Beryl and Norman were married on July 3, 2011 at Hazlewood Castle.

Photographers
Our photographs were taken by David Golding Wedding Photography. David and Diana were absolutely fantastic. Very warm, very personal – they really helped to make the day go smoothly and our photos are just amazing. We met them at the last Yorkshire Living Brides Wedding Exhibition – we are so glad that we went that day.

Where did you meet?
We met at the Black Swan Folk Club in York, seven years ago. I went with a friend and saw this tall shy man not talking to anyone. We started to chat and later he asked me out to dinner. It was an embarrassing first date. One of my dress straps broke and he had to pin it up for me.

What attracted you to him?
Norman is a real gentleman. He’s very genuine, kind and gentle, and has lovely brown eyes.

Where did he propose?
At Aldwark Manor last New Year's Eve. After a hectic family Christmas we went there for a quiet New Year celebration. He took me completely by surprise. We were walking back inside just after midnight, after calling family in Australia, when he suddenly asked me. I couldn't speak for five minutes. Eventually he begged me just to say something, and of course I said yes.

The dress
My dress was designed by my daughter, Carol, and made by Susan at Susan Forth Wedding Gowns in New Street, Selby. It was made of a silk satin crepe with a Chantilly lace overlay, complimented by a silk Georgette cowl drape neckline with button detail down the back forming into a fishtail. I wanted something practical, so that I could play with my wonderful grandchildren at the wedding, but I also wanted to look good for my age, and of course for Norman.
My daughter Vicky chose and applied my wedding make-up (with a little help from Boots beauty advisers) and Stephen from Regis at Browns, in York, did all our hair. The bridesmaids decided to have their hair up as well as me, and he did a fabulous job on all of us.

What did he wear?
Norman wore a classic Prince Edward jacket in dark grey from York Hire Wear, in Lendal. His cravat was specially made in teal to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

What did your attendants wear?
Ours was a real family wedding, and my attendants were all my grandchildren. I was so proud of all of them. Some came all the way from Australia and it was wonderful to have all the family together for our big day. Their outfits came from BHS online, and the girls’ dresses were in a fabulous teal. Susan Forth made their tiaras, and mine. I was given away by my eldest grandson, Ian.

Flowers
The bouquets, buttonholes and table decorations were made by my friend Moira, who I’ve known since we were in our 20s, and her daughter Beth. They were just beautiful – mainly cream and pale peach roses. Larger flower arrangements came from Take A Leaf, in Stamford Bridge.

Cake
My daughter Carol designed and made the wedding cake and a friend iced it. The centrepiece, a bride and groom, had been on my youngest son, Danny’s, cake when he married Kerry. For our wedding we added an arch of blue flax flowers to represent my Irish Celtic background.

Table décor and favours
Moira and her daughter Beth decorated the tables and scattered shamrocks to keep up the Irish theme. My daughter-in-law Sarah and granddaughter Chloe made the little chests which contained the favours.

Entertainment
We had a great ceilidh band called Pugwash Convention from York. They were brilliant. Everyone joined in the dancing and we had a great time.

Honeymoon
All our families had come from very long distances for the wedding, so it was wonderful to spend some time with them in the weeks after the wedding. I’m hoping that Norman might take me to Hawaii for a ‘proper’ honeymoon sometime soon.