I Fell in Love with a Lyrical Genius – Oozing elegance, style and sophistication a striking young woman settles gently upon the stool, the gentle folds of her stunning dark gown spreading softly around the pedals, her delicate fingers reflecting against the shimmering polished ivory as slowly they rest naturally upon the keys and her soulful lament begins. One of our favourite photographs of 2010, this was an image to encapsulate the elegant side of her character. Back in 2008 we brought you the cool, the edgy and the downright glamorous sides with a rock & roll shoot starring her band Like a Thief. Today we complete the picture with a previously unseen side to the character (except to those that know her well): the deliriously happy side! Ladies and gentlemen, introducing our friend, local celebrity and favourite muse miss Holly Jazz Kotzé, (the artist formally known as Lowe!).

Holly’s unquestionable musical talent has seen her headline venues across the country but today she took centre stage for the biggest event of her life. Though a seasoned traveller, sailor and general adventurer her wedding was to be set in the town where she had spent most of her life; her much beloved Scarborough. Surrounded by her closest friends and family this would be a fun filled day featuring her favourite aspects of the coastal town, relaxed and unfussy, charming and beauteous. Holly and Matthew wanted the theme to remain local in its essence, engrossed in Scarborough culture; featuring rural pub-life, fresh sea air and of course those famous Scarborough fish and chips!

Stepping through the door of Holly’s Cloughton family home the December chill was shaken off by the warmest greeting you could ever wish for as the whole family bustled happily around the house. As we explored Holly’s childhood home the very walls tingled with an air of expectant excitement and as we gingerly pushed open the door to Holly’s room we were met by a glimpse of ivory: a dazzling dress unfurling daintily from the same ring where once a punchbag hung rough and ready.

As Holly entered and took her seat at the dressing table the transformation began before our eyes from the fun and playful Holly to the glam and sophisticated.

As Holly’s mum helped her with her hair and placed the birdcage veil delicately upon her daughter’s head the ensemble was complete: a bride of suave sophistication, of glitz and glamour, and now she was ready for her closeup!

Meanwhile over at the registry office Matthew impatiently awaited his prize. With guests surrounding and his South African family getting a taste of British tradition, Matthew looked effortlessly debonair in his grey suit, purple tie and pink boutonniere.

As the registrar took her place and asked the congregation to stand, Holly entered upon the arm of the father who had so encouraged her musical gift. Standing before the people she cares for and beside the man that she loves she smiled broadly and joyfully as she and Matthew became husband and wife. With a delightful ceremony featuring a reading by her sister of a story written by Holly’s own hand it was a perfect way for this happy couple to validate their relationship and celebrate their love.

Exiting the registry office in a torrent of rose petals and confetti the pair fought their way through the well-wishing guests back to the awaiting car whereupon they were whisked to Scarborough seafront followed closely by an open-top ‘Suncruiser’ bus crammed with happy guests.

The couple met sailing the high seas and, though upon their voyage they found adventure, romance, hope and happiness together, there was one thing they could never find no matter how wide they searched: better tasting Fish & Chips than those found on the good old North Yorkshire coast! Treating their guests to some of Scarborough’s finest at the Victoria Seaview Restaurant (alongside a proper Yorkshire pot of tea!) Mr and Mrs Kotzé presented their guests with a unique wedding favour: hand-bound scrolls inscribed with the same story Holly’s sister had read out at the ceremony, written by the bride herself.

After a traditional Scarborough feast, drinks aplenty, some excellent speeches and general merriment it was time to move on to the final location and, in keeping with the spirit of the day, the venue for the drinks reception was none other than Holly’s local Pub, the Red Lion Inn, affectionately known by the locals as “The Dog”. With the beers flowing, the records spinning, the darts flying and the mirth and conviviality continuing it was time for a surprise from our leading lady. Taking to the stage she began an unorthodox speech, brilliantly delivered and culminating in the grandest of finale’s as, in honour of her new husband, she sang a rousing rendition of the South African National Anthem which she had taught herself.

As if that wasn’t enough the traditional cutting of the cake and out and out scrap for the bouquet was followed by an amazing first dance with accompaniment from Holly’s own father singing Hoagy Carmichael’s “The Nearness of You”. It was a truly beautiful moment for the emotional couple and unforgettable for all of the gathered onlookers. As the guests rushed to join in, even Holly’s much loved dog Vronsky joined them on the dancefloor!

