Loved up aut win 2012

loved up magazine

LOVED UP MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

TIME TO SHINE FAB FROCKS FOR GORGEOUS GIRLS

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QUIRKY COOL SHARP SUITS FOR BEAUTIFUL BOYS

VINTAGE VIBE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR, HOLLYWOOD STYLE

BE INSPIRED

REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

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Diamonds of distinction forever...

Bien Breuning Furrer Jacot Stephen Taylor Charles Green Contour Ti2 Bramwells Unga and Unga

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www.bramwellsjewellers.co.uk

THE COMPANY OF MASTER JEWELLERS

FINE JEWELLERY AND DIAMOND SPECIALISTS

Prince Bishop Shopping Centre, Durham tel 0191 3845793 23/24 Post House Wynd, Darlington tel 01325 464175

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LOVED UP MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

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contents

elcome to the very first edition of Loved Up Magazine.

And if you’ve just said, ‘I Do’, then very big congratulations from all of us here at room501.

We hope you’ll find bags of inspiration in our brilliant bridal bible and lots of sound advice too.

If you’re still searching for ‘that dress’, then boy, do we have a treat in store for you - two fabulous photoshoots, one from lovely Longhirst Hall in Northumberland and a special vintage style shoot at Lumley Castle in County Durham.

And we haven’t forgotten the grooms. There’s a whole section devoted to you boys, with tips on how to nail your speech and how to get that big day dazzle.

Add to the mix a heart-warming story of one family’s triple wedding, an interview with a mad hatter and some top beauty advice from our resident make-up expert and you’re in wedding heaven.

Grab a glass of bubbly, curl up and enjoy!

Pauline Holt Editor

8 time to shine 18-pages of stunning wedding gowns. Which will you choose?

36 head turning hats Dare to wear fascinators from The Libertarian, our very own mad hatter

44 a good vintage Take a trip back in time to an age of glitz and glamour - 12-page vintage special

56 gorgeous gifts Pens at the ready - let’s get that gift list sorted!

60 smooch lowdown First dance, lasting memories

68 va va Groom How to give a killer speech, stag do survival and more

82 real life weddings Meet the couples who share their dream days with Loved Up readers

98 Keep Calm and Carry On When all else fails, columnist,Tanya Hardman, can sympathise as she’s getting hitched too!

contacts

Advertising

room501 ltd

For advertising call Debi Coldwell

Christopher March

on 0191 537 5720

Managing Director e: chris@room501.co.uk Debi Coldwell Senior Sales e: debi@room501.co.uk Editorial Pauline Holt e: lovedupmagazine@gmail.com

Design & production room501 ltd. e: studio@room501.co.uk Photography KG Photography e: info@kgphotography.co.uk NR Photography e: nicky@nrphotography.co.uk

Room501 Contract Publishing Ltd, Publishing House, 16 Pickersgill Court, Quay West Business Park, Sunderland SR5 2AQ www.room501.co.uk room501 was formed from a partnership of directors who, combined, have many years of experience in contract publishing, print, marketing, sales and advertising and distribution. We are a passionate, dedicated company that strives to help you to meet your overall business needs and requirements. All contents copyright© 2011 room501 Ltd. All rights reserved.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, August 2012.

Loved Up is published twice yearly by room501 Ltd. Next edition March 2013.

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we’re loved up

real life wedding HEATHER AND MARK AGAR WERE MARRIED AT ST GABRIEL’S CHURCH FIRST MET: Over Christmas Dinner at a mutual friend’s flat. The meal was lovely but the company was better. We clicked instantly but were both very shy. Thanks to a few friends and a lovely New Year’s celebration a few weeks after we started dating, we never looked back.

THE PROPOSAL: Out of the blue on holiday in Morocco we went for a walk before a meal and Mark told Heather to stand on a wooden bridge over the lake in the hotel grounds so he could take her picture.

He then joined her on the bridge, got down on bended knee and told Heather he loved her and asked her to marry him! Heather was so shocked, she nodded in delight, then said yes half an hour later after realising she hadn’t actually answered!

THE DRESS: Heather tried on at least 30 dresses but went back to the original dress she found, a Maggie Sottero, ‘Vienna’, which was a beautiful lace over satin gown from Christabel and Keats.

HE WORE: Charcoal grey tails suit jacket with charcoal grey trousers from Greenwoods. Ivory waistcoat to match the wedding dress and navy accessories to match the theme colours.

BRIDESMAIDS: Heather’s three closest friends looked stunning in their floor length satin navy blue dresses from the Impression bridesmaid collection. They all had matching jewellery and perfectly matching shoes.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: The ceremony was held at St Gabriel’s. This Church is absolutely beautiful

and took our breath away when we first entered it months before the wedding. The ceremony was just perfect. We also had a joke made about our rings as we had two sets blessed, one ‘posh’ pair for everyday use and one ‘stunt’ pair for work. It couldn’t have been more special.

Our reception was held at the beautiful Longhirst Hall which was perfect. We chose Longhirst as it looked stunning on the outside, had beautiful rooms, picturesque grounds and fabulous staff. To this day we have people telling us how beautiful it was. The wedding team could not have done more for us before, during and after the event ensuring that we were happy and that everything ran like clockwork.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Stephenson from the Beautiful Image. He was amazing and kept everyone laughing through the day and captured some absolutely stunning photos that we will cherish forever.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: Florist, Foxtail Lily, helped us with some of our special touches. Heather’s bouquet had pearls from her grandmother’s necklace with the flowers and some tartan ribbon from her grandad.

We also incorporated photos of ourselvdes and our grandparents’ wedding photos.

BRIDE AND GROOM WEDDING GIFTS: Mark surprised Heather with pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet. In return Heather gave Mark a pocket watch with the wedding date engraved inside.

HONEYMOON: Two weeks in Jamaica.

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ENJOY A

~3 STRESS WEDDING FOR

£3,333

Book your dream wedding at Longhirst from now until 31st December 2012 for 50 daytime guests and 80 evening guests for £3,333. Offer includes...

* Civil Ceremony & function room hire * Three course wedding breakfast * Evening buffet for 80 guests * Disco with DJ * Executive Suite with Champagne for wedding night * Red carpet, dedicated toastmaster * Chair covers, cake stand, white table linen * £1,000 deposit required

Longhirst Hall is a grand Georgian property set in the heart of rural Northumberland, designed by renowned architect John Dobson. The Hall is surrounded by 75 acres of beautiful woods and landscaped gardens providing the ideal backdrop for your perfect day.

Here at Longhirst, we offer you all the expertise, guidance and help that will ensure you have a wedding day that is truly memorable.

For bookings call 01670 795 000 email enquiries@longhirst.co.uk Longhirst Hall I Longhirst I Morpeth Northumberland I NE61 3LL I www.longhirst.co.uk

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lavish looks

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lavish looks

gown time IT’S TIME TO SHINE WITH FINE FROCKS THAT SPARKLE WITH EMBELLISHMENT AND DARING DETAIL

MAKE AN ENTRANCE: Marlow bodice with Reese skirt and sash by Watters £1,460 The Wedding Dress Company

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lavish looks

SIMPLY STUNNING: Patience gown by Ronald Joyce £1,175 from Darcy Weddings Headpiece by Miranda Templeton £125 also Darcy Weddings

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lavish looks

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lavish looks

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lavish looks

darcy ExquisitE Bridal & OccasiOn WEar

at darcy, WE BEliEvE WhEthEr yOu arE chOOsing yOur WEdding drEss Or an Outfit fOr a spEcial OccasiOn it shOuld BE an ExpEriEncE yOu EnjOy and trEasurE. WE’vE BrOught tOgEthEr a stunning cOllEctiOn Of ExquisitE Bridal gOWns and faBulOus OccasiOn WEar frOm sOmE Of thE WOrld’s mOst rEnOWnEd dEsignErs, With a rangE tO suit EvEry BudgEt.

FITTED & FABULOUS: Lou lou gown, style number LB40 £995 from Darcy Weddings. Headpiece by Miranda Templeton £125 and bracelet and earrings by Rosie Willett £30 and £15, all Darcy Weddings.

Tails suit by Mia Sposa £95 to hire

BRIDAL

fOr an appOintmEnt tEl. 01670 511705 www.darcyweddings.co.uk

OCCASION WEAR

tElEphOnE 01670 517988 ~ www.darcyoccasions.co.uk nO.4 & 6/6a nEWgatE st, mOrpEth, nOrthumBErland nE61 1Ba

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LAVISH LOOKS VEILED BEAUTY: Jemma gown by Watters £1,680 with blue organza flower belt £165 The Wedding Dress Company.

Floor length single tier veil with scattered crystals £94; Flower Vine Side Tiara £105. All The Wedding Dress Company. Lounge suit £115 to hire Mia Sposa

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PEARLY QUEEN: Clarissa dress with encrusted pearls

by Justin Alexander, Mia Sposa ÂŁ1,255

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lavish looks

CUTE AS PIE: Mocha bridesmaid dress Mia Sposa £170

PRETTY IN PINK: Maxi bridesmaid dress

by Mia Sposa £175

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PICTURE PERFECT: Mark Lesley dress style number 3068 Mia Sposa ÂŁ895

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lavish looks TOP TABLE: Emmerson gown by Watters, £1,275 The Wedding Dress Company. Floor length veil with Russian Braid edge and scattered crystals £108; Diamante tiara band £59; all The Wedding Dress Company. Lounge suit and tie by Mia Sposa £115 to hire

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lavish looks

MAKE UP

EVENT STYLING

Kerry Lewis and Elisha Todd 07944 839009 www.mylittlebeauty.co.uk

The Event Dressers, 01670785670

HAIR Paula Hood, Regis Salon, Fenwick, Newcastle 0191 12320802 Amanda Williamson Bespoke Bridal Hair Design 07748113959 www.amandawilliamson.co.uk

MODELS With thanks to models, Natalie Collard, Nasreen Harrison, Enzo Bivona and Aldo Palla from Tyne Tees Models, The Stables, Seghill, Northumberland, NE23 7DT 0191 2373400 www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk

VENUE Longhirst Hall, Morpeth 01670 795000

WEDDING CAKE The Cake Garden 07768932202

STOCKISTS DARCY WEDDINGS 6/6A Newgate St, Morpeth 01670 511705 www.darcyweddings.co.uk THE WEDDING DRESS COMPANY 1 Tynedale Mews, Market Place, Corbridge 01434 634444 www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk MIA SPOSA 18 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HZ 0191 221 1688

FLOWERS Emerald Forest 01670 856699

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fairy tale finesse

The Princess bride XXXX LESCIIS DERUNT MAIO ET AUT LAM SIT QUOD QUOS MOLORENTIS ALIT ACEPRERUM HARUM, QUI

MAKE AN ENTRANCE: Marlow bodice with Reese skirt and sash by Watters £1,460 The Wedding Dress Company

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fairy tale finesse

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NEWs

NEWS on nuptials CURRENT AFFAIRS...OF THE HEART BUBBLY BONANZA Not sure which fizz you fancy most for your toasts?

Then why not try before you buy at a special champagne experience evening on September 7 at Wynyard Hall Hotel in the Tees Valley.

A representative from one of the world’s finest champagne houses will share their stories and offer guests the chance to try a selection of their best bubblies. A delicious four-course meal will also be served with each dish complementing a specific champagne.

For tickets (priced £80 per person) please contact the Events Office on 01740 655414.

STAGS & HENS Amsterdam remains the boys’ top choice for stag do destinations followed by Prague, with Barcelona, Berlin and Dublin not far behind, according to a travel survey.

For the girls, Spain is top of the pops with sunny Barcelona and Ibiza first on their lists and Amsterdam, Prague and London runners-up.

The poll, by Skyscanner, also revealed thirty three per cent of women and thirty one per cent of men like the idea of a combined stag and hen do, while the rest think it would ruin tradition.

UNDERCOVER WEDDINGS The Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park are delighted to offer their new Wedding Gazebo for your big day.

The perfect place on a sunny day for serving your reception drinks and canapés or for the bridal party to use for photographs. We look forward to showing you around this new addition to the hotel.

Call the events team on 0191 236 1615 to make an appointment.

LIFELINE Gina Events are hosting a Wedding Fayre at Life Conference & Banqueting in Newcastle on Sunday 23 September from 12 noon to 3.30pm. Meet a range of the region’s finest wedding specialists from wedding dress boutiques to cake makers and gift suppliers. To reserve your place email gina@ byginaevents.co.uk or call 07881903953.

MIA SPOSA MOVE Mia Sposa in Newcastle has moved to a bigger store to give customers a better shopping experience.

The bridal and menswear shop, which has moved from Grainger Street, Newcastle to 18 Blandford Square, now has a car park, more space and is expecting a new range of gowns from designer Donna Solado. Joy Dowell from Mia Sposa said: “We now have a much better experience and offer more one-to-one service.” To find out more visit www.miasposabridal.com or call 0191 2211 688.

Appointments are always needed.

PRECIOUS PURCHASES Bridal boutique, You Are Precious in Newcastle is getting an exciting new line created by designer, Diana Harbridge. Diana, who has had 25 years experience in the wedding industry, has just launched her own line. It is her attention to detail that makes her designs so fabulous.

They are also expecting some new styles from Madeline Gardner, New York very soon.

Call 0191 340 7983 for more information.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS Bobobows are a new company designing beautiful handmade bespoke hair bows, clips and Alice bands great for your bridesmaids and flower girls. Luxurious ribbons, lavish fabrics and high-quality trimmings appeal to girls of all ages and the designs mix vintage style with a modern touch.

Visit www.bobobows.co.uk for details.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

exquisite gowns

exciting boutique unique experience

6 St Marys Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7PG

0191 340 7983 www.yapbridal.co.uk

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advertorial

The Croft Hotel FRESH FROM A FIVE STAR MAKEOVER, THE CROFT HOTEL, NEAR DARLINGTON, HAS EMERGED AS ONE OF THE NORTH EAST’S MOST IDYLLIC WEDDING VENUES itting at the heart of the village which is said to have inspired children’s writer Lewis Carroll, The Croft Hotel marries a picturesque rural setting with the convenience of its location on the outskirts of Darlington.

Having recently been acquired by the management team behind the renowned Horton Grange Country House Hotel and restaurant in Ponteland, the hotel has just undergone a major makeover.

And now, with general manager Alistair Mathieson at the helm, it looks set to become one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the region.

Originally built in 1835, this sleepy old coaching inn is set in equally peaceful surroundings, complemented by its position in front of The Croft Bridge.

Inside, the new bar will reflect the hotel’s rural location with traditional real ales and a locally themed menu.

The restaurant, meanwhile, will be in the extremely capable hands of head chef Graham Halliday.

Like its sister venue Horton Grange, The Croft will

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offer bespoke wedding packages for large and small parties, catering for up to 200 people in the function suite, with 20 bedrooms on offer.

