A Classic, Vintage-Inspired Wedding At Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, England

After meeting at a local bar in 2009, Kim Conway and Patrick Nickolls had been together for just over four years when he proposed in Feburary of 2014.

The two were enjoying a romantic weekend in the picturesque village of Carmel–Southern Lake District, England–when Patrick organized a horse-drawn carriage ride through the forest, complete with two Friesian horses. It was a wet and wintry morning, and they were bundled in blankets and hot water bottles when they came to a clearing. There, Patrick popped the question and presented Kim with a stunning, vintage-inspired ring with nearly 100 diamonds.

During the wedding planning process, Kim and Patrick combined the artistry of luxury, award-winning vendors with personal, handmade touches. Their wedding venue of choice was Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, where they were able to book exclusive use of the house. “Whilst you may think stately homes are two a penny in England,” Kim explains, “you’ll have to try pretty hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as this.” 

Being a relatively private couple, they decided to host a personal celebration that reflected their relationship. An intimate guest list of 45 was compiled, and the bride and groom exchanged vows under the painted dome of the magnificent Great Hall.

 The bride wore a handmade couture Zahavit Tshuba gown and Sophia Webster shoes, and the groom and his groomsmen wore classic black tie attire. “Patrick was blown away,” says the bride. “No man has ever looked at me the way Patrick looked at me on our wedding day.”

For the reception, an opulent gold and blush color palette was coordinated throughout the event space. Even the bridesmaids’ dresses matched the table linens–both, glistening in sequins. A lavish, four-foot tall floral centerpiece was the focal point of the room, and an abundance of candles illuminated the castle, creating a majestic ambiance.

At the end of the night, the newlyweds retreated to their honeymoon suite and reflected upon the day’s event’s over a cup of tea and copious amounts of wedding cake. “We also recited our guest’s cards and well wishes,” Kim says. “It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever, and we remain truly overwhelmed by our guests’ love, support, and commitment to our relationship.”