Real Weddings Lancashire: Francesca and Jamie's magical day

A first meeting and proposal abroad meant that travelling was the perfect wedding theme for this couple. Our WED2B Real Weddings Lancashire feature reveals more:

Francesca and Jamie first met onboard a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. “It was a whirlwind holiday romance," says Francesca. "We both fell head over heels in that short amount of time and the rest is history.”

The proposal

“It was New Years Eve and we were in Madeira about to watch a magnificent firework display," says Francesca. "Jamie got down on one knee and proposed about 5 minutes before midnight. I said 'Yes', just as the New Year began, and the fireworks started. It was a fantastic night and my heart was racing the whole time.”

The dream dress

Francesca knew she’d found “The One” when she tried on Gracie by Viva Bride. “As soon as I put it on my mum, sister and bridesmaids all thought it was perfect,” she says, “I felt so glamorous wearing it. The fishtail style hugged my figure perfectly, and I loved all the intricate detail in the overlay stitching.”

A beautiful Yorkshire setting

The couple chose the Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa, a beautiful venue surrounded by the rolling Yorkshire countryside. They used their travels as inspiration for their theme by naming each table after places they had been together. “This seemed fitting as we love to travel, and we met and got engaged abroad," says Francesca.

The big day

“The whole ceremony was a whirlwind,” Francesca says, “my favourite memory is when we walked out of the ceremony, and had a minute alone before everyone joined us. We hugged and said, ‘We’ve done it!’. It all started to sink in in that moment.”

After ceremony celebrations

It was a warm, sunny day, and the ceremony was followed with champagne and canapes outside on the terrace. After group photos were done Francesca and Jamie strolled around the lake and into the beautiful woodland for more photos and some more time to themselves.

The evening reception began with the cutting of the cake, made by Francesca’s mum. Then everyone put on their dancing shoes and enjoyed the music. “The dance floor was full the whole evening!”

"It’s so easy to spend the day apart and not get any time to enjoy it together,” says Francesca. “So make sure you go for a little walk alone with your groom to let it all sink in and enjoy every moment, as it goes by fast!”

Did your wedding have the wow factor like our Real Weddings Lancashire feature? If you would like to be a part of our real weddings feature send your favourite photo to info@wed2b.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!