The party continued well into the night with live music from a band made up of talented friends and local musicians (including the groom of another wedding we brought to you back in 2008) with Holly’s dad taking the lead on guitar. But the star of the day could never resist the chance to get up on stage, and so to the delight of the guests our bride stepped up to the mic and sang an incredible rendition of Gershwin’s Summertime, a version that will be long remembered by these the singer’s most loyal fans.

For our remarkable couple this was an entirely magical day. The Scarborough themed wedding was spectacular in its simplicity and so beautifully fitting to our local shining star. With personal touches of a South African influence and with friends and family so entwined in the day this was a wedding that was the sum of two parts: Holly and Matthew together as one. As Hoagy Carmichael, observed in that amazing first dance:

When you’re in my arms and I feel you so close to me, All my wildest dreams came true. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing exclusively for your viewing pleasure, the brand new Mr and Mrs Kotzé.

When I see your smile… The whole world stops and stares for a while. As Bruno Mars’ lyrics sprang longingly forth from Richard’s guitar one Monday afternoon, for just one moment the world did stop, it’s breath held tight, its serenity absolute. Then suddenly burst forth a shockwave of cataclysmic proportions as Richard’s soulful tune crescendo’d with the simplest yet most overwhelming of questions, a question to which there could be only ever be one answer: Yes.

And with that a new song began as our happy couple searched far and wide for the perfect chords to sing their loving melody. It’s style should be classical, it’s instrumentation elegant. As our composers worked their magic all of the elements began to fall into place and If their engagement period was the verse, today was the final chorus.

For a concert of such epic magnitude the setting had to be perfect and the elegant Eighteenth Century Sledmere House and adjacent Sledmere village church truly fit the bill. With its sweeping staircase, opulent decor, 2000 acre estate and beautiful walled rose garden the country house’s elegant grandeur is balanced by it’s impeccable style, warmth and charm. In the shadow of the house stands St. Mary’s church where the wedding itself would take place; a handsome building matching every bit in charm and character. All Toni and Richard really wanted was for their friends and family to enjoy the day and to witness them sharing their vows…but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t do it in style!

We had previously explored the venue a little on Toni and Richard’s memorable engagement shoot and knew there was only one room where we would find our bride-to-be. As we climbed the stairs and opened the door to the grand bedroom Toni looked perfectly at home in the lavish surroundings, her ivory A-line Justin Alexander dress hanging delicately from the stately four post bed. Supplied by Scarborough’s The Wedding Room the gorgeous dress was chosen because it had made her feel like a beautiful Princess (and almost brought her mum to tears!) and she looked every bit the princess as she had her hair curled and tailored by the masterly Helen Guy.

With the news that the groom and his groomsmen were ready at the church Toni rushed down to meet her bridesmaids, their diamantes sparkling against their fuscia pink ensembles as they strolled across the graveled courtyard. As together they crossed the gardens and prepared to enter the church, The father of the bride took his daughter aside, telling her how proud he was to walk her down the aisle as he lowered the silken veil over her face, her eyes twinkling in the sunlight as gentle tears crossed her brow.

As the organ rang out with the glorious fanfare of Wagner’s Bridal Chorus RIchard turned to face the most glorious site he had ever encountered. As his astonishingly beautiful bride walked towards him, just knowing that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him was more than he could ever have hoped for yet everything he ever wanted.

As they shared their vows the emotion was almost too much for Toni, but as Richard took her hand gently in his he whispered softly to her:

“Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to, I’m here for you darling”

And she wanted nothing more than to be his. Their love could not be stronger nor their happiness more consuming as they promised to spend the rest of their lives hand-in-hand, singing their perfect harmony each and every day. As their loved ones bore witness they sealed their kinship forever in a spellbinding kiss before putting pen to paper on a promise never to be parted.

As husband and wife turned to depart they practically bounced down the aisle in pure happiness pausing only to share another kiss on the church’s shaded threshold. With friends and family desperate to offer their loving congratulations the grounds of Sledmere’s stately home lit up with a warmth unbeknownst to the Autumn October climes and a dazzling golden light that seemed to spread wherever Toni walked.