With virtually any bespoke request able to be catered for, The Croft promises to become just as much of a hit with brides and grooms as the hugely popular Horton Grange.

Weddings will take place in the purpose built Lewis Carroll Suite, which is named after the Alice in Wonderland author who lived in the village in his early years and even took inspiration for his famous Cheshire cat from a carving in the church that sits a few yards from the hotel. Wedding groups will also have access to a private decked area overlooking the Richmondshire countryside to enjoy an alfresco party before retiring to their beautifully refurbished rooms – many of which offer stunning views of the river running through the village. Couples wishing for a tour of the hotel are welcome to drop in at any time or call 01325 720319 for more information.

Croft-on-Tees | Darlington | DL2 2ST Tel: 01325 720319 | Email: info@crofthotel.net | www.crofthotel.net

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WEDDINGS AT HORTON GRANGE

Horton Grange, an elegant and intimate Country House Hotel with its distinctive mix of traditional and contemporary dĂŠcor is set in four acres of beautiful grounds, can be yours exclusively for your Wedding Day celebrations.

For more information on wedding receptions please contact us using details below.

Horton Grange Country House Hotel is delighted to now be able to offer Garden Ceremonies in our stunning Wedding Gazebo with all our Wedding Packages.

WEDDING OFFERS AT HORTON GRANGE!

WEDDING OPEN DAY

Join us at orton Grange for a Summer edding open day on Sunday th Septem er from pm where the hotel will e set up for a wedding reception a garden civil ceremony and a civil ceremony inside the Grade listed ouse. nd you can chat with our wedding team. lease call for more information a out this fantastic event.

Horton Grange Is delighted to offer a 50% discount off venue hire on all weddings held between October - November 2012, January - March 2013 & October - November 2013!

Please contact the hotel for more details on this fantastic offer.

tel: 01661 860 686 web: www.hortongrange.co.uk email: weddings@hortongrange.co.uk Bewick Hill Road Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6BU

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we’re loved up

REAL LIFE wedding

MARIANNE QUAYLE AND STEVE ABBOTT WERE MARRIED IN COUNTY DURHAM FIRST MET: Working in a PR and Marketing Agency together in Newcastle in 2007.

THE PROPOSAL: On a beach at Holy Island in June 2011. Steve surprised me and it was very romantic!

THE DRESS: Carmela by Maggie Sottero for daytime from White Tulip, Prudhoe; Kathryn Russell for the evening (designed by the bride in consultation with Kathryn, based on Kathryn’s classic Diamede design) BRIDESMAIDS: Nicola, Bronia and Jenny, wore the Dessy twist wrap in clover.

HE WORE: Suit from Chris Hayward Formal Hire THE RECEPTION: Was in a tent from Papakata Teepees.

SPECIAL TOUCHES:We had a wonderful owl ringbearer from Talon Falconry, and two folk singers who stunned everyone with their beautiful voices Emma Fenech and Mike Tyler. Ramside Event Catering did an absolutely wonderful job in rainy conditions! Lots of folk said it was the best wedding food they’d ever had, and manager, John, was superb. He looked after every little detail for us so attentively.

BRIDE & GROOM WEDDING GIFTS: We gave our bridesmaids gold signet necklaces from Lady Adorned Jewellery on Etsy.

HONEYMOON: Andalucia in Spain..

PHOTOGRAPHY: Russell Colman at

www.russellcolmanphotography.com. An incredible talent, he has a real gift for capturing a moment so naturally and people’s feelings and expressions.

Russell’s a real artist. His wife, Pippa, is a dancer and choreographer and assists with his shoots and I think together they make an amazing team. He’s based in the Lakes but does a lot of weddings and shoots in the North East.

THE BEST BIT: Every moment was amazing. I had the best day of my life. Can I pick two moments please?

My wonderful dad’s speech - he made an animated film and photomontage about me and it was absolutely beautiful, I was so moved. And my first dance with Steve. It felt so perfect in every way and he’s made me the happiest girl in the world.

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sibling revelry

Triple tribute: Emma Bond & Bill Thompson; Melanie Talbot and Paul Charman and Sarah Bond and Kevin Graham were all wed at the same time on the same day.

IN MEMORY OF MARJORIE A TRIPLE WEDDING IS ALWAYS SPECIAL BUT FOR ONE FAMILY IT TURNED INTO A TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO THEIR MUCH MISSED MUM AS PAULINE HOLT REPORTS

hen sisters Emma and Sarah Bond and their brother, Paul, decided to have a triple wedding, it was so their dear mum Marjorie could see all three of them walk down the aisle together.

Marjorie had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and her children were determined to give her one big last happy celebration.

Emma says: “We were all going to get married September time but when mum became ill we decided to bring it forward and all get married together because we wanted her to be there.

“She was a huge part of the family, the glue that held us all together.”

In January Marjorie, who had lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, was given only a year to live, so her family booked a triple wedding at North Tyneside’s Village Hotel and set about the planning.

Marjorie was involved from day one. Emma, 34, says:

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She had very strong views on marriage and family life and how those things link together.

She was very keen to see them all settled.

“To keep mum occupied we used to sit with a notepad and she would make lists of who was coming and what to do. She took the leading role from the outset.

“She picked the venue, she got all the invitations made, saw all the dresses and came to pick the suits.

She even chose the menu. For instance we were going to have melon but she said, ‘No, we’re having leek and potato soup!’”

Yet sadly, despite having both chemo and radio therapies, Marjorie, a great grandmother and retired nurse from South Shields, South Tyneside, lost her battle for life aged 73 just ten short weeks before her children’s big day on August 3rd.

“We were devastated that she didn’t survive to share in our celebrations,” Emma, who married her long term partner, BillThompson, told Loved Up a few days before her marriage. “We’re all pretty lost without her.

But she’d made dad promise that no matter what, we would still go ahead with the wedding. She loved weddings and she loved family so although we are all grieving and devastated, we have to do it, for mum.

“Our family is so close and mum was always at the centre of it. We have so many happy memories because of her. For instance, in the summer we’d take six cars to Hamsterley Forest and mum would get the bat and ball out and get us all playing rounders.”

The wedding gave dad, Michael, 66, a focus in the weeks following the death of his wife of 35 years.

For example he had to master the art of walking both of his daughters down the aisle, separately. That involved a nifty dash through the hotel’s kitchens after he’d delivered Emma to the celebrant, to double back for Sarah. Melanie, Paul’s wife, was given away by her son, George.

Michael said: “Marjorie would have loved the day.

When it was first suggested, she was still fairly mobile and she shot off at a hundred miles an hour, summoning up huge reserves to help them along. She had very, very strong views on marriage and family life and how those things link together. She was very keen to see them all settled.”

Emma wore her mum’s cluster eternity ring as her wedding band while her younger sister, Sarah, 30, had her mum’s solitaire engagement ring. Marjorie’s sister, aunty Eva did all the flowers – lilys for emma, roses for sarah and a mix of both for Mel, plus a special button hole for Marjorie to sit by a treasured photograph of her and a burning hurricane candle on a special commemorative table at the end of the aisle.

And it’s a further tribute to Marjorie that family flew in from all four corners of the world including Canada, Qatar and even China.

“It was her day,” Emma says simply. And as the civil ceremony opened to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s cover of ‘Over the Rainbow’, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

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REAL LIFE wedding DAVID AND JULIE DAVIDSON WERE MARRIED AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL IN DURHAM CITY FIRST MET: David and I first met on a night out in Durham, although we are both from the area and had mutual friends, David had been working abroad for five years and we met just after he got home.

THE PROPOSAL:: David Proposed to me in the Metrocentre car park! We had been together for six years so he didn’t get down on one knee as we were sitting in the car!

THE DRESS: My dress was by Alfred Angelo. It was the first one I tried on and I knew from the moment I saw it that it was the one for me. It was from Heart of Durham Bridal on Claypath, Durham.

HE WORE: David, the best men (we had two) and the ushers wore Prince Edward suits with silver waistcoats and grey, black and white striped ties. They hired the suits from Woven in The Gate, Durham.

BRIDESMAIDS: The bridesmaids, Claire, my oldest friend and Robyn, my niece, wore full length cobalt blue dresses with one strap which was made up of flowers in the same colour as the dress. They had ivory bouquets and wore silver shoes and accessories.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: We had a civil ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham followed by day and evening receptions. We chose the

Radisson as it is a lovely hotel, the staff are friendly and helpful and it’s right on the river.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Our Photographer was Chris Ord from Xtraordinary photography. We loved his relaxed style capturing all those special moments with natural expression. We had a number of meetings with Chris between booking and the wedding which helped us all get used to each other and understand what we were looking for from our photos.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: We colour co-ordinated everything to a mix of the bright cobalt blue and silver. David made the seating plan to match with everything else. We also had a band at our evening reception called The Moobs.

BRIDE AND GROOM WEDDING GIFTS: We decided not to buy each other gifts for the wedding, maybe that will be an excuse to splash out on our first anniversary!

HONEYMOON: We wanted to make the honeymoon a holiday of a lifetime. I really wanted to go to the Carribean and David really wanted to go to New York. We ended up booking to go to New York for four nights and then onto Mexico for ten nights, so in the end, we both got our dream honeymoon!

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d on

ur m

edd n

re 1 t

to er

ur wedding fayre has everything you need to plan your perfect day, dresses, flowers, cakes, entertainment and much more. ur wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to show you around the hotel and discuss your dream wedding.

We will be open from 12pm to 3pm so come along to find out how you can celebrate your wedding in a truly lu urious venue, with sophisticated style, mouth-watering food and stunning views of Durham Cathedral.

ont t our edd n o ord n tor on 0191 3727200 to find out more.

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fascinating fascinators

R AZZLE DAZZLE THEM RACHAEL WASS ATTENDS A MAD HATTER’S TEES PARTY

hen it comes to weddings we Brits just love a good hat. And if you’re really looking to stand out from the crowd look no further than The Libertarian, a milliner from the North East, also known as Jayne Elwell. It is her belief that creativity will always be free and never silenced by commerciality that inspired The Libertarian label.

Jayne, 29, from Sedgefield, creates hats and specialises in fascinators for all sorts of occasions and her designs really are something to talk about. She has recently appeared in the national press highlighting some of her creations that she made for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, home of flamboyant hats. From a fried breakfast hat to a postage stamp, her designs certainly turned heads.

Her other quirky designs have included a piano, a painter’s palette, produced for the British vintage-inspired jewellery brand Rock n Rose, and a glamorous feather bomb fascinator, created for brides who need that something blue.

However, her most successful design to date is the leather swallow fascinator which can be made of real chocolate brown or black leather. “It is a very quirky design, but it is also very wearable and is different to anything you would see on the high street,” explains Jayne.

The Libertarian has been around creative people all her life. Her parents were always

W

Giant flower fascinator £28

very artistic and her grandmother had a big collection of hats, whilst her other grandmother owned a clothing store.

She studied Fine Art at Oxford Brookes University and then created a business making a variety of things such as cushions, clothing and jewellery, but after three years she decided to specialise in fascinators and hats. “There was a lot of potential with headwear because you can make exciting things. I can be creative and my imagination is limitless,” says Jayne.

“It is also very British, traditional and eccentric.”

Jayne’s advice for mothers of the bride and groom, and other guests is to forget about being Bespoke stamp fashionable, because comfort is hat at Royal more important. “You should Ascot wear something that you enjoy but is comfortable. Don’t wear something just because it is the Tropical flower height of fashion,” advises Jayne. fascinator £65 She offers a ready-to-wear and

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Grand piano fascinator £69

hire collection which is available online and, because she designs and makes all her own pieces, she can add personal touches to these collections, making it individual to the person wearing it. However, she also accepts commissions.

Within the next five years Jayne would love to own her own shop, so customers can come in, see the hats and try them on before buying or hiring them.

She also hopes to have many more collections.

To see her designs and for more information visit www.thelibertarian.co.uk

BRIDAL BOWS This ostrich feather bridal bow headband (£38) is just one the many styles of headwear Jayne creates for brides.

From leather pill box hats to sequinned bridal feather hair clips you are bound to find a quirky design that you will love.

Black flower fascinator £45

The

Dressing Room Yarm

Specialists in: Mother Of The Bride Wear Mother of the Groom Wear Special Occasion Wear Evening Wear 63 High Street, Yarm Tel: 01642 861199

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band aid

with this ring...

LOOKING FOR A BESPOKE AND TIMELESS WEDDING BAND? SPECIALIST JEWELLER TONY BRAMWELL HAS THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST LABELS UNGAR AND UNGAR This collection can only be described as unique. The style is reminiscent of a bygone age.

Crafted by artisans, the styling encompasses the time-honoured tradition of hand mill-graining, a painstaking process that imprints every piece with an exquisite

pattern and elevates the jewellery into the couture realm of wearable art. This fabulous collection includes rings, pendants, bracelets and broaches. It is described by its designer as ‘enduring elegance, timeless and delicate with a flash of drama and nostalgia.’ I couldn’t agree more.

RAPHAEL For her, from him for eternity! The Raphael Collection is brought to you by one of Europe’s leading international jewellery design houses and third generation diamantaires. Their exceptional and skilled team of craftsmen use state-of-the-art technology, coupled with handmade skills to showcase some of the finest collections of diamond eternity and bridal rings, available throughout the world.

FURRER-JACOT Specialist in customised engagement, diamond and wedding rings, Furrer-Jacot have built up a strong market position

Raphael Ladies Collection

worldwide for designs with individuality, authenticity, creativity, and exclusivity whilst retaining the values of an independent manufacturer. Furrer-Jacot use only the most precious metals - gold platinum and palladium and the diamonds are supplied exclusively.

This designer fashions precious and unforgettable jewellery with an aura of mystique.

BIEN Every wedding band, engagement and eternity ring is hand crafted especially for you by a team of highly skilled craftsmen, adapting any piece of jewellery to suit you and your partner. This company recognises that a unique relationship deserves a unique ring, handmade to individual preferences that will be loved by you always.

Purchase a Brown & Newirth wedding ring (BIEN) between JULY – DECEMBER 2012 and you will be entered into a prizedraw to win a luxury honeymoon at the 5 STAR BANYAN TREE, in the Seychelles with Turquoise Holiday.

Ungar and Ungar

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band aid

CANDOUR The colour of any diamond is graded from D to Z, D being the whitest, most exceptional colour to be found. The most desirable and ultimately the most beautiful diamond of all. The Candour range of diamond jewellery is a stunning celebration of these beautiful stones because every diamond is

independently certificated a D colour diamond. It also comes with an exclusive guarantee – that whatever price you pay is the exact value your ring will always retain.

It’s simply reassuring to know that owning one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world also happens to be a great investment.

