Wedding Essentials Issue 1 Mar/Apr15

i

Xxxxxxxx

WEDD NG

ISSUE 1 • MARCH/APRIL 2015

essentials

Inspired ideas

Desirable details you’ll love

Cool couples

We share some stylish days

Luxe brides

Gowns to dazzle and charm 01

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

The luxe ESSENTIALS

Be part of a

year WEDDINGS >> FOOD >> TRAVEL >> CARS >> FESTIVE >> Advertise your business in a series of essential high-quality guides delivered as separate publications within Luxe magazine. The publications will be read by our affluent readership base of more than 50,000 people. Additional copies will be printed and supplied to advertisers for their own relevant promotion

WEDD i NGS FOOD TRA iL ISSUE 1 - MAY/JUNE 2015

ISSUE 1 - MARCH/APRIL 2015

Love Fest Wedding fun

Hippy Vibe Pop star

in a field of dreams

C

s hef ’ table

DR i VE ISSUE 1 - JULY/AUGUST 2015

Face the future The men and machines powering us forward

TRAVEL ISSUE 1 - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Private world Off-the-grid luxury

Re

Retro Mix

Back-in-time brides rock bouffants and big skirts

on

ISSUE 1 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Festive things to do Your guide to a cultured christmas

sparkle & a lush garden party

as

FEST i VE

to c e

lebrate t The Rab a

t un yH

Off duty Masterclass Tapas with a twist

A kitchen challenge with effort rewarded

Peak performance

The maverick group of British engineers

Full throttle

Getting closer to the action

Hidden treasure

Discover the hidden Angkor

Luxe goes to...

Destinations for a truly luxe experience

Good gifting

Luxey ideas they’ll love

Light up

Glow for it fashion

WEDDING FOOD TRAIL >> DRIVE TRAVEL FESTIVE Take a summer food journey ESSENTIALS >> with us: Showcase your ESSENTIALS >> ESSENTIALS >> ESSENTIALS >> Big days, beautiful moments, stylish surroundings.

Showcase your stunning venue, off-beat attraction or unique wedding-day service to a readership that loves a ‘wow’ wedding.

Let glamorous dresses take centre stage in our ultimate gown gallery.

Publication date: Mar/Apr issue.

restaurant, chef, hotel, artisan food produce, festival, farmers’ market, cookery courses or gourmet destination. Tips, recipes and food inspiration.

Publication date: May/Jun issue.

Cars, speed and ‘look at me’ motors make luxe readers smile. They love nothing more than delectable drives, savage speed thrills and the odd foot-down fantasy.

Drive Essentials will showcase the newest top marque models to an avid readership with the spending power to make their motoring dreams come true.

Luxe readers are a getaway bunch who love their travels.

Our Travel Essentials is a ‘local to global’ journey showcasing luxe destinations from the region, smart travels and chic bedtimes as well as essential travel kit and holiday fashion.

Publication date: Sep/Oct issue.

Publication date: Jul/Aug issue.

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk - 07910 918366.

Pile on the glamour for a luxe-filled party season. Luxe party people want to hear about the best place to celebrate in Champagne style.

This is the place to show off glamorous destinations, fine feasts, dazzling gifts, and the ultimate must-go places. With ideas for hosting the perfect party, decorations to delight and perfect food. In short, tell our readers where and how to get their seasonal kicks.

Publication date: Nov/Dec issue.

The Essentials

Welcome

ISSUE 1 • MARCH/APRIL 2015

04 Bride Style

18

We bring you beautiful gowns to suit your style

16 The City Wedding A glamorous Christmas-time wedding with lashings of love

18 Essential Edit Tables and tiebacks. Tips for the trends that make receptions sing

24 The Sunny Garden Wedding Spot some familiar faces in this summer garden big day

26 Oh Honey!

Let’s hear it for love.

Welcome to the first Wedding Essentials, brought to you by the Luxe team and inviting you to take a VIP seat at some inspiring ceremonies.

Our real-life weddings perfectly reflect the way we do the ‘big day’ in 2015. We do it with full-on extravagance, with simple style or with daring flourishes. Today’s weddings are personal and perfect as our real couples show.

We also bring you some inspiring details with our ‘Essentials Edit’, from the perfect shoe to creative cakes.

We hope you enjoy our Wedding Essentials. We’d love to feature your big day in our next edition, so get in touch at kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk

Kathryn Armstrong, editor

Pick of the honeymoon hotspots from urban to remote

32 The Low-Key Wedding Spot some familiar faces and places at this city ceremony in association with

Contributors Elysia Agnew • Jerri Murtagh • Katy Pearce

Photography Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

17 Ashdale, Mount Pleasant DH4 7SL remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2015 RememberMedia 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, March 2015. Wedding Essentials is published annually by Remember Media Ltd.

03

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Gowns

Branching Out Dress perfect whatever your bridal style...

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

04

Essential Gowns

Jessica dress and detachable top, £795 made to order, Vintage at Number 18. Bouquet, made to order from £65, Kathryn Russell. Shoes, model’s own.

05

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Justin Alexander gown, £1550, Mia Sposa Bridal.

Blue Grantham suit, £135 hire, Mia Sposa Bridal.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

06

Essential Gowns

Sassi Holford Lindsay gown, ÂŁ1890, Mia Sposa Bridal.

Ti Adora gown, style 7460, ÂŁ1405, Epernay Bridal.

Venetian mask, made to order from ÂŁ150, Kathryn Russell.

08

Essential Gowns

Alexia dress, £499, Pasha Bridal. Shoes, model’s own. Blue two-piece suit, £500, Tessuti.

Ray-Ban Lightforce Wayfarer sunglasses, £160, Sunglass Hut.

09

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Gowns

Pink lace dress, £595 made to order, Vintage at Number 18.

Shoes, model’s own.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

10

Blush by Hayley Paige Catalina dress, £1240, Epernay Bridal. Skylar suit jacket, £230, Skylar waistcoat, £55, Skylar trouser, £120, Simon Carter shirt, £65, House of Fraser, Metrocentre. Ray-Ban, Wayfarer black, £125, Sunglass Hut.

Oriana Ronald Joyce gown, £999, Pasha Bridal. Hugo Boss navy three-piece suit, £630, Tessuti.

11

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Gowns

(Below right) Ronald Joyce Primrose dress, £299, Pasha Bridal. Sunglasses, stylist’s own. Bag, £29, Pasha Bridal. Cream Armani dress, £229, Tessuti. Marc Jacobs sunglasses, £113.99, Psyche. Bag, £39, Pasha Bridal.

