Emily + Callum by Georgina Harrison Photography - Together Journal

I remember thinking that I was so lucky because I was feeling something that others might never know or experience.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We live in Leeds with our two cats, Bodhi & Bertie. Callum’s an accountant, and I’m a trainee clinical psychologist. When we’re not spending our weekends doing DIY, we love spending time with friends and eating pizza at Rudy’s.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met in a pub where we both worked 10 years ago! I remember thinking that he was unlike anyone I’d met before, there was a real depth to him that made me look forward to our next conversation. I’d often check the rota to see when we’d be on shift together again.

Cal said – Emily was intriguing. I remember thinking that she seemed so confident and driven, and I wanted to know more about her.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

Early on, I felt that there was something so special and rare about our relationship, our love. I remember thinking that I was so lucky because I was feeling something that others might never know or experience. I think wanting to spend the rest of my life with Cal came from recognising and appreciating that.

Cal – It’s hard to pinpoint a single moment or event, I feel like it’s something that builds over time, but as our relationship developed I remember feeling and still feeling that Emily gives me a reason to be better, and there’s no other person I’d want to spend my life with.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…

It was more of a mutual agreement, but there was a light-hearted proposal – Cal attached the ring to a bow tie and put it on our Cat Bodhi. I was in bed, half-asleep and Cal kept saying ‘look at Bodhi.’ Cats don’t usually stay where you want them to, so I’m pretty sure every time I looked up, all I could see was the cat’s arse – not the type of ring I was after. Cal persevered, we laughed, and I said yes.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.

We wanted somewhere that wasn’t too far for both friends and family to travel, and Newburgh Priory had it all – a breathtaking ceremony room, an Italian-style ruin, and a beautiful south-facing lawn. We made use of each space, and it really helped the day flow.

After following Twelve Tables and Bertie Does for years and absolutely loving their work, I knew I wanted a modern lux marquee wedding that, at the same time, felt casual and relaxed. We wanted to foster a sense of connection among our guests, and the seating, Italian-style sharing boards, the magician, and the band created a togetherness that made our day feel so special.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on?

For me – the photographer and videographer without a doubt. I found both of these guys on Instagram and remember feeling really moved by their portfolios. It’s hard to quantify the value of something that helps you recall your day so clearly – the people, the dancing, the laughter, the love. I’d choose them again and again.

For Cal, alongside the photographer, it was the band – we wanted something that everyone could enjoy and dance to! We went to a funky disco, and it was a hit.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

The weather was unseasonably hot for September in the UK – 27 degrees, so the clear roof marquee ended up feeling like a greenhouse until the sun went down. Most of the candles had melted before they’d even been lit! There wasn’t much shade, but the bar staff were amazing and made sure everyone stayed hydrated!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

I got my dress from a bridal boutique called Marrime. Before I got there, they asked me to pick out 6 dresses to try on. I was struggling to find a 6^th but ended up choosing Alena Leena’s Kerria. When I got there, they told me that the crepe satin dress was no longer being produced, but the same design was available in a new crepe fabric. I loved it and bought it the same day, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the original fabric, so I reached out to the designer on Instagram asking if she could make it for me in the satin crepe, and she said yes!

I loved the structured bodice and the cutout detail, but I wanted to make a few subtle changes. My seamstress, Helen from The Bobbin Bridal, altered the sleeves to sit on my shoulder, added buttons to the back fastenings, and made it fit like a glove. I loved it.

Cal – I knew I wanted a tux, and I wanted it to fit well, but it wasn’t something I wanted to splurge on. I ended up going to Moss Bros, who offered a custom-made service. My mum gifted me some of my late grandad’s cufflinks, and it was nice to feel that he was part of the day in this way.