BRAMWELLS JEWELLERS IS HOME TO A VAST COLLECTION OF DESIGNER WEDDING RINGS ACROSS ITS DURHAM CITY AND DARLINGTON BRANCHES. Among the leading labels available are Ungar and Ungar, Bien, Furrer-Jacot, The Raphael Collection and Candour to name but a few.

For environmentally friendly customers, the team also offers expert advice on Fairtrade and ethically sourced collections.

Bramwells also makes bespoke wedding rings to fit such as cluster rings for customers who want something that bit different to fit around an existing ring. The team can also guide you through the important and difficult process of choosing a metal – a decision that will affect the cost and style of the ring you choose.

The options available are platinum, white, yellow and rose gold, palladium, titanium and tungsten.

Raphael Gents Collection

Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham City Tel 0191 3845793 23/24 Post House Wynd, Darlington Tel 01325 464175 The team have been helping couples choose their perfect rings for generations.

www.bramwellsjewellers.co.uk Bien

Furrer-Jacot

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We’re loved up

REAL LIFE BRIDE SARAH AND CRAIG SCORER WERE MARRIED AT WHITBURN PARISH CHURCH AND HAD THEIR RECEPTION AT CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL FIRST MET: We met on Boxing Day in 2006, on a night out with friends in Newcastle. I lived in Manchester at the time so the first 6 months of our relationship involved a lot of motorway miles, it was worth it as 6 months later I moved up to Newcastle and the rest, as they say is history!

THE PROPOSAL: Craig proposed on Bamburgh beach after we had been together for 18 months, which is the same place where Craig’s dad proposed to his mum 30 years ago.

THE DRESS: ‘Geneva’ by Maggie Sottero was the first dress I tried on. I loved the embellishment and detail on the dress, along with the coloured sash, which was so unique. The veil was created specifically for the dress to sit perfectly over the train.

HE WORE: Craig, his best man Jonathan, ushers, our fathers and nephew Tyler all wore a light grey suit with Price Edward tails, all from Gavin Scott Menswear. Their cravats were chosen to match the sash on my dress, although Craig had no idea at the time.

BRIDESMAIDS: My bridesmaids were 3 of my closest friends, Emma, Sam and Sarah, who are all like sisters to me. After a very unsuccessful shopping trip I decided to have the dresses made for the girls, all 3 dresses were tailored perfectly to their shape, we went for beautiful light mink chiffon and kept the style simple, floor length and strapless with their own trains.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: We chose Whitburn Parish Church for the ceremony as this is where I was Christened; I lived in a house right next to the church

so it holds a lot of memories for me. Close House is a venue in which we have celebrated every major family milestone for the last 6 years so it seemed so right that we had our Wedding reception there. The Ballroom was the perfect atmosphere for the day, and I love that we had a change in venue for the evening at No 19, which has stunning views.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Was done by a friend of ours, Jon Stubbs at Corona Films.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: I wanted the wedding to reflect us, and it did with our vintage approach and colours. I walked down the aisle wearing vintage jewellery, with my mum’s necklace entwined into my hair. A good friend personally designed our wedding invites and another friend did our hair on the day – a perfect wedding present! The girls favours were all personally chosen, they all received earrings which reflected their personalities. Our first dance was to ‘Mardy Bum’ by Arctic Monkeys, we wanted to choose a song that had memories of when we first met and reflected us, it was certainly a surprise for our guests!

BRIDE AND GROOM WEDDING GIFTS: Craig bought me the most beautiful vintage diamond earrings. I returned the favour with some Kurt Geiger shoes for my new husband.

HONEYMOON: We flew out to Hong Kong a couple of days after the Wedding, followed by 10 days in Bali spent in a fantastic spa hotel in Ubud and a few nights on the beach. The highlight was sitting on the beach watching the sunset with my new husband.

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A perfect venue for perfect moments...

The most romantic day of your life should be spent in beautiful, relaxed and elegant surroundings, where every last detail has been meticulously taken care of to ensure that your wedding is perfect in every way. A place where the food and accommodation are second to none, where you and your guests can really relax and enjoy the day to the full.

Close House Hotel... a beautifully restored Georgian Mansion providing all you need for your perfect day.

CLOSE HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE15 0HT TELEPHONE 01661 85 22 55 WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.CO.UK When travelling to Close House using a SAT NAV please use NE41 8BL

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LOVE STUFF

Take Note WHAT’S NEW ON PLANET WEDDING?

SOLE MATES Show you love him, heart and sole, with these witty wedding shoe stickers from shoponyourdoorstep.com £5.50. Other designs include ‘Ever After’ and ‘Lucky Me’. Sure to give your guests a chuckle and a great photo opportunity.

MIX IT UP

WHO’S WHO ?

These funky personalised name badges will identify everyone in your wedding party at a glance. At just £1 each they’re a cheap and cheerful way of breaking the ice though the bride and groom probably don’t need to wear theirs! From weddinginateacup.co.uk

Brides-to-be can now spend their last night of freedom shaken and stirred with an interactive cocktail workshop at Prima Italian restaurant, Newcastle.

The Prima Cocktail Masterclass, bookable for groups of eight or more, includes a brief introduction to cocktail making, a cocktail making competition and a chance for participants to create at least two mixes of their own. Each session lasts around 90 minutes and is £15 per ‘mixologist’, including a welcome drink, nibbles and a farewell shot. For more information visit www.primarestaurant.co.uk or call 0191 2331011

BOOK ME IN We just love this guest book from those funsters at the Bright Side. Have your friends and rellys leave you a lovely message for a treasured keepsake of your special day. £8.99

PERFECT PRESY Looking for a thoughtful wedding gift for your other half? These personalised pictures from betsybenn.co.uk ‘To Me You Are Perfect’ will show how much you care £34

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WEDDIN SUNDAYG FAIR SEPTEM 23rd 10am - BER FREE EN4pm TRY

SPECIALLY CHOREOGRAPHED ‘FIRST DANCE’ BY You’ve planned every part of your wedding day – don’t leave your dance to chance.

Come to the professionals who can make this part of your day perfect!

Dance to your special song or something that really sums up your partnership. Surprise and impress your guests with your beautifully choreographed first dance.

Prices start from £32 per couple.

36-38 Grainger Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8RY Tel: 0191 2739987 www.newcastledancecentre.co.uk

The Mansion House Fernwood Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TJ. Phone: 0191 281 0863.

Email: mansion.house@newcastle.gov.uk www.newcastlemansionhouse.co.uk Call now to arrange your private viewing on 01325 377977 email: info@middletonlodge.co.uk or visit www.middletonlodge.co.uk Mi d d l e to n Tyas , R ic h mon d, N ort h Yorksh ire DL10 6N J

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very vintage

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VERY VINTAGE

STEP BACK IN TIME WITH THESE FABULOUS FROCKS THAT HARK BACK TO A BYGONE AGE OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR

a good vintage LOVELY IN LACE Charlotte Balbier Garbo gown with lace bat wing cape sleeves and button down back £1,050 from the Wedding Dress Company

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VERY VINTAGE

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very vintage

RETRO GLAMOUR (left) Charlotte Balbier Loveheart tea length gown and matching shrug by the Wedding Dress Company £1,200. Suitcases to hire from Silver Birch £25 for set of three. Vintage cameo headband £65 and matching choker necklace £45 by J Bow Jewellery.

Shoes £24.99 from New Look

(above) Rosa gown by Justin Alexander £1,370 from Mia Sposa. Crystal and pearl necklace £45 from J Bow Jewellery The American Airstream Classic Trailer is a mobile beauty salon. Bookable at www.mylittlebeauty.co.uk

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very vintage

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very vintage

(left) Three quarter sleeve Philippa gown

by Ronald Joyce style number 66036 £1,545 from Darcy Weddings

A WHEELY GOOD VINTAGE (above) Tea length Justin Alexander gown style number 8456 from Mia Sposa £1,095. Tiara £95, ncklace £45

by J Bow Jewellery

(above left) Get on your bike to deliver popcorn or Pimms to your guests (or both) whistling bunting travelling tea party (above)This fabulous button bouquet is by kittybeth. (left) use vintage crockery for a past times vibe

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very vintage Handcrafted Swarovski crystal and pearl motif necklace by J Bow Jewellery ÂŁ95.

Vintage button bouquet ÂŁ140 from kittybeth

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very vintage

Paloma Blanca gown, style number 4305 ÂŁ1,995 from Darcy Weddings. Tiara by Miranda Templeton ÂŁ125, Darcy.

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very vintage Cameo table stationery and seed packet favours by Silver Birch Designs

MAKE UP Kerry Lewis and Elisha Todd MY LITTLE BEAUTY 07944 839009 www.mylittlebeauty.co.uk Kerry’s iconic American Airstream Classic travel trailer is a unique mobile beauty salon and can be hired for hen nights or bridal make-up.

HAIR Amelia Hall, Reds Hair Salon, 3-4 Cairnside Street, Sunderland, SR3 3LS, Sunderland www.redshairandbeauty.com 0191 5110288

MODELS Thanks to Lucy Bennett from GlamRus model agency, Greenesfield Business Centre, Mulgrave Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1PQ. www.glamrus-modelagency.co.uk 0191 4065305

VENUE Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, 0191 389 1111 www.lumleycastle.com email: weddings@lumleycastle.coms

STOCKISTS VINTAGE STYLING Silver Birch: wedding stationery, wishing trees, candy bars etc www.silverbirch-designs.com Kittybeth: Button bouquets and chair covers www.kittybeth.co.uk/michelle@kittybeth.co.uk Sara’s Kitchen: cakes www.saraskitchen.co.uk 07837 399003 Jacqueline Bowley: Exclusive Designer Jewellery www.jbow.co.uk 0780 1018842 The Whistling Bunting Travelling Tea Party: vintage crockery and prop hire and the ‘Pimms bike’ Lynsey Glover www.whistlingbunting.co.uk

DARCY WEDDINGS 6/6A Newgate St, Morpeth 01670 511705 www.darcyweddings.co.uk THE WEDDING DRESS COMPANY 1 Tynedale Mews, Market Place, Corbridge 01434 634444 www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk MIA SPOSA 18 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HZ 0191 221 1688

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very vintage

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sugar rush

sweet treats SARA KITCHENER IS A DAB HAND AT WHIPPING UP VINTAGE WEDDING CAKES. BIRDCAGES A SPECIALITY 1

2

4

5

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3

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1. Afternoon Tea Cake pops. £2 per pop 2. Handpainted ‘china’ cupcakes, £2.25 each 3. Button Cascade. 3 Tiers from £250 4. A Whimsical Dream. 3 Tiers from £300 5. Summer Fete. 4 Tiers from £350 6. Floral Victoria. 2 tiers from £100 7. Bird Cage. 5 tiers from £430 Contact Sara on 07837399003 or visit www.saraskitchen.co.uk

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Alice in Wonderland style Drink Me tags. £2.50 fromthewilde.com

Pearl encrusted clutch bag £40. itsvintagedarling.co.uk

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? SHOP THE SHOOT TO GET YOUR OWN...

Vintage vibe Retro 1960s lace garter. £12 itsvintagedarlingco.uk

Ashley Thomas vintage-style cake stand. £25 from Debenhams

Parlane tealight holder. £12 Debenhams

Diamante vintage wreath tiara. £88. glitzysecrets.com

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good buys Good in bed. Double duvet. £60, pillowcases £25. Pied a Terre, House of Fraser

Never forget your anniversary!

Wedding date print £55. betsybenndesigns.co.uk

Cutesy cakestand £45. lauraleedesigns.co.uk

PERFECT PRESSIES FOR LOVED UP COUPLES. PUT THEM ON YOUR LIST!

GifTs

Tea for two?

Sagaform blossom gteapot. £24.95. cloudberryliving.co.uk

Sofa so good. Pretty applique cushion. £14. Next

De Longhi Icona espresso coffee maker in aubergine. £169. John Lewis

Who’s boss? Ben de Lisi mugs. £8 each. Debenhams

Scotty dog chalkboard. £25.

Laura Ashley

Vinyl heaven! Retro portable record player. £160. Urban Outfitters

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8-8-

Olympic Wedding Package An all-inclusive wedding with the elegance of a by-gone era Create a luxurious wedding day in the unique surroundings of our Olympic Suite with its decor from the sister ship to the Titanic.

This first class package includes exclusive use of the entire hotel and all bedrooms.

Two dinner, bed and breakfast stays prior to wedding date for wedding appointments Room hire of Olympic Suite, Castle Suite and Hardy’s Bistro Arrival drinks of Iceberg Titanic Cocktail with dry ice Canapés as served on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic Four-course RMS Titanic menu House wine throughout the meal with Champagne toast Still and sparkling water on tables White table linen and chair covers Luxury wedding stationery with wedding favours and candy bar

Pianist to accompany wedding breakfast Six floral centre pieces and one top table display Evening buffet for 120 guests and disco with DJ Three-tier wedding cake with use of cake stand & souvenir knife Exclusive use of venue and all bedrooms in hotel with 10 arriving night prior Bridal suite with Champagne, chocolates, slippers and robes First anniversary stay Dedicated wedding coordinator and Master of Ceremonies

Available throughout 2013 and 2014 for 80 daytime guests and 120 evening guests Call Charlotte on 01665 602109 and let us create your perfect day Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TD | www.classiclodges.co.uk | events.whiteswan@classiclodges.co.uk

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To the feast!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MENUS MEMORABLE? PAULINE HOLT TALKS TO TOP CHEF LEE CAMPBELL ABOUT BIG DAY DINING ove has always been on the menu for chef, Lee Campbell. As a young lad growing up in Aberdeen, he honed his passion for cooking by creating romantic dinners ‘a deux’ for his mum and dad.

“I used to cook for my parents once a month. My dad worked for the oil industry so he would be off shore quite a lot and when he came home, mum would say, ‘How about making us a nice meal?’”

As head chef of Alnwick’s famous White Swan Hotel, Lee is still doing the romantic dinners – just on a much grander scale. It’s no longer dinner ‘a deux’ – but often 120 for a sit-down wedding breakfast.

L

But then Lee’s heart has always been in the kitchen and it’s a job he seemed destined to do. His uncle owned the Strathburn Hotel in Inverurie and Lee loved to help plate up.

“I did home economics at school, one of only three boys in the class and when it came to exam time my menus were the most elaborate. My teachers would look at them and say, ‘You’re sure you want to do this?’ I suppose it was a bit Masterchef! But I never wanted to do anything else. At 15, I left school and went straight into kitchens.”

Since then, Lee has worked in some of Britain’s plushest hotels and restaurants, including the mighty Gleneagles and later, Lawn Restaurant in London’s Blackheath owned by fishmonger and chef, Tony Allan, of Tony and Giorgio fame.

It was while working in London that he came up to Newcastle for a weekend and met his wife, Steph, who he followed to live in the North East. They now have three children, Connor, ten; Toby, seven and Lexi, four.

