< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSitting proudly in the medieval splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, the White Hart Hotel is the ultimate wedding venue. Your bespoke wedding will be perfectly tailored to your every wish by our dedicated team of professionals.With our private, stylish and contemporary suites, you and your wedding party can relax and celebrate whilst enjoying food from a personally handpicked menu with wine to suit, before dancing the night away to your chosen style of entertainment.Our bedrooms, many with fantastic views of the Cathedral, are well equipped, comfortable and relaxing and our wedding suites are all prepared to make you feel extra special.With inclusive packages to suit your ideas, your dream wedding day at the White Hart Hotel could be closer than you think! Contact our Wedding Managert 01522 563 298 e weddings@whitehart-lincoln.co.ukBailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR www.whitehart-lincoln.co.ukTHE PERFECTWEDDING LOCATIONBAILGATE | LINCOLN3JJIVMRKE[EVQ[IPGSQIXS;SSHLEPP7TERIMKLFSYVWERHZMWMXSVW;IPSSOJSV[EVHXS[IPGSQMRK]SY4IX[SSH,SXIP7XM\[SYPH6SEH;SSHLEPP7TE0MRGSPRWLMVI025+[[[TIX[SSHGSYO8IPITLSRI(IPMGMSYWLSQIQEHIJSSHWIVZIHXLVSYKLSYXXLIHE]JSVEPPXEWXIWERHETTIXMXIW)RNS]EFIEYXMJYPWIXXMRK[MXLSTIRJMVIWMR[MRXIVERHWXYRRMRKKEVHIRWMRWYQQIV;IPPFIMRKERHFIEYX]XVIEXQIRXWSTIRXSEPP(SPP]4IKW+MJX7LST (IWMKR7XYHMS078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81WEDDINGSwhere the bride and groom only havewalk-on parts. Instead, adding a few littlepersonal touches can help emphasiseyour personality and make it seem evenmore like your own special day.Throughout Lincolnshire a host ofspecialists can help make that a reality.For many, the traditional approach tothe wedding remains the best. You mayhave longed for the beautiful picturebook ceremony for years and there arecertainly many beautiful locations inLincolnshire that can provide the perfectsetting for this kind of event. Most of thestately homes and fine hotels can providea host of wonderful rooms and thewedding specialists they often employcan ensure your wedding has a real senseof class and quality.The fun comes when you get thechance to deviate from the script a bit.These days, when we’re generally gettingmarried a bit later in life (and sometimesnot for the first time), many of us decidenot to opt for everything on thetraditional template and instead like totry something a bit different. You candiscard a few traditions, incorporatesome new ideas and end up with yourown special day that better representsyou as a couple, your tastes and, perhapsmost importantly of all, your relationship.If you’ve got kids, for example, you maywell want to give them a major role inproceedings. It’s not so much the casethat one type of wedding fits all thesedays because the people who getmarried are such a varied bunch.Most venues offer the services of awedding co-ordinator, or you may wishto employ your own, and they can be agreat help. Their role is to help you turnyour ideas into reality, but don’t bedisheartened if they suggest they maynot be workable. Their job is not to makeevery wedding exactly the same, butinstead use their knowledge of what’spractical. They’re the people who’llprobably be dotting the Is and crossingthe Ts when it comes to the logistics, andso will know how much everything’sgoing to cost and what the chances areof it working well on the day. They canPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PRESSMASTER83 Most of the stately homes and fine hotels can provide ahost of wonderful rooms and the wedding specialists theyoften employ can ensure your wedding has a real sense ofclass and quality078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 4078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83WEDDINGSGarys Videos and PhotosCAPTURE THOSE SPECIALMOMENTS FOREVER ON DVDHave a wedding day as a memory filmed on to DVDWedding photos into an album or on canvasMid week weddings welcomeTransfer your photos of any occasion fromdigital format on to DVD with musicVisit our website www.garyvideos.simplesite.com Call 01724 846156 or 07752969051 for your no obligation quote nowEmail: garyvideos@yahoo.co.uk4 