[Wedding] Tale as Old as Time, Mr & Mrs White's Valentines Wedding at Waterton Park Hotel

When I arrived at Waterton Park, Wakefield on Saturday Morning, 14th February - there was definately no mistaking that there was a wedding here.

With the hearts, signage and pastel ribbons adorning the railings, it was time to go and find Charlotte & her maids getting ready.

Hair and make-up were already underway when I arrived - which meant they were set up and I could work around them. Lucy, Lynzi, Nicola & Heather along with Charlotte's Mum Angela were also in the room before Ava, Charlotte & Mark's daughter arrived a little later.

Charlotte's shoes were No 1 by Jenny Packham lace with gorgeous bow detail. And the beautiful pastel pink and peach bouquet was done by Kelly, at Enchanted Florist, Barnsley - who also did the table decorations & button holes too.

Charlotte's Dress was by Justin Alexander and she looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL - teaming it with a short Veil. 

Charlotte was walked down the aisle and given away by her Dad, Dave. The bridesmaids walked down first before Charlotte headed down the aisle to meet Mark.

Charlotte & Mark's Wedding was the first (and maybe only) Wedding to be held in the Waterton Suite in Walton Hall, whilst work is currently being undertaken at Waterton Park Hotel where the ceremonies normally are.

A string duet played whilst Charlotte walked down to Mark, and again on the way out. Playing beautiful instrumental music. Mark wore a Navy Suit - with a pink Cravat and Handkerchief - whilst the groomsmen matched the Bridesmaids.

Lots of smiles were had, and although a few tears and croaky voices it was totally clear to see how much these two were in love - and relishing in the fact that they were just becoming husband and wife.

After the Ceremony we headed out to the Vintage Bus which had delivered Mark, the Groomsmen and some guests, for some shots as unfortunately the February weather had started to rain a little outside.

Even the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen joined in with the fun on the bus!

The rain didn't and I don't think anything would have dampened Charlotte's smile!

Back inside was where we had to do some of the more formal group shots inside. Silly Rain!

Before, we managed to head out to keep Mark & Charlotte dry, whilst I was the one who got rained on! Part of the job!

Back inside and the Waterton Suite was turned around, the beautiful Cake was from Amandas Cakes - just lovely! I joke with Amanda, that everyone who books me, should book her for their cakes, because I know she will NOT let them down! 

Speeches were delivered by Charlotte's Dad, Dave - Mark and then Paul Mark's Brother and Best Man.

When everyone was chilling after the Wedding Breakfast, I managed to grab a couple of lovely shots of Ava, who was a bit overwhelmed with all the people there - but when there was only a few she was fine. I find that it is typical child behaviour at Weddings - theres a lot going on you know! 

Waterton provides some beautiful area's for "after dark" shots also which can look beautiful and give a different feel to your images.

With the Evening reception starting, the photobooth arriving, it was then time for Mr & Mrs White to take to the dancefloor for their first dance as Husband and Wife. Before we headed outside to play with some sparklers.

Massive Thank You to Mr & Mrs White, for allowing me to be part of their Wedding day!

[Tips] Buying an Engagement Ring

February - the month of LOVE and of course Valentine's day is around the corner too.

So I thought that I would look around at what Engagement Rings are available for all budgets under £1000.

Women if you are looking at hinting, then send your other half this blog.

Men if you are thinking of buying - then take note!

Diamonds work in Carats, the bigger the Carat generally the more expensive the ring - a 0.25ct Single Stone will also be more expensive than a 0.25ct Cluster Ring.

Budget Under £300

Not everyone has a big budget to buy an engagement ring, whatever the reason.
Gone are the days where it is a couple of weeks (and months) pay packet. 

Top Left: Ernest Jones - Silver & Rose Gold Diamond Set Ring £150
Bottom Left: Ernest Jones - Silver & Diamond 0.12pt Ring £199
Top Right: Ernest Jones - Silver Love's Embrace 0.10pt Ring £250
Bottom Right: Ernest Jones - Silver 0.20pt Diamond Framed Square Ring £299

Having worked in Jewellery many moons ago, my decision for these rings were based on a couple of different things. I was surprised, when looking, that there was less yellow gold than there used to be - but it is just a sign of the times.

Classic Solitaire rings seem to be moving a little bit further away and replaced more with the cluster style and vintage inspired rings.

Budget Under £500

A little bit more of a healthier budget, depending on what you or your other half likes. You will more than likely find that Silver, is now replaced with White Gold (not in all instances) and normally a higher diamond carat weight.

Left: Ernest Jones Silver Multi Stone 0.20pt Ring £350
Middle Top: Ernest Jones 9ct White Gold Illusion Set Diamond Ring £399
Middle: Bottom: Ernest Jones White Gold 0.15pt Flower Solitaire Ring £399
Right: H Samuel White Gold 0.17pt Illusion Set Solitaire Ring £399

A couple of the rings mention "Illusion Set" these diamonds are set within a ring of diamond cut white-gold. This helps bounce the light around from the stone - and makes the diamond appear bigger than it actually is.

Budget Under £1000

A budget between £500-£1000 is a popular budget for engagement rings, unless you can afford to stretch even further. Here is some of the different styles out there.

Top Left: Ernest Jones 0.17pt Illusion Solitaire Twist £599
Bottom Left: Ernest Jones 9ct Yellow Gold 0.19pt Illusion Set Trilogy Ring £650
Right: Ernest Jones 9ct White Gold Solitaire Cushion Halo Ring 0.50pt £999

Left: H Samuel 9ct White Gold 0.25pt Princess Cut £599
Middle: H Samuel 9ct Rose Gold 0.25pt Solitaire Twist £650
Right: H Samuel 18ct White Gold 0.25pt Classic Solitaire £899

And there we have a collection of different rings no matter what the budget. I have used Ernest Jones, and H Samuel for the ring choices as I know their stock as I used to work in their stocks. However, you are not limited to these Jewellers, and this is not a sponsored post and is only my views.

So...if I was to receive one - which is my favourite? These are my picks for each budget.

Under £300 - Ernest Jones Diamond Framed Square Ring £299
Under £500 - H Samuel Illusion Set Solitaire £399
Under £1000 - Ernest Jones Cushion Halo Ring £999

And if you are a man reading this and have absolutely no idea about the different shape of diamonds, here is a little bit for you for the more popular cuts you will see in the high street shops.

Brilliant Cut - Round Diamond normally found in a solitaire.

Princess Cut - Square Diamond
Emerald Cut - Rectangular Diamond
Oval Cut - Oval shaped Diamond

I hope you find this helpful! Happy Ring Shopping!