Young farmers sow the seeds of love

An appreciation of agriculture and rural life is what bonds members of the UK’s Young Farmers Clubs, and sometimes – as was the case for Kate Williams and Ed Liversidge, whose parents both run Yorkshire farms – this shared way of life and common values can lead to love blossoming.

“Ed’s family have a mixed farm in East Yorkshire, while I come from a dairy farm in South Yorkshire,” said 26-year-old Kate. “We met through Young Farmers back in 2012 and got engaged in summer 2018. We knew we’d have to choose a wedding date to fit around the farming calendar, so it had to be during the quieter period between the end of spring and the start of harvesting.”

The couple wasted no time in making all the arrangements for their big day and had everything planned and booked within two weeks! With the venue agreed on – Ed’s family farm in the picturesque village of High Catton – there was just the question of their local church’s availability, and the date was settled as July 6, 2019.

Kate, who works for Arla Foods, explained: “Ed and I set up home together in Barmby Moor in 2017, and we both wanted to get married locally. Having our ceremony at the village church was lovely because it’s where my grandparents got married 60 years ago as they lived near Barmby, so this year was their diamond anniversary.”

Twenty-seven-year old Ed helps to run the family farm, which is only a short distance from his home. “This is where our life is now so I was more than happy to have our wedding here rather than at my own family farm,” Kate added, “plus the connection to my grandparents felt really special.”

Panoramic views

For Kate, when it came to her marquee provider, value for money was the top priority but quality of service was equally important. She said: “We considered lots of marquee companies. Village Farm Marquees felt positive from the start, they responded quickly and weren’t at all pushy, and they were in the right price bracket. Chrysta’s manner was great, really relaxed and helpful.”

The bride-to-be chose a simple layout, with a pagoda entrance containing the table plans posted on pretty plant pots, a panoramic window, and sides that could be rolled up if the summer weather played ball. And thankfully it did! The previous evening, Ed stayed at the farm while Kate and her bridesmaids enjoyed a girly night at a holiday cottage in Dunnington. “We woke up to a warm, still day,” said Kate. “It was just lovely.”

The Liversidges’ farm is in an elevated position, overlooking the sweeping green contours that make up the Vale of York. Kate added: “The view from the garden is incredible, and having the open sides on the marquee really made the most of it.”

When the couple announced their engagement, Ed’s dad embarked on an intensive grass-sowing and tending task to ensure the grounds beneath and around the marquee would be suitably lush for the occasion. Kate laughed: “I think he spent all spring mowing that lawn, but it was worth it!”

Rustic country theme

Over 150 guests squeezed into the quaint village church for the couple’s marriage at 1pm and another 50 or so people joined the celebration later in the day, with some travelling from as far afield as South Africa and Australia. Kate’s sleeveless dress was perfectly suited to a warm summer’s day with its slim fit, detailed back and long train. Her bridesmaids and flower girls shimmered in pale blue, while Ed’s friend Josh fulfilled best man duties and the couple’s energetic cocker spaniel Maggie enjoyed all the excitement of the day.

Various family members contributed to the rustic-themed styling, which featured crossback chairs and stunning foliage boxes suspended by chains from the ceiling that were brimming with greenery and pastel-coloured flowers. “It looked simple but elegant,” Kate said. “Chrysta really knows her stuff when it comes to co-ordinating the interiors, so the flooring and lining choices were all fantastic.”

Guests helped themselves to reception drinks arranged around a vintage tractor that originally belonged to Kate’s grandfather and was refurbished especially for the wedding. Inside the marquee, Escrick caterer The Thought of Food served up canapes, a main course of beef with salads, and a trio of delicious desserts. Kate’s mum’s home-made dairy ice-cream cart went down a treat, and those with room for more were able to tuck into a tasty hog roast later in the evening. Pop band The Mojos kept the dancefloor jumping all night, until 12.30pm when guests climbed aboard buses to transport them home.

Kate’s mum baked and iced the wedding cake, and topped it with a silver cup originally used to decorate her own wedding cake. “It was a sweet touch, and I plan to pass the little cup on to the next generation of our family,” Kate added.

Treasured memories

The day was filled with memories the couple will treasure for a lifetime. Kate said: “It’s one of those few times in your life where all your friends and family are gathered together in one place it was such a happy, loving day.

“My father died six years ago so my mum gave me away at the church, and my brothers gave speeches at the reception. These are the kind of moments that will stay with me forever.”

The Village Farm Marquees team might be used to supporting many celebrations and events, but weddings always tug at the old heartstrings. Co-director Chrysta Newman said: “I must admit that watching couples experience this most special of days usually brings a tear to my eye, and Kate and Ed were no exception! The views from the marquee were awesome, and the couple were amazing. It was a real pleasure just to be able to play a part in their big day.”

Photographs courtesy of Carly Bevan Photography

SUPPLIERS

Wedding dress and designer – Limelight Occasions, Lepton. Essence of Australia dress

Suit designer – Moss Bros

Florist – Simply Foliage

Make-up artist – Sonia Schofield

Hairdresser – Ian Waddington

DJ/entertainment – The Mojos

Caterer – Thought of Food

Photographer – Carly Bevan