Claire and Dan first met through Tinder. “Dan messaged, and we met a week later for drinks,” remembers the bride. “I’d been in such a rush to get ready that I had no time to eat. Not wanting to be a messy drunk after a few doubles, I insisted on scranning a massive lasagne in Wetherspoons, while Dan looked on in amazement. He was used to going out with girls who’d only eat salad, whereas I’ve always been a foodie. Lasagne and a few shots later, we started our cocktail quest of Newcastle. The conversation flowed as easily as the drinks, and before we knew it the night had slipped away. Dan managed to ‘miss’ the last metro home – and the rest, as they say, is history…” Dan proposed to Claire on a trip to Rome. “It was our second day sightseeing and my feet were wrecked from my ill-fitting sandals,” continues Claire. “After buying some overpriced trainers we soldiered on, ending up at the Trevi Fountain where I wandered off to find the perfect Insta shot. Dan appeared with a street photographer, asking him to take some photos on my phone. All of a sudden he got down on one knee, asking that all-important question. By this stage a crowd had gathered, and, as he slipped the ring on my finger, everyone cheered. A lady nearby handed us a coin, which we were told to throw in the fountain to make a wish. It was our first engagement present – and even though it was from a stranger it will always be our most treasured one.” The couple set the date for the 31st May, 2022, choosing Newton Hall for their big day. Here, Claire tells us more about their amazing celebration… TO SEA – OR NOT TO SEA? The couple originally considered tying the knot in Florida. “However, the uncertainty of Covid, plus the fact my Grandad was 94 (but fit as a fiddle), meant we soon changed our minds,” says Claire. “While furloughed, Dan and I drove to a new beach every time the sun came out for a stroll. One day we stumbled across Newton by the Sea, and fell in love all over again – but this time with a place rather than a person! As we tucked into our picnic, Dan and I agreed this is where we should marry – and lo and behold, there stood Newton Hall, just a five minute drive away! We knew it was our venue straight away.” A little under a year later, as restrictions eased, the couple were finally able to visit to get a feel for the place. “At this point Newton Hall was just our reception venue, as we wanted to get married on the beach,” continues Claire. “However, the moment we walked in we quickly changed our minds. Stepping inside the Enchanted Chapel, we were swept into its romance and splendour. Dan glanced over at me for just one moment, and I knew that was his way of saying he wanted to get married there. It was goodbye windy beach hair; shouting to be heard by 50 or so guests; and exchanging smart shoes for flip-flops in the sand! Even though a beach ceremony was what we originally wanted, Newton Hall and its welcoming presence won us over – and we are so glad it did!” LIFE’S A BEACH When it came to wedding signage, Claire went along the DIY route. “I’ve always had a passion for graphic design, so couldn’t wait to get started on our table plan, table names, place names and welcome sign,” she says. “For the signage, I used acrylic pens on A1 boards, attaching them to garden arches, before adding white mesh curtains and pineapple fairy lights. All this cost less than £30! For the place settings I wrote guests’ names in a white calligraphy font on a fabric palm tree leaf, which cost less than £10 for a pack of 50 on Amazon.” With a beach theme in place, Claire and Dan set to work on extra touches for the reception. “I added a treasure chest to each table with a set of Cards Against Matrimony inside, opting for charades for family members who might not find them as amusing,” continues the bride. “We also wanted something different from the more traditional wedding favour, which ended up being another way to get those beach vibes in. I’d bought a miniature deckchair a few years back to use as a phone holder when washing up, which I realised would make the perfect gift! It was a place guests could rest their phones in when they were tucking into the wedding breakfast, and couldn’t be more fitting for a celebration by the sea. Luckily for me, The Works still stocked them – favours done and dusted!” 31 REAL WEDDINGS
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