements you’d like to include for your al fresco ceremony. As a professional celebrant, it’s been my privilege to create and lead many outdoor weddings – under ancient trees, by lakes, on hilltops, in vineyards and in private gardens. There are so many options to explore. Piers Lane | Piers Lane Celebrant | pierslanecelebrant.eu EXPERT ADVICE 93