Fining a venue is hard, undeniably. What if you have to find a venue*, it has to be in Yorkshire and it has to facilitate 200 guests? Would you take the risk of booking an incomplete venue on the basis of an architect's plans? Well, this couple did when they booked Wharfedale Grange and I bet they're feeling pretty smug about it, rightly so.  This Anglo Indian Fusion Wedding is full of joy that radiates through the images by Kazooieloki's from the happy guests, gorgeous couple and fairy-lit surrounding. Now, let's address the subject guys, Indoor Confetti people! Could this be the new thing? We bloody hope so!  It's definitely something that has been creeping into weddings and we are all for it. Olivia & James were delighted that the weather forced them inside for the confetti shots at their wedding. Even our very own PR, Marketing and Relationship Manager Alice had a confetti cannon during her first dance.  *ahem, you can search our fabulous, exclusive supplier directory The List

Finding a venue to fit 200 people, Wharfedale Grange, Yorkshire

Lucia, the Wedding Planner: We were struggling to find a venue due to some key “must haves”: It had to fit 200 people, it had to be in Yorkshire and it had to allow external caterers. We heard about a derelict barn that was due to be renovated into a wedding venue. It literally had no floor, walls or roof! All we had was the architect's plans, the owner's vision and the promise of a giant rose gold disco ball! - It was perfect and worth the risk. I knew from the outset I wanted to wear an Indian bridal outfit, despite not having an Indian ceremony, as that is what I had always envisioned growing up. However, I wanted something contemporary that would fit with our fusion wedding. I eventually went with a customised velvet and pearl Lengha from Kajal’s Couture. For jewellery, I chose a pearl choker style necklace with traditional “Jhumkay” earrings to match. My mehndi was done by the very talented Farzana at Eliza’s Elegance who was able to literally copy any design you showed her. My hair and make-up were done by Shaista from Belle Mariee, I highly recommend finding make-up artists you can get on with and can help you feel relaxed on the day. Both girls kept me laughing and feeling at ease. Lucia, the Wedding Planner: I wanted my outfit to look smart but at the same time keep it fun and relaxed, not like I was going to work. I chose a stylishly cut, blue, Paul Smith suit that would stand up against Sonia’s Lengha  The tie had to be a colour match to Sonia’s Lengha to bring us together.  

Unique wedding reading

For one of our readings, we chose the lyrics from the Bruce Springsteen song “When you need me”.

Ceremony Music, Songs for the aisle

I came down the aisle to, “One day like this” by Elbow and left the ceremony to the upbeat “You are the best thing” by Ray La Montagne, one of Matt’s favourite artists. We created a playlist for our drinks reception following the ceremony and had a dholi (Indian drummer) bring us into the venue for the wedding breakfast. We had a DJ play a mix of Western and Bhangra music for the evening party. For our first dance, we wanted something fun we could have a proper dance to and chose “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac.

"It was important to us that we not only liked our photographer's style, but we got on with them."

Kazooieloki's passion was obvious and their enthusiasm infectious. They made it feel like our wedding was special and we were not just another client.  Two days before the wedding I phoned Kazooieloki our photographers and they recommended A & A Video. Jonny simply blended into the background, somehow catching all the key moments. 

Traditional Indian Catering 

During our drinks reception, we chose a couple of canapés that we knew a number of guests would never have tried before to keep things fun and interesting - this included gol gappa.. a hollow type shell with a potato chickpea filling, which you then pour a little bit of sauce over and eat whole! The wedding breakfast including a variety of starters and for mains, we had 4 curries with sides. Not everyone enjoys spicy food, so we had pizza and chips for the kids and even a couple of roast chicken dinners! Having sharing bowls of food instead of individual portions helped the relaxed informal atmosphere we wanted. We knew after such a heavy meal everyone would need a bit of a kick, so instead of offering the usual tea & coffee.. we decided to offer all our guests Espresso Martinis.

Cake by Mum of the Groom

Matt’s mum is an enthusiastic baker and we decided to give her, her most challenging brief yet, a cake for 200 people. Sue chose the flavour for all 4 tiers: Persian love cake, cardamom, rose water and pistachio nuts; Pimms cake, with layers of mint, Champagne strawberry jam and Cucumber; lemon and vanilla cakes made the final two tiers for guests that liked simpler flavours. The cake was styled with a pink marbled effect on the bottom three layers and a glamorous gold leave covered top tier. It went down a storm. Thanks Mum! Advice from Sonia & Matt "Couples should work together and listen to each other’s reasons for why they may or may not want something. It’s all too easy to end up disagreeing but it’s a great way of learning to work as a team."