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MRS The beautiful wedding of Sue and Shaun Smith

July 21, 2014 Rowley, East Yorkshire

Some things are meant to be...

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ue and Shaun Smith will cherish 21 July 2012, as the day of their marriage – and it will remain long in the memories of their guests.

On a beautiful summer’s day in East Yorkshire, St Peter’s Church, Rowley was the setting for what Shaun described as “a perfect day”.

“It’s such a cosy church,” Sue said. “We went there for a year and a half before getting married and we fell in love with it.”

The 1pm ceremony was still seven hours away when Sue was woken at the crack of dawn by Shaun’s daughter, Emily Smith. Emily had slept over with the bride-to-be at the home of Sue’s mother, Jacquie Laybourne, the night before the wedding.

However, if Sue’s wake-up call left her feeling bleary-eyed, she was given the perfect kick-start to the day when she discovered that Shaun had arranged for the delivery of a hamper full of fresh fruit and bucks fizz.

“I didn’t get much sleep and it was an early start so I was pretty tired, but the excitement soon took over,” Sue said. “The hamper was a lovely surprise and the other bridesmaids arrived at about 10am. Then the little ones watched TV while the grown-up bridesmaids helped with the preparations, and everything was really relaxed.”

Not everyone was a picture of calm though, with Sue’s stepfather, John Laybourne, desperate to make sure his role in the day went perfectly.

“I think my stepdad John was more nervous than me,” Sue laughed. “He was getting the car ready to take us to the venue – a nice big black car that was decorated with flowers – but he was flapping a bit!”

While Emily and her cousins, Grace and Mia Smith, watched a DVD and ate sandwiches, the other three older bridesmaids – Carole Potter, Helena Kew and Lauren Fox – got on with the task of getting the bride ready for the big occasion in a fun and orderly fashion.

When wedding photographer Andrew Crozier turned up to capture Sue’s preparations, he said: “I can’t believe how well organised you all are!”

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hen Sue and her entourage arrived at the wedding venue, the bride was met by her father, Martin Potter, who accompanied her on the short walk to the picturesque St Peter’s Church.

“It was nice to have a moment with him and chat in the sunshine as we walked to the church, with Grace and Emily being very helpful by lifting my wedding dress train up for me,” Sue said.

“My dad kept asking if I was alright, but I think he was just trying to calm his own nerves.”

Sue’s own nerves finally started to jangle for the first time on the day as she approached the steps to the church, full to bursting with family and friends.

was going to look back, but I did instinctively, and I’m glad I did. She looked absolutely gorgeous.”

For most of the wedding day morning, Shaun had been stressfree – but that all changed when he went to meet his brother Carl Smith, who was the best man, and his cousin and usher Andy Smith.

“I had most of the morning to myself and that helped to keep my mind in check as I knew it was a big day,” Shaun said.

“I wanted to have my own space for a bit of time. I wanted to wake up, have breakfast and sort my head out, so I was good and relaxed. Then later in the morning I went over to see Carl and Andy and, having been fine all day, that’s when the nerves kicked in.

Any anxiety subsided though, when she caught the glance of her husband-in-waiting as she walked down the aisle to the sound of Wagner’s Bridal Chorus.

“I’m laid back anyway, but they were more laid back than me, particularly when we were getting dressed. I just wanted us all to be ready, but they waited until about 15 minutes before I wanted to leave, and that tested me a bit!

“I was really hoping he would turn around and I was really relieved that he did as I couldn’t breathe!

His smile helped to calm me down and, well, what can I say? He looked very handsome,” Sue said.

“I told my brother to put the wedding ring on his little finger, but he said, ‘no I’ll just put it in my pocket’, and that stressed me out a bit more. But in truth I think that was just me being over the top.

‘...Any anxiety subsided though, when Sue caught the glance of her husband-inwaiting as she walked down the aisle...’

s g n i h t e Som e b o t t n a e m “He scrubbed up very well and it made a change from seeing him in his work clothes!”

To say it had been a grand entrance would not be entirely true, because the occasion had a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.

“We got there about 45 minutes before the start as we wanted to make sure everyone knew where they were going.

