HAPPY ever after

Ruth and Will celebrated with friends, family, food – and plenty of fun

Ruth and Will met studying at Northampton University. “We lived in adjacent flats and think we first started talking at a party, but neither of us can actually remember for definite the first time we met!” says Ruth. “Will says he was attracted to me because I always make sure people are OK and looked after; whereas Will always makes me feel calm. He also always listens and is very thoughtful – and it doesn’t hurt that he’s a pretty good cook!”

Will proposed to Ruth while out for a walk in a little village called Marton cum Grafton. “We’d been together for around eight years and were just coming out of the strict Covid lockdown measures,” continues Ruth. “Will had unbeknownst to me already paid for my engagement ring, and was waiting for the right moment to pick it up. He wanted to catch me by surprise – and I certainly wasn’t expecting him to pop the question on a muddy dog walk! It was the perfect proposal, and he’d even arranged for us to have a meal in the local pub afterwards to celebrate.”

The couple set the date for the 23 October, 2022, choosing Yorebridge House for their big day. Here, Ruth tells us more about their amazing wedding…

When it came to where to wed, there was no question that the wedding would be in Yorkshire. “We love being outside, so were drawn to being somewhere scenic and beautiful,” says Ruth. “We wanted to have the ceremony and reception in the same place for ease and to avoid travelling on the day, and also wanted somewhere that felt intimate and homely. We knew that Yorebridge House was the venue for us as soon as we walked in. It’s a beautiful hotel and the staff were so friendly. We also loved how we were able to personalise much of our day, too.”

Another selling point for Ruth and Will was the venue’s catering. “We love food and Yorebridge provided amazing cuisine and more,” continues Ruth. “On the day guests were given a choice of rolled duck terrine with Granny Smith apple and celeriac; cured salmon with beetroot and watercress, or salt baked celeriac with king oyster mushroom and truffle to start. This was followed by Wensleydale lamb with fondant potato and creamed cabbage; gilt head sea bream with tomato and olive; or potato gnocchi with butternut squash and salsify. Then, for dessert, friends and family enjoyed custard tart, nutmeg and raspberry sorbet; or dark chocolate brownie with hazelnut and praline ice cream. And it didn’t end there! In the evening the venue prepared a cheeseboard and served it alongside our cupcakes. We love cheese so it was delicious – even if I did get chutney on my dress!”

The couple wanted an intimate wedding, so chose to invite only their closest family and friends. “Because we kept things low-key, we didn’t really have a colour scheme in mind,” says Ruth. “For this reason we didn’t do table names – and we didn’t even have a table plan! Instead, we just let everyone find their seats, with Will’s mum creating the place names as she’s very artistic. It’s a good thing she offered, as Will and I would have just printed the names off a Word document!”

When it came to decorations, the couple were keen to reuse and recycle, saving on costs and the environment. “We collected glass candlesticks from charity shops and car boot sales, and had a mixture of candles in them for centrepieces,” continues the bride. “Our florist, Amy, provided some eucalyptus which we arranged around the candles. As for the actual flowers, I’m not too sure what we had in the end! We sent Amy photos for inspiration and then let her do her thing! It was important that we didn’t have too many, as I’d hate to see them go to waste after. For this reason we used lots of dried flowers, as we wanted them preserved for us to keep. My bouquet is now on our coffee table in the lounge!”

Keeping in with the intimate celebration, Ruth and Will chose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen. “This also gave me more time to search for a dress that was elegant and timeless,” says Ruth. “In the end I came across the designer Sarah Seven, however, there’s only one boutique in the UK you can try her designs on. So off I went with my mum and sister to London! I ended up with the top of one dress, but changed the skirt. I also thought I wanted a train, but realised it was quite heavy when trying it on and felt it would irritate me on the day. I went dress shopping in May with the wedding in October – and if I could give any bride -to-be some advice it’s to give yourself more time than that!”

Will’s outfit was found much closer to home; in All About The Suit in Darlington. “He chose a three-piece blue checked suit with burnt orange tie,” continues Ruth. “We also bought matching ties for our brothers and dads to wear.”

When it came to the evening entertainment, Ruth and Will opted for a DJ and saxophonist. “The saxophonist in particular made our evening,” says Ruth. “He played along to the DJ set which was amazing, and it was the moment where everyone came together and really let their hair down. What made the night even better was the fact I’d seen an online video a week before our wedding where a couple used a pair of white sunglasses with their names on for the evening party. We didn’t realise they would be such a hit! Every guest had their time wearing the sunglasses and were beckoned to show off their best dance moves on the dancefloor.”

Emotions certainly ran high for the couple on the day. “It was really surreal,” explains Ruth. “You’ve planned something for so many months and all of a sudden, all your plans come together and it’s right there, happening. I really thought I was going to cry at some point, but I think I was too excited and happy in the end. And I knew that Will was going to be emotional so it would have been a nightmare if we were both inconsolable! We both can’t believe how fast the day went – people warn that you blink and miss it, but you really can! It’s most definitely worth taking a minute to soak it all up.”

RUTH’S TOP TIP: “Keep it simple, as it will save money and stress. Your guests will remember the venue, the food and the atmosphere.”

ROLL CREDITS

Photography, Mark Hooper Photography www.markhooperphotography.co.uk | Venue, Yorebridge House www.yorebridgehouse.co.uk

Videography, Starkfilm Weddings www.starkfilmweddings.co.uk | Ruth’s dress, Heart Aflutter Bridal Boutique www.heartaflutterbridal.co.uk

Ruth’s necklace, Monica Vinader www.monicavinader.com | Suits, All About The Suit www.allaboutthesuit.co.uk | Cake, Cakerbells www.cakerbells.co.uk | Flowers, Rosemary and Twine, https://rosemaryandtwine.co.uk | Rings, Montpellier Jewellers www.montpellierjewellers.com | DJ and saxophonist, Jonny Ross Music www.jonnyrossmusic.com