In the last 12 years Lee has built up a reputation for his classic modern approach to food, culminating in

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yummy stuff

You should be able to get what you want. if they don’t want to do it, go somewhere else.

It shouldn’t be about the chef’s ego.” being crowned North East Chef of the Year by the North East Catering Association two years ago for his work at Newcastle’s late lamented Starters and Puds restaurant.

He joined the White Swan last year at an exciting time for the hotel. “What really draws people to the White Swan is our Olympic Dining Room whose interior was taken lock, stock and barrel from the RMS Olympic, the sister ship of the Titanic,” Lee says.

“It was the Titanic’s centenary in April and we had a whole weekend of celebrations. I spent a lot of time researching the First Class menu from the day and we cooked it for our guests. It included things like Consomme Olga, Poached Salmon in a Hollandaise Sauce and Waldorf Brulee. We also did a luxury afternoon tea for over a hundred people and a steerage feast for an evening buffet comprising a traditional Irish stew with Colcannon potatoes.”

When it comes to helping couples choose their wedding menus, Lee encourages them to think outside the box. “Don’t think you have to stick to the suggested wedding menus. Tell the chef what you want to eat. There might be something on the a la carte you’d like and if something can be cooked for one person, you should be able to do it for a hundred.

“We’ve a wedding in two weeks’ time and the couple said they wanted strawberries and cream but with a twist so my pastry chef came up with three different dishes and we’re doing a deconstructed trifle as a wacky alternative. You should be able to get what you want and if the hotel doesn’t want to do that, go somewhere else. It shouldn’t be about the chef’s ego.”

Having said that, Lee acknowledges that the most popular dishes for weddings are still soup for starter, a beef main course followed by apple pie or crumble.

“It’s comfort food that everyone likes and enjoys and couples know it will please the masses. It can be quite daunting thinking of who likes what and who doesn’t and you have to tread that fine line of making everyone happy.”

If you’re a vodka connoisseur however, the White Swan is definitely your place as Lee is something of an expert and he occasionally incorporates it into his cookery. For example he makes a mean vodka and tonic sorbet with just a hint of lemon that’s a perfect palate cleanser.

You could also try challenging Lee to a blind tasting.

“I can just about tell you what most flavours are and the difference between the various brands. Grey Goose is a particular favourite, although it is expensive, but you can drink it neat without any ill effects!”

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Smooch lowdown Photo: Russell Colman

HOW TO CHOOSE THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIRST DANCE? NEWCASTLE RADIO DJ, CHARLOTTE KROL, HAS SOME SOUND ADVICE...

Boogie Wonderland ate Middleton and Prince William danced to Ellie Goulding’s cover of ‘Your Song’. Kate Moss and Jamie Hince held each other to Roxy Music’s ‘There Is Something’ and Beyoncé and Jay-Z bumped bootiliciously to their collaborative work, ‘Crazy In Love.’

Not surprisingly, most couples know what their song is months in advance. ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar is the biggest request at present according to Helen Shieber, meeting and events sales co-ordinator, at De Vere Village Hotel, Newcastle. “We must have had it at least

K

six times in the last two months,” Helen tells me, “I’m not sure why it’s so popular!”

Perhaps it’s the relaxed tempo or vow-like lyrics: “I want to spend the rest of my life, with you by my side, forever and ever.’ Whatever the reason, the country group’s 1999 hit crops up time and again.

But it’s not always the obvious love songs that are blasted across wedding reception halls. Helen says one couple recently requested the Ghostbusters theme– simply because it was the groom’s favourite childhood film.

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Smooch lowdown Northumberland bride-to-be, Alli Jones and her fiancé, Nayfe Christopher, will be dancing to Des’ree’s ‘I’m Kissing You’ from the Romeo and Juliet movie soundtrack at their wedding on September 9.

“There’s a lyric in it: ‘Watching stars without you, my soul cries’, which really has some meaning for us. I met Nayfe at a family barbecue a couple of years ago where we found ourselves stargazing together. Our relationship started there really. Not long after that, he left for Afghanistan and it was quite nice to think we could still look at the same stars while we were apart.”

Alli and Nayfe aren’t just going to be swaying gently to Des’ree’s soulful voice at the reception, they’ve decided to go all ‘Strictly’. “We’re going to be doing a proper dance. Our friend John is a professional dance teacher and we’ve had a lesson with him. We wanted to do something that wouldn’t be boring to watch. It’s not too crazy, but there are some parts of the routine that look quite fancy!”

While Allison and Nayfe have their first dance all sussed out, the Village’s Helen reveals that’s not always the case. “We’ve had our DJ ask what the song is a few hours in advance and the couple still hasn’t chosen!”

Helen Simpson, a youth worker living in Newcastle, says her and her fiancé Luke Bramhall’s decision was actually one of the easier parts of the planning.

“We heard Michael Bublé’s ‘Everything’ at a cabaret show in Scotland and just knew that was what we wanted at our wedding.”

With the song chosen, you’d be forgiven for thinking the rest of their planning was already underway.

But the pair weren’t even engaged at that point!

“There’s actually a really interesting story about the proposal,” Helen says.

Helen won a makeover, personal shopper and an expensive meal in a newspaper’s Leap Year love competition. But there was a twist: “At the end of it, I had to propose to Luke on 29 February!

“We ended up at this really fancy restaurant in Manchester for the prize and, knowing what was going to happen that night, I requested ‘Everything’.

To my surprise, the newspaper got a professional

To help you decide, here’s our top ten tunes for LovedUp couples in the region.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

‘Amazed’ Lonestar ‘Greatest Day’ Take That ‘The Way You Are’ Bruno Mars ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole ‘Everything I Do’ Bryan Adams ‘You’re Still The One’ Shania Twain ‘Heaven (Candlelight mix)’ DJ Sammy ‘Chasing Cars’ Snow Patrol ‘I Will Always Love You’ Whitney Houston ‘Let’s Stay Together’ Al Green

Thank you to Grooveline; Alan Jones at Four Star Party and Events; Rachel Robson at Longhirst Hall, Morpeth; Helen Shieber at Village Hotel, Newcastle and Amanda Bestford at the George Washington Hotel, County Durham, for their help.

singer to perform at the restaurant and when the singer arrived on stage, Luke was like, ‘Oh my god, is that Michael Bublé!’ He was so distracted that he didn’t initially realise I was proposing or that it wasn’t Michael Buble. But thankfully, he said yes!”

After returning from a long trip away, Luke, offered Helen a ring. “He proposed to me back, so I guess we kind of proposed to each other.”

Helen’s bridesmaid is playing ‘Everything’ on a grand piano at their wedding at Longridge Towers School in Berwick next July. Like Helen and Luke and Alli and Nayfe – and many more couples in the North East and beyond – it seems as if the first dance is still one of the most significant moments of the big day. So get planning!

We heard Michael Bublé’s ‘Everything’ at a cabaret show in Scotland and just knew that was what we wanted at our wedding.

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we’re LOVED UP

REAL LIFE wedding NICK AND ROS GAY WERE MARRIED AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, SEGHILL, NORTHUMBERLAND

FIRST MET: Through our work. I’m a physio and Nick’s a policeman.

THE PROPOSAL: Following a romantic meal at the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth, Nick asked on the way home.

I made him get down on one knee before I said yes!

THE DRESS: Sincerity bridal dress in ivory from New Beginnings, Whitley Bay. BRIDESMAIDS: Nick’s nieces Hannah & Grace, Ros’s daughter Jessica and niece Danielle. Dresses Mori Lee, purple taffeta.

HE WORE: Top hat and tails, hired from Blades Formal Menswear, Berwick Hill, Ponteland.

THE CEREMONY: Holy Trinity Church, Seghill, service

by Father Philip Hughes.

THE RECEPTION: Longhirst Hall, Longhirst, Morpeth.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: The theme of the flowers were country garden and centred around the ‘ Rosalind’ David Austin Rose. The flower bonquets, posies, button holes and displays were from Hazy Daisy, Heaton Road.

The Ravenswood Singers performed throughout the church service.The performances were amazing and friends and family were moved to tears, many commenting on how wonderful the service had been.

Our border collie Zak, fresh from the grooming parlour with his bow tie in place joined us for the day.

HONEYMOON: Hotel Eriska on the Isle of Eriska. We stayed in the executive suite at the top of the hotel with amazing views across the Island. A relaxing setting and a true 5 star experience.

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Webb. Produced a fantastic range of photographs, posed and natural shots. He returned at the beginning of the evening celebrations and set up a selection of photographs taken during the day, on a slideshow, so the evening guests had the opportunity to experience the day’s events.

THE BEST BITS: The entire day was amazing.

Everything was perfect. We wouldn’t change a thing.

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Ding Dong Slaley Hall Wedding Package

COMPLETE WEDDING PACKAGE £4,999 • 70 da ti e guests • 120 e ening guests • 3 course edding reak ast • eas co ee and o e ade udge • Drinks package 2 • raditiona inger u et enu

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The Black Swan Hotel Do you dream of a romantic country wedding day? A picturesque, historic setting in the heart of a pretty market town, blended with understated elegance and timeless style? Whether you are looking for somewhere to tie the knot, or to celebrate your nuptials, there is always a sense of occasion at The Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley. The emphasis here is on quality, first class service, attention to detail and warm friendly Yorkshire hospitality.

Beyond the bustling atmosphere of Helmsley’s quaint marketplace, this historic coaching inn offers a choice of delightful reception rooms for your wedding day, each with their own distinct character, including our tranquil walled garden. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large exclusive-use house party celebration, you can be assured that we only host one wedding per day, so that you enjoy our undivided attention.

For more information or to request a wedding pack call us on 01439 770466 or email weddings@blackswan-helmsley.co.uk The Black Swan Hotel Market Place, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5BJ www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk | t: 01439 770466 | e: weddings@blackswan-helmsley.co.uk

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looking good

LEARN HOW TO LOOK YOUR GORGEOUS BEST ON YOUR BIG DAY WITH TIPS FROM OUR BEAUTY EXPERT KERRY LEWIS

Who’s that girl?

FIRST BASE A good make-up base depends first and foremost on good skincare, otherwise you are fire-fighting and concealing problem areas rather than enhancing healthy glowing skin. So: ■ Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet ■ Have a regular skincare routine that involves removing make-up fully before bed! Many people skip this stage...then wonder why their skin looks dull and lifeless.

■ Have regular facials, every month is ideal. If you can’t afford a salon, make sure you exfoliate and apply a deeply cleansing clay masque to draw out impurities,

suitable for dry, oily or mature skins. Max Factor Lasting Performance £9.99 offers a guaranteed eight hours of coverage.

DEFINE THOSE BROWS: High definition brows are very now. At approximately £30 a pop, this involves a series of steps to ensure brows are tinted, shaped, tweezed, waxed, threaded and stencilled into a perfect well-defined shape.

Maintaining brows to that level may not be an affordable option for everyone, so here are a few tips and options to help you decide what is most suitable for you.

Add a touch of gloss to the centre of your lips to bring focus to the fullest part of your pout - instant kissability sebum build up and dead skin.

■ Moisturise daily, using the correct type for your skin type but don’t over use as too much is as bad as none at all. A good quality moisturiser acts as a primer and a base for the foundation to “grip” onto. I recommend Natural Elements Organic moisturiser at £15.99 for 50ml, available from selected beauty salons.

Mineral make-up is ideal for those wanting a fresher, lighter coverage. Bobbi Brown Mineral make-up, £27.50, complete with SPF 15 provides UV protection and offers a light, sheer translucency which evens out skin tone. Mousse foundations are available as a light foam and offer a soft dewy coverage which can minimise the appearance of flaws. They are very light and easy to wear. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup is affordable at £12.99. Liquid foundations are often the most commonly worn foundations giving good even coverage, with different types

Firstly look at the colour of your brows. Do they stand out, can you even see them? If the answer is no then I strongly suggest a trip to your local salon to have them tinted! This is a very quick and affordable treatment lasting three to six weeks for between £6-£12. Tinting will immediately open up and capture the whole eye area making your eyes appear much bigger, with a large colour range on offer to suit everyone. Tweezing or plucking, is a slow and sometimes painful process which can be done at home or in the salon. If you don’t have a definite shape, then book a professional, which you can then maintain yourself with a pair of good quality tweezers.

Brow waxing lasts three to six weeks and costs about £10-£16.

What if you don’t have any eyebrows at all? There are brow powders on the market specifically designed to be applied directly to clean bare skin. The powders are

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looking good used with a brow stencil, are waterproof and last 24 hours. We use Christian Eyebrows and at £25 per colour they may not seem very cheap, but there is enough product to last a year when applied daily.

They are ideal for clients who may have lost brows through cancer treatment or who suffer from alopecia.

POUTY LIPS: Perfect your pout by using a lip liner just outside your own natural lip line and then filling in with your lipstick.

Adding a touch of lip gloss to the centre of your lips also adds focus to the fullest part of your pout. Lip plumpers, such as Urban Decay’s Big Fatty Lip Plumper, (£11), increase blood flow to the lips, making them appear fuller.

Bridal beauty Eyes Right: Looking for a non-crease, easy-to-apply stunning cream eye shadow? Tom Ford has it. Tom Ford cream color for eyes comes in four pure and luminous metallic shades and it lasts and lasts. It’s also a doddle to apply £28 Fenwick, Newcastle

EYES BRIGHT: To sparkle up eyes and make them appear brighter, use a white eyeliner pencil inside the lower lash line to help reflect light. Graduate eye shadow to achieve a smoky look using softer colours in the inner part of the eyelid and darker colours on the outer eyelid, sweeping the darkest colour around and under the lower lash line. Barry M have a selection of funky, sparkly colours in their Dazzle Dust range, £4.99. Use as the final coat on lids to add a fabulous shimmering look. Silver is especially good at reflecting light and making eyes shimmer.

BLUSHING BRIDES: Powder blusher is best applied with a very large soft brush and swept upwards from just under the cheek bone up into the temple. Crème blushers are fantastic for drier skins as they add a fresh dewy look, but apply small amounts to freshly applied foundation and blend carefully with fingertips. Highlighter swept across the top of the cheek bone adds a fresh light-reflecting effect ideal for special occasion make-up.

BIG UP THOSE LASHES: There are many mascaras available to lengthen or thicken your natural lashes, but if you still want more, then eyelash extensions may be for you! There is an eyelash product for every budget with semipermanent lashes the dearest, but lasting the longest.

These lashes are applied by a professionally trained technician. Treatments take between 1-1 1/2 hours to add a complete set, last four to eight weeks, and cost from approximately £30-£70. Temporary eyelashes are a much quicker salon option and cost between £10-£16. They last up to five days depending on client maintenance and mascara use.

Single-use strip lashes are also available in-salon. Ideal for bridal make-up, special occasion and photo-shoot work. If you’re DIY-ing apply the glue evenly right across the lash line but wait a minute before applying lashes.

