Matfen Hall - Emma and Richard

Married at Matfen Hall last summer, Emma and Richard went all out to wow their guests with spectacular visual effects.  Their elegant and minimalist day took on a different tone as we progressed into the evening.  A dance floor filled with dry ice created a dreamlike setting for their first dance as husband and wife, and a crowd-stopping firework display ended the day with a bang.  We were even treated to a red arrows fly past! 

Here's a few words from Emma...

How did you meet? How did he propose? What is your story?

'We met at work (Cooper BMW Durham). 'Richard took me back to our first holiday location in Gran Canaria and proposed on a boat in the middle of the sea before we went parasailing.'

What was the inspiration behind your wedding?

'The inspiration for our wedding was minimalistic accessories with a modern look. We wanted the wow factor so we booked dry ice for our first dance and fireworks to end the night.'

What was the most memorable or your favourite part of your wedding day? 

'I loved each and every bit of our wedding... I wish we could do it all again but if I had to pick my most memorable part that would have to be our first dance. Walking down that staircase with my husband onto a floor filled with dry ice! I will never forget that feeling and how happy I was at that moment in time with all of our family and friends around us.'

Why was photography important to you and why did you choose 2tone Photography? 

'We chose 2tone photography because we liked the idea of having 2 photographers on the morning of the wedding. It was very important for us to have photographs of both myself and my now husband on the morning of the wedding. When we met up with Nigel and Chrissie we instantly knew that they were the photographers for us. We felt so welcome and you could see the quality of their work how passionate and enthusiastic there job was to them! We absolutely love the photographs that you took of our day; the album and photo frames are spectacular!'

Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are currently in the planning process? 

'Get a good wedding planning book and create a spreadsheet with amounts and dates things need to be paid. Just have fun! It might feel like there is loads to sort but try not to get stressed and enjoy every bit of it as your wedding date will come around so quick!'

Venue - Matfen Hall

Venue styling - The Finishing Touch Company

The wedding dress - YAP Bridal

The men's suits - Moss Bros

Wedding cake - The little elephant company

Flowers - The finishing touch company

Hair and Make up - Hair - Lisa Cameron Make Up - Gabby Walker

Entertainment - Luke Howell - magician

Fireworks - Spectrum - fireworks and dry ice

Matfen Hall - Janet and Ben

Our first wedding of what was to be a very busy August was that of Janet and Ben.  They met and become a couple whilst still at school and chose to tie the knot last summer.  They were married in the pretty church in Stamfordham, just up the road from their reception venue, Matfen Hall.  Looking smart as a dart, Ben wore his Naval number one's for the special occasion.  After the ceremony, Ben whisked his new wife Janet off to Matfen Hall in his own BMW Z3.  Their guests happily greeted them as they made a grand entrance into the Great Hall of Matfen Hall, announced in to the room with music played by the string quartet, a special surprise gift from Janet's father which then continued, setting a wonderful mood for the drinks reception.

It was a wonderful day with a great couple, picture perfect weather and a stunning venue.

Here are a few of our fav's from the day...  

Matfen Hall - Natalie and Russell

Romantic through and through, genuinely beautiful, inside and out and completely in love are words that I could easily use to describe Natalie and Russell and it was simply a joy to get to know them both.  Russell's fairytale proposal on top of the Eiffel tower in Paris along with Natalie's favourite disney film 'Beauty and the Beast' together became the inspiration for their truly magical wedding day at Matfen Hall.

Natalie and Russell told me that Matfen Hall's gothic great hall with it's towering stained glass window, grand staircase and architectural stone arches reminded them of the ballroom in disney's classic 'Beauty and the Beast' and as soon as they stepped inside, they knew it would be the perfect place for their wedding.

Natalie's stunning engagement ring.

Natalie chose tones of beautiful cornflower blue for her bouquet and bridesmaids dresses keeping within the theme of the day.

It was wonderful to work with our old friend Julie Pattinson once again, using her makeup skills to ensure that all of the girls were looking perfect for the day.

Nigel met the lads downstairs as they finished getting ready for the ceremony.

Each of the men were given a pair of cufflinks, each with a different super hero emblem on.  As pretty good look alike, Russell of course had Captain America.

Natalies lovely bridesmaids helped her into her stunning wedding gown in Matfen Hall's bridal suite.

Natalie looked stunning in her ballgown style wedding dress, long veil and a delicate tiara headband.

A priceless moment and one of my favourites on a wedding day - the moment the bride's father sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day.

Undoubtedly the adrenaline is kicking in for Russell now as the guests stand to greet the bride.  I love this shot as his Mum steps forward to give her son a loving gesture and a little reassurance and that look on Russell's face tells us everything he is thinking, a little nervous but like he is living a dream.

Beautiful Natalie walks slowly down the great hall staircase.  Such a proud moment for her and her father, I carefully positioned myself so we can see her clearly ascend the staircase while we can also see their guest looking up watching her with Russell up at the back - sticking to tradition and not turning.  Viewing these images allows Natalie to relive the moment and Russell to witness something that he did not with his own eyes.

Natalie made such an elegant bride.

The gothic great hall at Matfen offers so many interesting and creative view points to photograph from.

Gorgeous light for Natalie and Russell as they pose for their family and friends.

Natalie and Russell were lucky enough to have stunning weather for their wedding day and so everyone headed straight outside to enjoy it.

Russell's parents had bought these fun french signs for Natalie and Russell.

Matfen Hall's lavender was perfectly in bloom for their mid August wedding. 

The terrace room perfectly set for the wedding breakfast.  I noticed that the candelabra's gave a nod in the direction to the character Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast and the lace detailing and fresh colour theme to the french.  

A miniature Eiffel tower set on a table filled with jars of home made macarons, a traditional french dessert.  I was invited to try one and so I can say they were out of this world gorgeous.

Natalie and Russell's wedding guests were invited on to the grand staircase to welcome Natalie and Russell to take to the dance floor.  Natalie and Russell looked incredible as they waltzed across the vast open floor space in the beautiful hall looking like a scene from a fairytale.  

As the sun lowers in the sky, we head outside for one to two last romantic portraits.

Natalie and Russell, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us to attend your beautiful wedding day.  Your love for one another, your romantic souls and your sincere kindness is inspirational, and everyone who will see these images it will be plain to see that you two were simply made for one other.  We both wish you love, happiness and an amazing future together.