NEARLYWED NEWS

Mark Lloyd, an international master goldsmith and fellow of The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, is preparing for the Christmas rush from his Hartlepool jewellery store. With over 36 years of experience, Mark is now recognised as one of the best jewellery designers, making bespoke commissions for clients around the world. Due to his popularity, throughout December you’ll see him opening his store from 9am-6pm, rather than 9am-5pm, on the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of the month. “Most people work from 9am-5pm, so visiting the shop during opening times is impossible for many,” says Mark. “This gives customers the opportunity to come in outside of their working day.” Mark and his team will also be offering a voucher code that runs from 22nd November to the 17th December, so be sure to follow them on social media to stay updated with the sales they’ll be running. Visit www.facebook.com/marklloydjeweller or www.instagram.com/mark.lloyd_jewellery – or www.tiktok.com/@marklloydmastergoldsmith. NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around the North East

DON’T STRESS

With Christmas looming, the thought of planning your nuptials can suddenly seem more stressful than ever. That’s why North Shields wedding and party hire specialist Vanilla Teas is now offering an Easy Hire DIY Wedding Catalogue, packed with beautiful items designed to make setting your own big day up easier than ever.

“We know how difficult a time this is for many people planning their celebration,” says Vanilla Teas’ Helen Edwards. “The catalogue features items such as our unique chair drops that require no tying, or our beautiful new fairytale and princess range, which goes from box to table in 20 seconds. With options to suit everyone, from classic to boho, we’ve made it so easy that even the best man can do it!” Visit www.vanillateas.co.uk for more information. HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Engaged couples searching for somewhere to tie the knot should consider Newcastle’s Great North Hotel, which opened its doors to the public last year following a £7.5m development. Now welcoming weddings, it boasts a purpose-built function suite and three packages designed to relieve couples of all the pressure of planning.

Central to the hotel’s appeal for wedding parties is its Ouseburn Suite, with private bar, which can cater for between 25 and 80 guests and can be sub-divided to create a smaller space for more intimate celebrations. To aid couples planning their event, the venue has created bronze, silver and gold price packages, all of which include hire of the suite, reception drinks and a three-course wedding breakfast. Also included are a DJ and LED dancefloor, evening buffet, red carpet, and overnight accommodation for the bride and groom in one of the hotel’s suites following the wedding.

Packages start from £2,950, with the hotel also offering bespoke wedding packages. Visit www.greatnorthhotel.co.uk/weddings-at-great-north-hotel for more information.

Looking for an award-winning cake maker for your big day? Consider Durham’s Precisely Iced, who are offering Your North East Wedding readers a free four inch vanilla cake when a three-tiered naked or buttercreamed cake in sizes six, eight or 10 inches is ordered for their 2023 wedding.

“I’m passionate about creating bespoke wedding cakes for couples to suit their individual style, budget and wedding day vibe,” says owner Nova Dawson. “Personalised sugar cookie favours are available for those who’d like matching favours for their guests, and I offer a free consultation and design service, as well as providing delicious sample boxes of my popular cakes for you to try at home. I pride myself on my attention to detail, realistic sugar flowers, and super-cute wedding toppers of you both – as well as delicious tasting cakes!”

Terms and conditions apply; visit www.preciselyiced.co.uk to contact Nova and find out more.

www.georgimabee.com THE SPA’S THE STAR

Fancy taking your mam or bestie for a relaxing spa escape prior to your wedding? Say hello to one of ESPA’s newest spa partners, County Durham’s The Retreat at Redworth Hall. Set in the tranquil surroundings of the Hall, the stunning Retreat leisure club and spa is a fabulous place to unwind with a treatment. Tucked in the North East countryside and set within Redworth’s 26-acre estate, the spa is home to an indoor heated swimming pool, poolside terrace, calming treatment rooms, relaxation and tranquillity room, and the stylish Retreat Lounge for light meals, including afternoon tea and drinks. Here you’ll also discover an array of treatments and therapies, from the ESPA Inner Beauty Facial, personalised to your physical and emotional needs; to the ESPA Back, Face & Scalp Treatment, ideal for unravelling tension through targeted massage techniques.

Visit www.redworthhalldurham.co.uk/spa/ for more information.

SAY YES TO THE DRESS

We were bowled over when we saw Stokesley wedding dress designer Kate Fearnley’s Platinum collection! This six-piece lineup – along with a selection of add-on separates including sleeves, skirts, and capes – was inspired by the celebration of her 20th year in the occasion wear business. The styles draw inspiration from some of the strong silhouettes and detailing used from her design portfolio over the years, featuring her brand’s signature style of handfinished embroidery and unique detailing.

Now stocked in 12 bridal boutiques across the UK, including Kate’s own North Yorkshire showroom, visit https://katefearnley.com to find out more.