Flawless finish: Clarins have come up with a lovely new loose powder. Skin Illusion foundation uses light-diffusing pigments to give a luminous complexion.

The packaging is great too – the powder jar comes with a high-quality built-in brush for easy application. £36 Get fresh: New to the Elemis Fresh Skin range is this intensive and hydrating Super Boost Moisturising Serum – a great choice for 20-something brides or as a gift for teen bridesmaids. £18 from elemis.com

Prime Time: Using a primer under your foundation will ensure a smooth finish and a longer-lasting look to take you through from dawn ‘til dusk. Estee Lauder’s Illuminating Perfecting Primer adds instant brightness and radiance and gives you an even, supple canvas. £21.50

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we’re loved up

REAL LIFE wedding GEORGE CHEUNG AND KIM BANISTER WERE MARRIED AT MATFEN HALL, NORTHUMBERLAND FIRST MET: In a house share in Newcastle eight years ago, Kim moved to the North East to start her first job since qualifying in Manchester. We became an item a year later after going away to Spain on holiday together.

THE PROPOSAL: After secretly asking Kim’s dad’s permission, I proposed on an evening walk near our new home in March 2011. After managing to say yes, Kim was speechless for the rest of the afternoon!

Later that day we drove to Carlisle to tell Grandma the good news in person.

THE DRESS: Vintage styled Augusta Jones Sterling dress from the Heart of Durham Bridal shop. The dress was skilfully customised with matching satin shoulder straps.

HE WORE: Myself, my brother Eric who was best man, groomsmen, pageboy and both dads wore grey morning suits with ivory waistcoats and grape coloured ties from Moss Bros. The whole crew looked very dapper.

BRIDESMAIDS: Kim’s sister, Steph, and best friend, Jo, wore floor-length wisteria coloured chiffon dresses with flower detailed sashes in satin. They wore matching vintage lace court shoes from Next. Ava, our flower girl, wore a simple but elegant cream and lace dress from Next. They all looked gorgeous.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: The whole day was held at Matfen Hall, in Northumberland. We chose the venue primarily because of the history and grandeur of the Great Hall, with its massive stained glass window and Jacobean staircase. It turned out to be a fantastic venue to house our exploits on the day, and in amongst all that summer rain, the sun came out just for us, which was fab!

PHOTOGRAPHER: Our friends, Nicky Rogerson (nrphotography.co.uk) and Kev Gibson, added that special touch to our day by being both relaxed and professional. We are delighted with the quality of the photographs that they produced for us and will cherish them forever.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: The focus of our whole day was on creating fun and entertainment for our guests, young and old. We achieved this through our choices of ceremony readings and bridal party speeches but also through different games and quizzes throughout the day. The things that stood out were Kim’s cousin singing her in and out of the Great Hall during the

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we’re loved up

ceremony, the collage we made of all our guests’ childhood photos, the tuck shop of retro sweets, as well as the Snaparazzi photo booth and guest book (snaparazziphotobooths.co.uk) which added something a little extra in the evening! To make the day more personal and informal, we were lucky to be able to source our florist, stationer, musician, make-up artist, dance teacher, hairdresser and photographers from our circle of friends and family, which created a far more relaxed feel in the build up to the wedding and on the day.

HONEYMOON: A fabulous week island-hopping and exploring the walled city of Dubrovnik, in Croatia.

We travelled between three destinations and stayed in some lovely luxury hotels. We did lots of walking and sea swimming and enjoyed the sunshine in temperatures of 36 degrees!

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boy zone

SPEECH! NERVOUS? TAKE A FEW TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN THERE…STEWART COWLEY ON HOW TO GIVE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR LIFE...NO PRESSURE! t was the 18th of July 1987 in Edinburgh. It rained. Boy did it rain. It rained that kind of Scottish rain that not only appears to contain water but also a grim resolution to wash away any last shreds of enjoyment from your life. But it didn’t. It couldn’t, because this was our wedding day.

In a strange round about way the rain actually magnified the intensity of the occasion because now everybody was confined inside the marquee, tastefully decorated with the blue and pink ribbon work that we had specifically rejected. There would be no languid strolling through the grounds of my parents-in-law’s house with a glass of Prosecco dangling at a dangerous angle from the wrists of our guests. Oh no.

We were now confined under a canvas that required everyone to raise their voices to screeching pitch to drown out the drum beat of the rain.

A series of slightly bored 11-year-olds had employed themselves as impromptu waiters and were filling up guests’ wine glasses, mostly when the recipient wasn’t actually looking. By the time it came to the speeches, the room resembled a Wild West Saloon on a Saturday night. Except this was Edinburgh at 2pm in the afternoon. The Sherriff of Kilmarnock had already been found asleep on a bench in the rain.

The scene was nicely set up for a series of disastrous, alcohol-fuelled wedding speeches which might have seen my father-in-law pressed into service the next day. (He was one of Scotland’s leading divorce lawyers). But thankfully, that wasn’t necessary.

Through the blur of slightly too much Sauvignon Blanc, all people remember of that day is a mixture of laughter and lots of tears. Indeed people still talk about it to us 25 years on.

The funny thing about the groom’s speech is that it isn’t actually about the groom. It’s about the organisers, the best man, your new extended

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family and most of all, your new wife. Proposing a toast to each one of these is a must – it also eats up time and shows you are thinking about others and their contribution.

The crucial area is your new wife. Danger lurks here.

“How we first met”, “How beautiful she looks”, “How unworthy I am” are all bound to get people’s attention.

But most of all, expect to show your emotions about her. If you’re using humour in your speech, it will work as a nice counterpoint, giving that emotional contrast people will remember.

One of the most difficult challenges is conquering your nerves. Fortunately, I am a grotesque show off and will grab a microphone whenever the occasion presents itself.

But for many, speaking in public is the last thing they want to do. To give you some confidence, here are a few tips to help you on your big day. Good Luck!

• Unless you actually are a stand-up comedian, you don’t have to be a stand-up comedian – leave that to the best man.

• Practise the framework of your speech so that you’re confident of your material – if you fail to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.

• If you want to have it written out in full, that’s ok but cards with rough headings on them should be enough if you have practised.

• It doesn’t have to be wholly original – there are some great examples of really good groom speeches on YouTube - steal what you like and leave out what doesn’t fit.

• If it feels risky it probably is – leave it out. If you make an off-colour joke about your new wife’s sleeping habits, nobody will remember anything else you say • Above all, what people want to see is your emotional commitment to your new bride. After all, it’s all about the love stuff.

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BIG DAY DAZZLE

SUIT’S YOU SIR? FOLLOW OUR GUIDE TO GOOD GROOMING AND YOU WON’T GO FAR WRONG...

Batsman Alistair Cook models Austin Reed’s ‘Q’ club hire range. From£90 £95

Mayfair 3 piece chalk stripe suit £1,000; Sky Oxford shirt £100; bow tie £65. All Hackett, London

Double breasted peak lapel DJ £320; Burgundy peak lapel velvet jacket £400 with burgundy velvet waistcoat £200.

Black silk bow ties £40. All Hackett, London

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boy zone

HONEYMOON HOT

JETTING OFF ON YOUR JOLLIES? DON’T FORGET THOSE BOARD SHORTS!

Into the blue: Cobalt cotton blazer £499 Kenzo at House of Fraser

Be pool perfect in these varsity swimmers £50 Crew Clothing Hawaiian print tee. £135, Paul Smith Jeans; Rayban Wayfarers. £123, House of Fraser

(left to right) Face savers - Kiehl’s facial fuel cleanser for men £17; Clarins; Save the Males moisturiser by Origins £27. All John Lewis

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boy zone Unloseable stand-out tartan holdall £260 Hackett, London Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette from £45 for 50ml

BAG? CHECK✔ BOOTS? CHECK✔ BEER MONEY? CHECK✔ SORTED

STAG DO STYLE

Linea waxed fisherman’s jacket £150; blue chambray shirt; navy cotton Levi trousers. Wolsey bag £199. All House of Fraser

Designer staple: Paul Smith stripy scarf £90

Cluedo boot from Bertie at the Chelsea Cobbler £115

Keep your spendy safe in this Union Jack wallet by Hackett, London £130

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we’re loved up

REAL LIFE wedding LAURA AND ANTHONY WATSON WERE MARRIED AT ST ALBAN’S CHURCH IN EARSDON, NORTH TYNESIDE FIRST MET: In 2007 I had a horse on Anthony’s parents’ farm. My bale of straw was delivered to the wrong stable so Ant offered to help me move it.

From then on he would come and chat to me each night after work and eventually He built up the courage to ask me on a date.

THE PROPOSAL: On the morning of my birthday in 2010. Very laid back and understated just like Ant. THE DRESS: A pretty, traditional ivory gown by Paloma Blanca from Darcy in Morpeth.

HE WORE: The groom and groomsmen wore grey tails and champagne cravats.

BRIDESMAIDS: My bridesmaids were my best friend, Rachel, and my sister-in-law, Ellouise. They wore long, champagne dresses which were handmade.

Our flower girls were our two nieces Daisy and Heidi who wore ivory vintage lace dresses.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: A religious service at our local church, St Alban’s, Earsdon by Father Andrew France.

We wanted a pretty informal venue for our reception and because of the farming connection, High House Farm in Matfen seemed the perfect choice. The restored traditional farm buildings &

rolling hills seemed a perfect backdrop for our day.

PHOTOGRAPHER: We chose Phil Nunez (0191 2701226/07825 367431 www.philnunez.com) after a recommendation. We don’t feel particularly comfortable around the camera but his photojournalistic approach helped us feel at ease and half the time we didn’t even realise he was there. We especially enjoyed his humour and ability to get on so well with our family and friends.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: We handmade our own invitations and finishing touches such as place settings and table plan and had our own label printed for our beer ‘the thirsty farmer’ and gave handmade chocolates to the ladies. The wedding had a vintage style which was reflected in the decoration of the marquee and flowers.

GIFTS: We bought our dads whisky, our mums flowers, bridesmaids jewellery and a special friend, Jo, a pair of shoes for all of her help with all things creative.

HONEYMOON: Sorrento in Italy with our son, Max. We had an amazing time. Sorrento and the surrounding area was beautiful, the people were lovely, the food was fantastic and the sun was shining.

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Wedding day dilemmas

The Kids Are All Right?

IT’S ONE OF THE MOST ARGUED OVER OF ALL WEDDING DAY DILEMMAS, WHETHER TO INVITE CHILDREN TO YOUR BIG DAY OR NOT…

hen Rochelle Wiseman of girl group The Saturdays and JLS star Marvin Humes mailed out their wedding invitations earlier this year, they issued a controversial no-kid policy.

More and more couples seem to be determined that their day will not be intruded on by uncontrollable guests and are telling parents their events are ‘adults only’.

Yet it’s a stance that can threaten friendships. When mum-of-two Jodie Brown opened an invitation to the wedding of one of her husband’s best friends, she was horrified to read the postscript on the bottom, ‘no ankle biters please’.

“I thought it was awful,” says Jodie, from Gateshead, whose boys were seven and four at the time. “In fact I was so upset, I decided to stay at home with the kids and let my husband go on his own.”

Jodie’s not the only one to be on the receiving end of a couple’s no children policy. Anna (not her real name) says: “When our youngest child was just eight weeks old, our best man got married and the invite stipulated there were to be no children.

“We didn’t mind getting a babysitter for our four-yearold and our two-year-old, but an eight-week-old baby, particularly one who’s breast fed, has to be with its mum.

“My husband approached the best man, asking if we could bring her and explaining she would take no space or cost money as she was very tiny and consumed only milk, but he turned us down flat. My husband went to the wedding on his own and we

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haven’t seen the couple in question since. As far as we’re concerned, if they can’t accept our kids, we’re not that keen to meet up with them.”

Yet, is it always wrong for people to bar children from their wedding celebrations? Couples are often older now and may be paying for their own wedding and have a very clear idea of the kind of day they want.

Mandy Stephenson says there are two reasons she and partner, Mike, have decided on a ‘ban’. “One is the size of the venue, but the other is that I don’t want badly-behaved kiddies running up and down the aisle while we’re taking our vows, nor do I want any screaming babies in the background. I also don’t want any kiddies running riot and getting bored during the evening reception and you always get one set of parents who let their kids run wild and don’t take any responsibility for them. I want a day where the only tantrums are my own!”

Others however, feel their wedding day just wouldn’t be complete without a few ‘ankle biters’, including celebs, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, who had a whole crowd of them at their big day.

As one groom says: “Speaking as one who is often reminded that he once crawled through the vicar’s legs, kids make the do. Those who ban them are missing out and missing the point.”

Whatever you decide, here are some useful tips to keep in mind.

■ Be consistent with your invitations. Parents may be upset if their children are banned and those of others aren’t.

■ Explain your reasons in your invitations and don’t be offended if guests can’t attend as a result.

■ If children are coming, consider how to keep them entertained. A magician, Punch and Judy show or professional nanny service may give their parents some relaxation during the speeches for example. There are also some nice wedding colouring books available online.

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flirty frocks

Lillie frilled bridesmaid dress ÂŁ197

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flirty frocks

MAID OF HONOUR STYLIST TO THE STARS KATE FEARNLEY SHARES HER BRIDAL SECRETS WITH PAULINE HOLT

ate Fearnley (pictured) has dressed some of the biggest names on the celebrity circuit including singing sensations Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke and The Saturdays.

Now the successful Middlesbrough boutique owner has designs on Britain’s brides and their maids.

It’s ten years since Kate opened her shop in the town’s Linthorpe Road. She had loved dress design from an early age.

“My aunt, Liz, was an amazingly creative designer,” says Kate, who grew up in Newton-under-Roseberry, North Yorkshire. “I spent my childhood watching her work, and never wanted to be anything else. I lost her when I was 15, which inspired me even more.”

After attending Stokesley School, she went to the University of Northumbria to study Fashion Design before joining a local company specialising in club wear. When it went into liquidation, Kate seized her chance and bought all the machines and equipment to start up her own label, with the help of the Prince’s Trust. She took over the shop from her father who had it as a record store. It had previously been her grandfather’s who was a photographer, so has been in the family for three generations.

So what inspired her venture into bridal couture? Says Kate: “I have always done wedding dresses for friends and relations. When we launched our hugely successful bridesmaid dress collection we kept getting

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Katya ‘off-theshoulder number’ £180

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flirty frocks

Esme crepe and satin frock £175

Colette lace overlay dress £165

Orchid ruched dress £200

I have always done wedding dresses for friends and relations. when we launched our bridesmaid collection, we kept getting enquiries for bridal. it went from there

enquiries for bridal, and it went from there really.”

Kate takes her inspiration from the Hollywood icons of the 1950s. “ Audrey Hepburn is my absolute ultimate style icon,” she says.