When Shaun turned around to see Sue walking down the aisle, though, he was nearly knocked off his feet.

“I was really hoping he would turn around and I was really relieved that he did as I couldn’t breathe!

His smile helped to calm me down and, well, what can I say? He looked very handsome,” Sue said.

“It was an overwhelming moment,” he said. “I didn’t know whether I

“He scrubbed up very well and it made a change!”

are e ...

r a s g n i h t e m o S W

hen Shaun arrived at St Peter’s Church, Reverend Marjorie Hill was ready to offer a few words of lastminute advice before the start of the ceremony.

Marjorie is a family friend, with Sue’s mother Jacquie Laybourne having known her for many years.

“It was a very personal service,” Shaun said. “Marjorie said during the ceremony that I had promised not to play on the Xbox as much and Sue had promised to stop finishing the ends of my sentences!”

It was a big occasion for the Reverend too though, and she quickly had to correct herself when she called Sue by her middle name – Louise – during the vows. “I think she was a little bit nervous too as she knows the family,” Sue said. “I think she saw my face when she said ‘Louise’! Marjorie did a great job though and it was a really nice ceremony.”

After the opening hymn, Morning Has Broken, the declaration and the exchange of the rings, Shaun’s mother Christine Smith read Wedding Day, a hauntingly beautiful poem that she had written especially for the big occasion. “She’s really good with words,” Shaun said. “That was the first time anyone had heard it. Her voice was going a bit, but I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house!”

A reading of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 – ‘Faith, hope, and love abide; but the greatest of these is love’ – by family friend Jill Wood was followed by the address, the final hymn, Shine Jesus Shine, and the closing prayers. The couple could barely keep their eyes off each other throughout the service.

Then it was the turn of Jill’s daughter, Sarah Weston, to sing to the congregation while Shaun and Sue signed the marriage register, with her repertoire including Elvis Presley’s famous Can’t Help Falling In Love.

“We didn’t want a long service,” Shaun said. “We wanted to keep it quite short and that seemed to be just right. It was really intimate and it seemed to suit everyone there too.”

With the ink drying on the register, Shaun and Sue Smith then led their beaming family and friends out of the church, emerging into the glorious summer sunshine as husband and wife.

After the opening hymn, Morning Has Broken, the declaration and the exchange of the rings, Shaun’s mother Christine Smith read Wedding Day, a hauntingly beautiful poem that she had written especially for the big occasion. “She’s really good with words,” Shaun said. “That was the first time anyone had heard it. Her voice was going a bit, but I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house!”

e b o t t n a e m re A reading of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 – ‘Faith, hope, and love abide; but the greatest of these is love’ – by family friend Jill Wood was followed by the address, the final hymn, Shine Jesus Shine, and the closing prayers.

The couple could barely keep their eyes off each other throughout the service.

Then it was the turn of Jill’s daughter, Sarah Weston, to sing to the congregation while Shaun and Sue signed the marriage register, with her repertoire including Elvis Presley’s famous Can’t Help Falling In Love.

“We didn’t want a long service,” Shaun said. “We wanted to keep it quite short and that seemed to be just right.”

After the opening hymn, Morning Has Broken, the declaration and the exchange of the rings, Shaun’s mother Christine Smith read Wedding Day, a hauntingly beautiful poem that she had written especially for the big occasion.

First steps of marriage for happy couple...

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hose first few steps of married life were precious to Shaun and Sue Smith.

In the fresh summer air, the contentment of the newlyweds was easy to see as they strolled to historic Rowley Manor, the venue for their reception, followed by dozens of well-

“I couldn’t bring myself to throw it,” Sue said with a touch of embarrassment. It was just so pretty and I didn’t want to ruin it, so I told my sister to look after it and put it in some water so we could take it home!”

The welcoming smiles of Rowley Manor’s excellent members of staff greeted the guests, who were

‘...Sue and Shaun took time out to mingle with friends and family, both looking relaxed and happy...’ wishers, including three-year-old Emily, who was beaming from ear to ear.

“Taking in a bit of fresh air after such an occasion was nice, especially with the weather being so lovely,” Shaun said.

