In a previous feature, we showcased the heartwarming tale of Sarah and Mike’s engagement, which took an unexpected turn when Mike surprised Sarah with a New Year’s Eve proposal in Las Vegas, where they were on vacation. The romantic gesture was only the beginning, as they went on to exchange vows at Whinstone View, Great Ayton, amidst a winter wonderland setting.
Why did you choose Whinstone View, tell us about your first impressions and how important the venue was for you both?
We were drawn to Whinstone View’s picturesque setting, which boasted a breathtaking Roseberry Topping backdrop and exquisite culinary offerings. The location’s intimate and rustic ambiance also played a significant role in our decision. As we had previously given up hope of exchanging vows on New Year’s Eve, Andrea’s enthusiasm and the prospect of their new barn project reignited our passion for the date. Initially, we considered scheduling our celebration in the spring, but after viewing the plans, we were sold. The idea of hosting our special day within Whinstone View’s stunning barn was too enticing to resist. We kept a close eye on the construction process and were privileged to attend various events at the venue, including a virtual tour of the barn, which left us thoroughly impressed. When I finally set eyes on the completed structure, it far exceeded my expectations. Its beauty was simply breathtaking, leaving me confident that our wedding day would be nothing short of perfect.
Tell us about the theme of the day and why you chose to get married New Years eve? Was it hard finding a venue for New Years Eve?
We decided on New Year’s Eve as the perfect date to tie the knot, as it holds a special significance for us – it’s where our engagement took place in Las Vegas back in 2012. Finding the right venue was a challenge, but once we stumbled upon the barn, we knew it was meant to be. Andrea was thrilled too, as they had never done a NYE wedding before. While the theme was centered around New Year’s Eve, we wanted the venue to reflect our personalities and showcase our unique style. We aimed to create an atmosphere that would leave everyone in awe, with a wintery feel that incorporated navy tones, plenty of candles, twinkling lights, and snowflakes. The result was nothing short of magical and glamorous, almost like a fairy tale come true. To kick off the new year as husband and wife, it didn’t get any better. Sarah brought her touch of glitz and glam to the occasion, while I, being a kid at heart, made sure we had a sweet cart on hand. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
How did you pull together your ideas for your wedding? Any suppliers that you want to mention in particularly?
As soon as I started planning my special day, Pinterest became my go-to destination for inspiration! I spent hours scouring boards for winter weddings and New Year’s Eve celebrations, pinning everything that caught my eye. My sisters and best friend were an invaluable help in bringing those ideas to life. With a keen eye on the budget, we shopped around for the best deals on supplies.The centrepieces from First Class Weddings truly stole the show, transforming the room into a stunning space. The LED love lights from Partpics Photo Booth proved to be a huge hit with our guests. Karen Brookes, our talented photographer, captured every moment of my day in exquisite detail. Even the beautiful flowers at Oh This Old Tree left many of our guests in awe.Green Biscuit Studios’ Wayne is a master of his craft, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched our DVD and cried happy tears. The Sugar Rose’s delectable wedding cake was nothing short of heavenly – just one word: YUMMY!
Was a winter wedding everything you expected and would you recommend this to couples over a summer wedding?
Winter, with its crisp air and twinkling lights, proved to be the perfect setting for our special day. As I walked down the aisle in my strapless dress, I was amazed by how comfortable I felt – the cold never even crossed my mind. It was as if the magic of the season wrapped itself around me, filling me with an sense of romance and wonder. Looking back, it’s clear that winter weddings truly are something special. For my partner and I, it was the best day of our lives, a moment we wouldn’t change for the world.
Would you recommend Whinstone View and what would you say were the stand out parts for you?
We can’t sing Whinstone’s praises enough! The entire day was nothing short of perfect, and it was all thanks to their exceptional staff. Andrea, the wedding coordinator, ensured that every detail fell into place seamlessly, while the waitresses kept the venue looking stunning from start to finish – even attending to the candles when they needed relighting. Meanwhile, the bar staff were in high spirits, keeping the party going well past midnight! What struck us most was how nothing felt like a chore; even the team who helped us set up the day before were enthusiastic and dedicated. If you’re looking for a venue that offers breathtaking scenery, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality, Whinstone is the perfect choice. Its unique charm sets it apart from other venues in the area, making it an intimate and relaxed setting for your special day. And let’s not forget the lodges – they added a lovely touch to our magical celebration. The barn itself is truly magnificent – we’ve received countless compliments from our friends, many of whom have declared it the best wedding they’ve ever attended!
Tell us about your dress, what style did you go?
As I embarked on the arduous journey of finding my dream dress, I spent a considerable amount of time trying on various options, only to be met with frustration. However, a chance visit to Elizabeth George in Middlesbrough proved to be the turning point. This family-run boutique boasts a team of radiant and welcoming staff who made me feel like the sole focus of their attention. One of the girls took it upon herself to select a dress that would suit me perfectly, and I was initially skeptical about her choice. Yet, as I caught my reflection in the mirror, tears of joy streamed down my face, and I knew in that instant that I had found ‘the one’. The dress in question is the stunning Mori Lee – Asymmetrically strapless draped net ivory dress, accompanied by an extra long/wide veil. I was smitten with my choice and couldn’t bear the thought of removing it. My emotional response to trying it on for the first time was a clear indication that this was indeed the perfect dress for me.