Grace gown, made to order, £1600, Kathryn Russell.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

12

Essential Gowns

English Country Garden bodice and skirt, from ÂŁ1650, Kathryn Russell

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Gowns

Ellis 12215 gown, ÂŁ1620, Mia Sposa Bridal. Suit, Kin at John Lewis, illuminated heart, The Finishing Touch Company.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

14

Stockists & suppliers: Mia Sposa 18 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 4HZ. 0191 221 1688 www.weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk Epernay Bridal 8 Newlands Avenue, Melton Park, Gosforth Newcastle NE3 5PT. 0191 236 8760 www.epernaybridal.co.uk Tessuti intu Metrocentre, Gateshead. 0191 406 1463 www.tessuti.co.uk John Lewis intu Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1AB. 0191 232 5000 www.johnlewis.com Sunglass Hut intu Metrocentre, Gateshead. 0191 460 3043 www.sunglasshut.com/uk Pasha Bridal The Forum, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead.

0191 447 1900 www.facebook.com/PashaBridal House of Fraser Metrocentre, Gateshead www.houseoffraser.co.uk Vintage at Number 18 18a Blandford Square, Newcastle NE1 4HZ. 0191 232 8181 www.vintageatnumber18.co.uk Kathryn Russell 0191 284 6528 / 07760 220 590 www.facebook.com/kathryn.russell.7902 Jewellery and hair accessories: www.johnlewis.com Brooklands Wedding Cars The Old Police Station, Millfield, Lanchester, Durham, County Durham DH7 0JD. 01207 520157 www.brooklandsweddingcars.com

Location:

Matfen Hall Hotel&Spa 01661 886400 www.matfenhall.com

Accessories:

www.thefinishingtouchcompany.co.uk

Lighting:

www.cocoluminaire.co.uk

Hair & makeup:

Hair by Claire Hildreth At Sisters Hairdressers, 47 Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DW. 0191 232 5821 www.atsistershairandbeauty.co.uk Makeup by Jess Roberts Toptotoe Beauty, 39 High Street, Spennymoor. 01388 814710 www.tan2u.co.uk

15

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Real Wedding

Photography by: Fyzal photography

The glamorous city wedding

The couple Cyrenne Khaliq from Newcastle and Nigel Fleming from Cork both live and work in London. They met in Soho through friends, while celebrating their birthdays (they share the same day and later found out were also born at the same time!).

The proposal They were together for four years when they decided to purchase their first home together.

Says Cyrenne: “On completion day, I was admiring our lovely garden from the balcony when Nigel got down on one knee and produced a beautiful diamond ring, which he had designed himself. It was very Romeo and Juliet!! Very romantic and exciting.”

They celebrated that evening in the new garden with friends, family and lots of champagne before being asked by their new neighbours to keep the noise down!

The planning

Cyrenne is known in her friendship group as the “Social Secretary” so the idea of

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

planning a wedding was very exciting!

“I bought pretty much every bridal magazine going and trawled through millions of Pinterest pictures for ideas. A very long spreadsheet was formed and we went from there.”

They had a lot of support to get everything right on the day and the family Christmas Day activities consisted of making orders of service and arranging guest seating plans for their January 30 wedding date.

“We knew what type of wedding we wanted.

Traditional but still very glamorous and fun!

The Vermont Hotel was the perfect venue, with its Art Deco style, elegance and that vintage touch we were looking for.

“It has a fabulous roof top to get some stunning photos with an amazing backdrop of the Tyne Bridge.”

They organised most it from London but made a few trips up to Newcastle for the fun stuff like the food tasting and choosing the wine.

“Tanya, head of weddings at the Vermont, was amazing and on hand to help with any random requests, such as finding someone to build an ice sculpture for the drinks reception!

16

It was exhausting but very much worth the effort - the little things do make a difference”

The dresses

Given the time of year they decided on a black tie & cocktail dress code.

Cyrenne’s dress A silk Sassi Holford gown with delicate lace appliqué and full floor-length veil with a lace border.

“I wore a removable tulle overlay during the ceremony which created an ‘illusion’ neckline and full-length sleeves, then for the wedding breakfast changed the look to a sleeveless gown with a statement necklace.

“I loved how timeless and elegant the dress was, it was the first I tried on and no other dress could beat it.

Her shoes were Christian Louboutin Iriza glitter pumps.

Four bridesmaids wore blush full length gowns

by Maids to Measure - London with statement gold jewellery and gold heels.

The groom wore a made-to-measure tux from

Real Wedding

WE KNEW WHAT TYPE OF WEDDING WE WANTED. TRADITIONAL BUT STILL VERY GLAMOROUS AND FUN

Blades in Ponteland with a bright orange/gold lining and black patent shoes by Christian Louboutin. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos and delicate boutonnieres made by florist Adam Prest.

The party The colour scheme for the wedding was classic golds, creams and browns.

The drinks reception was held in the Vermont ballroom which was decorated with cream silk drapes with a champagne ice sculpture in the centre. Music was by Glen Roughead who everybody loved, the North East’s very own Michael Buble!

The wedding breakfast was in the Gold Room.

Tables were decorated in gold and creams with floral candelabras as a centrepiece. Guests were given a cocktail in a mini corked bottle tagged with their name as wedding favours. All 180 bottles were personalised with the couple’s initials (handmade by Cyrenne), which were also used on the wedding invitations.

Special moments The ceremony. It was held in the spectacular St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle city centre.

“We were very privileged to have Nigel’s uncles perform the mass, Reverend Bishop William Crean and Archdeacon Thomas Crean who flew in from Ireland for the wedding,” says Cyrenne.

“We had music by soprano Bonnie Shaw, who beautifully sang Ave Maria as I walked down the aisle and the Armstrong Quartet who played a selection of classic and current music including Elbow’s “One Day Like This” as we left the church.”

The speeches “An emotional part of the day with some heartfelt words from my dad and Nigel. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house!”

The first dance “We went with a traditional Billy Fury song to start but given that the dance lessons didn’t go to plan and realising how long the

song was, we decided to break into Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk half way through which really got the guests going... the dance floor was full for the rest of the night,” recalls Cyrenne. Their band was The Redwings and a DJ.

Special details With the help of Tanya from The Vermont, they secured the “dream team” of wedding suppliers: Fyzal Photography. They had a pre-wedding photoshoot at home in London, to get them prepared for the big day. RL Films videographer created a short film for them.

“Florist Adam Prest produced the most amazing arrangements, from my bouquet of stunning neutral tones to the waterfall of flowers from the ballroom balcony. He has a unique and creative style which outshines the rest.”

Make-up was by Jo Leversuch and hair by James.

Lovely Lily Cakes made a four-tier mixed flavoured cake with hand-piped lace detail.

