Featured Gamekeeper's Wedding - Emma & Mike

We love making your dream weddings a reality at The Gamekeeper's Inn. It's always an honour to be part of such a special day. Recently, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with some of our happy couples and reminiscing about their unforgettable experiences with them, and now we're excited to share their stories with you.

Could you please tell us your and your husband's names? Emma and Michael

How did you both meet? We met at work over 18 years ago (we work in the West Yorkshire Police; Mike is a sergeant and I'm in a civilian role), but we both weren't interested in each other back then... 10 years later here we are with two boys and a dog!

Tell us all about the proposal!

We went to Iceland for Michael’s 40^th Birthday. Whilst on the golden circle tour, we were admiring the spectacular Gulfoss water fall. I was trying to take pictures of the waterfall, while behind me I thought Michael was trying to tie his shoelace or pick up his coffee cup he had placed on the floor. Then I felt a tap on my calf, and an 'excuse me' from down on the ground, there was a very chilly Michael on one knee and a ring in his hand.

What did you do for your stag & hen celebrations?

Mike went to Dublin with the boys for two nights… I have zero details. I expect there was a lot of alcohol and Irish music involved. I did hear there was an escape room at one point!

I went to Leeds for bottomless brunch and karaoke, with lots of singing and dancing with my great friends.

Me and my bridesmaid then headed to Tenerife (much to Michael’s disgust... apparently it’s not a hen do if you go for four nights, it’s a holiday... ooops, WHO KNEW!).

My girls absolutely spoilt me though, we had a great time at the Hard Rock Spa and then went full swanky for a five course taster menu at the gorgeous Donaire restaurant which sits atop the spectacular Victoria Hotel in Costa Adeje.

What was the date of your wedding? Sunday 19th May 2024

Why did you choose The Gamekeeper's Inn?

I had visited a couple of times with my mum for a spa trip. When we came to look around the venue, it had everything we wanted in our wedding. On-site accommodation (gorgeous rooms, pods and cabins and plenty to choose from) was a plus.

It was a safe place for our two boys to run wild and feel like they could explore but be safe and entertained throughout the stay.

The food has always been exceptional if we have ever visited for lunch or an evening meal at The Gamekeeper's Inn, so we knew the food would not let us down.

We also LOVE Grassington, so to us it was a no-brainer celebrating where we love to spend our time as a family.

Angela and her team were just the icing on the cake and made the decision even easier. They have a real “family” feel to the place and you feel like they are joining yours and vice versa. They want everything to be the best it can be from the very beginning.

With The Gamekeeper's Inn being pet friendly, it also meant our fur baby Pepper was able to be with us, which made life easier knowing she wouldn’t be left out (all the dog sitters were at the wedding too!).

Tell us all about the morning of your wedding!

We were a very chilled bunch, to be honest. We decided on getting married at 1pm which meant we had a nice leisurely morning (as much as you can with hairdressers and makeup artist tending to your every need). I didn’t feel nervous about the wedding, just “the be on time” aspect. So much so, that I was ready by 11 and it gave us all the time to have a moment, have a cheeky drink, talk to the registrar and get some gorgeous first snaps with our photographer.

Those flowers are beautiful - who was your florist?

Our gorgeous flowers were from the local florist The Hedgerow in Grassington.

What was your wedding theme?

Our theme was burgundy, pinks and dark blue.

How did you choose your theme?

I was inspired by something I saw on a wedding Pinterest board, it wasn’t the usual soft pinks that you tend to see in May weddings. The darker reds and burgundy gave it an added touch of drama, I think.

Tell us about your beautiful dress!

My dress is called INES by Elysée Bridal Design, I got it from Ava Rose Hamilton in Colne. Grace, who helped me pick out my dress, was fabulous from start to finish.

How did you know you had found 'the' dress?

This was my 7^th dress to try on, I had all but given up and had been choosing “safe” dresses. Grace, clearly knowing her role as stylist, asked if she could bring in a game changer, and that it was! Both me and mum knew there and then, which I honestly didn’t think would happen!

Who were your hair and makeup artists?

My hair was done by my hairdresser and long-time friend, Kim at Kimmie Couture.

My makeup was done by her talented niece! Beauty by Holly Megan.

What did your bridesmaids wear?

My bridesmaids Gina and Emma, and maid of honour Rebecca, all wore the same ASOS Edition satin midi dress with tie back in the colour Orchid.

Who were the groomsmen and what did they wear?

The Groom, the Best Man Charlie, Father of the bride and Father of the groom all wore the same suit from Marc Darcy, with Michael having a dark red/burgundy waistcoat to stand out. Our boys, Jack and Benjamin were the page boys, and they wore a Ted Baker short, waistcoat and shirt suit as we hoped and prayed for good weather. We were super lucky on they day, it was gorgeous!

How did you feel walking down the aisle?.

Oddly calm… not how I imagined I would be. However, I spent the entire walk slowing my dad down.. I think he was in a rush to get me down there, haha! I also lost all the saliva in my mouth, which was an odd experience… Maybe I wasn’t so calm, who knows!

What song did you walk down the aisle to?