Cathedral Court, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, DN17 1HZalso offer some thoughtful suggestions on what might give acrossthe same idea but on a smaller budget.Although you may wish to be completely creative and come upwith an exhaustive timetable of entertainment and uniqueexperiences, there is something to be said for at least a bit oftradition – if only for your guests. Unique among anything youplan it’s likely that your wedding guest list will be far more diversethan any other event, with guests’ ages ranging from nine monthsto ninety years. That doesn’t mean everything has to be blandedout but it’s worth bearing it in mind to make sure there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy.It’s likely that some of your older guests may well expect at leastsome traditional aspects and, while they might be a bit familiar,that doesn’t make them any less special, so it’s worth consideringwho you’ve invited before you decide to go for any wild diversionsfrom the norm. Similarly, the traditional wedding breakfast is notan obligation and if you’re thinking of doing something differentwith the food at your wedding – such as a buffet or just canapés –Below: Andy Kay and Lorna Stanley married at NorthHykeham Church and enjoyed a reception at Branston HallHotel before honeymooning in the USA. PHOTO: AUGUSTA JONESPHOTO: RICHARD PICKSLEY84 Take inspiration from wherever you find it,from Hollywood to Bollywood, andLincolnshire’s wedding specialists will helpyou make it a reality078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 684 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGSthat’s certainly an option. If that’s thecase, though, make sure guests knowwhat to expect – they may well havearrived with an empty stomach!When it comes to deciding on thetheme of the event, you’re not limited tothe venue’s existing décor. Many venuesoffer up marquees to provide you with anabsolute blank canvas, ensuring you canenjoy all the convenience of a top hotelwith food and drink on tap while alsohaving the flexibility to transport yourguests into a host of imaginative settings.Making use of a marquee also allows fora valuable change of scenery, meaningyour guests won’t spend the whole daystaring at the same four walls. You could,of course, plan the event to take place ata number of different venues to have thesame effect but then you run the risk ofguests getting lost when travelling – andwe all know of at least one potentialguest who would do that.As long as you don’t overwhelm thesetting with too much design, and makeguests feel like extras, being creative andimaginative will certainly ensure your bigday sticks in people’s minds. Takeinspiration from wherever you find it,from Hollywood to Bollywood, andLincolnshire’s wedding specialists willhelp you make it a reality.Creating your special dayHall Farm, the beautiful venue on the edge of the LincolnshireWolds, is a great example of a venue that aims to make your daya very special one and believes it should be tailor made to meetyour individual requirements.Hall Farm offer a spectacular function room, which canaccommodate up to a hundred guests for a formal meal, and upto 150 for the evening reception. For smaller, more intimatereceptions, The Ashby Room is also an option.Hall Farm’s events manager is always available to talk potentialbrides and grooms through the entire day, making it amemorable and stress-free occasion. They’re certainly happy,though, for your to create your own unique and bespokewedding package from the various options they offer. If youwould like exclusive use of the hotel for the day then that’s alsopossible.Visit Hall Farm at Ashby cum Fenby for more information, orvisit www.hallfarmhotelandrestaurant.co.uk.Beardsworth - Kevin Beardsworth and JulieBehan married at Saxilby Church and held theirreception at the Pyewipe Inn, Lincoln. Theyhoneymooned in Northumberland. PHOTO: RICHARD PICKSLEYBY JEMIMAHBESPOKE VICTORIAN CANDY CARTS FOR HIREDECORATED TO YOUR COLOUR SCHEMECONFECTIONERY INCLUDEDALSO AVAILABLEWISHING TREES, FAVOURS & MORELet us make your memories sweet, whatever the occasionFor all package details & prices please contact01469 518607sweetmemories.carts@gmail.comSweet