ROMANCE A fairytale Carley and N’kose’s day was brimming with opulence, romance and colour Images courtesy of CG Media In 2011, destiny weaved its magic when Carley and N’kose crossed paths in an HMV store. She’d just bought her first 18-rated DVD, despite being only 16, when N’kose questioned her about her age. Thinking he was a sales assistant she lied and told him she was 18. Little did she know this was actually his attempt at a pickup line! Too embarrassed to ‘fess up, Carley continued the charade, to the point of faking a 19th birthday party! “After a year of anxiety, I came clean to N’kose and had a good laugh about it,” Carley remembers. “We still do 15 years later!” When the time came, N’kose proposed in Dubai on a boat they’d hired surrounded by friends and family. Since both share an interest in history and a love for visiting National Trust sites, the idea of hosting their big day at North Yorkshire’s Carlton Towers seemed meant to be. “It’s overflowing with history,” Carley says. “It’s everywhere, from the ornate ceilings symbolising the Wars of the Roses to the hidey hole of Thomas Thwing, a Catholic priest executed in 1680, which is found in one of the guest rooms.” With the venue ticked off the to-do list and the date set for 27th May 2025, next up was the colour palette. They opted for royal blue, pink and gold with hints of yellow, white, salmon and purple – “We love big explosions of colour,” Carley shares. Fitting with the opulent, fairytale mansion-vibe of the venue, their stylist created a draped silk arch to cover the doorway. Along with oodles of LED candles, candelabras and lanterns, this brought a beautifully whimsical and romantic air to the space. Flowers too were a big part of the day. Preeti Flowers brought the couple’s vision to life crafting colourful, wildflower-style bouquets, centrepieces and more. “We wanted a day that felt like we’d stepped straight into an historical romance novel,” Carley explains. The bride looked stunning in Santiago by Allure Bridals. “I originally went to try on a different dress, having seen it at a wedding fair. But during my appointment at Abbey Bridals, Jess pulled Santiago convinced it was the one for me, and she was absolutely correct,” Carley remembers. “I genuinely felt like royalty.” N’kose meanwhile wore a custommade three-piece suit, by Ted Williams Menswear. His jacket and trousers were royal blue, and he added some drama of his own with a Scabal waistcoat in the brand’s luxury festival fabric. “It made him stand out in all the best ways!” his bride adds. As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were serenaded by a harpist, who also played the bride’s aisle music Kissing You by Des’ree and continued throughout the drinks reception. Johnathon Breckin, a talented mentalist, magician and hypnotist was also on hand to simultaneously entertain and terrify guests! When the evening drew in a DJ from Spectra Entertainments took over, sharing the stage with the newlyweds’ cousin and groomsmen DJ Sparx who entertained loved ones well into the night with a set of pop, RnB, dancehall and soca music. For the bride, the highlight of the day was having her dad, David, in attendance. Having been diagnosed with terminal cancer around 18 months before the big day there was uncertainty around whether he’d be able to celebrate with them. “He was a fighter though, and managed to walk me down the aisle, be our ring bearer and give a speech,” Carley remembers. Very sadly, David passed away exactly two months later. “We’re so grateful to have so many incredible photos and videos of him to look back on from that day,” Carley continues. REAL WEDDINGS 21
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