She also idolises the late fashion designer, Alexander McQueen. “His death was such a massive loss for the fashion industry,” she says. “What that man did with tailoring and fabric combinations was absolutely amazing.”

She describes her tenth anniversary in the business as “a huge milestone.”

Kate opened a concession in Middlesbrough’s Psyche store earlier this year, turning the Linthorpe Road boutique into appointments only.

“Making all the off-the-peg items available down the road, meant that I was able to concentrate on the bespoke side of the business which has been growing hugely recently,” Kate says, adding, “I’d like to see more concessions like the Psyche one springing up around the country – it’s great to see the brand represented in that way. I’d also like to see Kate Fearnley grow into other countries.”

She is currently looking into taking the Fearnley label Down Under next – after all, Teesside steelmakers built their best known bridge, so persuading them to buy our fashion should be a piece of cake. “It would be fabulous to see my designs on the other side of the world!”

Kate admits.

And finally she says she’d love to do some costume design for high drama musicians. “Someone like Kylie would be fabulous to work with so I could really release my inner creative. And I’d absolutely love to dress either of the Middleton sisters – who wouldn’t?”

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heady days

SPARKLE & SHINE CHANNEL YOUR INNER GODDESS WITH A HEAVENLY HEAD DRESS. TIARA BOOM DE AY! Inspired by nature.

Garland of Eden tiara. £98. glitzysecrets.com Beautiful bird of paradise head band. £160. Crystalbridalaccessories.co.uk

Gorgeous Athena flower tiara. £165. Ayedo.co.uk

Above: Ooh la la! Libertine tiara. £139.

Giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk

Make like you’re in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Hermia tiara. £205. Ayedo.co.uk

The Ultimate Wedding Venue rom the moment o step into amside all ntil o r magical da o r professional edding co ordinators are there to g ide o We have an ama ing ven e catering for g ests choice of ea tif l f nction rooms gorgeo s gardens l r edrooms fantastic food ne ines and s per service We are the perfect rham ven e icensed for civil marriages

partnership ceremonies

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Wedding Showcases 2012/13

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love stories

Brides Up North is one of the top bridal blogs in the UK and the only wedding blog especially for brides in the North of the UK. Visit www.bridesupnorth.co.uk for a double daily dose of real and celebrity weddings, bridal fashion features, supplier showcases, giveaways, discounts and more!

totally engaging adore featuring my readers’ engagement shoots on Brides Up North as each one is a lovely little love story. As well as capturing a perfect moment in time, an engagement shoot is the chance to work with and get to know your photographer in advance of your wedding – and can work wonders for pre wedding nerves and help to calm the camera shy. This issue, I share some of my favourite shoots to date: four very different locations and four very loved up couples!

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ASHLEY & PAUL Ashley & Paul are saying “I do!” in December 2012 at Bedern Hall in York, after meeting in their home town of Scarborough three years ago. Ashley says “We chose to have an engagement shoot so we could look back and see how happy we are!”.

Although Paul admits that he found the shoot a little embarrassing at first, he soon got into the swing of things: “It’s lovely to have some professional pictures taken and they tell the story of our relationship before we become a married couple.”

Image by Sarah Mason Photography www.sarahmasonphotography.co.uk

AMY & GRANT

Image by Joe Dodsworth Photography www.joedodsworth.co.uk

Amy & Grant met as members of a theatre company performing Romeo & Juliet. The romantic couple were married in June 2012 but before they tied the knot, they celebrated with an enchanted themed engagement shoot in the woods. Amy says “It felt really intimate, even though Sarah was taking our picture! The setting, with all the gorgeous props and flowers, was incredible and we felt so lucky to be a part of it!

The experience definitely made us feel more relaxed about the day. We used some of the images around the venue and as part of the Order of the Day.”

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love stories INDIA & LEE Bride to be India is a professional photographer and decided to put her skills to use to create a DIY engagement shoot for her and fiancé Lee. India says “We decided to do this DIY shoot as after telling all of our family, and changing our Facebook status it felt like a natural progression!” She explains “We used a tripod with a self-timer and also the shutter release and played around. Luckily we’re both photographers so it wasn’t really a problem shooting it, and the results represent us so well. Our work is a fundamental part of our relationship so it makes total sense.”

Image by India Hobson Photography - www.indiahobsonweddings.co.uk

Images by Richard Wynn Davies Photography www.richardwynndavies.co.uk

STEPHANIE & LIAM Stephanie and Liam got engaged at the top of a hill in the Lake District and decided to return there in advance of their Lake Garda wedding this Summer.

Stephanie says: At one point, half way up the hill, cold, wet and tired with sore feet, I shouted at him - “If you don’t have a box with a diamond ring in it by the time we get to the top of here we’re finished!”- little did I know that he did!” Returning to the scene of the crime seemed like the perfect idea for their engagement shoot.

Join Brides Up North for their Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition at Ramside Hall Hotel on Sunday 9th September 2012, 12pm – 4pm. The event is FREE ENTRY, with two professional fashion shows and with over 80 exhibitors is the largest free event in the North East. Visit www.bridesupnorth.co.uk to pre-register as a VIP Bride To Be.

Email contact@bridesupnorth.co.uk to share your Real Wedding or Engagement shoot with Brides Up North.

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different strokes Sandra taking Dave and Michelle through their vows

NOT ALL COUPLES WANT A CHURCH WEDDING, BUT DO YOU KNOW YOUR ‘CIVIL’ RIGHTS?

Civil liberties ave and Michelle Johnson so loved the idea of getting married that they decided to do it twice - once in South Africa and again in North East England.

It used to be the case that if you weren’t religious and chose a civil wedding, your only option was a nondescript register office in some characterless corporate building.

Thankfully these days there’s a lot more choice with many hotels licensed for civil weddings. Or you can go for quirkier architectural options. The Baltic Art Gallery on Newcastle’s Quayside and the city’s Discovery Museum are two recently licensed venues and the Theatre Royal is hoping to gain its licence soon.

Dave and Michelle chose to tie the knot legally on safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

“It was just the two of us but had we just left it like that our families would have been very disappointed that they’d missed us getting married. So we decided to have a wedding celebration ceremony at Jesmond Dene House but with an Independent Celebrant so the whole feel of the day was a normal wedding. “

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Their celebrant was Sandra Guy. Sandra says: People choose to have a ceremony performed by an Independent Celebrant for all kinds of reasons, for example they may have been legally married abroad, like Dave and Michelle. Then there are Renewal of Vows ceremonies, where people choose to celebrate “milestone” anniversaries, such as seven, ten or 25 years.

“One ceremony linked a 25th wedding anniversary with the lady’s 50th birthday and was held the day before New Year’s Eve so there was lots to celebrate”.

Others may want to hold their ceremony at a venue which is not officially registered to host a wedding ceremony or civil partnership, or they may want to have a ceremony in the evening, on bank holidays or at weekends. That’s where Sandra steps in.

She says: “None of the ceremonies I perform has any legal standing. So couples may wish to do the legal side of things at the Registrar’s offices, say through the week, and have their ceremony at a different time, perhaps when more family and friends can attend.

“The main reason for choosing a ceremony performed by an Independent Celebrant though is because they

two minutes before the ceremony began the groom appeared wearing T-shirt and baggy shorts, complete with his surf board!

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different strokes A civil wedding is a legally approved marriage ceremony that contains no religious aspects.

A civil ceremony is conducted by the superintendent registrar or deputy and can take place in a register office or a licensed venue after 8am and before 6pm, subject to staffing. You must give notice of your marriage at your local register office at least 15 days before the wedding. You will also need to bring at least two other people to the ceremony who are prepared to witness the marriage and sign the marriage register. A civil ceremony still contains certain statutory words and vows which must be said to make your marriage legal. visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Registeringlifeevents Independent celebrant Sandra Guy can be contacted through www.civilceremoniesnortheast.co.uk/07546 082606 want to have a very personalised, individual and memorable ceremony, tailored to meet their needs.”

Couples who wish to be married or have a civil partnership must complete the formal, legal side of things through the Registrar’s offices first.

Sandra has officiated at some fairly quirky weddings.

“The quirkiest was a commitment ceremony for a young couple a few years ago at Crusoe’s on the beach at Tynemouth. They both loved surfing.

The lady arrived in good time, beautifully dressed, full-length lace dress, fantastic hair and make-up.

A friend of the couple, who was safeguarding the rings and supporting

the man, pointed out a speck in the distance, out at sea – it was the ‘other half’ of the commitment and he arrived in the nick of time, about two minutes before the ceremony was due to start wearing surfer T-shirt and baggy shorts, complete with the ultimate accessory – his surf-board!

“The ceremony was great fun, lighthearted but serious and the couple were clearly very much besotted with each other.

“One of the most moving ceremonies was a renewal of vows for a couple, one of whom had suffered a life-threatening illness. Needless to say, there were a few tears. I always carry tissues! But on a serious note, it was a very memorable, moving and special event.”

Hardwick Hall Hotel, once a former country seat of the squires of Sedgefield is one of the North East’s most beautiful venues. Set in 120 acres of parkland and surrounded by the Hardwick Country Park and stunning views of the recently restored Lake, the hotel offers a magnificent setting for your special day.

The hotel has several function suites to suit all your requirements, from the beautiful Coleman Suite and its Austrian Strauss Crystal Chandeliers to the more intimate Boyne Suite with the ornately oil painted ceiling. There’s also our newly refurbished John Burdon Suite for that contemporary edge.

All in all Hardwick Hall Hotel is the perfect venue.

THE COMPLETE EXHIBITION

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 11.00AM UNTIL 4.00PM

WEDDING OPEN DAY

SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER 11.00AM UNTIL 4.00PM

HARDWICK HALL HOTEL

SEDGEFIELD, CO. DURHAM, TS21 2EH E-MAIL: EVENTS@HARDWICKHALLHOTEL.CO.UK TEL: +44 (0)1740 620253 WEB: WWW.HARDWICKHALLHOTEL.CO.UK

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we’re loved up

REAL LIFE wedding CHRIS OGLE AND EMMA COCHRANE WERE MARRIED AT NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE FIRST MET: Chris and I first met on a night out in Jesmond, we were introduced by mutual friends and hit it off straight away. Chris took me for a Chinese banquet for our first date, and soon after we went to Paris to celebrate my birthday. What a romantic!

THE PROPOSAL: Chris and I were in Egypt on holiday and planned to go tandem parasailing one afternoon.

We were first on the boat to get strapped in side by side and once we were up in the air, Chris proposed to me, producing a trilogy square cut diamond ring which was attached to the drawstring of his swimming shorts!

I couldn’t believe it, I had no idea that it was going to happen. I was just screaming, everyone in the boat thought it was because of the parasailing, until I got back down and told them.

THE DRESS: An ivory crushed silk dress with an encrusted bodice and full skirt and beautiful clusters of sparkle and buttons at the back.

HE WORE: Grey tails with a baby pink cravat to reflect the colours of the flowers.

BRIDESMAIDS: My best friend Danielle was my only adult bridesmaid and she wore a taffeta turquoise fitted dress. I had three little flowergirls who all wore baby pink princess dresses.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Our ceremony and reception was at Newcastle Racecourse. We had a

fantastic day, feeling very exclusive as the racecourse only had our event on that day. Even though there was some rain, our guests could still stand outside on the Victorian Grandstand for shelter. We chose the Racecourse because Chris and I have fond memories of it. It also happened to be where my mum and dad had their wedding reception 40 years ago! The food and staff were brilliant - they couldn’t have done more to make the day special.

PHOTOGRAPHER: I booked Nicky Rogerson after meeting her at a wedding fair Her albums were beautiful, combined with skillful photos and charismatic personality. Nicky and her partner, Kevin, took some fantastic shots before, during and after the ceremony.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: Grooveline - a seven piece band got everyone up dancing. We had Mark Deeks play piano throughout the wedding breakfast which really entertained the guests, as he played mine and Chris’s favourite songs. Chris’s dad plays in the Newcastle Pipe Band, so we had three pipers pipe us out at the end of the ceremony, then the full band came back at night to do a set. Chris’s dad played too!

HONEYMOON: We went to Thailand where we had a fun filled, shopping heavy four nights in Bangkok, before flying to a spa resort in Phuket and enjoyed massages, champagne lunches and our own pool.

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making memories Nicky Rogerson | 07710 799 603 nicky@nrweddingphotography.co.uk | www.nrweddingphotography.co.uk

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winter warmers

COME INSIDE SIX STUNNING WINTER WEDDING VENUES… LOG FIRES A MUST!

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hat’s not to to like about a winter wedding? You can cosy up in a castle, lounge by a log fire or tarry in a treehouse. Here’s our snow nonsense guide to the best chill-out zones this season.

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winter warmers NEWTON HALL, NEWTON BY THE SEA, NORTHUMBERLAND At the heart of Northumberland’s spectacular coastal country is this hip longweekend or week-long wedding destination specialising in weddings of the less ordinary kind.

Bracing walks along the fabulous beaches here with majestic Dunstanburgh Castle on its doorstep, followed by mulled wine by the warmth of a roaring log fire would make for a wonderful winter wedding.

Vintage-vibe and themed weddings are a speciality and it’s a child-friendly venue that caters for babes in arms to tempestuous teens.

For more information visit www.newton-hall.com or tel 01665 576 239 or email info@newton-hall.com

LANGLEY CASTLE, HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND Imagine being king and queen for the day in this fourteenth century castle?

There’ve been logs burning in the majestic fireplaces here since Edward III was on the throne and the castle’s seven foot thick walls certainly keep out the cold. The magnificent drawing room is the ideal place to relax and unwind in front of a blazing log fire. Who knows, you may also be lucky enough to see some snow! Set in ten acres of woodland, Langley provides a cosy refuge for couples looking back to a bygone age. It is licensed for civil marriages and currently has a ‘winter castle weddings on a whim’ package starting at £1,249 for 20 guests.

For more information visit www.newton-hall.com or tel 01665 576 239 or email info@newton-hall.com

CRAB MANOR, ASENBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE The Crab & Lobster Restaurant and Crab Manor Hotel in North Yorkshire is as cosy as it is quirky and would make a wacky winter wedding destination. The hotel and restaurant can cater for a variety of different sized wedding parties, both large and small. Each of the luxury rooms in the adjoining 18th Century Georgian Manor provide uniquely themed accommodation and have their own hot tubs to warm up in when the

weather is cold. Imagine you’re sunning yourself in the Seychelles by booking the Bird Island room or sweltering in Singapore in The Raffles suite.

For more information visit www.crabandlobster.co.uk

ESHOTT HALL, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND This boutique hotel can be booked exclusively for your wedding so you are lord and lady of the manor for the day. How about holding your civil ceremony or civil partnership in front of the warming fire in the Drawing Room or Library.

Or larger gatherings can watch you make your vows on the sweeping staircase, beneath the stunning original stained glass window. There are red squirrels in the grounds – surely a lucky charm at any wedding.