Memories078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 7Kelham Hall & Country Park, set amidst 44 acres of stunning parkland and located within the picturesque Trent Valley, has long been a popular choice for all manner of special events, weddings and corporate hospitality. Our dedicated events team and experienced chefs are now also delighted to offer private dining, perfect for marking a special occasion in true stately style. We offer a bespoke service, catering for welcome receptions, buffets and gourmet courses to suit dietary requirements and specific tastes, whilst assisting with décor and entertainment.Enjoy an exclusive sitting in one of our distinguished rooms whilst we take care of every fine detail to ensure you receive a discreet and attentive experience.RAISING A TOAST TO YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONTreat yourself and your loved ones to a fabulous afternoon tea experience in one of our beautiful state rooms. Enjoy our signature serving of this traditional favourite in all its elegance, or add some sparkle with our Champagne option. AFTERNOON TEASCall: 01636 980000 E-mail: info@kelham-hall.com Visit: www.kelham-hall.comFrom just £19.95 per personFrom just £14.95 per person f s or4 at 4mal &lamalG AR sqe pdakrag pt, ky Prt& CO TA T raffetse wR SUYr ira, cvreks ff, bierL Ot io s srct rg fd ay ra e dvarr pffo osfedrxed eaier daithoaoror, wr e fcr asa, hylatr krar mt fefr, pgeisowaerad m aas tvyitgwf r oal mang bl gdeu re yrekaewr df oy jneewqrrer pe9.tujr d at arsie a dvey firvferams ed rgitg iitie svixn eaeiaréh wgat ciedsr evoliat iwe n oidar , at n iacl oaea sr, onaglerutaniecnipxt ya e.yy stae srn tiRhtekraeddatdasifg ovlftarfensdvrd ynfl eerxAN T.ntenaartlinetrvalfanuy ojn.oetasnosbaoa sraerper14t juFr 009:lla keofiiaE0 Vclahahl llam-hahlkwwwit c078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 886 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY WEDDINGSDaniel and Nicola’s story starts back inuniversity days.The couple first met in a nightclub inNorwich through a mutual friend, as Danexplains, “We bonded over a sharedhatred for the awful music the DJ wasplaying and teamed up to try and requestsomething half decent. The DJ refused,but Nicola and I got talking at least!”Married seven years to the day aftergetting together, you could say Dan andNicola took their time, but once thedecision was made, the preparationswere also a considered and carefully-planned process. Nicola says, “I wasn’t one of those girlswho dreamed of her ‘big day’ all of herlife and so I didn’t have it planned out atall! We got engaged on our fifthanniversary, so after we decided on awedding date two years from then, tookour time, talked about it a lot togetherand gradually pieced it together.”Dan adds, “We wanted to have thebest of both worlds with our wedding - abeautiful ceremony that felt reallygrandiose and special, followed by amore relaxed reception where guestscould let their hair down and have fun.” For the venue, the couple lookedaround, but settled on the beautiful andhistoric Belvoir Castle near Granthamafter a suggestion from Dan’s father. Nicola says, “I laughed at first andthought it was a bit OTT but agreed togo for a drive and take a look. As wedrove up the hill I began to cry, it wasjust stunning. It’s peaceful and perchedon top of a hill overlooking the twocounties where Dan and I grew up,Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. It wasperfect and we booked it almostimmediately. 88 Elegant andcelebratoryLincolnshire Today readers’ Daniel and Nicola Middler were recently married atBelvoir Castle on our county’s border. We catch up with them to see how theyput their special day together and how the celebrations went!086-089:Layout 1 16/5/14 14:18 Page 1086-089:Layout 1 16/5/14 14:19 Page 288 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY“For the reception we trawled theinternet for local village halls and cameacross Waltham-on-the-Wolds. We wentto visit and yet again fell in love - it was ablank canvas, we could have run of theplace for the whole weekend and the staffwere so helpful. They put us in touchwith some amazing suppliers such as ourcaterer Cath Gilchrist