Scott and Belinda 's Wedding in Yarm, North Yorkshire

Our Real Wedding

After a long 5-year engagement and being postponed due to the pandemic, we are finally married. As the first wedding back at Judges Hotel after the covid outbreak, we wanted something for the whole family to enjoy and just let loose. So my nature-inspired wedding ended up being a bit more full-on than predicted. We had only close family for the ceremony (80 people) and 120 extra guests on the night. We had a beautiful ceremony on the grounds, full of trees and relaxing tunes from the harpist. We had to reserve seating for our massive bridal party - 9 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen. We took all our photos on the estate, from the bridge over the little stream that winds its way through to the fauna-covered walkways and the magical willow tree. Ending with family photos in the courtyard, which I really enjoyed. We sat at our table for our 3-course meal and waited for the speeches. Let the fun begin, we arranged for a photo booth, sweet cart, candy floss, popcorn, bubble wands and fairground games. Laser quest, bouncy castles and a bucking bull to boot. As I said prior, it’s not what I would have picked, but everyone needed a break, and let’s be honest, weddings can be boring for the guests. My wedding favours were hand-crafted candles (made by me) and bottle openers, the kids got activity packs, with puzzles, pencils and toys. Flowers for the mothers and personalised gifts for the bridal party, which also included the parents. Our simple 3-tier cake was made of lemon, vanilla and chocolate sponge. This was served at the same time as the barbecue. We had our first dance to “Just Be”, and the highlight of that was our son joining us at the end so we could dance as a family. I danced with my father to “Changes” and my partner danced with his mother to “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” (it’s ok, a family joke). We partied until 2 am in the morning. Summing up the day, I would have to say weddings aren’t always perfect and don’t always look how you want them to. But if you open up and just go with the flow everything works out. I wouldn’t change anything, I just wish I could do it again, but I think my partner would divorce me for spending that much again. Just enjoy the moment, remember why you're there and don’t sweat the small things.