For more information visit www.eshotthall.co.uk or tel 01670 787454

THE TREEHOUSE, ALNWICK CASTLE The Treehouse is a magical setting for a fairytale wedding and in winter the structure high in the woodland canopy really comes into its own with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights and a crackling fire.

It’s a fabulous backdrop for smaller civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies for up to 30 guests with a warm, intimate atmosphere. But larger wedding parties can still have their receptions here (it seats up to 85 guests) and The Pavilion Room is licensed for ceremonies up to 150.

For more information visit www.alnwickgarden.com/ wedding-venue/weddings or tel 01665 511080

JESMOND DENE HOUSE, NEWCASTLE With grand or intimate rooms in which to marry and celebrate - from the hideaway Apartment Suite with its roof terrace to the Great Hall with its magnificent panelling - Jesmond Dene House is tucked away in a secluded suburb of Newcastle, yet close enough to the city to provide good transport links for your guests. With 40 bedrooms, there’s also plenty of space for you and your guests to stay.

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Travel

MORE AND MORE COUPLES ARE CHOOSING TO MARRY ABROAD. TOM HEDLEY AND KAREN CARR PAID HOMAGE TO CATALONIA

VIVA ESPANA! hen Tom Hedley and Karen Carr decided too, in deep Mediterranean blue. to tie the knot, Spain seemed like a natural The reception was hosted by the couple’s friend and choice for their ceremony. owner of the restaurant, Floris, who gave them free The couple own their own home rein to transform the terrace or ‘casa’ in the Catalonian resort overlooking the blue of Playa Mont-Roig, on the Mediterranean into a fairytale Costa Dorada and it’s a place setting, bedecked with to which they love to escape. hundreds of hearts and Karen’s Tom, who is joint MD of favourite blooms, red poppies Tyneside creative agency and deep blue cornflowers.

Hedley McEwan, says: “Our The senoras and senoritas of ceremony took place on the the party all received their own beach terrace of our favourite personalised Spanish latticerestaurant in the world, the work fans, each with their perfectly named ‘Friends names hand scripted onto them.

Restaurant’, which is only about For his part, Floris, who is 500 metres from our casa.

Dutch, flew in his best friend, “About 35 of our dearest friends Arne, head chef of a Michelinand family had made the trip starred restaurant in Holland out for the week last to create a sumptuous September, all renting wedding feast. properties nearby and turning And to say thank you to Floris our wedding into a real ‘Fiesta’.” for his kindness, talented Tom Tom and Karen had a humanist had created a painting of the service and their minister restaurant which he presented encouraged them to write their to him on the day and which own, personal vows. “Set now sits proudly above the against the backdrop of lapping bar. Each guest also received waves just a few feet away a framed canvas print of the and with the late evening sun painting, which was used on turning the sand to gold and the wedding invitations, so the sea to a crystalline blue, they could remember the day it could not have been more forever. After the wedding, the perfect,” says Tom. Indeed couple spent a week relaxing (top)Tom and Karen and family. (above): the Costa Dorada translates at their casa.

Tom’s painting of Friends Restaurant as the ‘golden coast’.

“Our house is in what we believe Karen, marketing manager at to be the most beautiful spot Gateshead’s Metrocentre, designed her own Spanish in the world, so where better to spend a week relaxing flamenco style dress which was cream with lots of after all of our friends had left for home, than on ‘our’ ruffles and lace and lots of sparkle. Her nieces, beach with a very large glass of Rioja, staring out to Emma and Danielle were bridesmaids, along with sea and remembering the best time of our lives” her nephew David and Karen designed their outfits says Tom.

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Travel

THE EVENING SUN TURNED THE SAND TO GOLD AND THE SEA TO A CRYSTALLINE BLUE...PERFECT!

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Travel

it’s the exceptional panoramic views over the surrounding city and Spanish countryside that make the Parador de Cardona unforgettable

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Travel

REIGN IN SPAIN SO YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN SPANISH CASA? THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T HAVE A FABULOUS SPANISH WEDDING. THIS IS THE PARADOR OF CARDONA, ONE OF SPAIN’S FAIRYTALE CASTLES ituated within a ninth century medieval castle, with the luxury and comfort of modern amenities Cardona exudes extravagance and romance. including a magnificent iron four poster bed; hydro Together with the chapel of San Ramón and massage bath; and south and east facing windows the castle’s greatest treasure, the collegiate church of overlooking the Catalonian countryside.

San Vincente, couples can embark on their newlywed Managing a unique range of properties across journey in the most romantic of ceremonial venues. mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, Paradores de Situated within the Turismo has a substantial Parador’s complex, the range of properties that Catalonia provides flexibility when it comes to 11th century church of San are ideal for wedding choosing your wedding day thanks to its Vincente is characterised ceremonies and benign climate, with many warm sunny days by iconic Romanesque receptions including throughout the year and a low average rainfall.

Catalan architecture - a Parador de Benavente, Spring and autumn are seasons of colour and legacy which is amongst Salamanca and La contrast, with moderate temperatures (13-17ºC), the richest and most Mancha. Though specific and temperatures in summer are a pleasant striking in Europe.

Paradores are equipped 25ºC, although they can rise to above 30ºC. With 49 bedrooms and a with their own unique However, it’s not recommended that you hold reception room catering chapel facilities, not all your wedding during peak season in July or for up to 60 guests, the offer on-site ceremonies, August due to the heat and holiday crowds. parador’s facilities offer but in most cases there In Spain, both civil and religious weddings are couples the choice of will always be churches legally recognised. However, civil ceremonies opting for a lavish available nearby. require a minimum period of residency in Spain wedding ceremony and Paradores de Turismo is of two years. For this reason, it is much easier reception, within a unique a state owned company to legally marry at a Registry Office in your and intimate setting. which manages more home country beforehand and then celebrate Features such as the than 93 highly individual with a symbolic or blessing wedding ceremony ducal courtyard and large properties across Spain in Spain. This option is very popular even hall with detailed pointed and the Canaries. Its among Spaniards who hold the legal civil arches add to the quaint objective is to restore and ceremony at a non-glamorous City Hall on a feel; yet it is the preserve Spain’s cultural different day with their ‘real’ wedding day exceptional panoramic landmarks. Next year sees taking place in a beautiful venue where both views over the the launch of a Parador in the symbolic ceremony and the banquet will surrounding city and Cadiz, with a property on be held. (legal information courtesy of Spanish countryside that Ibiza also in progress. www.marryabroad.co.uk) make the Parador de Cardona unforgettable.

For more information Newlyweds can choose visit: www.parador.es from three unique rooms which offer guests an extra The British booking agent is Keytel. taste of luxury; the Montserrat, Sant Ramón, and the Tel: 020 7953 3020 Email: info@keytel.co.uk.

Cardona Room, all of which combine medieval charm Web: www.keytel.co.uk

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we love

LOVED UP loves

Snaparazzi Having a retro photobooth at your wedding celebrations is great fun. It’s delivered to your venue along with a whole trunk full of fancy dress items and funky props, (like the heart-shaped chalk board pictured above), so you and your guests can get some really quirky pictures from your day. But the real treat is the amazing guest book you get at the end of the night. The Snaparazzi guest book contains all the pictures taken at your party and comments and messages from your guests to accompany their photo strips.

Your book will be something to treasure for the rest of your life and you’re certain to flick through it time and time again.

• For details and prices visit www.snaparazziphotobooths.co.uk

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KATIE LEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

www.katieleeweddingphotography.com ~ mail@katieleeweddingphotography.com ~ tel: 07740683066

The UK’s leading PHOTOBOOTH hire

Do you want the latest idea for your wedding that is great fun, gets your guests mixing and gives them a bridal photo-favour to take away?

Then hire a vintage PHOTOBOOTH from SNAPARAZZI! Imagine the impact as friends and family compete to pose for the funniest photo or as people who haven’t been together for a long time exchange souvenirs of the moment.

Guests take away copies of their photos that are printed instantly, and you are given a fabulous guest book compiled on the night by Snaparazzi and signed by guests as a great memento of your celebration.

www.snaparazziphotobooths.co.uk E: ross@snaparazziphotobooths.co.uk Tel: 07738900096

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bliss out

Wedding fairs & open days 2012-13 THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER Strictly Weddings at The Arc Stockton Arts Centre, 60 Dovecot Street, Town Centre, Stockton-onTees TS18 1LL Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition Ramside Hall Hotel, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk or 07540 434 739 Horton Grange Country House Elite Wedding Open Day Berwick Hill, Ponteland, NE13 6BU Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 Novotel Newcastle Ponteland Road.

Kingston Park NE3 3HZ Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner Junction A1 / A66 Richmond, near Darlington, Scotch Corner DL10 6NR, Time: 12:00noon to 3:00pm.

Contact: 01748 850 900.

SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER Newton Hall Newton-by-the-sea, Nr Alnwick, Northumberland. NE66 3DZ Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Donna Gibb on 01665 576239 SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER Hardwick Hall Hotel The Complete Exhibition Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

The Majestic Hotel Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2HU Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER Ramside Hall Hotel Wedding Showcase Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: events@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Close House Hotel & Golf Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle NE15 0HT Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: The Wedding Team on 01661 852255 SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER Doxford Hall Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE67 5DN Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Leanne Clark on 01665 589700 Bamburgh Castle Marquee Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7DF Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm Contact: Chris or Katie on 01668 214208 Explore Wedding Fayre at Centre for Life Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Gina at info@ exploreweddingfayres.co.uk.

Durham Wedding Show Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, Riverside, Chester le Street DH3 3QR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 THURSDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER Thistle Hotel Middlesbrough Fry Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1JH Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172

SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER The UK Wedding Show International Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 5LA Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Ticket Hotline 01704 517970 Dandy Events Inspirational Wedding Event Scotswood Road, Newcastle Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Tanya on 0191 2267244 SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER Longhirst Hall Longhirst, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 3LL Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Rachel Robson on 01670 795000 Our Open Day is perfect opportunity for you to see all our rooms set up as they would be for a wedding function and to speak to our experienced team as to how they can support you on your big day, there will also be chance for you to meet face to face an array of local wedding companies who can give you help and advice on planning your perfect day.

No booking is necessary, everyone is welcome. www.longhirst.co.uk The Sage Gateshead Elite Wedding Show THE NORTH’S ONLY INTERACTIVE WEDDING SHOW St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR Time: 12:00noon - 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 The UK Wedding Show International Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 5LA Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Ticket Hotline 01704 517970 Dandy Events Inspirational Wedding Event Scotswood Road, Newcastle Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Tanya on 0191 2267244

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bliss out

De Vere Village Urban Resort Newcastle Cobalt Business Park, West Allotment, Newcastle upon Tyne NE27 0BY Time: 11:30am – 4:00pm Contact: 0191 270 6491 or email esther.ward@village-hotels.com Gisborough Hall Whitby Lane, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6PT Time: 12:00noon - 4:00pm Contact: 0844 879 9149 Middlesbrough Football Club Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough TS3 6RS Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 Vermont Hotel Castle Garth, Newcastle NE1 1RQ Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Sharon on 07932 768095 SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER The UK Wedding Show Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Ticket Hotline 01704 517970 Jesmond Dene House Wedding Fair Jesmond Dene Road Newcastle NE2 2EY Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Kate or Abi on 0191 2123000 Exclusive Wedding Fayre @ Hilton Double Tree Newcastle International Airport NE13 8BZ Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 Holiday Inn Newcastle-Jesmond Jesmond Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 1PR Time: 12:00noon to 3:00pm.

Contact: 0191 281 5511.

WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER Jesmond Dene House Wedding Open Evening Jesmond Dene Road Newcastle NE2 2EY Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Contact: Kate or Abi on 0191 2123000

THURSDAY 11TH OCTOBER Acklam Green Centre Stainsby Road, Acklam, Middlesbrough TS5 4JS Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER As You Like It Archbold Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 1DB Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Frankie Martin on 0191 281 2277 SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER Lumley Castle Hotel Chester le Street, County Durham DH3 4NX Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Admission: £1 Come and meet with over 40 of the region’s leading wedding suppliers Contact: 0191 3891111 Explore Wedding Fayre at Woodhorn Colliery Ashington, NE63 9YF Time: 12:00noon – 3:30pm Contact: Gina at info@exploreweddingfayres.co.uk.

Beamish Park Hotel Wedding Exhibition Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle NE16 5EG Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Jessica Kevan on 01207 230666 Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Sharon on 07932 768095 MONDAY 15TH OCTOBER Beamish Park Hotel Wedding Showcase Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle NE16 5EG Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm Contact: Jessica Kevan on 01207 230666

FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER Kirkley Hall Elite Marquee Exhibition with firework display Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 0AQ Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER De Vere Slaley Hall Slaley Hall, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0BX Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm Contact: Lisa Vinther on 01434 676508 Kirkley Hall Elite Wedding Fair Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 0AQ Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 The Royal Station Hotel Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DH Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Contact: 07800 547 853 for more details Redworth Hall Hotel Redworth, County Durham DL5 6NL Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 Great North Wedding Show @ Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Bottle Bank, Quayside NE8 2AR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 MONDAY 22ND OCTOBER Ramside Hall Hotel Wedding Showcase Address: Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: events@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

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bliss out WEDNESDAY 24TH OCTOBER Close House Hotel & Golf Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle NE15 0HT Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: The Wedding Team on 01661 852255 SUNDAY 28TH OCTOBER Explore Wedding Fayre at The Lancastrian Suite Lancaster Road, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9JR Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: Gina at info@ exploreweddingfayres.co.uk The County Hotel by Thistle Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DF Time: 12:00noon – 3:30pm Contact: Lorette Rubin on 07939 041314 Eden Arms Rushford, Durham DL17 OLL Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Sharon on 07932 768095 SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER Explore Wedding Fayre at The Dolphin Centre Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5LP Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: Gina at info@ exploreweddingfayres.co.uk Newcastle Civic Centre Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 8QH Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: Lorette Rubin on 07939 041314 Judges Hotel Thirsk Rd Yarm, Kirklevington, Yarm, Cleveland TS15 9LW Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: 01642 789000 SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER Hedworth Hall 35 Dean Road, South Shields NE33 4EA Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Sharon on 07932 768095 MONDAY 12TH NOVEMBER Ramside Hall Hotel Wedding Showcase Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: events@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk SUNDAY 18TH NOVEMBER The White Swan, Alnwick, Elite Wedding Fair Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TD Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556

WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER Close House Hotel & Golf Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle NE15 0HT Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Contact: The Wedding Team on 01661 852255 SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER The Grand Hotel Tynemouth Grand Parade, Tynemouth, NE30 4ER Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Lorette Rubin on 07939 041314 2013 SATURDAY 12TH JANUARY Horton Grange Country House Elite Wedding Open Day Berwick Hill, Ponteland, NE13 6BU Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 SUNDAY 13TH JANUARY Novotel Newcastle Kingston Park Ponteland Road. Kingston Park NE3 3HZ Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 Crathorne Hall Hotel Yarm, North Yorkshire TS15 0AR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Diamond Events on 07949 532172 SUNDAY 20TH JANUARY Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park, Elite Wedding Show High Gosforth Park, Newcastle, NE3 5HN Time: 12:00noon – 3:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 Lumley Castle Wedding Showcase Chester le Street, County Durham DH3 4NX Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Admission: FREE Take a tour of our Grand State Rooms and see how Lumley Castle Hotel can transform your wedding into the fairytale that you have always dreamed of.

