Editor loves and inspiration

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.

Meet our September/October cover stars, Megan and Shaun, who met at university. “Mutual friends introduced us at Newcastle's Digital club,” says Megan. “Shaun walked across the dance floor, picked me up and spun me around! After a couple of weeks, we made it official, both knowing we were in it for the long run.”

The couple married on 27 October 2022, choosing Ellingham Hall for their big day. Read Your North East Wedding magazine for free and find out more about their wedding in our Sept/Oct issue!

Want your dog at your wedding? Here's some advice from Kirsty Spender of Durham's Chuck Tails (https://www.chucktails.co.uk): You spend every day with your dogs, but the logistics can be difficult, which is why using a dog chaperone service can help. Chuck Tails will bring your pooches to the wedding venue (if not already there) and let them burn off energy before the ceremony begins, so your dogs are relaxed and ready. If you want them to play a part in the service itself, we help with greeting guests and even ring bearing duties!

We asked a top wedding hair styist about adding real flowers in your hair…

"Fresh flowers are a welcome addition for a bridal hairstylist creating occasion hair. They give a rustic, whimsical vibe to any updo, while being completely unique to each bride. In my experience, fresh flowers 'left over' from your bridal bouquet or other arrangements slot magnificently into all types of hair, especially as they can be freely pinned and sprayed into a bespoke arrangement in both an up or down style."

Carly Taylor, Carly Taylor Hair | www.instagram.com/carlytaylorhair

Want to Win tickets to Darlington Hippodrome's Disco Inferno show? Of course you do! Performing for one night only; Friday 13 October; Your North East Wedding has three pairs of tickets to give away!

Click here to be in with the chance of winning – and visit Darlington Hippodrome for more information on what else you can book up for there.

How amazing does the hair and make-up on these bridedmaids look?

Created by hair stylist Siân Cable, from Chester-Lee-Street's Hair There and Everywhere; and make-up artist Urszula Klesna-Carr, from Kenton's Make Up By Urszula; you'll have to head to our July/August issue to discover their top tips!

Meet venue stylist Rachael Lucy of Whitley Bay's Loved by Lucy Designs. “We ensure you have the perfect handwritten wedding signage for your special day,” she says. “With a large range of styles available; from wooden boards with wax seal detailing, painted back acrylic and chalkboard designs' there really is a bespoke wedding sign package for every couple. We chat through your wedding décor, visions, colours, give advice and guidance, before coming together to create a design that's perfect for you. From welcome signs, table plans, name card and table numbers, to unplugged signs, signature drinks, orders of the day and much more, nothing is too much trouble. We're here to eliminate stress and bring you the most joyous wedding signage you could wish for.”

For info head to https://www.lovedbylucydesigns.co.uk

Looking for a North East snapper? Consider Dash Photography, with prices starting from £699. “I've shot many different style weddings, going with what the couple want and adapting as necessary. I'd say my style is relaxed, but I also love to experiment and be creative depending on the client. I can't think of a better way to spend a day than with a group of people in a celebratory mood. It's so easy to get caught up in the joy and emotion of the day! I meet people from all walks of life and and honestly can't think of a better job to have.”

For more of Dash Photography's photos, as well as another 10 of the best North East photographers, read our July/August issue now!

Ailsa and Scott met at work. “I was Scott's manager, with us trying to be serious at work making things tricky at the start,” says the bride. “However, his smile and humour soon drew me to him. We're also the total opposites: I'm serious, and he isn't, and I hate mess – and he's so untidy!”

Scott popped the question after the couple had been together six years, with the couple setting the date of 18 February, 2023 – Ailsa's 30th birthday! Read our latest July/August issue for more about their big day...

Anna and Dan knew each other from a young age, but didn't start talking until years later. “Dan was in Australia, and I'd booked to go travelling there,” says Anna. “We got chatting over Facebook about where I needed to go and stay; before planning on meeting up – however, Dan came home from his travels early for a job. I travelled for six months while Dan was home, and throughout that time we spoke every day. He picked me up from the airport when I landed – and that was that!”

The couple set the date of 11 August, 2022, choosing Barn on the Bay as their venue. Read our July/August issue for more about their big day...