Honeymoon “We enjoyed New Year with the family before jetting off on a South American adventure.

We wanted a mix of activities.

“We travelled around Brazil and Argentina, going from city breaks in Rio and Buenos Aires, to sunbathing with cocktails in Buzio and Florianopolis, to boat trips under the Iguazu Falls, to wading rivers on horseback at an Argentinian ranch.

“A lot of steak was eaten and a lot of Malbec consumed. It was a fantastic three-week adventure.”

www.fyzalphotography.co.uk

17

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Edit

Tabletops & tie-backs Wedding stylist Charlotte Harris talks trends Colourful flowers make a big impact on an all-white table.

When planning your look, choose a style in keeping with your wedding venue and work with it.

Go for full-on pretty shades for a modern look; blue delphinium teamed with pink poppies, pale greenery and wild flower foliage.

Use your budget wisely, if you are on a tight budget choose a few areas to dress well, for example the tables and ceremony rather than trying to dress everywhere and spreading your budget too thin.

Rustic is very on-trend. It moves Bulbs are big! Illuminated letters are certainly having their moment but ring the changes with a huge retro love-heart with your own message.

www.cocoluminaire.co.uk Sparkly glamour is pretty and chic.

Sequinned chair covers or cascading ruffles on the backs of chairs are instant wow-factor. This looks very elegant with crisp white tablecloths and candles and silvery tealight holders on the table.

things on from vintage. Use bark tablemats and deeper toned flowers for a more earthy, woodland feel. Stacked wooden crates and lashings of greenery with rusty illuminated signs make it quirky and cool.

Before meeting your decor stylist/ florist have a look at ideas that you like so you have a starting point to make the most of your time with them. Think about colours and the general style which you would like for the day.

Are you chic and glam or low-key and funky?

A statement wreath makes a lovely centrepiece for the table.

It sits low on the table but is packed with colour and fragrance.

In the centre place a tall candlestick with a chunky candle on top for a real impact.

Shopping around for quotes is not always beneficial to you and

Charlotte runs The Finishing Touch Company. www.thefinishingtouchcompany.co.uk

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

18

takes up lots of time. Choose a stylist/florist whose work you like and see what they can do with your budget. Comparing quotes from two companies is not always like for like and you may end up disappointed if you look solely on price.

Make sure you see lots of examples of your stylist’s/florist’s work. Any good company will have loads of examples of past work and Facebook, Instagram, etc is always a good way of seeing recent weddings.

Ask your florist/stylist how it will work on your wedding day, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. For example, do they set up or is this an extra charge?

Promotional feature

ramside hall hotel how many guests can we bring?

Ramside Hall is the perfect location for weddings of all sizes, from a small, intimate wedding to a large-scale celebration for hundreds.

There’s a suite that will not only meet your needs but exceed your expectations. Add into the mix our beautiful gardens, an ideal backdrop for your wedding photography, and it all adds up to a picture perfect setting. We are a licensed venue for civil marriages and partnerships and can accommodate up to 500 guests.

The Ballroom, with its breath-taking, sparkling chandeliers, has its own private reception area, a permanent stage and its own dance floor.

It can accommodate from 80 to 180 guests for the wedding breakfast and civil ceremony and up to 250 for the evening reception.

The Summer Marquee from June to September, can cater for up to 160 guests with its own bar facility and dance floor. Perfect for both the daytime and evening celebrations.

The Bishops Suite boasts a magnificent Austrian Crystal chandelier at its grand entrance, creating a spectacular welcome for guests. It comprises a range of suites which can be opened up to cater for your guests in a wide variety of permutations.

Consisting of the Neville, Hatfield and Beaumont suites, it can cater from 80 to 400 for a wedding breakfast or civil ceremony and up to 500 for the evening reception. The Fountain Room is an ideal location for smaller weddings, traditionally decorated and enjoying views over our delightful gardens. The Fountain Room can accommodate up to 60 guests for the wedding breakfast and civil ceremony.

The Green Room is perfect for intimate weddings of 10 to 26 guests, offering a private dining area so you and your guests can enjoy the occasion together.

can we design our own menu?

The hotel offers great flexibility in terms of food

and drink and can work closely with couples to create the perfect celebration.

There’s endless variety of menu choices that guests can combine together into set menus.

Fork buffets, children’s menus, evening buffets and drinks packages are also available, all created to make your day special.

can we have fireworks?

is there a wedding planner?

Who needs a helicopter when you have a majestic, sweeping driveway to travel up?

Ramside Hall’s position means that it is accessible by road, rail and air. The grounds are the perfect backdrop for the arrival of the happy couple, be it by horse and carriage or in a stunning car. The drive up to the hall itself is something not to be missed, particularly for a winter wedding when the tree-lined driveway is festooned with fairy lights.

Yes, each wedding has access to the full team of dedicated planners in the build-up to their special day. Our experienced team pride themselves on offering that personal touch and recognise that every wedding is unique, so will go all out to give couples a day to remember.

On the day of the wedding you will be looked after by a manager who is also the Master of Ceremonies, making sure the day runs according to plan. We believe that your wedding day should be as trouble-free and relaxed as possible.

will we have exclusive use of the venue?

We cannot offer exclusive use but because of the sheer size of the Ramside estate and the number of rooms available, your special day will still feel very much your own.

If there is more than one wedding on a particular day the hotel is more than able to accommodate them in the various different rooms. Each function room has its own individual entrance and bar area, meaning that each party will still feel very special.

19

At Ramside Hall we pride ourselves that all our events go with a bang – and sometimes that’s literally! Our large grounds mean we can easily accommodate the most spectacular firework display.

can we land a helicopter?

what’s the usp? (unique selling point for the venue) Spring 2015 will see the completion of an additional 47 bedrooms and then in early summer we will be opening the Spa at Ramside Hall, a state-of-the-art luxury addition with treatment rooms, pools, an Asian restaurant, gym and hair salon.

Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville, Durham, County Durham DH1 1TD 0191 3865282 www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Insider

Drama-free dressing up Finding the dress

Jerri Murtagh had such a fun time playing brides that she opened up a gown shop.

She shares some advice Jerri is owner of Epernay Bridal in Melton Park, Gosforth www.epernaybridal.co.uk

For most brides it’s the biggest deal. but where to start?

Dress shopping

It’s best to buy at least nine months before the date of your wedding, as most dresses are made-to-order.

You will also need to allow for any alterations, which are almost always required after the slim-down! It is wise to book before visiting.

It is very common for brides to have a dress style in mind and end up going with something completely different. Most people will have never have tried on a wedding dress before setting foot in a bridal boutique and it soon bcomes clear that different shapes may or may not suit.