Seated at the table that had bourn hospitality to countless dignitaries over the decades the wedding party laughed and feasted and filled their glasses to the brim in a toast to the bride and groom. The celebrations were only beginning however as a gleaming white Rolls Royce Silver Cloud drove into view through the huge arched windows of the dining room. This was the car that Richard had always wanted to travel in, and he and his bride looked like the lord and lady of the manor as they were whisked away, champagne in hand, to the next stage of their extraordinary wedding.

As their chauffeur opened the door to Driffield’s Bell Hotel and Bride and Groom stepped inside, the lavish elegance of the day changed to raucous reveling as the party really got started. But, as Pearl Jam’s “Ocean’s” rang out from the speakers and Richard and Toni stepped up for their first dance, the emotion was palpable once more as the song that Toni once played on constant repeat whilst the couple were parted by the oceans became the song that would signify their promise never to be parted again.

And as they laughed and drank and talked and danced it became clear once more that beyond the fairytale and beneath the grandeur and the glamour, here before us were two ordinary, fun-loving people quite simply very much in love. This may be their day, their chance to be a prince and princess, their moment to shine; but this amazing day was but a single climactic note in their intoxicating loving lament. This day will never be forgotten but it’s legacy has only just begun. As the final song played and the last guests departed Toni and Richard were left with something truly amazing: a perfect, loving marriage. And in each other’s eyes this day would always live on, Toni and Richard, together forever.

Because they’re amazing, just the way they are.

She Walks in Beauty – When Indriaty married Mohsin she was given a new name, a name with a meaning that could not be more fitting to our stunning bride:

Hiba – “A beautiful girl, usually of Middle Eastern roots who is truly a gift from God. Empathetic, charming and kind. Strong willed and very strong in her beliefs. Lives for love and loves life. She is lovely all around, she is God’s gift to mankind.”

A natural beauty, it was no surprise to discover that Hiba works as a much sought-after model, travelling across the world and featuring in the most glamorous shoots and top magazines. Though she was more than used to her every move being tracked by the cameras this East London shoot was going to be something very different and very special, for on this shoot the cameras were there to capture something truly magical: Hiba and Mohsin’s Mendhi and wedding day.

Upon meeting Hiba you can’t help but be blown away by her warmth, beauty and piercing blue eyes. It was no surprise that Mohsin simply couldn’t wait to marry her. So much so that they arranged the wedding celebrations in just 4 months, no mean feat considering that Mohsin set out to do everything himself with meticulous detail in order to surprise his lovely bride. Everything had to be perfect; an opulent setting fit for the beauty and perfection of his partner: an impossible task achieved with flawless style and finesse.

With incredible, intricate Henna, stunning dresses, a luscious and extravagant marquee, a perfect couple and a mass of happy guests this was a day of love and emotion, of joy and of great beauty. A beauty that goes beyond appearances and into the soul. A beauty that goes beyond words and can only be seen in the eyes of two people in love; in the little shared glances and the briefest of smiles. A picture tells a thousand stories, these ones belong to Hiba and Mohsin.

SHE walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that ‘s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes

– Lord Byron.

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If music be the food of love. The last time I had seen Tom was many years before, seated in the centre of the rhythm section banging out an amazing drum solo in the Jazz band in which we both used to play. Though my sax no longer gets the attention it perhaps deserves, Tom could never resist the chance to pick up his sticks and play. Music is in his heart and in his soul, but today his heart was dominated by a different type of harmony, it’s rhythm beating to a different tune. For this was his wedding day and today his love of music played second fiddle (no pun intended!) to his love for Sarah, his one true love and soon-to-be wife. (Though perhaps there might still be a little room left in there for the music…)

We’ve photographed all kinds of venues from simple marquees through to the grandest halls, hotels and castles but today’s reception venue was something a bit different: a giant teepee dominating the lawn of the beautiful garden at the Robinson’s family home. Looking sensational in the blistering sunshine the rustic benches and floral table centre’s (themed to houses of the local area) finished off the look perfectly, typical of the quirky yet homely style that Tom and Sarah had adopted as a central theme of the day.

After taking a tour of the magnificent teepee we set off with growing excitement to find our bride as she prepared for the day in her family home in the village of Scalby. With Sarah distracted by makeup we kidnapped the dress for some detail shots in truly beautiful surroundings.

