Courtney & Adam
Courtney and Adam said their I Do’s at Sandburn Hall, nestled in the picturesque York countryside, West Yorkshire. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.
Courtney and Adam’s journey began on a sunny bank holiday, the same day Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got married. Though on separate nights out, they met at Headrow House, a rooftop bar in Leeds, got chatting and Adam asked for Courtney’s number. After a few dates, their relationship blossomed. Fast-forward six years later, they’re married and live in Bradford with their absolute princess of a dog Winnie.
The Proposal
Two years into their relationship, Adam had planned a romantic proposal during a holiday to Thailand. However, the COVID-19 pandemic scuppered his plans and the holiday had to be cancelled. Undeterred, Adam eventually proposed in the intimate setting of Courtney’s parents’ garden on her birthday. ‘I was really happy as I hate public displays, so the fact it was quite secluded and private was nice,’ Courtney remembers.
The Wedding Planning
Though they got engaged in 2021, Courtney and Adam took their time to plan their dream wedding. Initially put off by a barn venue with limited accommodation, the couple found their ideal location at Sandburn Hall. With its beautiful beams and attached hotel, it offered everything they wanted.
‘Adam’s a keen golfer and he found Sandburn Hall; it had a golf course and also had all the beams and that sort of barn style feel that we wanted; it was really pretty and perfect for us’, Courtney says.
When out dress shopping with her mum, Courtney found her dream wedding dress at The Aisle in Skipton. She fell in love with an Australian designer called Made with Love. After trying on several gowns, Courtney chose a stunning low-cut gown with a deep V back and a detachable cape. The cape was the decider as it allowed Courtney to have two looks in one, perfect for transitioning from the ceremony to the evening celebration.
When asked about any issues they faced during planning, the happy couple mentioned nothing other than a last-minute change with the groomsmen’s waistcoats which Skopes Menswear were more than happy to accommodate.
‘I wanted Adam in a different waistcoat, so we ordered a different one for the groomsmen, then I decided I didn’t like them, so we ordered new ones a week and half before the wedding; Skopes were brilliant and sorted it for us’, Courtney says.
The couple couldn’t praise Skopes highly enough; ‘They were spot on with us and their customer service was incredible; my Grandad was on a world cruise and Adam’s brother lived In Dubai so they weren’t available to try on waistcoats. Skopes were really accommodating with the sizing and measurements and really good with us, very attentive. We got our shoes and the whole suit attire from there for the groom and the best men.’
The Wedding Day
The morning of the wedding was unexpectedly calm for Courtney, who is usually a self-confessed stress head. Surrounded by her mum and bridesmaids, with free-flowing prosecco and croissants, Courtney enjoyed a relaxing wedding morning with a personalised wedding playlist giving all the good vibes. A particular lovely moment Courtney remembers was reading a heartfelt letter given to her from Adam on the morning of the wedding, setting the romantic tone for the rest of the day.
The wedding ceremony was held indoors due to a forecast of thunderstorms the night before. The couple had seen the stories of previous couples planting a sausage in the ground to ward off bad weather; both Adam’s mum and Courtney both planted one in the hopes the weather would come good.
Lo and behold, as their wedding day arrived, the rain stopped just as Courtney walked over to the venue and it only got better from there.
Walking down the aisle with her grandad and step-dad was particularly special for Courtney, as her step-dad played a significant role in her upbringing. Adam also loved having his grandad as a witness.
The ceremony featured personal vows from the couple and heartfelt readings by both mums, receiving plenty of compliments from attending guests. Post-ceremony, a saxophonist entertained guests as they enjoyed canapés and chatted. Courtney and Adam had planned lawn games for entertainment; however, these were moved indoors due to the weather forecast. ‘Beer pong outside would’ve been good, but it couldn’t be helped,’ Courtney says.
The wedding breakfast followed the ceremony, with Adam giving a speech. As he stood up, the sun emerged and all the guests stood up and said ‘the sausage worked!’
The evening reception had a wedding DJ accompanied by the returning saxophonist. Courtney and Adam had their first dance to “You’ve Got The Love” by Florence and the Machine; it was a major highlight, ‘It was great seeing everyone’s videos from different perspectives, Courtney remembers.
The happy couple had a fantastic wedding day, and Courtney even got to ride around on a stolen golf buggy around the venue.
The Wedding Day
When asked about the advice they’d give to other couples getting married, Courtney emphasised not to get consumed with unnecessary details.
‘I was so consumed with planning, saying there needed to be something for the guests, they need to be entertained with something. Don’t become obsessed with spending money on unnecessary things. The guests and families were busy chatting as they hadn’t seen each other for ages.’
Adam agrees, ‘Simple isn’t boring, you need to remember it’s about you guys as the couple’.
For their mini-moon, Courtney and Adam travelled to Italy, exploring Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Positano, and Pompeii. They are considering Sri Lanka for their big honeymoon, offering the chance to go somewhere different for a bit of adventure and exploration.
And if you were wondering, the couple did eventually make it to Thailand, where they had the best holiday ever.
List of Suppliers
Photographer: Dot&Scolly
Wedding venue and food: Sandburn Hall, Flaxton
Wedding dress: The Aisle Bridal (Skipton)
Dress Alterations: the bobbin bridal
Suits, shoes and shirts: Skopes (Meadowhall)
Wedding Rings: House of Windsor (Jewellers in Dubai)
Styling and flowers: Shindig event and styling
Fairy lights, Photo Booth and audio phone book: Wedding Venue Lighting
Lawn games: Yorkshire Games Hire
Hair: Hair by Samantha Ashley
Makeup: The Doll House York
Eyelashes: ceceslashesltd
Cake: Katie’s Cakes and Bakes
DJ: The Musicologist
Saxophonist: Hannah Mae Music
Stationary (name tags, food menus, table numbers): Luxe Creative (etsy)
Bridesmaid dresses: Victoria Lou Bridal