A-LINE An A-line dress flares gently from the shoulder to create an ‘A’ shape. The dress will often start to flare from the hips. A variation of this dress is also a dropped A-line, which flares from just below the hips. Flattering on almost every body shape.

BALL GOWN AND PRINCESS DRESS A ball gown or princess dress features a fitted bodice with a full skirt. The main difference between these two styles is that a ball gown will often have a slightly fuller skirt and a lot of princess dresses will feature a vertical bodice. This style is very flattering for a lot of body shapes.

EMPIRE An empire dress will drop straight down from just below the bust with a straight skirt.

MERMAID Mermaid dresses are modern and sleek. They hug the hips and flare out at the knee. Great for accentuating a woman’s figure - but they can be quite problematic for kneeling!

SHEATH A sheath dress will hug curves. This style does not usually feature a tapered waistline.

SLIP A slip is great for tall, thin brides. Often in silk

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

20

or satin it clings to the body.

Now we’ve covered the different silhouettes, you can start to consider how each of those styles may fit your own body shape.

LARGE BUST A sweetheart neckline is a good choice to draw the eye away from your chest. It is also advisable to look for gowns with some interior structure and a fitted bodice. For hourglass shapes, an A-line skirt can be very flattering as this will accentuate all of your best features.

PEAR-SHAPED Diagonal lines and asymmetric folds around the stomach area are very flattering as they keep the eye moving. A-line and princess dresses look great on pear-shaped women.

PETITE Those with a petite figure will find that a mermaid, sheath dress or A-line will suit them well. Pleats or vertical beading will help to elongate your torso.

TALL Tall women look fantastic in mermaid, fishtail or sheath dresses. Empires are also particularly flattering and ball gowns are a great option for those who are a little heavier on top.

CURVY A dropped waist will skim the hips and prove very flattering for curvy figures. Princess dresses with an asymmetric skirt are a great option, and a belt strategically positioned at the thinnest point can look fantastic. A-line dresses always look fantastic on those with curves.

PLUS-SIZED A lace-up, well structured bodice is fantastic option for plus-size brides. A dress that is a snug at the bust and then skims the figure will often be very flattering and A-line gowns with pleat or ruching detailing always look great.

HOURGLASS An hourglass figure will look fantastic in a mermaid or fishtail dress, as this will really accentuate your curves.

2.

Essential Insider

Styles to suit 1. VINTAGE This Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta dress features stunning vintage lace and a glamorous embroidered trim at the waist.

Available in standalone ivory or ivory and champagne, the dress is made from English net overlay and hand-placed re-embroidered lace.

1.

2. BEACH WEDDING This Blush by Hayley Paige dress would look fantastic on a beach. Featuring crystal lingerie straps and a flounce skirt, this dress is lightweight and very easy to wear.

3. CLASSIC For those looking for more of a classic look, this True Bride satin bridal gown with a pearl-trimmed boat neckline is a great option. The low V-back and satin bow perfectly complement its slim A-line skirt.

3.

4.

4. LACE Charlotte by Madeline Gardner, New York.

This fishtail dress boasts patterned lace embroidery on tulle. Its diamante waistband, sweetheart neckline and low back further add to the intricate design of this gown.

5. CHURCH Clara by Madeline Gardner, New York.

This gown would be perfect for a church wedding with its beautiful train, satin belt and lace top. Suits many different body shapes.

6.

5.

7.

8.

6. MATURE OR SECOND WEDDING This Donna Salado ivory dress is simple and stunning. With crystal buttons running down the full back of the dress, and layered satin throughout, this is perfect for a mature bride.

7. WINTER WEDDING Veronica Lake by Jade Daniels.

This is perfect for a winter wedding made with Italian satin, the asymmetric sweetheart bodice makes this a great choice for nearly all body shapes. That teamed with a beaded vintage pearl and crystal waistband gives this dress real elegance and glamour.

8. WEAR AGAIN 1455 by Blush by Hayley Paige would be perfect to wear again. The crossover draped bodice and beaded peekaboo neckline work perfectly with the gown’s low cowl back and criss-cross straps.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Essential Edit Floey shimmer court, £295, LK Bennett, Fenwick, Newcastle

Manolo Blahnik pink satin pumps, £695, Harvey Nichols Leeds

Lisa platform courts with heel detail, £425, www.freyarose.com

ll We -h

Daniele Michetti Lida leather sandals, £465, Harvey Nichols Leeds

eel ed Sh

ow -

sto

pp i ng sh oes for tippy-toes brides

Jimmy Choo Nova Glitter Shoes, £425, Cruise Fashion

, 10 £2 ick, e t, ur nw stl co Fe ca ne at ew Ire nett N n Be

LK

Lourna gold ankle strap sandal, £295, www.freyarose.com

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

22

Promotional feature

middleton lodge how many guests can we bring?

We hold a licence to conduct civil ceremonies in the inner hall (max 110) or drawing room (max seated 75). We also have a pavilion in the gardens so that you can hold your ceremony outside if the weather permits. If you prefer, you can of course opt for a more traditional church wedding and use the Lodge for your reception.

If you choose to have a civil ceremony, times must be confirmed with Middleton Lodge and the Registrar, however the earlier you book the more chance you have of arranging the time that suits you. Ceremonies are often followed by drinks and canapés on the terrace in the summer and in the reception rooms within the house in the winter.

can we design our own menu?

We do have seasonal menus but we are extremely flexible and can arrange a one-on-one consultation with our award-winning chef Robert Taylor if you would like to do something slightly different.

is there a wedding planner?

Yes, we do have a full wedding team in house consisting of a wedding planner and event co-ordinators that are available during the build-up and on the day to make sure everything runs to plan.

will we have exclusive use of the venue?

Middleton Lodge is a private house that you exclusively hire. The seventeen bedrooms

accommodate a mix of family rooms. We are not a hotel and pride ourselves on giving a personal service and your own private staff will be on hand for the duration of your stay to look after you. During your stay you are encouraged to make full use of all of our amenities and treat Middleton Lodge as your own home.

can we have fireworks?

Yes- This is a great way of entertaining your evening guests.

can we land a helicopter?

Yes we have 200 acres of park land on the estate and plenty of areas suitable to land your helicopter.

what’s the usp? (unique selling point for the venue) Our award-winning team will help create your stay within Middleton Lodge a wedding to remember. With your exclusive hire of the 17 bedroom house ‘A home away from home’, Middleton Lodge is a private Georgian country

estate near Richmond, North Yorkshire. The main house is available for exclusive hire as your own country mansion. The Coach House restaurant with rooms is now open within the Georgian estate as a chic country retreat.