Then, as the delicious food was prepared, Shaun and Sue took time out to mingle with friends and family, both looking relaxed and happy. When the wedding breakfast was served, it was time for speeches.

served with refreshing glasses of bucks fizz at the door following the short walk from St Peter’s Church.

Then, as the delicious food was prepared, Shaun and Sue took time out to mingle with friends and family, both looking relaxed and happy. When the wedding breakfast was served.

However, the traditional tossing of the bouquet, beautifully crafted by Sarah Nicholson.

Toasting a match made in heaven...

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ue’s mother Jacquie Laybourne was first up and did not want to miss the opportunity to embarrass her daughter with a couple of anecdotes from yesteryear.

“She told everyone that my nickname used to be ‘nippopotamus’, as apparently I used to ‘nip’ people that I liked! The name hasn’t stuck, thankfully,” Sue said.

Then it was Shaun’s turn, and he held his composure together... almost.

“I did have a bit of a cry, I’ll admit,” he said. “It was quite emotional, but everyone said it was a good speech.

“I was just trying to hold it together so I could thank people.”

we were always bickering, and as people we’re far from being the same.

“But over the last 10 years we have grown up and bonded really well.

Of course, he had a few pops at me in his speech, but I expected that!

“I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a man’s man, so he doesn’t tell you what he’s feeling, but through the whole day he was checking up on me and asking if I was alright.”

Sue and Shaun stepped forward to cut the tiered cake, which was superbly created by Julie Palmer, a friend of Sue’s mother Jacquie.

Then it was time for the first dance, with two famous songs by Queen really getting the party started.

Shaun’s brother and best man, Carl, then scrapped his planned speech in favour of speaking from the heart.

The intimate You’re My Best Friend led on to the uplifting Don’t Stop Me Now, which pulled the guests to the dance floor, and there was no looking back as the festivities got into full swing.

“He told me that he had written a speech, but then he decided to just ‘wing it’ and he was honest in his words,” Shaun said. “As brothers

Unfortunately though, Shaun was to be upstaged on the dancefloor by 11-year-old Jacob Weston, who challenged – and then trounced –

the groom in a dance-off. “He walked all over me,” Shaun admitted, shaking his head. “You just can’t compete with a robot dance!”

As the sun set, some guests started to drift off after a wonderful day.

However, Sue’s friends made sure she stayed on the dancefloor by keeping her glass topped up.

“They kept dragging me to dance,” Sue said. “They also made sure I always had a drink with me and that really helped actually because my feet were killing!

“We ended up in the bar area until about 2am until everyone had gone home. It was one of those days that we didn’t want to end.”

As the party drew to a close, Shaun and Sue were left to reflect on a day that they will treasure for ever.

“Everyone just had a really good night and everyone was in a great mood,” Shaun said.

“Both Sue and I have said that we wouldn’t change a single thing about the day – it was absolutely perfect.”

For Shaun and Sue, it was a perfect end to their perfect day.

Last-minute change...

Shaun’s brother and best man, Carl Smith, had an eleventhhour change of heart over his speech.

“In the end I just tore up the original speech I had planned,” Carl said.

“It was all prepared and I’d practised it, but when I read it to myself on the day I realised that I just wanted to say something different.

“Shaun and I fell out some time ago, but we’ve made up since then and I wanted to tell him that he’s always been my brother and that I have loved him... and I’m not the sort of person who says those things.

Then it was time to have a drink!”

He added: “The whole wedding was a really nice day and my two little girls, Grace and Mia, particularly enjoyed it.

“Mia is very young so she was more interested in picking up and throwing the confetti, but Grace, who is older, absolutely loved it as she likes princesses, pretty dresses, castles and things like that.

“All of the kids were running around, really enjoying themselves. It had a really nice family feel to the day. The whole wedding was a really nice day for all.”

A special mention...

Guests came from across England to take part in Sue and Shaun’s special day but, as is often the case, not everyone could make it.

“My nana and grandad, Betty and Mickey, couldn’t make it and I know it was quite hard for them as it only became clear that they wouldn’t be able to come a few days before,” Sue said.

