Your Yorkshire Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 46)

REAL WEDDINGS 27 K atherine and Sam shared two big things in common: their profession and their sense of humour. “We’re both teachers and we met while working in the same school,” Katherine tells us. “We just got on really well; I laughed at his jokes and he loved my smile.” It wasn’t long before Sam was thinking about popping the question. “Sam proposed while we were on holiday in Sri Lanka,” Katherine says. “It was after dinner one evening when we were walking along a deserted beach, while under a clear sky with twinkling stars.” Katherine admits it wasn’t a total surprise. “We had talked about getting married prior to the holiday!” she says. Back in the UK, the two began planning their perfect wedding, and set the date for 19 th October, 2019. We caught up with Katherine to find out more… THE PERFECT SETTING When it came to the ceremony venue, it was an easy choice; Katherine’s parents are both Canons at the beautiful Wakefield Cathedral. “We’ve always loved the size and majesty of it,” she says. For post-vow celebrations they chose the spectacular 18 th -century Oulton Hall for its gorgeous interiors and pretty gardens. “As a hotel, it was really convenient for our guests at the end of the night,” the bride says. “In addition, the suite was large enough for our 100 guests and a dancefloor!” PUTTING THEIR STAMP ON Drawing inspiration from the season, the couple opted for an autumnal theme with a palette of deep red, navy, burnt orange and gold. The flowers reflected this with red roses and astrantia, thistles to represent Sam’s Scottish heritage, blue berries, white roses and deep greens in the background. “For the centrepieces, we had gold bowls brimming with florals alongside tea-light holders,” Katherine says. “The top table had three sections of autumnal-coloured flowers linked together with greenery.” Two stunning white cherry blossom trees created impact in the room. The cake was three delicious tiers of Victoria sponge, chocolate and coffee, all decorated with white icing and flowers. The stationery had a classic feel, with the table plan, place settings, menus and table names all written in gold ink on white card. “The tables were named after railway stations that have significance to us, from where we grew up to where we went to university,” Katherine explains. “We also had a description of the meanings on the back of the place names.” The bride, father-of-the- bride and bridesmaids arrived in style at the cathedral in two white Jaguars. After the ceremony, the newlyweds were whisked to Oulton Hall in a Rolls Royce. 