These newlyweds said 'I do' at an intimate New York wedding surrounded by close family and friends…

Sarah and Ashley first met on Twitter in 2013. “We then met in person on the 27th September that year, which also ended up being the date of our wedding 10 years later,” says Sarah. “Our first date was in a bar in Leeds.”

Ashley proposed on 29th December 2021 at the Rockefeller tree in New York. “It was early morning, not many people about, but the tree was lit and it was so amazing,” says Sarah. “It was like a dream come true.”

Shopping for the dress

“My friend bought her dress from wed2b and recommended it,” says Sarah. “I visited the Leeds store with my mum on a Thursday night in February. It was my first time trying dresses on and the dress I chose was the very first dress I tried on. The lady was really helpful too, and made the experience really enjoyable.”

Sarah chose Amalie, a soft A-line by Heidi Hudson with a pretty illusion bodice. “The detail on the front and back was beautiful,” she says. “I felt amazing and I didn’t want to take it off. I also received lots of compliments all day!”

A New York wedding

The couple married at the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park on 27th September. “We wanted to get married in Central Park and our wedding planners suggested Ladies Pavilion as the perfect setting for what we wanted,” says Sarah.

The big day

“On the morning of the wedding, my mum and sister-in-law helped me get into my dress at the hotel,” says Sarah. “The weather was perfect on the day, with clear blue skies and sunshine. My dad walked me down the aisle to the sound of a violinist playing ‘All of Me’ by John Legend.”

Celebrating in style

“After the ceremony we had pictures taken in Central Park with our friends and family. Then Ashley and I went off with the photographer and had pictures taken all over the city,” says Sarah. “Later, we met up with our guests in an Irish bar in midtown Manhattan, where we celebrated with food and drinks. Then, at midnight, my husband and I decided to go up to the top of the Rockefeller Centre, still in our wedding outfits. It was amazing!”

Cheesecake and confetti

“We didn't really have any colour scheme,” says Sarah. “Apart from multicoloured confetti after the ceremony. Our wedding cake was a three-tier, New York cheesecake, which went down a treat with our guests.”

The best bits…

“The most memorable moment of the whole day was walking down the aisle and seeing my future husband,” says Sarah. “Also, being pronounced husband and wife. I loved walking around New York all day in my dress, too. I felt like I was famous, as so many people stopped to congratulate us! It was very special and a day we will never forget.”

My top tips…

“Don’t please other people, do what you want and what makes you happy,” says Sarah. “Also, make the day about you and your partner.”

Sarah and Ashley’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Christopher Duggan

Wedding planner: Ultimate USA Weddings

Wedding dresses Leeds: wed2b

Hair & Makeup: Miss Harlequin 

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