Me and dad walked in to Sigór Ros – Hoppiólla (A nod to our engagement, they are an Icelandic band).

And what song did you walk out of the ceremony as Mr & Mrs to?

We walked back up to good old Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

We love your confetti photos, they look magical!

Those shots are amazing, and I love them. I had spoken to our photographer Jacqueline previously and explained the look I was going for. She smashed it!

We got our confetti from Flutter Darlings.

How did you choose your photographer?

I found our wonderful photographer, Jaqueline Louise Photography, by having a look at previous weddings on your Instagram! I liked the idea that she knew the venue well, and her pictures were beautiful and of the style I was going for.

Now, on to the wedding breakfast... Those table settings are lovely!

Thank you, we used Creative Venue Design for the sashes, flowers and moongate, and the rest was all The Gamekeeper's Inn.

It looked like a really special and intimate wedding breakfast. How many guests did you have?

Including the wedding party, there were 43 of us. Both of us have small families, and it was nice to just have our nearest and dearest with us to celebrate. Again, another big tick on choosing this venue was that we didn't feel lost in the room, but also didn't feel like we needed to fill it. They really can cater for all styles and numbers.

Who made that incredible wedding cake?

Our cake was made by Cakes By Heidi. I have been going to Heidi for a good 5 or 6 years for big events in our family, so it was always going to be her for our wedding cake. I also asked our florist to add some of our flowers to the cake on the back of Heidi's recommendation.

What flavours did you choose?

We went with a gorgeous white chocolate and raspberry bottom tier, chocolate middle tier, and the tastiest lemon for the top. We had no idea what we wanted, Heidi was great at helping us choose.

What song did you choose for the first dance, and why?

Our first song was A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay. It’s a song that we have always played and danced with our boys to, so it meant something to all of us. We didn't do any choreography, we totally winged it, and we also chose it as we knew our boys would want to come and dance too. We all ended up having a dance together which meant the world to us.

Tell us more about the band!

We decided on booking a band instead of a DJ for our wedding entertainment, and they didn't disappoint. The band are The Jacarandas. They played a whole manner of songs from all the decades which kept everyone entertained.

What is your favourite memory of the day?

Just everything flowing so easily, everyone being together under one roof. We really don't do it often enough.

Which is your favourite photo of the day?

Our confetti shots, and our photos down by the trees and the lake, too many!

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

We took a 'Family Moon' in the May half terms to Majorca. It was a great rest after the wedding and all the planning. I'm not going to lie, we are super looking forward to the 'real deal' in the new year when life has calmed down a tad, and my lovely parents are going to look after our boys so we can actually get away. There's a few places on the list, but hopefully a week somewhere undisturbed will be the dream!

Have you been back to The Gamekeeper's Inn since your wedding?

Not yet, we need to though - I'm in need of a spa day. I don't feel like we've stopped since the wedding! We are however looking forward to staying over on our first anniversary.

If you could re-live that day all over again, is there anything you would do differently?

I would love to re-live it just to remember more things. Some things are a blur, as it really does go so fast. You look forward to this day and everyone tells you to breathe it all in. They really aren’t wrong, it all goes by so fast. I would love to do another already. Everything really does just come together.

Do you have any advice for future brides?

Don’t get hung up on the “social media” world of the perfect wedding. Just have what you think means the world to you.

Also, everything I used, I tried to think where it would be used for the ceremony, the wedding breakfast and the evening reception, as I didn’t want to waste money on silly bits that were forgotten later in the day.

Inspired by Emma & Mike's wedding day? This could be you too!

If you’re looking for a romantic wedding venue in the Yorkshire Dales, make sure to register for our Wedding Fayre at The Gamekeeper’s Inn.

Join us on Saturday 28th September 2024 between 11am and 3pm to view our beautifully decorated Netherside Suite, so you can picture your perfect day. Meet with our team to discuss your requirements, and chat with a wide range of local wedding suppliers to help bring your vision to life.

From your first visit, right up to your wedding day, our wedding coordinators Angela and Harriet will be by your side. Angela has been organising weddings at The Gamekeeper's Inn since The Netherside Suite opened, and has overseen countless happy couples tie the knot. She will answer any questions you might have and help you set out your perfect wedding.

Register Now

For more information email: events@gamekeeperinn.co.uk
Or call: 01756 752434

Emma & Mike's Suppliers

WEDDING DRESS: Ava Rose Hamilton | 01535 653 331 | info@avarosehamilton.co.uk

HAIR: Kimmie Couture

MAKEUP: Beauty by Holly Megan

BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: ASOS

GROOM & GROOMSMEN'S SUITS: Marc Darcy

FLOWERS: The Hedgerow | hello@the-hedgerow.co.uk | 01756 752293

CONFETTI: Flutter Darlings

CAKE: Cakes By Heidi | heidi@heidiscakery.co.uk | 07969338503

DECORATIONS: Creative Venue Styling | info@creativevenuestyling.co.uk | 01282 476592

ENTERTAINMENT: The Jacarandas | jacarandasband@gmail.com | 07960793061

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jacqueline Louise Photography | hello@jacquelinelouisephotography.com