“They were missed by everyone and we were all thinking of them on the day.”

Wedding whispers  Picture perfect...

Shaun’s father, Alan Smith, only needed to take one look at his son to know that he was ready for the big day.

“I didn’t feel like I needed to say anything to him,” Alan said.

“It just seemed to be natural for him to go to the church and be himself.

“He’s not the sort of person who would take a lot of advice on board anyway, but I’m very proud of him.

“He’s quite streetwise and knows how he wants things to be done, so I just stepped back and let him enjoy the lovely day.

“Having the ceremony and the reception on the same grounds really helped and it was very pleasant that people were able to stroll across in the sunshine to Rowley Manor, where the staff were excellent. Shaun and Sue do look like a picture-perfect couple.”

 A sunny outlook...

Carole Potter, Sue’s sister and bridesmaid, was the one who broke the news to the bride that she would be getting married on a sunny day... after a week of rain!

“I woke up at 4am on the day – that was how excited I was! The first thing she wanted to know when she woke up was what the weather was like that morning,” Carole said.

“It had chucked it down for several days before the wedding and it was forecast to rain on the wedding day. So I was the one who told her: ‘You’ll never guess what... it’s sunny!’ We’ve had a typical sister relationship, but we’ve become closer as we’ve got older.

“She is gorgeous anyway, but she was such a stunning bride in that wedding dress.”

 Joyous occasion...

Shaun’s mother, Christine Smith, said that she had written the poem, Wedding Day, to illustrate the joyous occasion to friends and family gathered at St Peter’s Church.

“I don’t write many things, but I wanted to capture the feeling of the day and mention as many people as possible,” Christine said.

“I nearly didn’t get through it as I was looking straight at Shaun for the final two lines. Let’s just say I stepped down from the reading quicker than Usain Bolt!

“It was lovely in the church. My most vivid memory of the day was of the three little bridesmaids dancing along and waving to everyone as Sarah was singing during the signing of the register.

“Sue’s mum Jacquie and I were quite ill before the wedding, but the day gave us something to look forward to. Our objective was to get better for the wedding, and I think that aided our recovery a little bit. It was very nice that Jacquie did a speech at the reception and I did a reading in the church.”

Let’s get the party started

Wedding whispers  Wedding day excitement...

For Sue’s mother, Jacquie Laybourne, the wedding day excitement started from the moment her daughter arrived at her house the previous evening.

Sue and four of the bridesmaids – Carole Potter, Emily Smith, Lauren Fox and Helena Kew – also stayed the night at Jacquie’s home, and the two remaining bridesmaids, Grace Smith and Mia Smith, arrived in the morning.

“It was great having the girls to stay the night before the big day,” Jacquie said. “Then when they were getting ready it was wonderful to watch them supporting each other. But the image that stands out for me from the day is of Sue and Shaun looking lovingly at each other as they gave their vows.

“Sue asked me to give the speech at the reception, which I felt very honoured and privileged to do, even though I was very nervous. Both Shaun’s mum and I have had some serious health issues, so it was great to be involved in the wedding and have something so positive to look forward to!”

 First impressions...

John Laybourne, Sue’s stepfather, is thrilled that Shaun has come into his stepdaughter’s life. “My first impressions of Shaun were very positive as he is very friendly and helpful,” he said.

“Jacquie and I both feel that Shaun has made a big impact on Sue’s life. She is happy and content and her maternal instincts shine when she is with Emily.

“My abiding memory of the day is that everything went so well. I was particularly impressed with Andy, the photographer, who brought fun and laughter to what can sometimes be a boring part of the day!”

 A spectacular day...

“You’re the best friend that I ever had I’ve been with you such a long time You’re my sunshine and I want you to know That my feelings are true I really love you”

Andy Smith, Shaun’s cousin and usher for the day, said it was a “spectacular day” but admitted to winding up the groom as they were getting ready.

“When Shaun came over in the morning to see me and Carl, we just joked around to try to take the nerves away and he did get a bit stressed about the timekeeping! But I just think that he wanted to turn up on time and make sure Sue didn’t see him before the ceremony,” Andy said.

