It’s been over a year and a half since Steph & Kurt’s engagement shoot! I was so looking forward to seeing them both again and it was an honour to capture their wedding for them at Stallingborough Grange Hotel!
The Beginning
“Kurt and I first started talking online in the February of 2019, after talking for about a month we met for a coffee at Starbucks, however Kurt forgot his wallet haha! He did make up for this a couple of days later when he took me out for a meal. We continued to talk and get to know each other with days out and evenings in, then introduced each other to our children, Liam, Charlie and Maggie. Many more fun days were ahead and then we moved in together by Christmas time. A year later in the December of 2020 we completed our family and welcomed our youngest son Theodore.”
“On the 29th of March 2021 Kurt and I went for a meal at The Ranch in Louth to celebrate my birthday. It transpired that Kurt had been planning to propose and had the engagement ring delivered to our neighbour who then secretly gave it to Kurt. Kurt then hid the ring by taking it to work with him everyday to avoid me snooping for presents and finding it haha!
After going for a restroom break between my starter and main, to my surprise I came back to a box on my placemat, both of us are not a big fan of people watching us, so there was no down on one knee moment. However as I was opening the box Kurt and said we change your last name and asked if I would marry him.”
Top tip from the newlyweds
“It doesn’t have to be big and fancy. Remember it’s your day not your guests, so plan it how you would like it to be.” (Steph)
“You cant make everyone happy so make sure you both are.” (Kurt)
The Wedding
Meet Kurt
Due to a few factors beyond our control, we started with a very rushed prep session in a hotel room at The Wellow in Cleethorpes with Kurt! Kurt was as cool as a cucumber though despite the setback and seemed to really be looking forward to the day ahead! (I like his beard comb.)
If you’ve seen any of my previous Real Wedding Stories; you’ll know I always start with the guys first because they get ready a lot quicker (sorry girls, it’s true!) and it’s much easier for them to take their jacket off again and relax if they want to!
Meet Steph
Steph got ready in the comfort of their own home in Grimsby with her maid of honour and youngest children. The bride zone was relaxed whenever their children were snacking, and super energetic whenever they weren’t!
Hair and make-up went super smoothly and on time too! I just love Steph’s beaded hair decoration!
Bridal prep finished and we were on our way!
Hair: The Hair Gallery
Make-up: The Hair Gallery
Dress boutique: Proposals Bridal Room limited
Flowers: @cromwellflorist
The Ceremony
Their ceremony was at Cleethorpes Town Hall Registry Office! A very small and intimate group of their nearest and dearest in attendance.
Cocktail hour
We moved onto Stallingborough Grange Hotel for their wedding reception and had a play on the bouncy castle!
There were also garden games and space hoppers!
Bouncy castle & outdoor games: I Do Couture
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Family Photos
With the lighting just right, we had our family photos and went inside for afternoon tea!
Wedding breakfast
Mention meal, speeches & any entertainment or unique events.
“We have decided on a small intimate wedding with a rustic theme. We chose this theme as it was nice and simple and not too fussy.”
Newlywed Photoshoot
I stole the newlyweds for their couples portraits. Stallingborough Grange Hotel has such a diverse space to work with and it always looks so different depending on the weather!
Cake cut & first dance
We cut the cake, Steph & Kurt had their first dance and then we spent HOURS dancing together and got some cracking dancefloor photos! I think I was on the dancefloor more than anyone!
Cake maker: Tricia Morris Cake design
Reception
DJ/Band: Alan Tidswell
Why choose Stallingborough Grange Hotel for your big day?
As a wedding photographer I have the pleasure of working at so many venues and have the privilege of working with lots of incredible staff. From ‘prep to party’ it can all happen at Stallingborough Grange; it’s a perfect blend between the traditional and the modern.
★ Aimee is Stallingborough Grange Hotel’s officially recommended wedding photographer ★
They are a family owned business who look after you, your guests and your staff alike. They’re kind enough to never say no when I flutter my eyes at them for a coffee!
The hotel itself is like a larged thatched cottage looking building with a cosy rustic bar and restaurant; upstairs the rooms are all light and modern but with twists of glamour and a timeless charm throughout. These rooms make a great area for your pre-wedding photos, and the honeymoon suite is stunning.
The Buttercross Suite is the huge dedicated wedding building, where you can have your ceremony and reception all in one place. The staff can transform the place while your guests enjoy cocktails and canapés outside. It’s neutrally decorated with a chandelier and the ceiling lighting can be changed to suit your colour scheme. A perfect blank slate for those with their own vision!
