Your Yorkshire Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 45)

REAL WEDDINGS 23 S o many great couples start out as friends, and that was the case with Abi and Tom. “We went to school and university together before we started dating,” Abi explains. “We both have the same sense of humour; we laugh a lot!” Tom soon turned his attention to popping the question, and he decided the perfect location would be York. “We went for breakfast at the Star Inn The City,” Abi remembers. “We then went for a walk through the museum gardens when Tom surprised me by getting down on one knee. I practically ran home to ring our families and tell them the good news when I walked straight into an engagement party in our flat! I nearly jumped out of my skin, but it was a brilliant moment.” The pair chose a summer wedding, setting the date for 6 th July, 2019, with a church ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Beverley, where Abi was christened, followed by a reception at Tickton Grange. We caught up with the bride to find out how it all came together… SETTING THE SCENE The couple were keen to get married close to home in Beverley, and for the reception they settled on Tickton Grange, which is in the village where Tom grew up. “Tickton Grange was just ten minutes from the church and had the benefit of beautiful grounds and plenty of accommodation for friends and family,” Abi says. “We didn’t stick to a particular theme, we just wanted the day to feel traditional yet relaxed so everyone could enjoy every aspect of the celebration.” Tom gave into 13-year-old Abi’s wedding mood board, opting for a blush pink and pearl white colour palette running throughout the day. “When it came to flowers I was pretty clueless,” Abi admits. “I scrolled through Instagram to get inspiration, but our florist, Daisy Chain Flowers in Skirlaugh, was so helpful. She designed bouquets and centrepieces with a variety of roses and eucalyptus foliage. She delivered everything to the venue and arranged the florals – it looked stunning.” Abi arrived in style, thanks to a surprise from Tom. “He arranged a 1952 Bentley Freestone and Webb from Superior Motors,” she says. “It was a beautiful car inside and out and our driver, Ken, was so lovely. He totally put me at ease on the way to the church – I’d highly recommend.” Later on, the pair kept their loved ones entertained with a magician called Rich Reynolds. “He was recommended to us and was an excellent addition to the day,” Abi says. “Our guests loved him, his tricks were brilliant and he was a lovely guy.” Abi’s talented mum made the wedding cake – a traditional boozy fruitcake with white icing and a pearl trim, which looked as amazing as it tasted. Guests were also treated to pink heart-shaped chocolates as favours. “There are so many favour options available that we struggled to decide,” Abi says. “In the end, we decided that a sweet treat is always appreciated.” Tickton Grange gave the couple plenty of choice when it came to catering, and they could choose some of their favourite dishes. “We dined on a three-course menu,” Abi tells us. “Chicken liver paté to start, chicken breast with lemon and spring onion sauce for the main and a decadent sticky toffee pudding for dessert.” 