Editor loves and inspiration

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.

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!