It's been a challenging year to say the least for our couples - from rescheduling for the second and even third time to the heart wrenching decision to reduce guest lists. It hasn't been the wedding that many planned, but that seems to have made the ones that did get to go ahead even more special!

So we've asked some of our 2022 brides to relive their not-so-big day with us by filling out a little questionnaire so we could share a little bit of the magic with you too!

Please tell us yours and your husbands names David and Caroline Goddard

The date of your wedding with us? 30th October 2022

Tell us how you met? Dating website

How did he or she propose? Dave proposed at the top of Dove Cragg in the Lake District

What was the theme for your day, and did you have a colour scheme? Rustic

Where did you hold your ceremony? In the Netherside Suite

Why did you choose The Gamekeeper’s Inn as your reception venue? The setting and availability fit our requirements. We loved the ceremony room with the beams and fairy lights and wood burner.

When did you know you had found THE dress? After trying on a range of dresses and then my Mum and Auntie saying 'That's the one!'

Who were your bridesmaids and what did they wear? Helen, Louise and Rachel. They wore floor length grey dresses.

Tell us about your floral arrangements White roses with eucalyptus and gypsophila in my bridal bouquet and gypsophila bouquets for bridesmaids. I made simple table decorations using log slices and gin/rum bottles with roses surrounded by tealight candles.

Tell us about the personal touches you added to the day We enjoyed sparklers in the the evening in the garden adjoining the conservatory and also had a memorial table for my dad who we sadly lost 18 months ago. Having my Dad's tractor outside for photographs.

How did you feel as you walked down the aisle? Excited and nervous! Relieved that the day had actually arrived after having to postpone due to Covid and the threat of another lockdown looming!

What was the most memorable moment of your day? Walking down the aisle, speeches from my brother and Dave. We loved every minute of our day - it was simply perfect.

Which song did you choose for your first dance and why? An impromptu decision of 'Sweet Caroline'

Which food and drinks did you choose to provide for your guests on the day? We provided a soup starter, roast beef main and sticky toffee pudding for desert. We had fizz for the drinks reception and toast and provided white and red wine on the tables to accompany the meal.

Tell us about your wedding cake Having cancelled my cake due to the reduction of numbers due to COVID, on the Monday before the wedding I decided I wanted one! I opted for an M&S fruit cake, Morrisons sponge and Morrisons salted caramel (Dave's Favourite). I then added a rustic ribbon and a cake topper. On entering the conservatory after the ceremony I saw 20 handmade and decorated cupcakes as well as my cake which my brother's girlfriend had made for us as a surprise! Amazing!

Where did you go on your honeymoon? We had a night in the Lakes the day after our wedding but hope to go to Lake Garda in Italy at some point!

What was the most challenging aspect of planning your wedding? COVID 19!

Was there anything you wish you had known before? No

Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding? Do what makes you happy and what you want!

A short review... "The Gamekeeper's were amazing from start to finish. We arrived at the Gamekeeper's after having our original wedding postponed due to COVID and then our original venue going into administration, on reflection we think this was a blessing!
The team at The Gamekeeper's were extremely helpful and clear about what we could have and how our day would work. Everything was really well organised from the planning stages to the wedding day. An amazing venue which made our day so special. Nothing was too much trouble and we were allowed all our personal touches to make it even more special."

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

Wedding Dress - Sugared Almonds, Earby
Bridesmaid dresses - Debenhams
Photographer - My Uncle
Hair Stylist - My Auntie
Flowers - Family friend
Rings - Iain Henderson Design

From your first visit, through all your planning, right up to your wedding celebrations, our wedding planner Angela will be by your side. Angela has been organising weddings at The Gamekeeper's Inn since The Netherside Suite opened and has overseen many happy couples tie the knot. She will answer any questions you might have and help you set out your perfect wedding.

So why not choose The Gamekeeper’s Inn as your perfect wedding venue? We have everything you need to plan your wedding and we’ll help you through every step. Please check out our 'Weddings' page for more information, or get in touch with Angela directly to start discussing your special day today.