Beautiful bedrooms offer guests the unique opportunity to commandeer their own authentic country mansion for weddings, corporate or charity events, shooting parties or private functions. At the heart of this beautiful historic house is a dramatic photo-shoot-fit atrium perfect for special occasions. Our reception rooms, dining spaces and games room all overlook rolling parkland across to the North Yorkshire Moors.

You can relax in the library bar or drawing room, make the most of a guest kitchen or hide away in the atmospheric cellar bar – just be sure to make yourself at home.

Middleton Lodge Kneeton Lane, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 6NJ 01325 377977 www.middletonlodge.co.uk

Photography by: Chris Matthews Bride & Groom: Huw & Tanya

23

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Real Wedding they had the wedding service in the garden.

“We wanted a really relaxed day that was unique to us so my mum and dad’s house was perfect.

“To have the whole day in Hutton Rudby where I grew up and where we now live together was really nice for us,” Anna smiles.

The hen do

Anna was reluctant to have a hen do, so, because her surname is McQueen, friends had King & Queen crowns on and they had a big carnival style party in an East London park, really chilled but good fun.

The preparation

The sunny garden wedding The couple

Anna McQueen from Hutton Rudby married Ben Forbes in a ceremony at Anna’s parents’ home.

Ben proposed in 2013 when the couple had been dating for about a year and a half. The couple visited Lake Ullswater for the day and Ben proposed on a little boat in the middle of the lake. Like a true gent, Ben pulled out a plastic ring. “He didn’t have the guts to pick out an engagement ring without knowing what I wanted,” Anna laughs.

The dress

Anna fell in love with a simple yet incredibly classy Sabina Motasem gown, which was gold and backless with spaghetti straps and a short train.

She had a floor-length veil. “I didn’t think I would ever wear a veil on my wedding day because I didn’t think I would be a very ‘bridey’ type bride. A pair of Louboutins (a present from sister Hayley) finished off the look.

The bridesmaids

Anna chose four lovely bridesmaids: her sister Hayley, school friends Anne and Camilla and friend Amy, and Ben’s nieces, Poppy and Jasmine as the flower girls. The bridal party looked stunning in their embellished dresses from

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Adrianna Papell, Gina Bacconi and Debenhams.

“I didn’t want all matching bridesmaid dresses, I wanted it to be a little more ‘boho’ than that.

“I just wanted the bridesmaids to all have their own style dresses so that they would feel comfortable and enjoy the day.”

The planning

Ben and Anna got engaged in September and were to be married the following July, so the wedding planning started right away. “On the way back from the Lake District we got home and my dad was already sat at the table, writing out the guest list!” (Dad, for the record, is former Scottish international footballer Gordon McQueen.)

“We did a lot of it ourselves with help from family and friends, we wanted it to be bespoke and personal to us. We did have a self-styled ‘manager’ for the day itself, so we didn’t have to run around finding loo roll for example!”

It was important for the couple to tie the knot at home so

24

Anna and the bridal party got ready at a family friend’s home in the village. “We started getting ready fairly early in the morning. Ben is a barber so one of his best friends Nathan and his wife Zoe, did our hair. They were amazing. I told them I wanted a Marcel wave, kind of 1940s style,” Anna explains.

“But I did my own makeup.” The couple decided to have a humanist wedding purely because they wanted the ceremony in the garden at home.

The catering

Ben and Anna chose local catering company, Dexters, for a reception jam-packed with champagne and canapés.

The wedding breakfast kicked-off with a terrine pate followed by a fillet of beef with carrots and dauphinoise potatoes. For dessert, Dexters prepared a trio of puddings.

Later on in the evening, as more guests arrived, they hired a fish and chip van.

“My dad’s a big wine man so he went and bought all of the wine beforehand, something ridiculous like 240 bottles of champagne!” Anna laughs.

“But we chose Boutique Bars from Newcastle to serve drinks throughout the day, and we also had a ‘cocktail hour’, which pretty much went on all day. We had French Martinis, Mojitos and Aperol Spritz, the bar staff were great, I’m not quite sure how they kept up with us!”

The cake

Ben and Anna wanted a chocolate moulded cake.

“Ben’s mum wanted to buy us a wedding cake

Real Wedding

but I think she was quite horrified when she saw what kind of design we wanted,” Anna giggles.

“We opted for two life-size skulls that said, ‘Til death us do part’,” she adds.

The red velvet, vanilla and chocolate cake was by Connie’s Cakes in Northallerton, “she was absolutely amazing!”

The entertainment

The music really got the party going at Ben and Anna’s super-chilled garden party wedding on what happened to be the hottest day of the year.

“We love going to the Crab & Lobster on a Sunday for lunch and there is a band that play there, two old eccentric guys who are just absolutely amazing, called Mutton Chops.

They wear the craziest outfits and they just light up the room wherever they go,” Anna explains.

“So we had them for the guests when they arrived at the ceremony in the garden and then for the reception drinks,” she adds.

Later on in the evening, the New York Brass Band got the evening guests dancing in the sunshine before they even had chance to pick up a cocktail. “We wanted to stay away from wedding-type bands, so we went for a New Orleans’ style brass band that play modern songs in a unique way,” Anna says.

“They were probably the best thing that we could’ve done for the wedding – they were so much fun!

“They had everyone up dancing in broad daylight out on the grass. They were just absolutely brilliant – I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get the party started!”

The vibe

The wedding vibe was simply fun and relaxed.

“My family love to have a good time, and so

WEDDINGS We can help you plan your wedding down to the finest detail from choosing your gift list to dressing your bridesmaids.

Contact the wedding team in Newcastle on 01912 275849 or visit www.debenhams.com/weddings

does Ben’s family and our friends.

“Everyone was just so happy, it was a good, fun and vibrant atmosphere!”

On the hottest day of the year the couple pulled off the outdoor wedding and ceremony. “Weirdly we had no plan B so our ceremony was outside no matter what,” says Anna.

“We used a marquee company called Shades of India, they do gorgeous traditional looking Indian tents so they really helped the garden look absolutely amazing, which kind of created the vibe before anybody even walked in,” Adam Prest did the flowers, which did not follow a theme but just fit in beautifully with the ‘boho’ style of the wedding.

The aftermath

The bridal party and groomsmen were treated to a luxury stay at the Crab & Lobster after a day, night and early morning full of champagne and dancing.

“The following morning, we came back to the village, where we had a big post-wedding BBQ at The Bay Horse,” says Anna.

