Phil and I met on a dating website and had our first date at a retro games exhibition. A few more dates quickly followed and then I flew off to Camp America to work for 2 months. With it still being early days we were not sure what would happen but after just a week in America we were talking everyday and planning Phils trip to meet me in NYC when I finished. Our 5th date was exploring New York together and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
It was my first bridal appointment to try dresses on and the idea of trying on beautiful gowns made me so excited, but the idea of being the centre of attention made me nervous.
From searching online I realised I was drawn to more vintage styles of dresses with a sheath silhouette and champagne colours. I had already spotted a dress online and Y.A.P was the only shop that had it in stock so I booked an appointment as soon as possible!
The service was amazing at Y.A.P. I felt relaxed the moment I walked in the door and I felt like I was talking to and shopping with my best friend. The girls at the boutique are the friendliest you'll meet and they really go that extra mile.
It was the dress I had spotted online and the first I tried on during my appointment. As soon as I slipped it on and saw the way it sparkled in the light I knew it was something special. The moment I realised it was ‘The One’ was when I tried the veil on with it. I wasn't going to get a veil but my mam wanted to see one on me. The moment I looked in the mirror my tummy flipped and I knew I was looking at my dress. Showing my family I didn’t even realise I was crying till i was handed a box of tissues!
I felt like myself but with some added confidence. My gown was perfect for me, it matched my personal style and personality perfectly. Seeing Phils face as I walked down the aisle made me feel like the only person in the world. He loved the dress and told me all day how beautiful he thought I looked.
Unique, warm and exciting
Enjoy every moment of it! It’s cliche to say it goes by quickly but it does. Don’t forget to take a few minutes with your new spouse to celebrate the fact you just got married!
I wore celestial hair pins from Miranda Templeton, earrings and necklace from Pandora, veil from Y.A.P and my great Nanas gold wedding band as my something old and borrowed.
We got married at Branxholm Park House in Hawick on the Scottish Border. The house previously belonged to a Duke before becoming a wedding venue and features a beautiful French panelled ceremony room and glass house for the meal. The rooms are styled to feel like you could be sitting in an enchanted forest with vines and twinkling lights above your head so we followed this style for the small accents we contributed. We added gold framed table names of places we have visited together, a wire cake topper and small map favour boxes to tie in with the table names. The glass house’ twinkling lights and candles on the tables gave it a romantic feel.
Our venue was amazing during the wedding planning and for helping us through Covid, we rescheduled our day from an August summer wedding to a December winter wedding and they supported us the whole time.
The hair, Divadust, and makeup, Bridal hair by Cheryl, team were fantastic and helped me feel relaxed and beautiful on the day. I felt comfortable enough to say what I did or didn't like which sometimes I struggle with but they were so friendly.
Our photographer, Laura Eddolls, is probably one of the nicest people I’ve met. We did a couples shoot with her in the summer after we postponed and it helped us to feel more comfortable on the day. The photos she has taken of our day are beautiful, I am obsessed with them!
Our rings were made at a shop in Monkseaton, Dytham Jewellery Designers. As my engagement ring was a marquise shape I knew I wouldn't be able to get a standard ring so we worked with them to create our wedding bands. It was a great experience to design the ring and see it at each stage of the process.
Our florist, The Flower Pot, came recommended from the venue and I can understand why. I had an idea of the flowers I wanted for the day and sent my inspiration along to Gillian. She exceeded my expectations and I loved my wedding flowers.
I ordered the bridesmaids dresses from a lady on ETSY called Jacqueline Louise. I couldnt find the dresses I wanted in any shops and discovered hers 2 months before our wedding. She rushed the order through for me to make sure I could get them on time and they came out perfectly! My girls loved them and looked amazing.
Alex thank you for sharing yours and Phils bridal love story with us, it sounds utterly magical. We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Forever a part of the Y.A.P family.
You Are Precious always,
Love, your Y.A.P team xoxo