Who were your bridesmaids and groomsmen and what did they wear?
The wedding party was a diverse and close-knit group, comprising Rachel Barron (sister of the groom), Katherine Barron (also sister), Nerissa Stewart (friend), and Kirstie Middleton (friend). The ladies’ attire was particularly noteworthy, with each of them choosing their own unique style from the navy ‘one dress over fifteen ways to wear’. This resulted in a stunning array of looks that perfectly showcased the bridesmaids’ individuality. Meanwhile, the gentlemen consisted of Shaun Smith (best man), Andrew Cochrane (brother of the groom), Martin Sherrington (friend), and Ged Robson (friend). They opted for sleek, navy brushed wool suits paired with burgundy ties, which complemented the winter-themed celebration beautifully.
What did you do for hen and stag celebrations?
As my mother and all the girls in our group embarked on an adventure to Ibiza, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly David Guetta’s performance at Ushuaia and Pikes House. With my maid of honour having taken charge of planning, we had an incredible time together – her organizational skills were truly impressive, and I’d venture to say she’s a natural when it comes to wedding planning! In addition to the lively party atmosphere, I also enjoyed some more laid-back activities, including a visit to The Pottery Loft followed by afternoon tea and then exploring York. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.In contrast, the boys in our group took off on their own adventure to Cancun, Mexico, followed by Germany. While I don’t have as many specific memories of their trip (I guess they were having too much fun!), I do know that we all had an amazing time together.
Can you both share a memorable moment from the day?
As I walked down the aisle with my dad, memories flooded my mind, and tears of joy streamed down my face from the moment I woke up until the end of the night. My happiest day had finally arrived! The emotional rollercoaster left me breathless, but in a good way. Seeing Sarah for the first time, she was radiant – her beauty took our breath away. And then there was the surprise bagpiper at midnight, which brought many guests to tears. We all gathered on the decking area, lit up the night with sparklers, and counted down to the new year together. It was a truly unforgettable experience!
Did you DIY any of your wedding?
One of my closest friends and bridesmaid went all out to help me create an unforgettable atmosphere at our special day. She beautifully decorated numerous jars, which we strategically placed around the venue with fresh flowers inside. The result was stunning – not only did it add a personal touch, but it also saved us a significant amount on decorations. To make it even more memorable, we crafted love heart bracelets as favors for our guests. Many of them proudly wore their sparkly accessories throughout the night. Additionally, we created our own prop box, which became a huge hit with the boys! We repurposed an old vintage suitcase and filled it with creative props from local discount stores like the Pound shop. It was a fantastic idea that not only impressed our guests but also helped us stay within budget. The boys particularly enjoyed donning fairy wings and tiaras – it added a playful touch to the night.
What was your best purchase?
To create an intimate and festive atmosphere, we opted for a variety of decorations that would not break the bank. The fake snow in jars was an affordable yet effective addition to our venue decor. We strategically placed them throughout the space, including even the restroom, to add a touch of whimsy. The lanterns from B&M were another great find, as they added a warm glow to the outside areas and made for lovely photo opportunities.A thoughtful friend, Helen, who had recently gotten married in July, gifted me with hanging hearts and garland, which I used to create a stunning top table display. Not only was it impressive, but it also saved us the cost of real flowers.Of course, the pièce de résistance was the LED love lights. They brought everything together and became an instant hit, with everyone wanting to take photos in front of them.
Tell us about your wedding rings, were you nervous in the run up to the ceremony and did you write you own vows?
The wedding planning process flew by, leaving me feeling both anxious and thrilled. I was determined to get everything just right, from the tables to the order of events, but ultimately learned that what truly matters is sharing the special day with loved ones who matter most. To honor our dearly departed, we created a beautiful handmade wish tree on our seating plan – many guests praised its beauty. The experience taught me to focus on what’s truly important.My only concern was crafting my speech, which I nervously scribbled down at 5am on the morning of the wedding! We strategically placed speeches before lunch so that we, along with the father-in-law and best man, could enjoy our meal without interruptions. To avoid a lull in the afternoon, I made sure to double-check the timings. As a result, we seamlessly transitioned from acoustic singers after dinner to an energetic disco atmosphere.
Where did you go on Honeymoon, where did you stay and what can you recommend about this to other couples?
We recently embarked on a mini-moon to New York, a 5-day getaway that allowed my wife Sarah, a teacher, to return to her duties. The experience was incredible; we indulged in non-stop eating and savored the romance of a carriage ride through Central Park. As we look ahead to our second honeymoon chapter, set to unfold in August, we’re feeling incredibly fortunate. Our itinerary takes us from LA to Las Vegas, with a brief stopover before concluding our adventure in Hawaii. I’m counting down the days until our next escapade!
Why did you choose this destination?
As we embarked on our Route 66 adventure, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia for the iconic highway. Meanwhile, Las Vegas stole the show with its vibrant energy, earning a special place in our hearts as the site where we got engaged on New Year’s Eve amidst the bright lights of the strip and a crowd of 300,000 people! For those who have caught up with our latest magazine edition, you might’ve spotted some wedding highlights featured alongside Whinstone View on page 94. If you’re looking for more information about Whinstone View, feel free to reach out to Andrea at 01642 723285. A big thank you to Karen Brookes for capturing the magic of our special day through her lens.