These newlyweds enjoyed a chapel wedding ceremony followed by a stylish reception overflowing with flowers…

Laura and Ryan first met in a bar in Manchester in Dec 2013, when they were 18 and 20. “We were both at university and on a night out with friends,” says Laura. “Our first date was a couple of weeks later. Ryan travelled to Liverpool, where I was at university, and we went to an Italian restaurant.”

Ryan proposed on 18th August 2021, by a waterfall at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. “Following the pandemic, we decided to get away to Scotland,” says Laura. “We had a day of sightseeing and a boat trip, then we made our way to the waterfalls in the evening (as Ryan thought it would be quieter). We found a deserted waterfall and, ensuring nobody was around, he said he wanted to make one more memory. Ryan then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was an immediate yes!”

Shopping for the dress

Laura found her perfect dress at wed2b Leeds. "I have nothing but positive things to say about wed2b,” says Laura. “I visited the Bolton store initially, then the Manchester store to try on a couple more dresses I had seen online. Finally, I got my dress in Leeds."

"All three store assistants were amazing. And I loved that I didn't need to make an appointment. It felt very relaxed but still special and the assistants were very helpful. I didn't feel rushed or pressured to buy. After visiting the Manchester store, I wanted to try another design I'd seen online, so called wed2b customer services who told me the 'James' dress was in stock in Leeds. I then visited the next day and came home with my dress!”

A stunning sheath design

Laura chose James, a modern sheath with a  statement jewelled back. “I loved my dress as soon as I put it on,” she says. “Then, when my mum cried, I just knew it was ‘The One’. It was from the premium range but still an amazingly affordable price. It just had that extra detail and it was exactly the dress I had imagined. Everything from the low back and lovely lace to the thin beaded straps, sheer detail on the body and long train. I loved the draped beading at the back too, as it was so unusual. It made me feel like a true bride, and was just me. I also accessorised my dress with a long cathedral veil and the Solstice belt.”

To the manor born

Laura and Ryan married at Iscoyd Park, a country house near Wrexham, on 17th March. “The one word I would use to describe my wedding venue is ‘enchanting',” says Laura. “It was a country house with stunning grounds and gardens and had the most beautiful white chapel where we had our chapel wedding ceremony. I found it on Instagram. Then we visited on one of their open days where we fell in love with it!”

The big day

“I got ready with my bridesmaids, mum and mother-in-law at the beautiful cottage at our venue,” says Laura. “The sun came out for our wedding day, following a week of rain, and made our venue look even more perfect. My dad walked me down the aisle for our chapel wedding ceremony. This has to be one of our favourite memories, as I know it meant a lot to him. We had a string quartet who played ‘Can't Help Falling in Love' as I walked down the aisle. This was followed by a playlist with a Bridgerton vibe for the reception.”

The afterparty

Afterwards there were canapés and drinks in the Coach House before the newlyweds went into the garden for photos. “For our wedding breakfast we had sweet potato soup, following by ox cheek and then sticky toffee pudding,” says Laura. “Our first dance song was 'Biblical' by Calum Scott, as it wasn't a first dance song I’d heard people have before. The lyrics fitted perfectly.”

Pretty pastels

“I chose pastels for my colour scheme, as I just love them,” says Laura. “I also loved the Bridgerton series, with all of the summery and bright pastel colours. My decorations were mainly flowers. I wanted to fill the rooms with beautiful flowers and tall glass vintage candle sticks on the tables. I made the stationery myself and I also made my own photo guest book with polaroid photos."

"The wedding cake was a three-tier, semi-naked cake decorated with real flowers. The flavours were strawberry and champagne, almond and cherry and white chocolate and raspberry. In the evening we had a DJ playing an array of music, but with a lot of Abba!”

The best bits…

“My wedding dress reveal to my dad was probably one of my most memorable moments,” says Laura. “It felt very special and emotional, especially as I have never seen my dad cry! In addition, I will never forget the wait before walking down the aisle and finally seeing Ryan's face trying to hold back the tears.”

My top tips…

“It’s your wedding day, so do it exactly how you want,” says Laura. “Make a priorities list and budget from this. Also visit a wed2b shop first. Try on all types of dresses and look online too, for ones you really love. Then see which stores they’re in.”

Laura and Ryan’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Oliver Kelly Photography

Venue: Iscoyd Park 

Wedding dresses Leeds: wed2b

Florist: Wild Floral Design

Suits: Peter Posh 

Videographer: Joseph William Film 

Cake: Bake it Special 

Entertainment: Northern String Quarter and AO Events

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this lovely chapel wedding ceremony, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.