Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear.
Couples looking for a relaxing getaway – or wedding night to remember – should take advantage of Seaham Hall's exclusive new bungalow suites, which come complete with coastal views, hot tub, firepit and your very own golf buggy.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and large terrace areas, five-star Seaham's new suites boast an enviable cliff-top position, with stunning views towards Durham's heritage coastline. Each suite has a beautifully landscaped patio, featuring a sunken hot tub, BBQ kitchen and large outdoor lounge space with pergola and stone firepit. Set within the Georgian manor house's 37 acres of grounds, each suite has a stylish lounge area and kitchen, two premium designed bedrooms and two bathrooms.
WOW! How amazing is bride Claire's dress? "I chose Madi Lane's Mara gown in mocha for its relaxed style. I loved how the colour was different and fitted in with the boho style of our venue," she says. Head to our latest issue to see more of her big day now!
Want to get married in a truly amazing setting? Ever considered wedding by a waterfall? County Durham's High Force Hotel and Waterfall is one of the most unique venues in the country. The waterfall itself has a spectacular 21 metre drop, while the hotel is set in the midst of scenic Upper Teesdale, surrounded by some of the most stunning and unspoilt natural scenery. Artist J.M.W. Turner painted the waterfall in 1822, and the scenic location continues to draw visitors back to enjoy a colour palette that changes over all four seasons. Head here to find out more…
Are you a sufferer of oily hair? Worried how to manage it for you big day? Tina Elliott of Newcastle's Tina Elliott Hair Styling can help:
"For greasy hair it's very tempting to wash your hair every day, but this only adds to the problem. Try to wean yourself off the habit by using a quality dry shampoo in between – this is a brilliant way of getting your hair used to being washed less frequently and adds some body in between as well. You can also perhaps wear your hair up on day two until your hair gets used to not having to produce the extra sebum you're washing away every day."
Still searching for the perfect wedding venue? Step forward Middlesbrough's Acklam Hall, voted the number one romantic space to get married in the English Wedding Awards.
The only Grade I listed building in the area, the Hall was built in 1683 and underwent a multi-million-pound makeover in 2016. Its most recently updated space, the Queen's Room, was completed in February, and has now been transformed into an elegant bridal suite, with both four-poster bed and freestanding bath.
Worried what order to arrive at your cermony? Paul Campbell from Campbell Wedding Cars has all the answers…
"If a couple wanted to stick with tradition, then the order for the wedding party to arrive to the ceremony would be the groom and groomsmen first, approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony. While the best man is keeping the groom calm, the groomsmen and ushers are on hand to greet guests and get them seated. Second to arrive, around five to 10 minutes before the service, are the bridesmaids and flowergirls, along with the mother of the bride. At this point all of the guests and groomsmen should be inside. Last to arrive would then be the bride and her father."
When searching for a wedding caterer it's important to rememnber that feeding your guests doesn't have to mean a sit-down affair. “Mini food bowls allow your party to socialise and gives a more relaxed feel to the day,” says The Duck House Pantry's Jack Lapping. “Then there's canapé choices, with ours including venison Bolognese croquette with spiced tomato chutney, Lake District lamb belly fritter with sauce paloise, and tempura battered halloumi with nori tartare sauce and minted peas.”
Unbelievably, this gorgeous venue is in Northumberland and not France!
Situated in Otterburn, Le Petit Château is a French country manor that features a shabby chic interior and elegant features. Couples can wander hand-in-hand to the serene riverside for photographs, complete with beautiful ruins and a wildflower meadow.
With floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open straight onto the Mediterranean Garden, the sumptuous Ballroom provides the ideal space for wedding breakfasts with 160 guests and 220 for evening receptions. Imagine feasts served on banqueting-style tables dressed in elegant linen or opt for rustic farmhouse tables with Louis XIV chairs.
When couples book the venue, they'll receive a complimentary night's stay in the bridal suite on their special day and a wedding taster session to try some dishes from the award-winning chefs. Four-legged friends are welcome to join in the celebrations, and there are selected rooms available for them to sleep in.
Say “I do” surrounded by 160 loved ones in the La Belle Époque. This gorgeous chapel is the perfect mix of romance and fantasy with a crystal chandelier, marble fireplace and a shingle thatched roof. Alternatively, the outdoor terrace can host al fresco ceremonies due to its retractable roof, meaning outdoor nuptials can occur regardless of the British weather.
LE PETIT CHÂTEAU | 01830 570 400 | www.le-petit-chateau.com
Read about more venues in the Northumberland area in the March/April edition of Your North East Wedding, for free here now!