Whilst the vintage dress made quite an impact hanging delicately from the floral arch, it was not until Sarah, hair and makeup affected with a vintage twist, slipped into the gleaming gown that its true beauty could be known. She looked absolutely perfect; her personal style evident, accentuated by the glamourous regalia, simple yet spellbinding.

Flanked by gorgeous maid of honour Amy (dressed in an elegant blue ensemble to match the groomsmen’s suits) the arrival of an amazing White Porsche completed the image and heralded our departure to catch up with our groom down at the church.

The couple handpicked all of the flowers for the wedding from the side of the road near their home, another hint of the rustic, wild natural theme of the day. The groomsmen’s lilac floral boutonniere’s offered a gentle contrast against the deep blue suits and dark navy ties as they awaited the bride’s arrival outside St Laurence Church.

With the guests assembling Tom and best man Pete stepped inside as the roar of a sports car engine echoed against the stone walls of the old church. Sarah looked like one of the iconic movie stars of old as she stepped out of the lavish vehicle, wild bouquet in hand. Greeted by the couple’s retired former school headmaster the reverend David Pynn and on the arm of her doting father Simon, Sarah followed her bridesmaids into the church to the delight of her assembled friends, family and of course her waiting, adoring, husband-to-be.

The ceremony was perfect, crowned by an emotional kiss as Tom gently pulled his bride towards him. Though nearly all of his attention was focussed on his stunning bride, he had spared enough of his energies to ensure he could still hold a beat in another wedding first as our grinning groom walked over to his drum-kit and joined his band in playing a celebratory song to the general delight of the guests.

Showered in confetti and with the broadest of smiles on their faces, the couple returned to their car to be chauffeured back to the waiting teepee where the final finishing touches had been completed. We were delighted to see one of our pictures adorning the guestbook table: one of our favourite shots from their engagement shoot, the couple looking so natural together riding an old bike through the fields near their home. They had even found a model of the bike to dress the table alongside some personal family photos from their parent’s weddings.

On such a glorious day the garden and teepee looked absolutely incredible and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect or well suited venue for this amazing couple.

The guests were clearly enjoying the day every bit as much as Tom and Sarah and whilst they talked and laughed together we took our chance to steal the bride and groom away for a few moments alone for some gorgeous shots together.

The speeches were at times emotive, sentimental and hilarious with the best man even providing photographic evidence to backup Tom’s character assassination. By the time of the final toast the wine ran freely and laughter rang through the air whilst the couple cut the cake and prepared for their first dance together as husband and wife.

And what a dance it was! With sunlight fading fairy-lights lit-up the supports of the teepee, the dance-floor illuminated by the gentle glow of the encircling lights. As the band struck up the classic “For Once in My Life” bride and groom took to the floor for a thoroughly entertaining and uplifting jive before being joined by the guests for a mass boogie!

As the night progressed, the fire was lit, the dance-floor filled and Tom took once more to the drums, joined by another of our former band members, Usher and brother of the groom Ian on guitar.

As he in turn played, danced, talked and laughed one thing never changed. As he enjoyed the music that was his first love, his eyes rested throughout on his beautiful wife, his gaze besotted, his heart enraptured. As their eyes met across the crowded dance floor the surrounding chaos melted away and for me the words of Shakespeare sprang clearly to mind, a fitting synopsis of Tom’s love for Sarah:

“If music be the food of love, play on.”

Richard couldn’t bear to be apart from her. He gave up everything and followed her half way around the world just to be with her. He put all his faith in love and today that faith was to pay dividends. Today was the happiest day of his life. Today was a life-changing day. Today was Richard’s wedding day.

Upon arrival at Scarborough’s Ambassador Hotel we found the boys on excellent form. Often at the start of the day the mix of nervous excitement and a bashful discomfort around cameras makes for slightly conceited smiles upon our subject’s faces, but not so with the grinning groom that took centre stage on this beautiful summers day. You couldn’t keep the smile from Richard’s face as he and his groomsmen donned their boutonniere’s, straightened their ties and set off down the esplanade to await the arrival of his bride-to-be.

