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
Lartington Hall - Beth and Luke
Beth and Luke chose elegant Lartington Hall in Co. Durham for their wedding. Dashed with champagne and gold, their day had a regal feel while still being relaxed and fun. Here is Beth to tell us about it...
How did you meet? How did he propose? What is your story?
'Luke and I had the most amazing engagement. We had booked to go away to Disney World Florida in 2015. The last day of our holiday was my birthday and Luke had organised for us to watch the firework display at Cinderellas castle from a private garden viewing area! I had already had my birthday presents early that morning and wasn’t expecting anything else! As the fire works began, they played a song which started with the lyrics - ‘wishes do come true’ to which Luke then got down on one knee and the fireworks were going crazy in the background! It was just magical.'
What was the inspiration behind your wedding?
'When we started planning the wedding we knew we both wanted quite a big wedding with the wow-factor to go with it, and we definitely got that with Lartington Hall. We wanted everything to be that little bit extra, but still classy. We wanted a neutral and champagne colour theme, which happened to match perfectly with the venue – it was fate! I’d almost say we wanted a regal-feel to it, from the tall, rounded centrepieces and the large cake to the gold painted pillar-cases in the ballroom. Everything was just how we imagined – perfect!” We couldn’t recommend Lartington Hall enough to future bride and grooms.'
What was the most memorable or your favorite part of your wedding day?
'Without a doubt our favourite part of our wedding day was the Singing waiters! When planning the wedding we knew they were definitely going to have to be part of our day! We felt that sometimes at the wedding breakfast there is a bit of a lull and everyone becomes a bit tired after a big meal so it was just the perfect thing to get everyone lively again and up on their feet. The atmosphere they created was amazing, everyone was up dancing, singing and having a fab time! So many of our guests commented on how unique and brilliant it was to have at a wedding breakfast!'
Why was photography important to you and why did you choose 2tone Photography ?
'Our photos of the day were one of our main focuses when wedding planning. We found 2tone photography at a wedding fayre and instantly knew nigel and chrissie were for us! We knew from looking at their past albums that they had captured some amazing pictures of other bride and grooms special days and that’s exactly what we wanted! Their pictures seemed so crisp, clear and deep in colour, and that was exactly what we were looking for, something that said bold. Nigel and Chrissie are so lovely too. They work with such a relaxed attitude and it’s almost like having friends photograph your wedding. I would definitely recommend having a pair of photographers, that way, so many more images from different angles are able to be captured and I would not hesitate to recommend 2tone to any bride and groom.'
Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are currently in the planning process?
'Our advice for future Bride and Grooms would be to go ahead with any plan or factor that you really want on your day. You only get to do it once, so bite the bullet and book it! Even if it means saving those few extras pennies, you wont regret it!
What is your favorite part of being married now?
'Our favourite part of being married now is planning our future together! We cant wait to see what the next couple of years bring for us! Our least favourite part is not having a wedding to plan haha! Enjoy every single minute of it.'
Venue: Lartington Hall
Venue styling: The Whole Schbang
The wedding dress: Bespoke Victoria Kay - Happily ever after Darlington
The jewellery - Ivory & CO
The hair: Hair by Jordan Simone Darlington
Makeup - Heather Francesca Pro artist and studio
The bridesmaid's dresses - Tracy Wilson Bridal specialist
The men's suits: Slaters - Newcastle
The wedding cake: Creations by Paula Jane
The flowers: The whole schbang
The stationary - Linda Whyte @ The Wedding Stationery Company
The magician - Stephen Knight
The singing waiters - Main course singing waiters
The day time musicians - Amici Musicali
The evening band - Hip Hop Hooray
The photobooth - Party Pics photobooth hire
The videographer - One Digital Image