Editor loves and inspiration

Ashleigh and Joe met by chance. “It all started with an encounter in Yates, Hartlepool, after I had been out in Newcastle for the day for my friend’s birthday,” says Ashleigh. “Joe had been out with his dad and they decided to have a cheeky stop in town before heading home. When one of the best mixes came on over the speakers, a dance off broke out with boys vs girls. Joe saw his chance to take the centre of the circle, but little did he know that I would break out into dance and steal the show. A few weeks after our chance encounter, we crossed paths again on Tinder, and as we recognised each other, we started talking and eventually organised our first date.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

You said ‘yes’, the ring is on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops straight away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking the time to do your homework first can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you, but that it ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and the venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment you’re planning. To help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Rare Bridal Studio to share of its favourite winter dresses.

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Make-up artist Kirsten Baillie tells us how to create a winter-inspired look.

"Although your wedding is not usually the best time to start trying something wildly different from your regular look, a winter wedding is a great opportunity to play around with some new make-up tones.

"I would advise booking a make-up trial with your chosen artist; this will give you a chance to discuss your ideas and plan a look that suits your complexion.

"Richer colours can look beautiful during the winter; think shimmering warm bronze or antique gold eyeshadows. These shades are flattering on most skin tones and look natural while still being a bit different."

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Jess and Ryan first met when they were 15 and 16 years old. “Ryan has never failed to make me laugh and has given me belly giggles since we met,” says Jess. “We have been through every big life event together, such as first jobs and cars, and unlike many childhood sweethearts that sometimes grow apart, we grew up together and remained close.”

Ryan proposed on a mountain in Lake Garda in 2018. “He got it all on video and it was magical,” shares the bride. “It was a complete surprise and Italy has since become our favourite destination.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

Kay and Kenny met at a soul night. “On our first date, Kenny wanted an informal vibe, so we wined and dined me at our local Wetherspoons’ curry night!” says Kay. “I knew then he was a keeper! He also makes me laugh and is an amazing cook, which was definitely the way to my heart.”

Kenny proposed after 14 years together. “By now we had two children and had spoken about getting married in the past, but nothing ever came of it,” remembers the bride. “It was a huge surprise when Kenny proposed by writing a cryptic ‘WYMM’? in a Christmas card I opened on Christmas Day 2022. It was a lovely morning; we drank lots of buck’s fizz before getting ready for the day.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

These images organised by wedding planning company Amelia Ray Events show how incredible a castle wedding can be.

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Marianne Fashions of Cleadon Village in Sunderland has put together their 2024 trend predictions: “There are more informal weddings taking place in hotels and venues abroad. As a result, mothers-of-the-bride and grooms are seeking a design that has a softer look and is less restricting, yet is still glamorous and fun to wear again on holiday and special nights out. Designers have not been slow to cater for this trend, with designs now featuring bardot necklines, gently nipped waists flowing down to cascading hemlines, tailored trouser suits, dresses and jackets that are never out of fashion, and silk trouser suits with matching flowing blouson tops. Veni Infantino, Couture Club, John Charles, Simon Ellis, and many others have all these styles in plain and printed fabrics in several colours. All of these you will find at Marianne Fashions of Cleadon Village, with matching shoes and handbags and a choice of hats to hire or buy to complete the look.”

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After a successful year capturing weddings across our wonderful region, Durham-based photographer Dash Photography is preparing to launch a new website. “I’m working hard behind the scenes to get the new website ready,” says the owner, Brendan. “I’m looking forward to its reveal this winter with some special offers for 2024 and 2025. Our approach to wedding photography is to produce images that tell the story of your day. We want to capture all of those special moments as they happen without being too intrusive or distracting. We want your day to be about you, but we also want you to have fantastic and creative images that record the emotions of your special day and create memories for you to treasure. We also understand that not every couple is looking for the same style, so we are able to combine our signature style with a traditional approach or a more creative editorial style if needed.”

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Hannah and Robs met on a dating app. “However, after six months we went our separate ways as it just wasn’t the right time,” says Hannah. “Two years, a pandemic and two break-ups later, I messaged Robs again – and that was it; I wasn’t letting her get away! I’ll never forget tipsily screaming, ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ at Durham Pride in the rain, and she moved in five months later.”

Neither Hannah or Robs wanted to get married – or so they thought. “One day we were sat in a pub when it hit me how much I’d love to marry her, so I could introduce her as my wife,” continues Hannah. “Telling Robs there and then, I was shocked when she liked the idea as well. I had a bit of a cry – I might have had a pint or two! – but nothing further happened at that point in time.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

North East Carriage Co Ltd is a family-run business that has been supplying horse-drawn carriages and wedding carriage hire for over 25 years. “We offer a one-to-one service that allows us to provide you with a truly bespoke experience,” says the team at North East Carriage Co Ltd. “We make sure everything, from decorations down to the colours, is supplied just how you want it. We invite you to come and visit our farm to view our selection of horses and carriages, and we welcome you to choose the horses to lead your carriage on your special day.

Meet more local companies in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download