As they walked something flashed bright in the sun as their slick matching suits raised slightly at the legs under their perpetual motion. Hidden beneath the cool traditional wedding attire Richard wore possibly the most garish pair of socks known to mankind. Thinking our groom may have mildly lost his senses we were relieved to see that a theme was emerging as the rest of the party raised their trouser legs to reveal matching pairs: a nod to the quirky dress sense that Richard had become famed for amongst his closest friends.

Meanwhile, in the house where she grew up, surrounded by the childhood memories that had helped to shape her character, we met the woman Richard was to marry. Preparing for her day with the same medical precision applied in her trade, we caught our first glimpse of the captivating Clare; a momentary flash of the broadest of smiles as she spun her makeup mirror towards us. Turning to face us the full picture was revealed: delicate and radiant, a gentle crown resting softly upon her newly styled hair.

With her elegant white wedding dress affectionately arranged by one of her beautiful bridesmaids, we took our beauteous bride out into the glorious sunlight to catch the full majesty of her visage before two magnificent classic cars arrived to bear first the bridesmaids and second the bride herself, accompanied by her proud father, to the charming church of St Martins on the Hill where the wedding would take place.

As Richard waited at the alter and the music announced Clare’s arrival, all eyes turned to the back of the room to cast their eyes upon the bride. All eyes except Richard, who paused a moment and visibly took a breath before slowly turning his head to have all breath swept away from him. Richard’s private words as Clare came to his side brought the most loving smile to her face and so began the confirmation and loving contract of a match made in heaven.

The smiles never left the faces of this happiest of couples as man and wife departed the church in their now open top wedding car and took a short drive down the Esplanade arriving at the clock tower atop the cliffs for some spectacular photograph opportunities and to snatch some time to themselves to enjoy this new feeling, this new stage of their relationship knowing that their lives were now entwined forever.

After capturing some magical moments between the new husband and wife we left them to enjoy some time alone and headed down the cliffs to Scarborough Spa centre to meet up with the guests at the reception. Taking our first look around the room the impact of the couple’s personalities and the story of their relationship was evident in abundance. The table settings were all travel themed, the centre-pieces postcards from their travels together.

In the incredible sunshine and the sensational setting by the sea Richard and Clare couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect way to celebrate their marriage, and surrounded by the glorious vistas of Scarborough’s coastline they held their first dance in the spas panoramic Suncourt. As they danced against the setting sun they seemed to move as one; two people perfectly in tune with one another not just in dancing but in all things of matter, great and small. Richard followed Clare across the land and across the oceans and Clare would follow him through rich and poor, through joy and toil. Today was the day that two finally became one. Today was the day that for this couple will never end. Today was Richard and Clare’s wedding day.

The Love Bug. We last met this adorable couple one freezing windswept morning on Scarborough’s South Bay for an engagement shoot with a difference! Whilst we do ask our couples to wear clothes they feel comfortable in for our e-shoots, wetsuits were definitely a first! However all had become clear when the couple headed out to the beach, boards in tow ready to catch the early morning surf! It had been a fun-filled, thrill ride of a shoot (and wet… very wet!) and we’d been looking forward to the wedding ever since, knowing that with these ladies it was undoubtedly going to be an exciting day!

We were not disappointed. Unsurprisingly for this surf-loving couple their charming home sits upon the Scarborough cliff-top, the roar of the tide a peaceful lament as well as a daily calling to take to the waves. Inside we found the first of our brides, Sara being embellished with makeup whilst in another room a gorgeous white wedding gown was juxtaposed by an unusual admirer; the couple’s black cat looking curiously at this strange and beautiful garment.

Meanwhile down the road at her mothers home Sarah was also preparing for her big day, whilst two more incredibly cute animals were clearly feeling the love that was in the air!

Back at the couple’s home we noticed an unusual ornament upon the bookshelf: A model of a spruced up surfer’s VW camper van, the couple’s dream mode of transport. On hearing the sound of an engine we stepped outside to find, adorned in wedding ribbons, the real thing; polished to perfection and ready to transport our beautiful brides in unique style!

This little love bug (or perhaps love bus) had a personality all of its own and when we were formally introduced we were told that his name was Dillon. He made quite an impression on us and all the guests as he brought Sarah and Sara to the wedding venue but little did we know Dillon was to make a further impact later in the day!

