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Churches in the Ilkley area are getting together for the first time to hold their first ever Wedding Fair. It will bring together many local businesses and churches at one location, St Margaret’s Church Ilkley, on February 11th.
One of the organisers, Lizzie Reynolds, a reader at Burley in Wharfedale, says the aim is to showcase local churches and dispel some of the myths people have about a church wedding. “From my own conversations,” she said, “I know that many people would like a church wedding but believe they are expensive or exclusive to members of the congregation.”
She added, “We Love Weddings Fayre is the first to showcase local wedding suppliers to newly engaged couples in the surroundings of one of Ilkley’s most beautiful churches. Couples will have a unique opportunity to sample the Fayre’s handpicked exhibitors including exquisite food and unusual ales, giant light up letters, florists, cakes, beauticians, bunting, jewellery and some surprising transport ideas. …We Love Weddings fayre should appeal to couples who want to make their wedding day unique, special and, importantly, affordable.”
Already more than 27 local businesses have confirmed they will be exhibiting at St Margaret’s church on February 11th. They include photographers, florists, milliners, jewellers, lighting specialists, musicians, wedding car companies, wedding decorators, cake companies and vintners.
The church aisles will become a catwalk and from 1pm models accompanied by live music will display bespoke millinery, new and pre-loved bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses.
Churches in the new Deanery of South Craven and Wharfedale are taking part. The Area Dean and Vicar of St Margaret’s, the Revd Philip Gray, said, “We have some wonderful churches in Wharfedale to host weddings. In our local communities, too, there are many small businesses that provide great service to those looking to be married. The Wedding Fair will bring all these different elements together from our communities.”
He added, “The Fair will be a great opportunity for those thinking about and planning their weddings to see what is possible. All of this freely offered at no cost to the couples or the businesses. It is going to be a very unique and special event very appropriately just before St Valentine's Day! Anyone is welcome.”
The We Love Weddings Fayre takes place at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley, LS29 9QL on Saturday February 11th, 11am – 3pm.
For further details contact Liz Reynolds at lizziereynolds@talktalk.net or visit the website facebook.com/weloveweddingsfayre
Photo above of Bethany and Jack Harrison who were married at St. Margaret’s Church, Ilkley in May 2016. Photographer credit: Becky Ryan Photography