Paul and Duncan had known each other for many years, but it wasn’t until November 2022 when Paul hosted a staff awards party at Duncan’s bar that they noticed a spark between them. Paul proposed at midnight during the bar’s annual New Year’s Eve party a year later. “We chose York Racecourse as our venue for a number of reasons,” Paul explains. “I’d been part of the venue as a staffing partner for more than five years, so it felt like a second home to me, and I knew the team well, so was confident they’d deliver a magical day for us.” What’s more, it offered them the opportunity to accommodate 200 daytime guests and host an evening event for 350, so it was ideal. “At the racecourse, I manage hundreds of staff having a people-first staffing business, while Duncan runs a people-friendly bar in Leeds that offers a safe space for the local community, so the racecourse was the perfect fit for us, in keeping with our values of diversity, inclusion and community,” Paul continues. With the date set for September, the couple opted for an autumnal theme and collaborated with venue stylist Lesley to bring it to life. “She was just outstanding,” Paul tells us. “She encompassed our vision and theme, from beautiful wooden centrepieces, autumnal trees and leaves to the gorgeous chair sashes.” Lesley also created an autumnal wonderland for their al fresco ceremony space, leading through to the Theakston Bar, and the wedding breakfast room, which was beautifully laid out for 200 guests with the racetrack as their backdrop. Paul chose a classic black suit accessorised with an orange floral tie, handkerchief and a stunning orange blossom buttonhole. Duncan meanwhile, wore a highland storm kilt with traditional Scottish buttonhole featuring a thistle. Paul’s nieces and mum were dressed in royal blue dresses, while Duncan’s bridesmaids, dressed as drag queens, wore a mixture of autumnal hues. 26
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