Inside Scarborough registry office the music started and the guests were upstanding awaiting their arrival. Hand in hand our two brides made double the impact as they walked slowly down the aisle in their individually styled white dresses, the joy and emotion on their faces plain to see. For two people so in love and so suited to one another it was a truly perfect moment as they sealed their marriage with a kiss, and as they left the ceremony room their loved ones clearly couldn’t wait to congratulate the handsome couple.

Though unable to attend the ceremony personally, Dillon had been kind enough to put the champagne on ice as he waited patiently to whisk them away to their next location. The drinks reception was held at a place very dear to their hearts at the site of the old Holbeck Hall on the Scarborough cliffs. There resides a bench in memorial to a loved one that could not be with them in person but who was most certainly with them in spirit, and it was in his honour that they chose this place for the reception to take place.

Stepping through into the main function area it became clear that Dillon had made a big impact! The Volkswagon Camper formed the theme of the wedding decoration, featured on everything from the guest list to each individual place setting: a charming way of tying the day together and a fantastic feature for the little van with the big personality!

Though we had been rushed to be first to the restaurant to capture all the little details before the guests arrived, it seemed for a moment that the two brides had beaten us to it as two smiling faces sat at the end of the head table. Upon closer inspection however these were no ordinary brides, but a special surprise from Sarah’s mum: two fantastic life-size balloons waiting to greet the guests with smiles almost as broad as their real life counterparts!

It was a lovely, intimate setting and one of the finest wedding breakfasts we’ve ever sampled (not to mention the sublime wedding cupcakes)! A fun-filled end to an extraordinary day; a day never to be forgotten. For our beautiful couple it was a day that celebrated more than just a love bug, it was a day that celebrated an undying love, an unbreakable bond, a perfect partnership.

…Dreams really do come true.

It’s a rare (and nerve-racking) treat that we are given the opportunity to photograph the wedding of two of our best friends, but when Hannah came to us and asked us to be her wedding photographers we couldn’t have been happier. We were deeply honoured and extremely privileged to have the chance to photograph the fantastic and eagerly awaited marriage of such a brilliant couple, and especially one that we care about so much. We only hope we did the day justice!

Hannah’s travels have taken her across the world to locations including Germany, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, but it was on an extended stay in France that Hannah met a fellow traveller, Robin from Holland, and the pair really hit it off. The two fell in love, and when it was time for Hannah to return to her home in Scarborough England, Rob went with her and asked her to join him in a journey that would last a lifetime; travelling forth together as man and wife.

As the day of the wedding finally came, we arrived at the Bostock family home; the house that this photographer remembers primarily for Hannah’s legendary parties over the years. Today the atmosphere in the house was reminiscent of those crazy nights; the buzz, the excitement, the laughter and, as ever, in the centre of it all the beaming face of Hannah, flanked by best friends Ali, Louise and Michelle. This time though the party was starting early as our beautiful bride and her gorgeous bridesmaids got ready for the very special day ahead, a party that was to be truly unforgettable.

Meanwhile at Scarborough registry office the nervous groom was busy greeting the guests that had travelled from both near and far to be there. It was great to see that so many of Rob’s friends and family from Holland had made the journey across to witness this momentous occasion, as well as the couple’s many friends from across the UK.

With the guests congregating in the conservatory, two stylish classic cars pulled up outside the registry office. From the first stepped the bridesmaids, each in their own striking individually styled dresses tied in by the matching purple flowers each carried. From the second, accompanied by her brother Oli, stepped the bride, looking absolutely stunning in her deep royal purple dress, the trademark smile still fighting through the nerves ready to make her big entrance.

As Rob waited at the Alter you could see his nerves mounting. But as the bridesmaids entered one by one followed finally by his beautiful bride, a broad smile swept across his face. Standing beside the woman he loved his nerves seemed to disappear, overwhelmed by happiness as the joyous events unfolded.

It was a lovely ceremony, emotional and heart-warming, and once the eager guests had finished congratulating the happy couple and boarded the old “Shoreline Suncruiser” open top bus, the bride and groom were whisked away once more down to Scarborough’s spectacular South Bay in resplendent style.

