Robert and Emma Sturdy's Perfect Wedding & Perfect Wedding Entertainment!

The Northern Monkeys lead vocalist, Benji, had a fantastic voice. The band were professional and performed a great selection of songs. Many of our guests commented on what a great band they were.

Where did your wedding take place, why did you choose that venue, and how big was your wedding party?

Our wedding ceremony took place at St Mary's Priory Church in Old Malton, followed by a wedding reception in a marquee in one of the wheat fields just behind our garden!

We chose that venue because the garden is so pretty and we just wanted the day to feel relaxed, and at home…more like a big party in our garden, rather than a formal wedding reception, and we chose our wedding entertainment to reflect that. The wedding party consisted of 100 people during the day, with an extra 30 joining us in the evening. 

Did you have a theme for your wedding, and what sort of look and feel did you want to create?

No theme as such, just a relaxed country garden wedding that mirrored our lifestyle. My husband is a farmer so it was very poignant having the marquee in one of the wheat fields. The flowers were very country garden (stocks, roses) and informal.

My wedding dress was lace and easy to move around in, and my hair was very relaxed (slightly windswept, and not on purpose!)

Please tell us about the running order and format of your day, including details of any live music or entertainment

My sister and I had our hair and make-up done by Beth's Unique Boutique in the morning, then came back to my house and my mum, dad and brother came over. Once we were all ready, we set off for church!

My dad and I travelled to the church in an old fashioned Bentley, which was lovely, but a bit windy! The service was lovely, then after some photos at the church by our brilliant photographer, Barnaby Aldrick Wedding Photography, we headed back to Windmill Farm for a champagne reception, where we had a jazz trio playing.

This was followed by a sit down wedding breakfast in the marquee, speeches and then dancing to The Northern Monkeys, the band who we booked through Alive Network.

Our party band, The Northern Monkeys arrived when they were supposed to, set up very efficiently without any bother, and put background music on until we were ready for our first dance.

Our first dance was to “Baby I Love You” by The Ramones followed by “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, performed by The Northern Monkeys. Lead vocalist Benji had a fantastic voice. The band were professional and performed a great selection of songs. Many of our guests commented on what a great function band they were.

How big an impact did live entertainment have on your wedding day and would you recommend it to others?

The live entertainment was fantastic and the sound was very powerful. The Northern Monkeys suited our needs and the type of night we wanted perfectly. They were not too big or brash (as some bands can be) and just played great music. Sadly, it seemed to be over all too quickly but the band were happy to stay until 1.30 am and let us enjoy the music they had on their laptop.

What were your favourite moments of the day?

Probably walking into the church and seeing everybody in there for us. The marquee looked amazing, and as the wedding reception was held at our house we put loads of effort into the garden. To see it all looking lovely was probably one of my highlights of the day.

I also enjoyed the dancing in the evening. We had the sides of the dance floor open so we were able to dance as the sun faded with a backdrop of wheat.

What pearls of wisdom or words of advice would you extend to future brides and grooms who are planning their perfect wedding?

Don't get too Bridezilla about things!! It is very easy to forget what the day is all about. Allow yourself plenty of time on the morning of the wedding to get ready, and just half an hour to have a drink and enjoy! Unfortunately, my morning was extremely hectic. We had some relaxation having our hair and make-up done by Beth's Unique Boutique in Swinton, but after that it was manic and we had to rush everything including putting my dress on!! The time went nowhere!! Also, do things your own way and don't try to please everybody else, because in my experience you never will!

The Northern Monkeys suited our needs and the type of night we wanted perfectly. They were not too big or brash (as some bands can be) and just played great music.