A Chinese wedding at Jesmond Dene House - Nico and Cherry
To anyone who knows us, it doesn't come as a great surprise when I say how much we love shooting Chinese weddings. The colours, the traditions, the fun, the abundance of energy and most of all the warm hearted wonderful people. Nico and Cherry's wedding at Jesmond Dene House certainly didn't disappoint.
The day started at the crack of dawn with both the bride and groom at the Village Hotel in Newcastle as they prepared for the traditional tea ceremony. Before they could leave the hotel to join their families, Nico took part in the traditional door games. A hilarious mix of challenges designed to see how far the groom is willing to go for his bride. Nico and his groomsmen of course took upon the games with gusto and spirit, and the results were priceless!
As time drew on, together they travelled across to the grooms home for the tea ceremony. It is always such an honour to bear witness to this ancient tradition with such profound meaning. The tea ceremony simply put is the traditional Chinese marriage ceremony. The bride and groom kneel in front of their respective parents, serve them tea and thank them for their upbringing. It is a devout way to express their gratitude for raising them.
Cherry was every bit the perfect bride, graceful and elegant as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom at Jesmond Dene House. They gave their vows in front of all of their family and friends in the great hall and enjoyed a drinks reception with their guests in the grounds of the beautiful stately home.
For their great wedding banquet, Palace gardens in Newcastle's China town was the perfect location. The bride and groom were warmly but very loudly welcomed into the room to the sounds of drums and symbols, cheering and applause. Guests lined up in front of the bride and groom acting out another tradition, the dragon boat, leading them to the stage to give the first speech. The huge feast was attended by friends and family from far and wide all coming together to celebrate the newlywed's union. Around 12 courses of delicious Chinese delicacies were provided for the guests with entertainment from the guests themselves on a karaoke machine and speeches from the family throughout the course of the meal. The tea ceremony commenced once again for a number of their relatives who could not attend the house that morning, and then came the toasts. Moving through the room, Nico and Cherry visited every table to toast the guests and thank them, in return the guests toasted the bride and groom.
A quick trip back to the grooms home for another tea ceremony was followed by their evening reception and the bride and groom's first dance as husband and wife in Great Hall at Jesmond Dene House.
What a day! It was exhilarating, fast paced and an incredible experience we will never forget. Thank you to you both for welcoming us into your lives and allowing us to document your first day as husband and wife.
Horton Grange - Danielle and Daniel
We first met Danielle when we photographed her sister's wedding at Linden Hall in 2014 after she in turn was recommended to us from another friend. We felt like we already knew them so well when it was their turn to be married earlier this year. They were married in the stunning St Aidan's RC church in their home town of Ashington and chose the intimate setting of Horton Grange, situated close to Ponteland for their wedding reception.
Everything was simply beautiful, Danielle's stunningly vibrant bouquet, the delicately arranged table details and the array of fairylights strung up into the trees outside the venue really were something to remember. Here are a few of our favourite images from their wedding day.
Matfen Hall - Janet and Simon
A beautiful day towards the end of May saw us with Janet and Simon for their wedding day at Matfen Hall set in the picturesque northumberland countryside. Janet looked stunning with her fresh but flawless natural makeup which suited her fair skin beautifully. I loved her stunning nature inspired bouquet and vintage inspired wedding shoes.
Congratulations to you both on your wonderful wedding day, it was a joy and an honour to work with you. x
Make up by the very talented Make-up by Jo
Flower arrangements and Bouquets by Wildflower Florists, Newcastle.
The Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle - Deborah and Chris
Back in April we both had the pleasure of documenting Deborah and Chris's wonderful wedding day at the Whitley Bay Baptist Church, heading over to the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle for their celebrations.
It was our first opportunity to photograph at the Royal Station Hotel, and very quickly we were both taken by the impressive chandelier and huge sweeping staircase which together dominated the central hall of the hotel. They made a perfect scene for some wonderfully dramatic pictures.
After the fun of the speeches and their wedding meal, we made our way out the back to the Station for a few more photographs, how could we not!
Here are a few of the best from the day...
