Ukrainian-born Olga met Oliver at a Halloween ball at private London members’ club, Annabel’s. “Oliver was dressed as Dracula and spotted me on the dancefloor,” says the bride. “He thinks he acted suave trying to catch my attention, but he looked like a gazelle caught in the headlights, with his mouth wide open! I joined him for a drink at the bar, and we spent the rest of the night chatting, meeting for lunch and a walk around Hyde Park the next day. Our relationship progressed from there, which wasn’t easy at first, seeing as I lived in London – and Oliver lived in North Yorkshire!” Oliver proposed to Olga during the height of Covid, with the couple moving in together the day before lockdown to prevent them being 250 miles apart. “On Christmas Eve, after a few presents under the tree as a decoy – his way of indicating no engagement ring was coming! – Oliver suggested we walk around Castle Howard’s grounds. Distracting me by saying my shoe was dirty, I turned to check – and Oliver swiftly got down on one knee with a diamond ring in hand!” The couple set the date for the 3rd September, 2022, choosing Ripon Cathedral for their service, followed by a reception at Grantley Hall. Here, Olga tells us more about their amazing day… WORSHIP ME Olga and Oliver were lucky enough to have their marriage conducted at Ripon Cathedral, which was built in 672. “I run the charity EmbraceMe Foundation (www.embracemefoundation.com), which provides humanitarian support for Ukraine and its refugees,” says Olga. “Due to the charity raising significant funds at the Ripon International Festival at Ripon Cathedral a few months prior, we were granted permission to have our ceremony there. It was a princess-style wedding every girl dreams of, with my mother walking me down the aisle, escorted by my four bridesmaids. The service was held by the Dean of Ripon John Dobson, who delivered the most magical service, which was grand and personal at the same time.” When it came to their reception, Olga and Oliver fell in love with Grantley Hall. “Luxurious and award-winning, it was everything we could have asked for,” said the bride. “A beautiful setting for an elegant wedding celebration, it offered a unique blend of rich history and modern luxury.” GOING GREEN The couple opted for green and ivory cream for their theme, alongside many personal touches. “To us, these colours are a classic combination of aristocracy,” continues Olga. “We carried this throughout our day, with tall flower displays at the cathedral high altar, and a 25 metre wisteria hanging garland, which my mum and I made, for our reception. Hung on a ceiling ring where 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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