Matfen Hall - Sarah and Mark
Matfen Hall is a fabulous location for a wedding. It is a stunning Northumberland wedding venue with beautiful gardens, a magnificent great hall, a huge sweeping staircase, and views of the countryside that go on as far as the eye can see. It was the perfect place for Sarah and Mark’s relaxed yet traditional wedding. They were married in the Great Hall, after which, they and their guests headed outside to celebrate with drinks and lawn games. After a few pictures in the stunning grounds, they all headed inside to the Morning Room for some great speeches and a meal together, before dancing the night away. It was a fabulous day with a great couple, and we were so happy to have been a small part of it.
If you're planning your own wedding at Matfen Hall, and are looking for a wedding photographer, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
“Can I just start by saying the photos are absolutely fantastic! The confetti shots are all amazing and the couples shots of Mark and I are beautiful. We really love your more arty shots which are just something different and so cleverly done. I have to say we had great fun playing 'spot the photographer' particularly for the ceremony pics because you guys must secretly be ninjas to not appear in each other’s shots! Thank you for agreeing to be our photographers and for everything you have done to capture our day. We couldn't be happier with the photos you have produced.“ - Sarah and Mark.
Matfen Hall - Kirsty and Carl
We have worked at Matfen Hall in Northumberland many times in the past, but Kirsty and Carl’s wedding was one of our first since their big refurbishment. There were so many changes made that it felt like working in a brand new venue. The approach has been significantly improved with planting, a turning circle with fountain, and stunning statues of stags flanking the entrance, they have re-landscaped the front terrace and refurbished the interiors. The great hall has kept its original grand staircase, but walls have been knocked out to enlarge the space, and the ceiling has been given a new mural. The dining room is now decorated in scrumptious tones of duck egg blue and gold, the bar has been redesigned, and even the bridal suite has taken on a new, more luxurious look.
Kirsty and Carl’s big day was another beaut that I had to share with you. Kirsty got ready for their ceremony in the bridal suite and was able to take a peek out of the window to see Carl’s surprise grand entrance by helicopter. After their ceremony in the great hall, and a drinks reception in the bar, we took a turn around the venue for a few photographs of the newlyweds. Their wedding breakfast was followed by their first dance back in the Great Hall, ending the night with sparklers and a bit of dancing in the Vault bar.
Chinese wedding at Matfen Hall - Fiona and Rico
We are no strangers to photographing Chinese weddings in Newcastle. Over the years we have had the joy of attending and photographing countless Chinese weddings for local couples, and we have had the pleasure in creating long lasting friendships within the Newcastle Chinese community. We know and understand the traditional Chinese wedding customs, the fast paced fun of the day and we know that they are never the same twice.
Fiona and Rico’s big day was one such wedding. It was a feast for the eyes, Chinese wedding customs were combined with English wedding traditions resulting a multifaceted wedding day of fun and silliness, emotion and sincerity, elegance and romance.
The day started at Fiona’s family home. Inside, the ladies were busy getting ready, while outside, the street filled with family and friends, waiting for the boys to arrive. Moments after stepping out of the car, Rico was presented with a series of tasks set by the bridesmaids before being allowed entry into the house to collect his bride. The boys really got stuck into the challenges and luckily, they suitably impressed the girls. Once allowed inside, they all took part in the traditional tea ceremony before heading over to Rico’s parents home to perform the same ceremony with his family.
Later in the day, everyone poured over to Matfen Hall in Northumberland for their elegant and very English wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast.
Here are a few images from their day.
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
Chinese wedding at Matfen Hall - Jordan and Yvonne
Jordan and Yvonne's spectacular wedding last summer took place over two days. Surrounded by all of their family and friends, they said their vows and became husband and wife at the True Jesus church in Newcastle. Arriving early to Matfen Hall ahead of their guests, together we explored the gardens, took in the sunshine and enjoyed creating some beautiful portraits before heading inside. Sweeping down the grand staricase, Yvonne and Jordan were greeted with a grand reception, followed by ice-cream, a bite to eat, and of course games, fun and frolicks.
Day two found us in Newcastle's china town, and popular restaurant, Palace garden, for a cultural celebration filled with colour and love for the newlyweds.
We have worked with the Newcastle chinese community, photographing weddings for many years now. We have come to know this group of people very well, seeing many of them time and time again. They welcome us with open arms and treat us as a part of the family. It is an absolute honor and a joy to spend time with every one of these warm, loving and welcoming individuals. We too, think of every one of you as part of our extended family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us into your lives once again. We look forward to seeing you all again at Deborah and Justin, and Fiona and Rico's weddings later this year!