Ben and Anna jetted off on an exciting road trip down the west coast of America. They started in San Francisco and hired a Mustang, drove down to Big Sur where they stayed in the forest and then went to Santa Barbara and Santa Monica before ending up in LA. www.ianweldon.com

Honeymoon lowdown

Dive into Oman’s eco hotel Opposite, left to right: Bellagio, Las Vegas, Armani Hotel, Dubai, Cipriani, Venice

Hideaway love nest, action-packed memory-maker or a touch of Clooney A-lister style?

Travel experts Joanne Mitchell and Danielle Nicholson of Gosforth’s Travel Bureau choose destinations to suit your style.

Buzzy city vibe

Istanbul – very hip and easy to get to for a mini-moon city-moon. Lots to see and do and some great properties both boutique and also grand traditional hotels.

TOP PICK: Four Seasons which sits right in the heart of the old town.

Remote romance

Maldives – it’s still everyone’s top honeymoon destination according to the latest Kuoni honeymoon report. Kandolhu Island is a new resort that only opened last year. It’s tiny with only 30 beach, ocean and pool villas, all uber-cool with beds that all face the ocean, as well as huge bathrooms and outdoor showers. You’ll love the in-villa wine chiller with a menu of over 30 international wines to choose from.

TOP PICK: The amazing sunset pavilion that sits out over the lagoon which can be hired with your own private butler/chef/waiter for the ultimate romantic dinner under the stars.

Adrenaline rush

Le Reunion Island – a little French island in the Indian Ocean (near Mauritius so can be twinned for adventure and relaxation). Great for action and adventure with jagged peaks, lava fields and lush forests to explore by land, sea or air. Helicopter rides are a great way to see the island.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

26

TOP PICK: The Blue Margouillat, a gorgeous little boutique hotel which is more like a private house than a hotel, with fabulous art and sculptures, classic architecture and arguably the best restaurant on the island.

Gourmet heaven

Has to be Tuscany! For summer honeymoons you can’t beat Italy. But the combination of food, wine and amazing properties in Tuscany make it the experts’ choice.

TOP PICK: Castello del Nero is a gorgeous luxury hotel in the Chianti region. It’s perfectly placed to visit Florence, Pisa and Siena but has a fabulous restaurant La Torre which has a Michelin star. It’s located in the former stables and has a meticulously researched menu, designed to deliver the best of Italian and Tuscan Traditions.

Close to home

Santorini (there’s a new Easyjet flight to Santorini direct from Newcastle starting this May). Popular with celebrities and jet-setters, this little island is jam-packed with luxury properties and boutique hotels.

TOP PICK: Canaves Oia Hotel which is perched at the highest point of the island. People flock to Oia to watch the sunsets (which are amazing on the island as it’s one of the most southern islands with uninterrupted views).

TOP PICK: See the sunset from your private plunge pool in the honeymoon suite!

Natural retreat

Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel, Oman. An increasingly popular

Essential Stays

honeymoon destination. The hotel is perched at 2,000 metres above sea level and overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by views of the Al Hajar Mountains.

TOP PICK: If you’re thinking eco, this place is inspired by ancient Oman fortresses and designed within environmental design policy.

Film star glam

Has to be The Cipriani in Venice. George Clooney’s favourite (he stayed here for his Venice wedding last year) and is also popular with lots of other celebrities. Stay during Venice’s film festival and rub shoulders with the A-listers.

TOP PICK: Book a VIP water taxi limo and have a movie-star moment as you zip along the canals.

Stateside OTT

Las Vegas. The Bellagio Hotel has it all. Amazing suites and rooms, great dining, stunning nightclubs, bars and casino. The hotel has its own Cirque de Soleil theatre production in this city that’s a 24/7 party place.

Great weather so you can tan by day and dance by night.

TOP PICK: Take a VIP helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.

Feet off the ground

The Treehouses at Chewton Glen Hampshire are nestled into the wooded valley. Each is built on stilts and balanced within the tree canopy. They have floor-to-ceiling glass windows providing panoramic forest views.

TOP PICK: A daily breakfast hamper is delivered to your door by the breakfast fairies!

Designer decadence

Armani Hotel Dubai. Easy access from Newcastle. Sleek, stylish and contemporary and personally designed by Armani, this hotel has 160 rooms, a variety of restaurants and an amazing spa. It also has Armani boutiques within the property.

TOP PICK: Honeymoon package upgrade gets you an airport pickup/drop off in a Bentley as well as daily his/her spa credits and other treats.

Honeymoon Gift Service

You ca n no Honey w add m Exper oon iences to you r gift l ist

Your honeymoon is often the one chance you get to really push the boat out and book that trip of a lifetime. We’ve been seeking out inspiring honeymoon destinations for over 50 years’ and can turn your ideas into experiences that you’ll remember long after the big day is over.

With our honeymoon gift service you can create a honeymoon gift list in conjunction with your honeymoon booking and use it as a way to accept wedding gifts from family and friends. Instead of tea cups and towels, why not ask your guests to contribute towards your dream trip or buy an individual experience from a ‘wish list’, hand-picked by you, to make your trip unforgettable.

Call our honeymoon experts on 0844 847 5004, email honeymoons@travelb.co.uk or browse our dedicated honeymoon pages at www.travelb.co.uk to find out more.

69 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AT 0844 847 5004 honeymoons@travelb.co.uk www.travelb.co.uk Honeymoons

Honeymoon specialists at Travel Bureau Gosforth can help you plan your perfect trip.

Call 0191 285 9321 or email honeymoons@ travelb.co.uk to make an appointment.

Visit www.travelb.co.uk for more honeymoon inspiration.

Turn your ideas into experiences.

Work with our experts to tailor-make your honeymoon: Dine on a secluded beach in the Maldives, served by your very own chef and waiter Float away on a sunset balloon ride over the beautiful Serengeti whilst on safari Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter tour of New York City, The Grand Canyon or Cape Town’s historic harbour Learn to scuba dive with his and her lessons in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean

@travelb Luxury Holidays

Cruises

Corporate Travel

Real Wedding

The couple

Rob and Clare Skilling have spent ten years together after meeting on a training course at work.

“I moved to the North East from Manchester so that we could be together,” says Clare.

In fiction, railway stations are the most romantic of locations. In real life too it turns out. He popped the question at Brussels Euro Tunnel Station, returning from a New Year trip to Bruges.

“We got on the Eurostar and immediately ordered a bottle of champagne to celebrate,” smiles Clare.

The dress

Clare looked exquisite in her Jenny Packham Willow dress with gorgeous beadwork and an open chiffon back.

“As soon as I saw this dress I just fell in love with it,” says Clare who found the perfect gown at Poppy Bridal in Darlington.

