2 minute read
CRUSH Schoolgirl
Laura fell for Oli the minute she saw him in secondary school
Laura and Oli met at school when they were added to the same Year 7 form group. “After a year of dropping hints that I liked him, my friends highlighted I was clearly being too subtle – so told Oli for me! The following day, he asked me to be his girlfriend; and we’ve been together ever since!”
Oli popped the question while on holiday to Center Parcs. “We drove there after work on the Friday and had a tight timeframe to check in, get ready, and go to the restaurant we’d booked that night,” continues Laura. “After being in the villa for no more than 20 minutes, and Oli trying his hardest to get me to stand still and stop searching for the shower bag; he pulled out a box from his pocket, opened it, and asked me to marry him. At the time I was still mentally working out where I’d packed the shampoo! I said, ‘Are you joking?’ in joyous shock and disbelief. Oli, not quite expecting that response, said, ‘No, I’m clearly not joking’!”
The couple set the date of 4th May, 2023, choosing Sandburn Hall as their venue. Here, Laura tells us more about their big day…
When visiting one of Sandburn’s open evenings I fell in love with its wooden beams and huge windows. Oli loved it more when we realised 4th May was available, as he’s a huge Star Wars fan!
Oli and I love seeing bands and going to festivals, so I found an album style tableplan on Pinterest. We chose some albums individually and a few together from the gigs we’ve been to.
I wanted our flowers to feel like we’d just picked them from the garden, and made sure white roses were part of the arrangements, My Dad passed away in March 2022, and, as a proud Yorkshireman, the white roses reflected his presence well.
I wore the Essense of Australia D3492 gown, as it was floral and boho in style. I added caped sleeves so the top didn’t feel too bare, and accessorised with a bracelet made from silver and one of my dad’s ties.
Our wedding ‘flower’ cupcakes looked so much like the real thing that we spent the wedding trying to get people to eat them! The lady who made them was outstanding, matching the designs to the flowers and colours perfectly.
Oli and his groomsmen all wore the same navy blue suits, teaming them with lilac ties with a faux flower pin to match my bouquet.
My bridesmaids all chose their own dresses, as I didn’t want to make any of them feel they had to wear a dress they hated. I also liked the casual look to them all being different!
Seeing each other for the first time is a feeling you can’t recreate. Both of us were holding back tears – Oli failing at this was definitely a highlight!
We were so lucky with the weather, meaning guests could enjoy drinks and canapés before heading outside to socialise and get some great pictures.
Oli’s best man, dad and Oli himself all entertained our guests with their brilliant speeches. My mum did one, too – but made hers into a quiz!
Having all your family and friends together for the whole day is amazing, and will make your day all the more special.
Our bridesmaids and groomsmen were incredible from start to finish. The bridesmaids kept the dance floor going all evening and a few of the groomsmen cried throughout the ceremony.
Be sure to allocate an hour together prior to your evening guests arriving. That way you can let it all sink in that you are now husband and wife.
LAURA & OLI’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography, Olivia Amy Photography www.oliviaamyphotography.com | Venue, Sandburn Hall, www.sandburnhall.co.uk/weddings
Laura’s dress, Treasured Brides www.treasuredbrides.co.uk | Seamstress, Thimbelina www.thimbelina.co.uk | Suits, Slaters www.slaters.co.uk | Make-up, Bryony Herbert Bridal Make-Up Artist www.instagram.com/bryony_herbert_mua | Flowers, Hare and Howl www.instagram.com/hareandhowl | Cupcakes, Blooming Marvellous Cakes www.instagram.com/bloomingmarvellouscakes
Stationery and table plan, Elysian www.instagram.com/weare.elysian | Rings, Townsend Studio www.instagram.com/townsendsjewellerystudio | DJ, Club Class Entertainment https://clubclassuk.com/weddings | Chair covers, Chair Covers of Yorkshire www.instagram.com/chaircoversofyorkshire | Lighting, Wedding Venue Lighting, www.instagram.com/weddingvenuelighting
