Your wedding morning sets the tone for your entire celebration – the emotions, the energy, and those unforgettable first moments of the day.
Today, we’re sharing a real Riverlands bride’s experience and her expert insights on creating the perfect start to your day. Kim celebrated her special day with us this year and happens to be a talented wedding hair stylist herself, allowing her to give a unique perspective as both a bride and a professional. We caught up with her so she could give us an honest behind-the-scenes look at what will truly make your wedding morning seamless to help our future couples!
After visiting during one of her client’s weddings, Kim instantly felt the relaxed atmosphere that sets Riverlands apart. “It just seemed like such a chilled and relaxed experience because the venue owners really let you take free reign to make your day exactly how you want it,” she shared. This sense of freedom, paired with the natural beauty of the venue, is one of the reasons Riverlands attracts couples searching for a stylish yet relaxed wedding in Yorkshire.
Kim chose to spend her wedding morning in our Shallows Nest Cottage, located just across the road from the venue. With a smaller bridal party, Kim said the cottage offered the perfect amount of space:
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- A bright, airy ground floor for hair, makeup, and prep
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- A living room with fully closing doors – ideal for that emotional dress reveal moment
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- Plenty of space to spread out without feeling crowded
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- Natural light (a photographer’s dream!)
Being so close to the venue meant no travel stress, no time pressure, and no need to pack up early. Everything was relaxed and effortless (exactly what every bride hopes for).
She reflected on one thing above all: how chilled it felt!
Kim shared that Riverlands’ approach to wedding days – giving couples plenty of time, space, and freedom – makes an enormous difference. Being able to set up the day before removed so much stress, allowing her to fully enjoy the morning instead of rushing through tasks.
“It was such a lovely morning from getting up, to getting ready, to leaving to walk down the aisle.Towards the end of getting ready, time seems to fly, but it’s such an amazing feeling when you’re in your dress and you see your vision come together.” she added.
And with the weather turning from expected rain to glowing sunshine, Kim’s morning felt even more magical!
As a professional hairstylist who works at weddings regularly, we asked Kim to share some advice for our future Riverlands brides for us to share. Here’s what she suggests for the perfect chilled morning to your happily ever after:
1. Keep Your Bridal Party Small (if you want a chilled morning)
Fewer people = less noise, less chaos, and more time to breathe.
2. Do as much prep as possible the night before
Her must-do list includes:
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- Steaming dresses
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- Setting aside details for your photographer
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- Laying out accessories
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- Pre-packing anything you need to take to the venue
3. Trust the early start times
Stylists and makeup artists arrive earlier than brides expect and for good reason.
“Time moves fast. Allow more time than you think so it doesn’t become a one-in-one-out situation.” Kim says.
4. Choose a hairstyle that feels like ‘you’
While dramatic looks are beautiful, she encourages brides to pick something that still feels comfortable and familiar – especially for photos.
6. Schedule your hair trial a couple of months before
This allows time to test different styles and book a second trial if needed.
7. Prep your hair in the weeks leading up to the wedding
Book colour appointments ahead of time and wash your hair the day before the wedding, not the morning of, for the best hold and finish.
8. Her must-have product for wedding mornings?
Got2b Volume Powder – perfect for body, grip, and all-day longevity. So if you’re thinking of doing your own, this is a must for your packing list!
9. Her favourite Riverlands hairstyles
Boho-inspired waves, soft textures, and half-up styles – they fit beautifully with the relaxed, natural surroundings of the venue.
From a stylist’s perspective Kim adds “I hope my brides feel relaxed knowing that all the hard work is about to pay off – and that they’re about to have the best day ever!”
Thank you Kim for sharing your experience with us, we are so glad you chose us to host your special day!
If you’re a future bride on the look out for a stylist you can trust head over to Kim’s socials
Instagram: sleek.bykim
Facebook: SleekbyKim
Or drop her a message at: 07821523982
Photo credit to the amazing: Jemma King Photography
www.jemmakingphotography.co.uk/