The bridesmaids

Clare chose her two nieces, Ellis and Evie, as her trusty bridesmaids to support her on her special day. “My two favourite small people.”

The cool, colourful, arty wedding They looked super classy in their embellished knee-length gowns, topped with 1920s-style headbands. The detailed gowns complemented the beadwork incorporated into Clare’s wedding dress.

The planning

Rob and Clare decided to plan their own wedding and felt that BALTIC would be a great way to showcase the North East for travelling friends and family. Quayside views, contemporary art, torrential rain, and one big Baltic party, all perfectly illustrated the charms of the North East!

“We’re not really traditional so we were looking for an alternative venue as we’re not really the country house types,” explains Clare.

“We had an Owl and the Pussycat theme as I love the romance of ‘dancing by the light of the moon’ on my wedding night. We incorporated subtle references to the theme, such as retro honey pots, but without it being too over the top. They were all our own ideas.”

The hen party

With plans for a big wedding blast at BALTIC, Clare stuck to a low-key hen party. Clare and her bridal party had a private dining experience at Jesmond’s cool and quirky, As You Like It. “A night of fabulous food followed with a boogie and a drink too many,” remembers Clare.

The preparation

Every bride needs her fair share of preparation time, and ahead of her evening of ‘dancing in the light of the moon’ with her husband-to-be, Clare admits that it took her hours to get ready.

“It took me about four hours to get ready and Rob about five minutes.”

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

28

www.facebook.com/epernaybridal

The catering

@epernaybridal

The couple and their wedding party ate at the SIX restaurant at BALTIC, the city’s iconic rooftop restaurant with stunning panoramic views across Newcastle and Gateshead.

“It was great because we could tweak the menu to what we wanted,” explains Clare.

“We had steak frites and Bearnaise sauce as a nod to our engagement in Belgium. Then we had white chocolate cheesecake with quince jelly, as a nod to the Owl and the Pussycat theme.”

WEDDING DRESSES BRIDESMAID DRESSES MADE-TO-ORDER VEILS

The cake

ACCESSORIES ALTERATIONS

Rob and Clare chose Love Lily Cakes, a bespoke wedding cake company based in Sunderland. Encompassing the Owl and the Pussycat theme, and Clare’s lovely flowers, even the cake stood elegantly with a view of the Quayside.

“It was a three-tier cake with buttercream icing. It was decorated with wild flowers which tied in to the table decorations.”

WEDDING PLANNING

Epernay Bridal 8 Newlands Avenue Melton Park Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5PT

www.epernaybridal.co.uk | 0191 236 8760

The entertainment

The couple literally ‘danced to the light of the moon’ with spectacular views of the Quayside as they partied into the night with their nearest and dearest.

“We had a DJ who played throughout the night and we also had The Stones who are a Rolling Stones Tribute band,” says Clare.

The vibe

The vibe was simple. Eat, drink and be merry! And that’s exactly what they did. The fun and alternative venue was host to the fun guests, looking to enjoy Rob and Clare’s celebration. The torrential rain didn’t stop this bright bunch from having a blast. The photographer, Charlotte Eve, had fun taking snaps in the Daniel Buren exhibition, which was unique to the BALTIC that day. Charlotte captured the couple’s happy memories as they laughed and danced through the day at the city’s most contemporary venue.

The aftermath

With impressive twilight views of Newcastle and the Quayside, the night came to a close but the fun didn’t stop there.

“Rob is a bit of a car nut so we had a three-week tour of Europe in our Mercedes SL for our honeymoon,” explains Clare.

“We drove down through France staying in Rouen and the Dordogne before heading to our favourite little town on the Costa Brava. Then on to Monte Carlo, Lake Garda and through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Geneva,” she adds.

And most importantly; “On to the Champagne region before making our way back north and onward to Blighty.”

www.evephotography.co.uk

Essential Edit

1

3.

1.

The very first thing you need to do is choose the right cake decorator for you. Consider the taste and quality of work. Do they fit your style of wedding and are they in budget.

2 3

When to get in touch? Good cake decorators get booked up fast. Book 6-12 months in advance.

Set your budget. Wedding cakes vary considerably in price but you should aim to spend around £100-£150 per tier.

Cupcakes and dessert tables are also very popular but not necessarily a cheaper option.

4

4.

Delivery. Before confirming your order find out who will deliver and set up your wedding cake, if there would be an additional charge or if it’s included in the price.

5

The Cake...

Style. There are so many different styles and looks for wedding cake; you could go for a wonderful traditional stacked cake or something a little more quirky with a dessert table. Cupcakes can be presented on a traditional stand or staged with props.

Remember your wedding cake will be the focal point of your room so you want it to stand out and shout wow!

Will it be cheese, will it be chocolate?

2.

6 7 8

It doesn’t have to be traditional fruit or sponge, be inspired and have something different!

5.

Try serving your wedding cake for dessert. This is a good way to save money, instead cutting it in the evening.

Making your own cake is a wonderful idea but in reality it can turn into a nightmare. A wedding cake is also made and finished in the last week before your wedding so do you really want the stress of that on top of everything else?

9

If family and friends offer to make a cake ask if you can see cakes they’ve previously made and for a taste test: there’s no point in saving money if no one eats it or it collapses.

1. White chocolate cake, £259 www.waitrose.com 2. Cascade cake, www.dreamworldcakes.co.uk 3. Northumberland Cheese cake, from £284, www.northumberlandcheese.co.uk/wedding-cakes 4. White Chocolate Shard cake, £500 www.bakedcupcakery.co.uk 5. British cheeses cake, £115 www.waitrose.com 6. Draped cake, www.themastercakesmith.co.uk

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

10

It’s traditional to keep the top tier of your wedding cake for the first baby’s christening or first anniversary; if this is your intention, make sure the cake is fruit and the best way to keep it is to freeze it.

6.

Dawn Renahan www.themastercakesmith.co.uk

30

Promotional feature

slaley hall How many guests can we bring?

Our largest event room, the Kielder Suite, can hold up to 280 guests seated for a wedding breakfast. This room can also be partitioned for smaller weddings or we also have a variety of other rooms which may be more suited to your numbers. Or perhaps outside on the hotel terrace or within the Japanese Gardens for more smaller intimate weddings.

Marquees can also be erected for up to 1000 guests and can be catered for within the hotel grounds.

Can we design our own menu?

We have a selection of dishes to choose from, but if you prefer our Executive Head Chef will be more than happy to discuss your favourite dishes to make your day that extra special.

All couples are invited to a menu tasting six months prior to their wedding day to ensure they are entirely happy with their choices!

Is there a wedding planner?

