Today we were in Leeds at Hazlewood Castle for the wedding of Gemma and Aaron. Having been in Wales yesterday, we travelled up overnight and stayed at yet another Premier Inn, this time just on the edge of Leeds so we had plenty of time in the morning to get to Hazlewood Castle and be ready for today’s wedding.
The Wedding
Gemma and Aaron
Hazlewood Castle, Leeds, Yorkshire
Monday 12 August 2024
Ceremony and Drinks Package
Initially the plan had been for an outdoor ceremony and so we duly obliged and set everything up in the area indicated. However our weather app was suggesting rain before and indeed during the ceremony. As it started rain as we were unpacking we had no option but to shelter in the gazebo. At this point the chairs were all out ready and the flowers were in position, albeit also under shelter until the last minute.
As time wore on the weather was looking increasingly unsuitable but the wedding planner had told us it would absolutely definitely be outside. It turned out that when the decision was made to move indoors, no one thought to tell the musicians and so with just 20 minutes to go, along with the florist we suddenly had to move everything back indoors. This in itself is not difficult but it was quite a distance which meant re loading the car, driving around to the venue again unloading, setting up and then of course re parking the car at the far side of the venue. And then trying not to sweat too much as we started playing for the guests arrival into the ceremony!
Our job however is to just get on with it and do the absolute best we can for our couples and if that means moving everything several times then that is exactly what we will do. The first rule of weddings is that on the day the bride must never know just what is going on behind the scenes by all of us to ensure everything is just perfect for the wedding.
Music for the Ceremony
Pre Ceremony
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman
Friday I’m In Love – The Cure
Songbird – Fleetwood Mac
Can You Feel The Love Tonight – The Lion King
Annie’s Song – John Denver
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Love Story – Taylor Swift
Bridal Entrance
Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Signing
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis
Love Is Easy – McFly
Exit
You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates
The Drinks Reception
After the ceremony we moved outside into the courtyard for the drinks reception. Fortunately by now the weather had decided to stop misbehaving and the sun was shining down on the couple as they walked over the bridge for their confetti shot.
With the opposite type of weather to an hour earlier, we sought the only corner of shade in the courtyard to set up which fortunately put us in the middle of the drinks reception and ideally placed for providing music as guests enjoyed drinks and canapés.
We really enjoyed being a part of Gemma and Aaron’s wedding at Hazelwood Castle near to Leeds. We were so glad that the sun shone down on them for their drinks reception. We bid them farewell as they headed into their meal along with their guests and we wish them every happiness as they embark on their married future together as husband and wife.