Contact: 0191 3891111

Gisborough Hall Whitby Lane, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6PT Time: 12:00noon - 4:00pm Contact: 0844 879 9149 Durham Wedding Show @ Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground Riverside Chester le Street DH3 3QR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192 SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY The UK Wedding Show Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7NA Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Ticket Hotline 01704 517970 Dandy Events Inspirational Wedding Event Scotswood Road, Newcastle Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Tanya on 0191 2267244 SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY The UK Wedding Show Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7NA Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Ticket Hotline 01704 517970 Dandy Events Inspirational Wedding Event Scotswood Road, Newcastle Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Contact: Tanya on 0191 2267244 SUNDAY 3RD FEBRUARY Exclusive Wedding Fayre @ Hilton Double Tree Newcastle International Airport NE13 8BZ Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: 03300 100 192 fayres@weddingpages.co.uk SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY The Vermont Hotel Castle Garth, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ Time: 11:00am - 16:00pm Contact: Elaine Welch on 0191 233 1010 Great North Wedding Show @ Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Bottle Bank, Quayside NE8 2AR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Wedding Pages on 03300 100192

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bliss out

JUDGES

SUNDAY 24TH FEBRUARY Judges Hotel Thirsk Rd Yarm, Kirklevington, Yarm, Cleveland TS15 9LW Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Contact: 01642 789000

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

SUNDAY 3RD MARCH The White Swan, Alnwick, Elite Wedding Fair Bondgate Within, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TD Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556 THE HIGHEST RATED HOTEL & RESTAURANT IN THE TEES VALLEY. PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS, MEETINGS & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

SUNDAY 24TH MARCH The Sage Gateshead Elite Wedding Show THE NORTH’S ONLY INTERACTIVE WEDDING SHOW St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR Time: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Contact: Dawn Marie on 07717 220 556

Kirklevington Hall, Kirklevington, Yarm, North Yorkshire TS15 9LW www.judgeshotel.co.uk Email: enquiries@judgeshotel.co.uk

Details correct at time of going to press, however Loved Up do make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the events listed. We do recommend you check with the venue or organiser nearer the date for the latest details. If you wish to include your event in the March 2013 issue please contact Debi on 0191 5375720. or (debi@room501.co.uk)

Elite Wedding Show NEWCASTLE MARR OTT

OSFORTH PAR

S NDAY 20TH JAN ARY 2013, NOON 3PM E H TORS H E F NCT ON S TES ENTERTA NMENT ONE L E M S C RECEPT ON R N S THE EST LOCAL S PPL ERS ■ See the best o this season s bride

bridesmaids dresses

■ iew the rainbow run o beauti ully dressed dining tables showing all the latest trends ■ Bridal hair demonstrations

make up ad ice

■ Casino, Car Simulators, Chocolate Fountain, Magician, Photobooth Candy Bar ■ Your per ect opportunity to iew all this hotel can o er FREE A M SS ON FREE PAR N

E

M

For ull details isit WE Forthcoming E ents M WE T

Tel: 01642 789000

2013 Special o er all inclusi e Wedding Packages RACECO RSE S TE 40 DAY 80 E ENIN

ESTS

P ■ 3 Course Wedding Break ast with Co ee ■ Drinks Package Bucks Fi on arri al, lass o Wine with Meal lass o Sparkling Wine or Toast ■ E ening Reception with Hot Sandwiches Wedges ■ Hotel Disco ■ O ernight Accommodation or the Bride room N

H N T

M NE

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CLASS CS S TE 120 E ENIN ESTS P ■ E ening Reception with Finger Bu et ■ Hotel Disco ■ O ernight Accommodation or the Bride room

Additional Guests will be charged as per the brochure price list

P HN

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expert help

DAWN MARIE

KERRY BRAY

ANNA RUSSELL

AMELIA HALL

Wedding & Event Design,

The Wedding Dress Company, Corbridge

Wedding co-ordinator, Middleton Lodge, Darlington

Reds Hair Salon, Sunderland

ASK THE EXPERTS QUESTIONS, DILEMMAS, INSPIRATION AND ANSWERS. OUR DREAM TEAM ARE HERE TO HOLD YOUR HAND I’m looking for something a little different for wedding favours - any tips?

you could try Winter Pimms combined with apple juice and served with cut apple, orange segments and a stick of cinnamon. It can be served cold or warm. If you were looking for something a little less Christmassy and more classic, how about Kir Royale (Prosecco & Créme de Cassis)?

DAWN MARIE: Five sugared almonds are the traditional favours (representing health, wealth, happiness, long life, and fertility) although they are rarely used these days. Here are a few alternatives your guests are sure to take home. Lottery tickets, We’re getting married in the autumn - ‘season of scratch cards, flower bulbs or seeds, personalised mists and mellow fruitfulness’ - and I’m worried pens / golf balls / shot glasses, a CD of the bride those mists are going to play havoc with my hair and groom’s favourite songs (watch out for copyright on the big day. How will I fight the frizz? issues), engraved champagne flutes or pocket angels.

AMELIA: Be sure to use shampoos and conditioners For children try teddy bears, activity packs (crayons, (preferably rinse-out) designed for this problem, like paper, puzzles etc to keep them occupied during the Série Expert Liss Ultime range, then after you’ve the speeches), jigsaws, jellybeans or bubbles (good combed the hair, use an anti-frizz styling product, such for the photographs). Chocolate nametags or iced as tecni.art Liss Control + (both products by L’Oréal cookies are always well received and double as place Professionnel.) Lightly squeeze it into your hair but cards for those on a smaller budget. For the more be careful to avoid the scalp so you don’t get a greasy organised couple, a photograph of the bride and look. Scrunch your curls to give some groom with each guest is a great Personalised seed packets favour hold and let the hair dry naturally or if personal memory to share. from weddinginateacup.co.uk have to use a hairdryer, use a diffuser.

Although we’ll be having £1.60 each If your hair is coarse and curly you champagne for the toasts, probably need a strong daily conditioner we would like to have plus an anti-frizz gel or pomade to something different as a control your curl (try tecni.art Play welcome drink for our Ball Motion Gelee).

guests when they arrive.

We’re getting married in November - do you have any suggestions?

ANNA: Mulled wine all the way, this is always a real crowd pleaser. However if you would like to put a different spin on things

My parents are divorced and I don’t know what to do about seating arrangements at the reception. Do you have any advice?

DAWN MARIE: Seating on the top table can cause problems.

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expert help

Traditionally a straight top table would be (from left to right looking at the table): chief bridesmaid, groom’s father, bride’s mother, groom, bride, bride’s father, groom’s mother, best man so your parents would not be next to each other. However, if Fun bridesmaid parents are divorced or jigsaw. Aston’s of London £14 have new partners, consider seating them on tables near to the top but with friends or family so they feel comfortable. An alternative top table could include the bride and groom, any brothers and sisters, the best man and partner and the bridesmaids and partners and the table could be round to give a less formal feel.

I have old, new and borrowed sorted.

Any suggestions for my ‘something blue’?

KERRY: A lot of our designers sew a blue ribbon into the dresses so you already have a little something blue, but if you haven’t sorted out your underwear yet then some gorgeous blue lingerie will not only give you ‘something blue’ but will also be a lovely surprise for your husband on the wedding night. If your dress is sheer and you’re worried the colour might show through, go for neutral colours with a hint of blue in detail such as ribbons. Alternatively you could choose blue shoes, or again add a hint of blue in the detail.

I’ve always liked 50s style and would like my wedding dress to reflect this era. Can you suggest any designers’ dresses that might fit the bill?

KERRY: Charlotte Balbier has some wonderfully fun 50s style tea length dresses which would be perfect.

Augusta Jones also have more elegant 50s style long dresses which have more of an Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly feel to them. You could also complete your look with a birdcage veil from our new accessories collection. You can view it at theweddingdresscompany.co.uk

How long before her wedding would you recommend the bride has her colour/highlights put in?

AMELIA: There are so many ravishing colours but timing is key when it comes to your special day- a week before the date usually lets the colour settle in properly. Equally, the maintenance of coloured hair can cause difficulties, so it’s important to follow a strict programme. Conditioner is key. Try a nourishing one from the Kérastase Chroma Riche line. To prolong

your colour and make salon touch-ups less frequent, it’s important to invest in a colour-depositing shampoo- L’Oreal Chroma Care is my favourite. The shampoos contain UV filters and moisturising agents, mend split-ends and are packed with pigment enhancers to help counteract fading.

I’m having a winter wedding and am worried I might be cold in my dress. Any suggestions so I don’t get goosebumps walking down the aisle?

KERRY: Beautiful lace sleeves or a removable bolero will keep the chill off during the ceremony and will still be comfortable for the reception. And a faux fur or feather wrap will look amazing for outdoor photographs and will keep you cosy and warm. You’d also be surprised how far a touch of nerves and a glass of champagne can keep a bride warm on a chilly day!

My h2b is getting really nervous about his speech. Any tips to help him relax?

ANNA: Rearrange the speeches to before the wedding breakfast, this allows everybody to relax and actually enjoy the meal. Maybe prepare some ‘idiot boards’ to lighten the mood which will certify a few guaranteed giggles from the guests. To calm their nerves and offer them some Dutch courage you could preorder with the staff to have your h2b, father of the bride and best man’s favourite drinks waiting for them on the table.

Do you have any ideas for a hen night that would suit both my girlfriends and my mum?

DAWN MARIE: Pole dancing and drinking competitions don’t suit everyone! For a more relaxing event, spa days are always popular with many, including an evening meal and overnight stay. Private wine-tasting parties appeal to all ages and some combine cocktail mixing or chocolate tasting to get people more involved. Or why not try a night in a haunted castle with a ghost tour or perhaps a group dance lesson which the ladies can show off at your evening reception!

We have quite a few children coming to our reception - how will we keep them entertained?

ANNA: Gift bags on the tables with colouring books, bubbles, cameras and sweeties to keep the smile on their faces. There are also child minding companies available that will either sit with the kids during the wedding breakfast or set up a pop up nursery.

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diary of bride to be

TANYA HARDMAN CHRONICLES HER TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS ON THE ROAD TO WEDDED BLISS

keep calm and carry on Not a day goes by when someone doesn’t ask me how many of us buy our first dress, but girls, it doesn’t the wedding planning is coming along, so I thought I’d matter if it’s the first or the thirty first because the use this issue of Loved Up as an opportunity to update dress always finds you – not the other way around. you all on my progress, and to share a few tips. We’ve One thing which has struck me over the last year is now just 10 months to go to our wedding at Rockliffe how planning a wedding extends far beyond table Hall on 11 May. We’re having an decorations and menu tasting. intimate wedding with food and Planning your wedding encourages music taking centre stage. The you to take a good look at “save the dates” have gone out yourself and to ask, “Am I looking and the invitations are awaiting after myself properly?” Gyms are printing. My first tip girls is search full of brides and grooms on a the net for free wedding invitation pre-wedding health kick. Now I downloads, invest in some good don’t believe you should overhaul quality print paper and you’ll save your entire appearance or do yourself a small fortune. I’d anything drastic just for your recommend www.weddingchicks. wedding, but it is interesting to com. It’s a US site so you need to see how the prospect of a be cautious of spelling but they wedding encourages us to look have a huge range of stationery to after ourselves a bit more. The play with, all for free. Our save the bottom line is we all want to be dates were from www.prettywild. the best version of ourselves on co.uk/save-the-dates (see right) our wedding day. So I’m eating Tanya’s fabulous save the date and I love them. more healthily, exercising more matchbox style cards My wedding ring, which has to be often, getting my vitamins and custom made owing to the shape of just generally taking better care my engagement ring, has caused me to lose sleep of myself. What’s more, I don’t think this is a bad over the last few months. However, last month I was thing. I think it’s great that weddings inspire us to lucky enough to stumble across Tom at Eldon start looking after ourselves. I just hope we can all Jewellers and I’m now having a tailor made wedding keep it up after our weddings otherwise it’s just ring with diamonds for a fraction of the price that false advertising! the major jewellers had quoted me. Becci, my It’s just occurred to me that when I sit down in six wedding co-ordinator at Rockliffe Hall, has been months time to write for the Spring/Summer issue, immensely my wedding understanding will be mere following a weeks away. dramatic My dress will increase in have been guest numbers (girls, family politics will almost always altered, I will be finalising my guest numbers and increase your guest numbers without you even trying). making last minute arrangements. I hope I will be What else? Oh, the dress! Thanks to Wendy at calm, organised and taking everything in my stride.

Wedding Secrets in the Metrocentre I’ve found it, Happy planning! Love, Tanya x bought it and it’s now hanging up at my uncle’s house where my sisters can’t find it. Like so many girls, I Tanya is Events Manager at Dandy Events, to speak bought the first dress I tried on. I’m sure there is some to Tanya about the services Dandy Events can offer, psychology behind this as it’s no coincidence that so call on 0191 226 7244 to arrange a free consultation.

THE bottom line is we all want to be the best version of ourselves on our wedding day

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Elite Wedding Show THIS IS THE BIG ONE! SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2012, NOON – 4PM THE SAGE GATESHEAD - ADMISSION FREE OVER 70 EXHIBITORS * 3 FLOORS * DINING ZONES MASSIVE ENTERTAINMENT HALL FANTASTIC INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS BY THE REGIONS VERY BEST WEDDING SUPPLIERS n Designer bridal wear & men’s wear n Beautiful Vintage Corner - vintage inspired table & chair dressings, stationery, cakes, crockery, candy bar, jewellery & pink lemonade n Interactive videos & slideshow to find your perfect venue n Make-up demonstrations & ‘entertainment’ photography n Fantastic venue options including exclusive ‘weekend wedding’ venues

ENTERTAINMENT HALL

Casino, Car Simulators, Double Chocolate Fountain, Magician, Photobooth, performances by Jeff Dingle

n See the new ‘aerial’ video option for your wedding n And more including: ‘Groovy Heads’, sweet & savoury pizza catering, florists, cakes, cars, teeth whitening, sparkly accessories, wooden stationery & more!

A TRULY STUNNING SHOW FOR THE BRIDE WHO EXPECTS THE BEST...

For full details visit www.DawnMarieWED.co.uk - Forthcoming Events E: Dawn@DawnMarieWED.co.uk T: 07717 220 556 The Sage Gateshead, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR

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