Your Yorkshire Wedding - Page number 27 - May/June 2021 (Issue 48)

B oth teachers, our newlyweds met when Rio interviewed Robbie for a teaching post at the school she works in. “At first, he thought I was quite intimidating,” Rio laughs. “We grew very close as work colleagues, before deciding to give our relationship a go during the summer holidays. We soon realised it was exactly what we both wanted.” It was on a magical trip to New York at Christmas that Robbie popped the question in the most romantic of ways. “While walking through Central Park, I heard a guitarist playing my favourite song: Dreams by Gabrielle,” Rio says. “I noticed rose petals and framed pictures of us next to where the guitarist was playing – I then realised Robbie might be about to propose. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him; it was a complete surprise and one of the most perfect moments in my life!” After clarifying that Robbie had asked her dad (he had!), Rio said “Yes!” After a year of lockdowns, restrictions and guidelines, Rio and Robbie managed to tie the knot on 29 th December, 2020, with 15 guests – just before the UK went into its third lockdown. We caught up with Rio to find out how they planned their beautiful winter wedding at Sneaton Castle… THE PERFECT SETTING Rio fell in love with Sneaton Castle in Whitby as soon as she walked into the chapel. “My sister said we couldn’t find a venue better suited to me if we tried!” Rio smiles. The intimate, cosy atmosphere was everything the couple could have wished for. “I loved that everything was neutral and white,” Rio says. “I knew instantly that this was the aisle I wanted to walk down to get married.” MAKING THE DAY THEIR OWN The couple chose a traditional Christmassy palette of gold and green to fit with the season. “The venue provided most of the flowers and decorations,” the bride says. “I loved the floral arch and blossom trees that were already scattered around the chapel. Forever to Hold provided a chunky Christmas garland to fit in with our theme.” The festive feel ran throughout the styling, with gold lanterns and artificial snow used to adorn the aisle and a rich green velvet tablecloth, which matched the bridesmaids’ dresses, was used for the ceremony table. The pair also treated themselves to a luxury car from Whitby Wedding Cars for transport on the day. REAL WEDDINGS 27