Upon their arrival at the Scarborough Spa centre where the reception would be held, the sun shone suddenly through the sea mist and as if by magic a perfect rainbow settled over the heads of the newly married couple. It was as if Mother Nature herself was offering her blessing to this happy union, and well she might, so happy they looked together. As they made their way inside everyone was up standing to greet the couple to rapturous applause, a smile on the face of each of Hannah and Rob’s guests as they took their seats.

The speeches (delivered partly in Dutch) were touching and entertaining in equal measure; then, as the champagne flowed and the guests began to take to the dance floor, the bride and groom left their guests for a while and enjoyed some quiet moments together looking out onto the waves gently lapping onto the shore; the sun glinting against the tranquil water. And as they looked out onto the horizon and into a world of adventure out there across the seas, the camera revealed what was truly in Hannah’s heart. Whilst the twinkle of excitement and adventure still sparkled in our friend’s eyes, it now was overwhelmed by a contented happiness at what she found right by her side. For our intrepid adventurers the real journey had just begun.

The Princess and the Tractor: A Modern Fairytale – Once upon a time in a fairytale kingdom there lived a beautiful Princess, fair and true. She and her best friend, the fair maiden Claire, would laugh and run in the grounds of the castle and joke that one day they would be sisters and unite the two noble families of the village. But whilst she was happy at the castle, as in all good fairytales Princess Gemma knew that one day she must leave this place and be rescued from her tower by a great and handsome knight on his mighty steed.

The kingdom was a peaceful place and often Royal friends would visit the castle. On one such occasion the King announced a Royal Tournament was to take place in the court. As there was no Prince it fell to Princess Gemma and the son of the other nobles, Claire’s brother George, to defend the honour of the Kingdom. It was decided that the tournament would take place at the court of Tennis within the town and that Gemma and George would stand side by side, partnering one another in this friendly battle.

However though both fought bravely, Gemma was a peace-loving Princess and could not wield her sword as well as her competitors. Despite her most valiant efforts, their opponents were more seasoned in war and the battle was lost. Though she had enjoyed the bout immensely the defeat brought great sorrow to the Princess for she had not been able to defend her family honour. Seeing this, her partner in battle George (with whom she had long since been friends) offered to cheer her spirits, and invited her to accompany him for an intimate feast.

As Gemma slept peacefully in the highest tower of the castle, she dreamt once more of her fairytale rescue by her mysterious noble knight. Suddenly she was awoken from her slumber by a strange sound in the distance. As she listened it seemed to get louder; a deep rumbling sound now filling the air and thundering ever closer, but what could it be? For a moment she feared it could be a deadly dragon or a great foreign army until, with a final mighty roar the sound suddenly stopped.

As cautiously she looked down from the castle ramparts a strange sight greeted her. Across the drawbridge sat a mighty, mystical beast with huge circular legs and gleaming steel armour. Just as she was about to call the guards, from the beast’s back came a man, a knight… a knight upon a noble steed! As the brave Sir George dismounted and approached the tower the Princess knew she had at last found her perfect Prince, and in one she had known all along. As Sir George helped her to her carriage astride the strange creature he called “tractor”, magic filled the air and their laughter rang through the night.

It was not long before the couple announced that they were to be wed and the people of the kingdom rejoiced. The courtiers bustled around to supply the most resplendent finery for the wedding. The Princess scoured the land for the finest tailors and dressmakers, florists and cake-makers, and announced a mighty feast to be held at the Royal guesthouse of the Crown Spa Hotel after the wedding at the fine church of St Matthew in the heart of the kingdom.

Dressed in a stunning white gown made by respected seamstress Sophia Tolli, Princess Gemma and her beautiful bridesmaids shrieked with delight at the surprise arrival of the royal Bentley carriage which transported them to the beginning of the amazing celebration.

It was a true fairytale wedding; her prince dressed in the finest armour and the kingdom beautifully transformed in celebration of their love. As the elated couple dipped and danced by the harbour set upon a magical sunset background, true love ran its course.

For the girl that dreamed of a handsome prince once upon a fairytale, upon that special day all of her wishes came to pass and she and her best friend Claire became sisters at last. All that were there that day and all that read this tale and share their memories shall know and remember the story of the Princess and the Tractor, but for them the fairytale has only just begun… long may it continue!

And they all lived happily ever after.

The end.