Happy Saturday evening readers, how are we feeling today? In the mood for some military style romance perchance? Now, I’m quite partial to a day in the beautiful city of York, shopping and frequenting the many lovely coffee shops and eateries with friends. Quite often our route takes us past York Minster, a stunning cathedral building dating from the early medieval period and I always wonder who exactly is fortunate enough to get married there. Well, now I know, as today’s lucky couple said their vows to one another in this amazing building, surrounded by family, friends and hundreds of years of history.
Ruth, a physiotherapist, married pilot Jonny on the 22nd of November 2014 in the majestic and beautiful York Minster, followed by a reception at the Officers mess at RAF Linton on Ouse. Ruth loves rustic, outdoors and winter infused styles, so her wedding dreams came true with her chilly but extremely stylish November wedding.
Photography by Cecelina Photography
Instead of a veil and due to the time of year, Ruth chose to wear a full length, blue hooded cloak over her dress, which she bought online. It looks wonderfully cosy, and definitely lends the dress a dramatic air, perfect for those soaring cathedral ceilings.
I am absolutely in love with the bridesmaid dresses, and they are just the perfect colour for a winter wedding. The three lovely ladies wore full length ice blue ‘Raylene’ dresses from Virgo’s Lounge, which boasted full skirts, beaded bodices and intricately detailed sleeves.
Ruth and Jonny chose Cecelina Photography to capture their big day on camera. Originally from Sweden, Cecelina is now based in London, but travels all over the UK and beyond to photograph weddings. Cecelina is also a member of our Little Book for Brides® so if you’re still looking for a photographer, why not have a look over there to see if any of the talented photographers take your fancy.
Ruth was thrilled with Cecelina’s work;
“She was incredibly professional, unobtrusive and captured some incredible moments- a pleasure to work with and highly recommended.”
On her feet she wore a beautiful pair of Rachel Simpson shoes, and in her hair, which she wore wavy and down, she wore a vintage accessory.
The beautiful floral displays and bouquets were the work of Allison of Wild Floral Couture. The majority of the flowers for the day were various greens and whites, to create a wintery and classic colour scheme, which looks so clean and fresh.
“Allison assisted in table decorations, brought me my flowers in the morning, met Jonny at the church and went back to reception to work with the event planner in decorating the tables and rooms- excellent teamwork.”
To help them plan their day, Ruth and Jonny hired planner The Wedding Girl.
“She was invaluable for the reception detail. She was extremely reasonable in price and put a unique twist on aspect of detail.”
Ruth walked down the aisle on the arm of her father to ‘She Moved Through the Fair’, an Irish folk song, sung by a friend with a harp accompaniment.
As readings, the couple chose John 3.18-24 and her Mum also read a WB Yeats poem, ‘The Cloths of Heaven’, as Ruth wanted to make sure her Irish/ Celtic heritage was represented. Two John Rutter hymns were sung by the Ebor Singers, and Ruth confessed to us that she had spine tingles throughout as they were so beautiful.
I can only imagine how incredible the atmosphere must be in the Minster during a wedding ceremony- it’s such an impressive building and it must be very special to say your marriage vows there.
The couple left the church by the grand east door and stepped out under the classic military honour guard- an arch of crossed swords! It must have been quite a spectacle, as a small crowd of passersby stopped to watch the bride and groom emerge.
Ruth wore the fabulous Dietrich by Pronovias, which she chose as she loved the feathers on the bust so much! I absolutely adore the detailing on the bodice and the delicate train and the fitted shape suits Ruth so perfectly.
“I loved how it felt on. The four layers of Spanish lace are exquisite.”
Jonny looked incredibly smart in his dress no.1 uniform for the ceremony, changing into his no.5 uniform for the evening do. He looked marvellous and the military nature of his clothing contrasted beautifully with the softness of Ruth’s dress. For accessories he carried a ceremonial sword- what more does any man need?
The classic and elegant cake was the work of The Little Buttercream Co, featured different layers of sponge, finished with immaculate white icing and dressed by the florist with fresh flowers.
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“What made my day run smoothly was the knowledge that the florist/cake lady/wedding planners were all coordinated to meet together and set up. They communicated well between each other and I was confident in their services and ability together to set up everything whilst I was ten miles away getting hair and makeup done. It meant that on the morning of the wedding I didn’t have to worry about getting to the reception to set up and this was a huge relief. You have so much else to do (to yourself!) the morning of the wedding.”
Thank you so much to Ruth and Jonny for sharing their beautiful wintery wedding day, and of course to Cecelina Photography for sending us her lovely images. Are you thinking of a winter wedding? If so, have a look at some of our other winter features here. Summer and spring are traditionally the most popular time of year for weddings, but an autumn or winter celebration can be equally lovely (I’m a November bride myself)- just make sure there is a wet/ snowy weather plan!
Much love,
Shona x
Photographer – Cecelina Photography
Venue – York Minster and the Officer’s Mess, RAF Linton On Ouse
Wedding Planner – The Wedding Girl (website unavailable)
Wedding dress – Dietrich by Pronovias
Cloak – Artemisiadance on eBay
Shoes – Rachel Simpson
Accessories – Vintage
Bridesmaid dresses – Virgo’s Lounge
Flowergirl dresses – Etsy
Groom – Military Uniform
Groomsmen – Suits hired from Yorkshire Wear
Florist – Wild Floral Couture
Cake – The Little Buttercream Co
Catering – RAF Linton on Ouse- ISS catering
Rings – Martin Wilkinson Jewellers
Hair stylist – Wedding Perfect Hair Design
Makeup artist – Julie Mercer
Evening entertainment – The Spectrum Band
Violinist – Penny Legat
Transport – Yorkshire Heritage Bus and Limelight Wedding Cars
Just stunning. Having lived in York for 8 years this brings me back. I never got the chance to shoot a wedding in the Minster but judging by this stunning set I would Love too!
Wow! What a place. I’ve never been inside. It looks spectacular on these photos. I can see why you’d love to do a shoot there Gavin! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🙂
I love the half light of a late Autumn / early winter wedding, it’s captured beautifully here. Also that cape!! Amazing and totally fits into such grand surroundings with aplomb! Xx