Doxford Barns - Sarah and Max

Our first wedding at Doxford Barns in Northumberland was for Sarah and Max.  A stunning venue filled with rustic charm and perfect for lovers of the outdoors.  Max met us as we arrived, getting out of the car, he pulled us in for a huge bear hug.  Their warmth continued throughout the overcast late August day, brightened by their mutual cheerful and relaxed disposition.  Two people so likeminded in every way, beginning their married life together.

Thank you to you both for your warmth and friendship, it was a joy to attend your beautiful wedding day.

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

"Max and I met at work. I worked in the box office of a music venue and he worked for the security that were contracted for events taking place there. 

We were going on holiday to Center Parcs and he was locking the house up. I’d moved his bag into the back of the car and when he got in he started panicking about where his bag was. This was odd; he’s never normally like that. I had no idea why but then brushed it off and we headed off. When we got there we checked in as normal, and went for a walk. I didn’t have a clue he was about to propose but we stopped at one point in the forest and went down on one knee. Instead of crying or anything all I could do was laugh. Turns out he was panicking about his bag because it had the ring in it! I feel so awful now for laughing, sorry Max!"

What was the inspiration behind your wedding? 

"We just wanted to have a day filled with fun and joy and laughter - a day the two families could really come together. Pinterest was also a big help!"

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

"The most memorable part has to be the registrar calling Max by the wrong name in the middle of the ceremony! It was hilarious then and still is now! As for the favourite, the first dance was pretty special for us. One of our favourite songs played acoustically by my cousin. It was a beautiful rendition."

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

"Photography was so important because it’s the way of capturing those little moments you may miss, forever, and telling your own story through images. We chose Nigel and Chrissie because, from meeting them once, we knew they could do just that for us."

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

"Make sure your plans are for you, no one else. Everyone else will be happy for you both no matter what you plan.  Take it easy in the immediate run-up to and on the day itself.  Take a few minutes to just be together after you’re married. You’ll thank yourselves for it afterwards!"

What is your favourite part of being married now?

"Our favourite part of being married is just being together! Being able to share memories and planning our future together is so much fun."

Venue: Doxford Barns

The wedding dress: Ronald Joyce - Robyn - purchased at Something Special, Low Fell

The men's suits: Slaters Menswear

Wedding cake: Sarah’s mum

Flowers: Sarah’s mum

Hair and Make up: Hair: Danielle Hurst, make up: Sarah’s sister

Entertainment: DJ: AMV Live

Healey Barn - Rosie and Anthony

School teachers, Rosie and Anthony were married at St Robert's R.C Church, heading over to Healey barn for their wedding reception.  I asked them to tell us more about their school themed wedding day, their favourite moments and any advice that they could offer to couples getting married.

How did you meet? How did he propose? What is your story?: "Both of us are teachers and Anthony and I met as we were both teaching at the same school. Three years later, Anthony proposed when we were on a trip to Edinburgh, a couple of days before my birthday. I had no idea what he had planned and was so surprised when he got down on one knee in front of Edinburgh castle. It was very romantic!"

What was the inspiration behind your wedding?: "We wanted quite a relaxed and rustic theme to our wedding day. We visited a wide range of venues looking for the perfect place and as soon as we visited Healey Barn (even though it was still being built!) we fell in love with it straight away. As we are both teachers and that is how we met, our wedding had a school theme to it. The table names were the names of different subjects written on chalk boards and our favours were school-themed cookies! Our master of ceremony (my brother, Chris) used a traditional school bell throughout the day before making his announcements."

What was the most memorable or your favorite part of your wedding day?: :"I think our favourite thing was having all of the people that we love all together in one place and being able to celebrate with them. We both smiled from start to finish! We also made sure we snatched a few moments together throughout the day. The car journey from the church to the Reception was really nice as we had some time just the two of us to take it all in and enjoy it."

Why was photography important to you and why did you choose 2tone Photography?: "Choosing the photographers is such an important part of planning your wedding as the memories are so lovely to look back on. It's vital to have a good rapport with your photographers so that you all feel at ease on the day. As soon as we met Nigel and Chrissie and saw examples of their work, we knew they would be perfect for our wedding. We cannot praise them highly enough and all of our family and friends were so impressed with their professional and friendly approach on the day. The group shots were planned in advance and there was no waiting around on the day.  Nigel and Chrissie got so many fantastic pictures without us even noticing they were there! We could not be happier with the wedding photos we have received, the difficult thing was narrowing them down for the album!"

Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are currently in the planning process?: "Just enjoy it! We had a two year engagement and planned the wedding very gradually. Everyone says that wedding planning it such a stressful time but it honestly doesn't have to be, we really enjoyed planning ideas around our theme and just had fun. Remember that it's your day and go for whatever will make you happy. Do look around at a range of venues, photographers, florists etc so you can choose your favourites rather than just going for the first ones you see. Try not to stress too much over who to invite or sorting the table plans, do what you feel comfortable with, it will all come together on the day and it will be the best day of your life!"

What is your favorite part of being married now?: "It's just nice to know that we are finally Mr and Mrs and can look forward to lots of exciting times ahead. It's been funny for the children at school to get used to calling me by a new name, so I just respond to both names now!"

Here is their day...

Venue: Healey Barn

The wedding dress: I Do

The men's suits: Slaters

Wedding cake: Vanilla Teas

Flowers: Flowers Unlimited

Hair and Make up: Hair- Lisa Cameron Make up- Sarah Stonehouse

Entertainment: Aaron Bayley Band