Editor loves and inspiration

Ruth met Scott through a mutual friend. “Lockdown hit, so we started FaceTiming as well as messaging,” says Ruth. “Scott works offshore, so when he returned – and after restrictions were lifted – we went to the beach for our first date. We then met nearly every night to go for a walk and grab some food. We moved in together quickly, and there was no looking back!”

Scott asked Ruth to marry him in their kitchen – not what he’d planned! “Scott spent ages looking for the perfect ring; a pink morganite oval design with diamonds all around,” continues the bride. “He then booked a night away at a lovely hotel that I’d been asking for months to visit. It fell on the same day as my nephew’s christening, so we spent a lovely day with family, where I enjoyed a few drinks. Scott, the designated driver, then took us home to get our stuff, letting my mam in to collect our dogs before quickly telling her his plans. Realising they’d taken themselves off into another room, I got suspicious and started asking why they looked so proud of themselves. Scott got overexcited and impulsively got down on one knee in the kitchen, asking me to marry him there and then! I ended up jumping on him and pushing him over, landing on the floor in a heap with three excited dogs piled on top, with my mam crying with happiness in the corner. By the time I’d sent messages to family and friends, the house was full of guests and champagne, meaning we had a huge party and missed the trip away! Scott’s still wounded at paying £600 for a night we didn’t get to, but we’ll forever have the brilliant memory of how his proposal ended up!”

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

Charlotte Dodds from Cakes By Oscar tells us the latest wedding cake trends.

"Recently I've seen a big change in what couples want for their wedding cake, regularly receiving requests for rich chocolate fudge cake, lemon sponge and Cherry Bakewell flavours. Couples that approach me love getting a taster box of what I offer, customising the flavour and filling combinations in a way that suits them to make their cake that bit more personal. Clients often don't know where to begin with ordering a cake – or the questions to ask – so I always point out that the sky is the limit, and not to feel tied to traditional flavours and designs. The minimalistic appearance is still popular, with lots of preference for a 'semi naked' or plain white icing, accompanied with flowers from local florists. Couples also like to source decorations for their cake from North East independent suppliers, which is a great way to support local."

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

Kathryn and Chris met at work in 2018. “Chris joined the company after he'd been travelling around Asia, and we hit it off straight away,” says Kathryn. “Within a few weeks we had our first date – and never looked back. I moved into Chris's Gateshead flat where we spent our nights cooking, dancing around the kitchen, or wandering to the city centre for drinks. We knew this was something special, because no matter how much time we spent together, we were never bored. Being together just feels like home.”

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

The owner of Beauquets, Sophie Jackson, tell us more about her company and the latest floral trends.

"“Based in Middlesbrough but covering the whole of the North East, I'm here to create bouquets, buttonholes, and everything in between. Whether you want flower crowns and wrist corsages, or centerpieces and venue décor, I'm here to bring your floral dreams to reality. Right now, I'm seeing that a natural, informal vibe is a big trend, with brides wanting their bouquets to have a looser form that's both classic and romantic. For table décor, budvase arrangements using single flower varieties are becoming very popular – and gypsophila (or baby's breath) is also making a huge comeback.”

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

Briony met Jonny when she gave him a lift along with some of her friends. “He was being annoying, lifting my seat latch and finding it hilarious pushing me backwards and forwards while I drove,” she says. “It made me realise he wasn't a safety first kind of lad – and I didn't want him in my car again! However, that didn't last long, as we ended up hanging about with the same people. It wasn't always an easy ride – his group of mates suffered a great loss of a friend, and that's when I realised life's too short, deciding to drunkenly confess my feelings 10 years ago. We became a 'Facebook' couple on 26 May 2013 – because nothing's official until it's social media confirmed!”

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

Say hello to Blackton Grange Estate, Durham's newest wedding venue and celebration estate. Entirely yours for two nights or more, you can make your celebrations as unique as you are with no packages, no corkage and 100 per cent flexibility! Set within 11 acres of designated dark skies wilderness, the dry hire approach allows you to put your own stamp on every element of your big day, allowing you to choose whichever food and drink suppliers you wish. If that sounds a little overwhelming, the venue also has an amazing list of recommended businesses to choose from. Your wedding comes with a dedicated coordinator to make your day stress-free – plus there's accommodation for up to 18 friends and family in the newly-renovated farmhouse!

Prices start from £5,750 for two day/night hire, including exclusive use of the entire estate, accommodation, licensed wedding barn and dining space for 70, evening party space for 90, and wedding coordinator.

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

Megan met Shaun at university while Megan was training to be a teacher and Shaun was studying for a sports degree. “Mutual friends introduced us at Newcastle’s Digital club,” says Megan. “Shaun walked across the dance floor, picked me up and spun me around! We danced the night away and decided we wanted to see each other again. After a couple of weeks, we made it official, both knowing we were in it for the long run. Shaun treated me like a Princess, making sure I was fed good meals – and I never had to get a taxi again.”

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

We spoke to the team at Beautiful Day Bridal in Darlington to find out more about the company.

"We make wedding dress shopping a breeze,” says Beautiful Day Bridal's Sarah Mosley. “A relaxed boutique, here you have the whole boutique to try styles and find your dream dress. We have designs to suit all sizes and shapes, as well as an in-house alteration service to ensure your dress fits perfectly for your big day. Currently, we're seeing styles that are sleek and elegant; and also soft and floral – but whatever you're searching for, we can help. At the end of the day, personal service is paramount. We know how important it is to feel relaxed and comfortable when finding your perfect dress – and it also helps that our staff have over 25 years' experience!”

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

Make-up artist Melanie Hedley tells us how to choose the perfect supplier for your big day.

"With so many make-up artists around it can be difficult to know who to go to, so first of all look for someone that reflects your own make-up style. If you're a natural girl find an expert who also has a natural signature theme. There's no point opting for someone who does full-on glam and huge lashes if you'd never want to look that way. Also, ask for recommendations from friends and wedding suppliers, remembering to look at reviews and following ones you like on social media. When you find someone you think might be for you get in touch early, as most make-up artists are often booked up a year in advance. Finally, at your trial it's important to be honest, never showing them photos of Photoshopped or face tuned looks. It's totally impractical – you want your photos to be of real-life skin and not totally pore less."

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

VENUE TO WATCH: Newcastle Castle

Newcastle Castle enchants all who enter with its hidden passages, spiral staircases and historic charm. Outside, take in views of Newcastle's industrial heritage, along with the bridges adorning the River Tyne. Arriving at the Castle, guests are greeted by the historic fortified gatehouse, The Black Gate, before witnessing you wed in the Harbottle Suite, licensed for up to 50, or the Museum Room, licensed for up to 30. Visit https://www.newcastlecastle.co.uk for more info.