Vegas is where couple Lyndsey and Matt’s marriage story begins…
The couple from Rotherham, South Yorkshire met online and had their first date in the George and Dragon pub. Sparks flew and the pair clicked instantly, paving the way for a happy relationship. Matt even got on with Lyndsey’s daughter Molly and took on the stepdad role brilliantly.
During a surprise trip to Vegas for Matt’s 40th birthday in April 2019, it was the Grand Canyon that played the romantic backdrop for Matt’s proposal as he got down on one knee and asked Lyndsey to marry him.
‘It was magical. We got a trip back to our hotel via limo and we were so excited by the proposal, we left our bag in a locker at the airport with our passports in and had to walk 3 miles back to collect them!’
The couple had originally planned to have their big day at Whitley Hall Hotel, Sheffield. However, due to the government restrictions surrounding weddings, they were unable to have the kind of wedding they’d dreamed of.
‘It has been stressful planning a wedding in these unprecedented times, anxiously waiting for updates from the Prime Minister on whether we could or couldn’t go ahead.’
Instead of postponing the wedding, Lyndsey and Matt made a last minute decision to go ahead with the ceremony, followed by a small reception at their in-law’s garden at Hall Farm.
Changing plans at the very last minute was daunting, however once we got the catering sorted and the tipi, the rest seemed to just fall into place.’
The couple got married at Great Houghton Church where Lyndsey grew up;
‘I felt like a royal when I arrived at church as a lot of our family and friends were stood outside’.
A particularly lovely moment was Lyndsey’s dad driving her up to the church with her mum in an old Morris Minor he’d had restored especially for Lyndsey’s wedding day, with bridesmaids following in a hired campervan.
Adhering to the Covid guidelines, everyone had to wear a mask in the church, so the couple couldn’t see anyone’s reactions, which felt strange as Lyndsey recalls.
‘I remember looking at my dad and he took his mask down briefly, gave Matt a cheeky smile before handing me over’.
The ceremony was also live streamed so the guests watching at home could share in Lyndsey and Matt’s wedding day.
The intimate reception followed at Hall Farm, where Garden wedding Tipi’s provided the stunning backdrop and catering was provided by Hazel’s Quality Catering Sheffield. The couple and their few guests enjoyed a hot, 3 course sit down meal featuring tasty roast beef in a COVID safe environment.
Lyndsey remembers a particular moment when he new father-in-law Steve turned to her and explained that he couldn’t believe the food had been cooked in his garage and that it didn’t feel like his garden; ‘He was right, it was just magical’.
Their wedding cake was made by Lyndsey’s sister Sarah, and the flowers created by Matt’s father’s partner Geraldine. Acorn Brewery also provided the beer as the owner happens to be Lyndsey’s cousin and they even had wine shipped over from a friend’s vineyard in Spain.
The couple even still managed to arrange with their wedding entertainer, a magician to come and perform some tricks in the guest bubbles of 6, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
The newlyweds finished their evening sat cosy around a firepit with music on low. ‘It was perfect’, Lyndsey says.
When asked what their advice would be to other couples getting married, here’s what they said;
‘Try not to worry about something you have no control over, it is wasted energy. Focus on the important things, namely what is the real reason you are getting married. We had booked a big flash wedding and COVID stopped it being a reality, but actually what we managed to pull off was probably better than we ever expected, and we saved money in the long run. Our guests described it as unique, it was magical, it was intimate, it was perfect and all we needed was love, and no virus can get in the way of that!’
The couple still plan to use Whitley Hall in 2022 when they have a blessing and hopefully a huge celebration with everyone when restrictions are lifted.
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Tipi: Garden Wedding Tipis
Photography: Shakespeare Photography
Catering: Hazel’s Quality Catering Sheffield
Cake: Sarah Dale
Flowers: Geraldine Lawson
Drinks – Acorn Brewery
Transport: Shakespeare Vintage Wedding Campervans
Dress: WED2B Rotherham
Groomswear: Moss Bros Meadowhall
Entertainer: Rhythm of your Choice
Stationery: Crafting by Janet Dallamore Wedding Rings: Kingston Jewellers
Hair: Sophie & Amy @ Status Hair and Beauty
Makeup: Rebecca Haywood
Lashes and Nail: Base Coat by Rachel