“It seemed to be a perfect day for them and the atmosphere was brilliant at Rowley Manor, which is a lovely venue. They are genuinely happy together and every time you see them they’re always laughing and smiling. I’m so happy for Shaun that he’s found ‘the one’.”

 Getting everyone involved...

Shaun’s aunt, Karen Smith, was delighted with the way the happy couple involved so many of their family and friends in different parts of the big day.

“They tried to include as many people as possible in the planning and were very careful not to leave out people who are special to them,” Karen said. “As a result, it was very family-orientated and such a fabulous day.

“My son Andy, the best man Carl and Shaun are very close, and that came through in Shaun’s speech, which was very emotional. I know he was choking up, but he wasn’t the only one. He had everyone in tears!”

They were made for each other...

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ue and Shaun moved in the same circle of friends for three years before love started to blossom at a house party in 2009.

“We met through friends, but it was at a party at my house when Sue tried her luck,” Shaun chuckled.

“I’ll admit it – I made the first move, but only after he didn’t get any of my hints,” Sue replied.

“When I first met him I thought he was really good looking, but when I got to know him I fell in love with his personality. He’s very cheeky and always ready to pick me up after a rubbish day.”

Little Emily was only eight months old when the relationship began, and Sue was conscious not to become too involved with Shaun’s daughter until the time was right.

“I didn’t want to overstep my mark early on as I didn’t think it was

fair,” she said. “But I can’t imagine my life without her now.”

Sue, who works in administration at Eastfield Primary School, enjoys going swimming with Emily and is also a dab hand at creating delicious baked treats such as cupcakes in her spare time.

Shaun is an electrician whose work took him 200 miles north to Berwick-upon-Tweed for more than a year before the wedding.

“It wasn’t easy, but we were on the phone every lunch and every night,” Shaun said.

Shaun proposed to Sue after work on 13 January, 2011.

“I had the day off work so I cleaned the house from top to bottom, put candles out and got all dolled up,” Shaun said. “When she came in she didn’t expect a thing and even started to blow the candles out, saying she wanted to save

them for later on! I told her how much I loved her and got down on one knee, but she started saying to me that she wasn’t ready. I had decided, though, so I steadied my voice and asked her to marry me. A happy, teary face looked back and said ‘yes!’”

Sue and Shaun are clearly devoted to family life. After having soaked up a wonderful week away in Tenerife for their honeymoon, they are looking forward to the rest of their lives together.

They’ve both come a long way, considering they never even had a proper first date!

“It’s shocking! I think I need to give him a kick about that,” Sue said.

“How can we be married without having had a proper first date? I’d like to get all dressed up, catch a London West End show and then go for a meal. That would do for a first date, if he’s listening...”

Great to see you all!

Sue & Shaun Smith Married at St Peter’s Church, Rowley, East Yorkshire, Saturday 21 July 2012 RECEPTION: Rowley Manor, Rowley, East Yorkshire MINISTER: Rev. Marjorie Hill BRIDESMAIDS: Lauren Fox, Helena Kew, Carole Potter, Emily Smith, Grace Smith, Mia Smith BEST MAN: Carl Smith USHER: Andy Smith CEREMONY MUSIC: Bridal Chorus, Wagner; Wedding March, Mendelssohn HYMNS: Morning Has Broken, Shine Jesus Shine POEM: Wedding Day by Christine Smith READING: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13,

by Jill Wood FIRST DANCE: You’re My Best Friend, Queen THE BRIDE WORE: Pronovias - Style Gemma from Deborah Moore THE BRIDE’S HAIR: Olivia McWilliam SUITS: Slaters WEDDING RINGS: Hugh Rice WEDDING CAKE: Julie Palmer OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Crozier, Insight Photography SHAUN’S STAG DO: Newcastle with 14 friends SUE’S HEN DO: Liverpool with 16 friends FLOWERS: Sarah Nicholson The Floral Lounge SOMETHING OLD? Mother’s bracelet SOMETHING NEW? Dress and shoes SOMETHING BORROWED? Mother’s bracelet SOMETHING BLUE? Garter HONEYMOON: Tenerife

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