Meeting just before they were set to part ways to start their respective university courses 12 years ago, teen sweethearts Holly and Andy beat all the odds of long-distance dating:

“We’ve been happily together ever since,” the bride grins.

“We work well together and that was reflected in the wedding planning – I was all about the creative bits, while Andy is just great with logistics.”

HOLLY, BRIDE

North Yorkshire rustic idyll Harome really was where the heart was for these laidback lovers when choosing a location for their big-day festivities.

With vistas across the Yorkshire Moors, The Pheasant Hotel is a charming retreat and low-key exclusive-use venue for cosy nuptials hosting up to 80 guests.

A converted blacksmith’s courtyard, it now has a reputation as a restaurant with rooms – 16 in total – complete with an award-winning chef at the helm.

Nest, marry, eat: what more could a couple ask for from a boutique party pad? We reckon the indoor heated pool is a definite bonus for a restorative dip before the morning-after hangover breakfast.

Door to Door

This countryside-loving pair stumbled across photogenic Harome while walking their golden retriever puppy. The beautiful church, set just across the street from the picture-perfect, honey-stoned Pheasant Hotel, offered the ultimate ceremony-to-reception option.

“With the venues being so close together, it meant our guests could walk from the ceremony to the reception with ease,” Holly explains. “So, it was a bit of a no-brainer.”

In addition to the village’s picturesque convenience, its secluded location and the hotel’s intimate vibe was very much in keeping with the bride and groom’s vision for the day: a private day that they both could enjoy, involving minimal stress. In keeping with the bucolic backdrop of their wedding day, the couple opted for understated rustic styling, with variegated florals and a mix of pastel and rich hues.

After heartfelt church vows, the wedding party was able to make the most of The Pheasant Hotel’s exquisite menu options, with guests treated to a seasonal menu full of fantastic flavour combinations and refined dishes devised by chef-director Peter Neville.

“The venue’s food really set our wedding day apart,” admits Holly.

Easy Breezy

Characterising her style as ‘low-maintenance bride’, Holly sought out a boho-chic wedding dress that reflected the easy-going approach that she and Andy had taken to planning the wedding.

“There were so many dresses I could have chosen, but this one appealed because it was so different: elegant but unusual.”

HOLLY, BRIDE

Indeed, the sleek short-sleeved sheath dress, with its halter neck column outline and sheer overlay of intricate floral embroidery is as unexpected as it is sophisticated.

She completed the ensemble with demure pearl earrings and a curled updo, secured with crystal hair vines and a simple veil.

Holly’s loose, sweeping fringe and natural, dewy make-up were the perfect finishing touches. Doesn’t she look effortlessly gorgeous?

Love Through a Lens

As fans of photographer Edward’s work for a number of years, the couple were ecstatic to have him behind the camera to snap up all of the most joyful highlights of their wedding day.

“There’s no one we’d rather have had to capture our memories – he put everyone at ease and did such a fab job. We love how creative he is.”

HOLLY, BRIDE

And we have to agree: the sun-soaked couple portraits taken on the hotel’s courtyard are especially dreamy.

Words from the Bride

“Just enjoy every minute – the day goes so quickly!”

For more real life romances and wedding inspo, visit our dedicated Real Weddings section or browse the pages of our glossy magazine – available to buy or download now.