Huge congratulations to Melissa & Ben on their gorgeous and flawless wedding at Stallingborough Grange Hotel! We had it all; a slow and chilled start to the day, amazing weather and an incredible time on the dancefloor!
The Beginning
“It all started… through a mutual friend called George on the 30/06/2015, at Cleethorpes Boating Lake. I (Melissa) was having a leaving meal with my family as I was moving to Leeds the next day. George came and said goodbye, and he brought Ben.
From that moment, me and Ben have been inseparable always spending time with each other whether it’s a day trip out or beach walks in Cleethorpes or Ben used to come visit me (Melissa) in Leeds. We were best friends for over a year and in Summer 2016 we fell in love and made it official on 12/08/2016. Both of us agree, that the foundation of being friends before a couple has made us solid!”
“We lived in Leeds for a year together, then moved back home to Grimsby to buy our first home and never left since! Been through some hard times in COVID together, but it’s shown that we are unbreakable and a strong unit.
Bought our second home in Laceby together in October 2022, me (Melissa) and Ben are beyond happy to be living in our hometown together. We look forward to what the future brings, but no matter where we go…we always feel like home when we’re together.
Now 9 years and 2 months later from the day we met, we are becoming Mr & Mrs Murray!”
“We haven’t set goals for the future, because we want to continue our life just how it is being happy, laughing together and just being us. We still have a few more places, we would like to travel too. We are not putting any pressure on ourselves to start a family. Everything will fall into place, when it’s meant to be. Every couple has their own love story, but this ours.”
The Engagement
“We got engaged in Costa Adeje, Tenerife on the 6th of June of 2023. We’d been to Tenerife a couple of times before, and Ben decided to pop the question by the sea – it was beautiful! “
Melissa said she was most looking forward to seeing Ben’s face as she walks down the aisle.
“So excited to become Ben’s wife. I also look forward to celebrating with friends & family and the saxophonist! Ben is looking forward to seeing me walk down the aisle and becoming official.But also, just looking forward to all his family and close friends in one room.”
“All of the Murray’s are all together (even family from Canada), it means a lot that everyone took time off work to celebrate with me and Melissa.”
Meet Ben
We didn’t get many prep shots for Ben & the guys because they were already dressed and ready to go when I got there! Luckily we managed to get some shots of the details like popping on his watch and tie; and of course, the rings!
Suit boutique: Hancock Menswear
Meet Melissa
Melissa was such a chilled out and relaxed bride! Definitely the best way to be on your wedding day and it’s even more uncommon to see a bride so relaxed that is ready with time to spare! Melissa kept saying “I just want to see Ben now” – bless her! We had a lovely and emotional bridal reveal to Dad and then the bridesmaids!
Dress boutique: Bride Vibe
Tying the Knot
The newlyweds said their “I dos” in the gorgeous Buttercross Suite at Stallingborough Grange Hotel. They had a lovely reading and I just remember seeing how many people were staring at them with adoration!
Family Photo Time
We had our family photos right before the wedding breakfast and made good use of the steps at Stallingborough Grange! Melissa and Ben were absolute troopers while working through their list. After the photos, we did the infamous confetti walk!
Wedding breakfast & Speeches
The speeches were fantastic, Melissa’s Dad spoke first and was beaming ear to ear the entire time! Ben did his speech next and handed out some lovely gifts to their family members; and of course, the best men closed out the formalities!
“To honour where we got engaged, gone with eucalyptus & foliage, white for the block colour with a hint of champagne for our pop of colour. Wanted simple, elegant but modern theme but also looks aesthetically pleasing.”
Venue stylist: Love in the Limelight (I would know Jess’ beautiful handiwork anywhere!)
Newlywed photoshoot
When a couple says “It’s so nice to have some time to ourselves for a bit” I secretly think “Yesss! They get it!” It was so lovely to see them really soak in this time together on their wedding day, away from all of the commotion and with this beautiful sunset instead!
“Our top tips for planning a wedding are to DO what YOU want as it’s your special day! I know you need to think of your guests, but your guests are to celebrate with you so DO what YOU want and not what the guests would like.
Also, do not compare yourself to what others are doing on social media for wedding prep. It’s good to get ideas from Pinterest and TikTok, but do not think because someone else has done it, you need too. Stick to your budget and your original ideas and it’ll be beautiful no matter what!
I am glad I followed the advice from my maid of honour and close family.”
Cake cut
As the sunset faded and the evening reception began, we cut the cake!
Cake maker: unknown
First dance
Ben’s sister sang their first dance song! She had a fabulous voice and made their debut on the dancefloor really special for them.
“Our first dance is going to be to ‘Until I found you’ by Stephen Sanchez. This is the actually one of the first things we decided on. We was on a staycation in Hampshire and listening to Radio 2 Sunday Love songs in the car. And this song came up, and we both said how cute this would be to dance to. So we made it our first dance song, and it never got changed.”
The energy on the dancefloor was one of the highest I’ve ever seen! Everyone loved vibing with the saxophonist and they all joined in with glasses, light sticks and even props from the photobooth!
Photobooth: A Booth and Beyond
Saxophonist: Unknown
About Stallingborough Grange Hotel
Stallingborough Grange Hotel is my home away from home when it comes to wedding venues! The staff are amazing, the food is incredible, the bridal suite is beautiful and the Buttercross Suite is decorated to compliment any wedding theme!
Stallingborough Grange Hotel is my home away from home when it comes to wedding venues! The staff are amazing, the food is incredible, the bridal suite is beautiful and the Buttercross Suite is decorated to compliment any wedding theme!
“Timeless glamour combines with modern luxury at Stallingborough Grange. For over 30 years, we’ve been renowned for hosting elegant parties, wonderful weddings and extravagant events surrounded by the stunning Lincolnshire countryside. Untouched by time, Stallingborough Grange is one of Lincolnshire’s most prestigious venues, specialising in creating unforgettable days.
No event is more magical than your wedding day. Our expert team will work to ensure complete perfection for you and your guests. From the moment you enquire until your last guest leaves, we will take care of every detail organising and accommodating your dream wedding.
Whether you’re looking for a truly traditional day, a completely bespoke ceremony or something in between, at Stallingborough Grange, our dedicated team will turn your dream wedding into a wonderful reality.”