and the lovely menwho own a Routemaster bus on a localfarm!” Dan chose to propose while the couplewere on a holiday for their fifth anniversary.Nicola says, “On the morning of ouranniversary he gave me a small, purplemoleskin book, inside which he had writtenthe story of our lives together so far. “It was so beautifully written, funnyand romantic and as I read it I heardDan’s voice narrating! He stopped mereading when the story was pretty muchat present day and took away the book‘until later’. “I didn’t suspect a thing and carried onregardless for the rest of the day, enjoyingthe glorious sunshine in Edinburgh beforetaking a trip to Galashiels, where Dan’sgranny lives. It was a beautiful evening andas we collected the car I suggested wedrive straight up to Scott’s View to enjoythe last of the sun. This was one of the firstplaces I ever went to in Scotland and is myfavourite view in the world. Dan agreedthis was a great idea, so off we went! Wegot there and sat on a bench in the sun,watching it set over the misty hills.Eventually we were alone and Dan asked ifI wanted to read more of my book. Iopened it to read ‘On Thursday 22ndMarch they went up a very big hill to see alovely sight called Scott’s View. The sunwas setting and it was very pretty.’ “I looked at Dan in shock, how did heknow where we’d be? It still hadn’tclicked what was about to happen. Danthen asked me to go and get him a scarffrom the car as he was chilly. When I gotback, he took the book off me and gotdown on one knee. It’s all a bit of a blur,but I remember Dan trying to shove aHaribo ring on my finger before I’d evensaid anything! I asked if he was jokingabout ten times before I said yes! It wasjust amazing and I couldn’t believe theeffort he had gone to and how lucky he’dbeen that I’d suggested we go there! Wewent to choose my engagement ringtogether the next day in one of the localshops Dan had researched.” With both Dan and Nicola coming fromart school backgrounds, making the sloegin, bridesmaids’ dresses and the cake forthe celebrations came naturally. Nicola says, “We were able to make thebits and bobs ourselves, and I do mean‘we’. Dan was a very hands-on groom,which I loved. The most difficult bit wasknowing when to stop! We got verycarried away with ideas and had to drawthe line somewhere!”The couple had a civil ceremony at theCastle and were lucky enough to haveDan’s Auntie Caroline conducting theceremony, whose day job, luckily, is aregistrar in Devon. Dan and Nicoladesigned the order of ceremony to tie inwith the day and included some Haribosweets as an ‘amuse-bouche’ for guests to086-089:Layout 1 16/5/14 14:19 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY89COUNTY WEDDINGSenjoy during the ceremony which tied inwith the proposal story. The couple chose to include friends inthe ceremony too. Nicola says, “We alsohad readings by my best friend and chiefbridesmaid, Sarah. She read ‘A LovelyLove Story’ by Edward Monkton and oneof Dan’s oldest school friends Julia read anadapted version of a poem called ‘I LikeYou’ by Sandol Stoddard Warburg. “Our friend Jess Morgan played anacoustic version of Madness’ ‘It Must BeLove’ on her banjo while we signed theregister, Dan’s bandmate Manji playedpiano as I walked up the aisle andanother friend, Daisy, played theWedding March as we walked out. Solots of friends and family played a part inthe day, which made it all the morespecial.” On advice to couples hoping to tie theknot themselves, Nicola recommends notrushing and really taking your time. Shesays, “Enjoy planning it together! It’s allpart of the fun and the day itself reallydoes go so quickly that you should enjoyall of the build up as much as possibletoo to make it all last!”The couple spent their stag and hencelebrations quite differently, with Nicolaheading to Bath. “I had a lovely girlieweekend of afternoon tea and cocktails.Dan went to Gdansk in Poland and I thinkit was a little less… refined.”Dan laughs, “It was exceptional valuefor money though!”PHOTOS: WWW.DOTTIEPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK“I looked at Dan in shock, how did he know where we’dbe? It still hadn’t clicked what was about to happen.”086-089:Layout 1 16/5/14 14:19 Page 4Next >