After locking eyes over a pint in the Woolpack pub- yes you read that right, the actual pub from Emmerdale- Lauren and Steven’s love affair began; thankfully their relationship has been a lot less dramatic than the ones you see in the soaps. Surrounded by their six combined children, a turkey, sprouts and some pigs in blankets, Stephen got down on one knee on Christmas day 2020.

Having lusted over her childhood friend Ellen Davies from LND Events’ work for years, Lauren wasted no time in getting down to business with her. After a Christmas day proposal, and blissful childhood memories of the Christmas markets and fairs in her York hometown, it seemed only right to keep the tradition going on their big day.

I GREW UP IN YORK AND EVERY CHRISTMAS THE BEAUTIFUL VICTORIAN CAROUSEL WOULD COME TO TOWN… I WAS DETERMINED TO GIVE MY GUESTS A WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE

LAUREN, BRIDE

With the help of our Guest List member Hire a Funfair, Lauren’s magical vision was brought to life, creating memories and photos that look straight out of a Disney film, giving us ALL the nostalgic feels.

Not your average wedding, the same goes for Lauren’s dress. While some brides may opt for the ‘something old, something borrowed something blue’, Lauren instead went for something red and wow did her dress make an impact. Rarely wearing white in her every day life, a Christmas wedding provided her with the perfect opportunity to wear her favourite colour; a deep red satin gown from the Rolling Roses in York.

THEIR DRESSES WERE JUST WHAT I IMAGINED. I CHOSE THE DIADEM DRESS AND IT WAS THE MOST COMFORTABLE DRESS I’VE EVER WORN IN MY LIFE

LAUREN, BRIDE

Q&A

Out of 10, how involved was your partner in the planning process?

He’d argue his bank account was very much involved but if we set that aside I’d say 4 out of 10 haha!

Funniest memory from the day?

Hearing my friends shriek and scream as they flew past on the carousel! Everyone embraced their inner child and it gave me such a genuine joy to see!

Favourite image and why?

I absolutely love the group shots infront of the carousel and the ones of just me and Steve at night on it. I also love the family shot our amazing photographer Ryan learoyd from Shutter go click got of us… we never manage to get a photo of all eight of us and I will treasure it forever.

Biggest advice to newly wed couples?

I believe that a wedding should be a joy to plan, not another full time job. I would say hire a planner!

For more incredible real wedding inspiration, head to our dedicated page here - all the luxe venues, all the bridal beauty, all the love.