At the intersection of fate and serendipity, Katie and Joe Stammers’ paths converged at the University of Scarborough. It was a chance encounter that would set the stage for their future together, much like the whimsical plot twists found in classic Disney films.
Engagement
As fate would have it, my first encounter with Kat was when she moved into the room directly across from mine. Little did I know, our paths would continue to cross in numerous ways throughout our time at Uni. We shared a similar academic journey, spending countless hours together within and outside of campus walls. The bond grew stronger as we cohabitated with friends in our second year, making Scarborough an integral part of our story. It was only natural that I chose this special place to propose, where the University’s majestic South Cliff and Castle provided the perfect backdrop. Christmas Day proved the ideal setting for Joe to get down on one knee and seal his love for me with a heartfelt proposal. Meanwhile, Kat had always been struck by my dedication to our favorite Disney movie, The Little Mermaid – who knew it would be the start of something truly magical? Seven years after that fateful day, Joe returned to another cherished Scarborough spot, this time on Christmas morning, and asked me to be his forever.
Venue
As we began planning our special day, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between it and another memorable wedding experience – one that took place at Grinkle Park in North Yorkshire. The relaxed atmosphere, impeccable service, and top-notch organisation had left a lasting impression on me. When we met with Richard, the General Manager, I knew instantly that Grinkle was the right choice for us. He effortlessly put our minds at ease, offering valuable advice while ensuring that every aspect of the day aligned with our vision. One of the standout features that resonated with us was the flexibility to curate a unique dining experience. We opted for canapés during the photo shoot, followed by a main meal before speeches, and finished off with an afternoon tea featuring cakes and pastries. This approach not only broke up the day but also allowed guests to mingle and enjoy themselves at their leisure.For me, the most important aspect of our wedding was creating a relaxed atmosphere that would allow us to celebrate with loved ones in a way that felt truly personal. Katie shares my sentiment, and we both agreed that having family, friends, and fun at the forefront was essential. As someone who never really planned her wedding day from a young age, I found solace in Grinkle’s homely feel and welcoming atmosphere. The moment we stepped inside, we knew it was meant to be our special place. And, as it turned out, all the staff went above and beyond to ensure that our day ran seamlessly.
Inspiration
Katie and Joe drew inspiration from Pinterest, but their creativity truly shone when they came up with unique ideas that perfectly captured their personalities as a couple. For Joe, weddings played a significant role in shaping his vision for the big day. He wanted to incorporate subtle nods to their shared interests throughout the celebration, extending beyond mere guest roles. One idea he borrowed from his cousin’s wedding was displaying everyone’s wedding photos around the venue – a hit with guests! Another popular touch was the Disney-themed table settings.
DIY
Our DIY approach was a collaborative effort with friends, family, and even students from my class. My maid of honour crafted beautiful bunting, while I prepared essential items for the restrooms – including hairspray, just in case! The kids wrote heartfelt messages on cards that our guests enjoyed reading at their tables. As a special token of appreciation, we created CDs with our favorite wedding songs and burned them onto mini-vinyl records. Meanwhile, Joe was busy crafting unique elements to make our day truly unforgettable. He built chalkboards and signs to guide our guests through the hotel’s grounds, using reclaimed wood from his childhood bedroom. His personal highlight was creating a stunning Lumiere-inspired guestbook stand for us – a surprise that left me in awe until the big reveal! His father’s ingenuity didn’t go unnoticed either, as he cleverly incorporated Disney elements into the design, much to our delight. To this day, we still proudly display the beautiful piece in our home.
The Day
As I stood at the church door, Josh, my trusted friend and brother, whispered to me that she looked stunning as she made her way towards us. I kept my composure, maintaining a warm smile as I locked eyes with her. The moment was etched in my memory – she radiated joy, and I couldn’t fathom being the fortunate one by her side. That feeling has remained with me to this day.
For Katie, it was a moment of unbridled happiness. She recalled having an irrepressible grin on her face as she spotted Joe. Unlike many brides-to-be, Katie didn’t feel anxious; instead, she felt overwhelmed by the sea of familiar faces gathered at the back of the church. Taking her time to soak in the atmosphere, she savored every second of the momentous occasion.
The First Dance
As our special day approached, Katie and Joe found themselves struggling to get their first dance just right. After countless hours of practicing at home to their favorite songs, they realized that a slow four-minute song was more like 10 minutes of awkwardness waiting to happen. In an attempt to make the moment more meaningful, they drew inspiration from their university days when they used to dance to McFly’s ‘It’s All About You’ in their kitchen. This shared memory proved to be the perfect fit for their big day, and they decided to go with it. For Joe, the choice was also influenced by his desire to do a performance-style first dance, but as the wedding drew closer, they ran out of time to rehearse anything elaborate. Instead, they opted for a more laid-back approach, playing McFly’s hit song and letting their personalities shine through. The result was a memorable moment that they both cherished, with Katie even busting a move or two.