Today we’re talking smaller weddings, Pinterest planning and off-the-peg gowns with the lovely Anna, who married her husband Nathan in a gorgeous whirl of bold pinks, romantic candles and a traditional, relaxed venue in Halifax.
When Anna and Nathan originally started planning their big day it was going to be an even smaller affair, half a world away, on a tropical Thai island. But, along with the rest of us, they had to do a bit of a ‘pandemic pivot’ and, instead of Asia, held a typical Yorkshire wedding right here in the UK instead. Keeping with that original summer style, we’re seeing lots of bright, jewel-toned colours and laid back vibes to set the overall tone.
Anna’s gown is low key perfection; the flattering A-line cut and lace top looks as though it was made for her and she’s glowing with bridal happiness.
With photography by Jenna Kathleen Photography
Proposal
Anna says: We‘ve been together for twelve years and got engaged on Christmas Eve 2019. We were exchanging presents with just us as a couple, ahead of a busy day packed with family visits. He got down on one knee and asked the question, but I was crying and so happy I forgot to answer! Of course it was a yes!
Setting
Our wedding date was the 10th of June 2021. We have had multiple dates, similarly to many Covid couples. We originally wanted to elope with ten guests to an island in Thailand, for a private ceremony, however with Covid limiting travel to tropical countries, we changed plans to the UK. We wanted a summer feel to the wedding but were too excited to wait too long which is why we picked the start of June!
We got married at The Venue Bowers Mill in Halifax. We looked (and by that I mean I looked) at so many places to find the right fit. We wanted something where the ceremony and reception were at the same place, somewhere relaxed and able to accommodate our small wedding plans.
We fell in love with The Venue for its old original features, super lovely staff and location in the middle of the hills in Halifax.
Due to Covid restrictions, we only had 28 guests for the wedding which was perfect as we didn’t want a big fuss. But it did mean that some people we would have loved to invite weren’t able to come, therefore we set up a Zoom link so people could watch the ceremony from home.
Theme
We wanted something summer themed with a very relaxed feel. Nathan and I hate being the centre of attention so something relaxed was the perfect vibe for us. We went with jewel tones with bright purple, pinks and golds. This went with the summer theme and with our favourite flowers, peonies.
Dress
I wore a dress from WED2B. Being a curvy body shape, I wanted to try dresses straight off the peg in my size. I went into WED2B and came out an hour later with my perfect dress! It was an A-line dress with a side slit and lace top. The perfect combination of glamour with a relaxed feel.
Groomsmen
The groom, groomsmen and fathers all wore a grey suit from Charles Tyrwhitt.
Bridesmaids
There was only one bridesmaid, with it being a smaller wedding, and she wore a gorgeous purple dress from Simply Be.
Beauty
We used Anna Stephenson who came and did our hair and makeup. She was great, super friendly and able to make us all look and feel fabulous.
Travel
The bridal party stayed at the hotel attached to the venue the night before so just had to walk down some stairs to the ceremony room on the day. The groom drove himself up on the day. We live in Leeds so it’s only a 40 minute drive.
Photographer
We used Jenna Kathleen and she was great! She took the time to get to know what we wanted and what we were comfortable with. My partner and I both do not love the camera but Jenna blended into the background and got the most gorgeous pictures without us even knowing she was there. Would definitely recommend 1000000%.
Styling
We used UNVEILED Network Member Tweedle Floral Design. They were great and created such beautiful bouquets, button holes and a flower arch for the ceremony. They also created a ceremony arch for the photo station and used the bouquets as table decoration.
We had a linked Pinterest page so I could add everything I liked and they could easily see my vision.
We hired Emily K Weddings as a stylist to help set the room and we hired some decorations from her as well.
Cake
The Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom made the cake!
Dining
The venue has a package which includes all the food. We had a lovely roast dinner for the wedding breakfast and then pizza and cake in the evening, which went down very well!
Best bit
Honestly, when people say it goes by fast it really does! After the main course my new husband and I took twenty minutes to be alone. We went outside and sat by the river which was lovely. Jenna even managed to capture this private moment from a distance and it is one of my favourite photos!
Honeymoon
Due to travel restrictions with Covid we had a relaxing minimoon in a spa hotel in Manchester for a couple of nights.
Advice
My top tip would be to make sure the day works for you. We had a really understanding family and friends who were happy to go with our ideas.