Slaley Hall has a dedicated wedding executive who acts as your co-ordinator on the run-up to your big day. They are on hand to help

answer any questions you may have in the lead-up to the day and will be happy to offer advice should you need assistance - you’ll have the perfect day in 1000 acres setting – making your day extra special.

Will we have exclusive use of the venue?

Although we do cater for other guests, we do allow only one wedding at Slaley Hall, ensuring your have exclusivity of the venue.

You will of course have private use of whichever function suite you choose and our experienced banqueting manager will be there to assist you throughout the day.

Can we have fireworks?

We allow fireworks organised by our preferred suppliers at Impact Pyrotechnics Ltd. They are able to supply low impact fireworks which better suit the rural location of Slaley Hall and keep the wildlife happy too!

Can we land a helicopter?

We regularly welcome guests to Slaley Hall who arrive by helicopter allowing them to take in the stunning surroundings!

31

What’s the USP? (unique selling point for the venue) We only ever host one wedding per day at Slaley Hall, making your day exclusively yours and perfect in every way.

Situated in some of the most picturesque surroundings of Northumberland moorland and forest we offer a perfect country retreat for weddings of all sizes. With accommodation available at the hotel, your guests can choose to stay and make your event that extra special and continue the following day.

We can also offer on site a range of activities from quad biking, 4x4 off road driving and archery to pre-wedding round of golf on one of our 2 PGA championship golf courses or perhaps a treatment or two prior to your big day to help you relax in our Spa & Leisure Club.

Slaley Hall Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 0BX 01434 673350 www.qhotels.co.uk/ourlocations/slaley-hall

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

Real Wedding

The low-key wedding The couple

in style and this seemed quite out of character for us.”

They had a simple ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre which, “took us both by surprise as neither one of us expected it to be so emotional”, says Michael.

“Even after 24 years together the significance of marriage is so special and important.”

He managed to call a photographer who arranged to meet them on the Quayside so after the ceremony they met up at the Millennium Bridge for some beautiful pictures which captured the day perfectly; the sky was bright blue!

They followed this with a trip to Cafe 21 for a gorgeous lunch with their family.

The following day it was business as usual as they were both back to work.

“We spent Christmas and New Year in Barbados with friends but we didn’t see it as a honeymoon as it had been booked for a while and you don’t really spend your honeymoon with four friends do you”, admits Michael.

So they have just returned from the real honeymoon, a trip to Dubai for a week of pampering heaven.

Gary Hooker and Michael Young really don’t need any introduction to Luxe readers. They feature in every edition of the magazine as a couple who are one the region’s creative success stories with a chain of hair salons and a team of award-winning stylists.

They have been together for nearly 25 years and the Facebook announcement on the eve of their wedding went something like this: “After years of talking about it and as long trying to decide how to do it, tomorrow Gary & I are ‘GETTING MARRIED’.

Just the two of us with our parents to witness the marriage.

We’ve kept it very quiet up till now as we wanted to keep it as simple and low key as possible. After 24 happy years together it just feels right”, wrote Michael.

The couple live in Ponteland and Michael says: “I think it came down to, ‘do we make a big thing of getting married or make a bigger thing of 25 years?’ So there was literally just the two of us with Gary’s mum and my mum and dad.

“However we woke up the morning of the wedding and I thought, ‘there’s low key and then there’s ‘no key’!

“I hadn’t actually bothered to organise a photographer or a car to take us! Anyone who knows us would have found this very hard to believe as we love doing things

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

And the grooms wore

Michael, a Ted Baker three-piece suit and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Gary, The Kooples’ suit and Dior shoes.

32

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

Essential Edit

Wedding planning timeline Immediately

• Work out how many people you expect to be at the day and evening of your wedding.

Rough numbers are fine, however this can often dictate which wedding venue is suitable.

• Draw up a budget.

• View and decide on a wedding venue and date.

• Start researching suppliers such as photographers, florists and cake makers.

9 - 12 Months • • • •

Tick box time

Order your dress.

Select your bridal party.

Book your key suppliers.

View potential bands or DJs and make some bookings.

• Look at accommodation for any guests who are travelling up for your day.

• Book your hen party.

6 - 9 Months

It’s one of the biggest events most couples will ever plan so here’s the Luxe Essentials guide to getting it right and keeping everyone sweet... from the proposal through to the big day.

• • • •

Post-its & spreadsheets

3 - 6 Months

If you’re one of life’s organised souls then creating a spreadsheet with all of your plans and deadlines is a great way to stay on-deadline and get organised.

Then again, you might be a cute notebook kind of person and be happy with some coloured-coded stationery.

It’s vital to assign an estimated budget to each area, allowing you to keep track of what is being spent and where.

Wise words

• Some kind of talking point during the meal. A photograph slideshow or photographs of your guests when they were young can help to break the ice.

• Your guest list. Make rules and stick to them. It’s your day.

• Make a list of all of the photographs you’d like taken on the day. Give this to your photographer in advance.

• Buy your shoes in advance and wear them around the house. Placing wet plasters on any areas that feel like they are rubbing and wearing these until they dry can help stretch.

• Dress buying - d0 it about nine months before the day.

On the day

• Enjoy a glass of fizz before leaving the house. Eat something.

• Take a ‘you’ moment at some point during the day. Sit with your new spouse and reflect.

Time always flies.

• Ask a trusted friend or family member to film key parts of the day – especially the speeches.

• Brides should wear a button-up top or shirt when having your hair and makeup done.

There’s nothing worse than ruining several hours’ work by pulling a top over your head!

• Make sure whoever is dressing you gets ready once you are in your dress. It can be hard work getting a wedding dress on and they may need a few minutes to cool down.

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15

34

Send your save the dates.

Order your bridesmaid dresses.

Book your honeymoon.

Order your wedding rings.

• Order your groomsmen’s suits.

• Start your hair and makeup trials.

• Order your wedding cake.

2 - 3 Months • • • • •

Buy your accessories.

Send your invitations.

Apply for your marriage licence.

Consider your wedding dress alterations.

Choose your menu.

One Month

• • • •

Pull together your final guest list.

Plan your seating chart.

Have your final wedding dress fitting.

Print your order of service, menus or anything else you may need.

• Buy gifts for your bridal party and parents.

• Send your picture list to your photographer.

The Week Before

• Finalise your seating chart.

• Confirm your details with all of your suppliers.

• Have your wedding rehearsal.

Essential Edit

Style the chaps Ted Baker is a go-to for the sartorial groom. Slim-fit jacket, tapered trousers and luxe fabric.

Pick a tie to suit the day. www.tedbaker.com

35

WEDDING ESSENTIALS MARCH/APRIL 15