I’m thrilled to share Bex and Clare’s wedding story with you, which exudes a perfect blend of rustic charm and glamour. This lovely couple wanted their special day to be an unforgettable celebration of love, filled with fun and entertainment. And what a joy it was to witness! The bride and groom have beautifully described their wedding style as ‘rustic-glam’ – a term that perfectly captures the essence of their big day.
The ceremony took place on April 6th, 2018, at Newton Hall in Northumberland, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the countryside. The color palette was a stunning combination of navy blue, soft pink hues, and touches of gold, which added an extra layer of elegance to every detail – from the bridesmaids’ attire to the breathtaking florals.
I must say that what truly stole the show were the images captured by Craig of Mr & Mrs Wedding Photography. His laid-back approach to capturing love stories is simply contagious, and it was a delight to see these gorgeous moments come alive. The beach shots in particular are my absolute favorites – they’re nothing short of magical. Thank you, Craig, for sharing your incredible work with us today.
The Proposal
As we stood at the edge of Beadnell’s windswept beach on New Year’s Day 2017, the biting cold and driving rain made it a less-than-ideal setting for a romantic gesture. Or so I thought. Little did I know, my partner Clare had other plans. Amidst the gusty gale and -3 degree temperatures, she cleverly concealed a bottle of prosecco and glasses in her soggy rucksack, determined to make this day one to remember. The momentary lull in the storm allowed her to get down on one knee, and as I sat beside her on the rocks, we clinked glasses, hails stones falling around us like tiny blessings. It was a moment so quintessentially us – I said yes, not just to escape the harsh weather, but to seal our love in the midst of the elements.
The Vision
We kicked off the planning process by zeroing in on three core aspects: culinary delights, lively tunes, and a unifying element that would tie everything together. As we’re naturally high-energy individuals who thrive at breakneck speed, our goal was to replicate this fast-paced dynamic at our wedding celebration. To achieve this, we made it a mission to curate an array of entertainment options that would keep our guests on their toes and eagerly anticipating what’s next – much like the pace of our daily lives! The color scheme fell into place with ease, as both my partner and I share a fondness for navy blue. We then added blush pink as a pop of contrast before introducing touches of gold to give things a touch of glamour.
The Planning Process
As a self-proclaimed control enthusiast, I naturally took the reins when it came to planning our special day. Clare, being the fabulous sous-chef that she is, played an integral role in bringing my meticulous plans to life. I poured my heart and soul into creating comprehensive spreadsheets, designing wedding stationery, and meticulously sourcing and booking suppliers. Thankfully, on the big day itself, I was able to let go of my need for control and trust that our chosen venue, Newton Hall, would deliver an unforgettable experience. And boy, did they ever!
The Readings & Music
Music played a pivotal role in our wedding celebration, with an eclectic mix of genres and styles bringing everyone together. Richard’s acoustic guitar set the tone during the ceremony and reception, while my bridal party surprised me with a flash mob performance of ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ by the Carpenters, seamlessly integrated into my speech. The North East Singing Waiters and a live band wrapped up the night with a bang, culminating in a fantastic celebration that we truly expressed gratitude for through song. We also had our little boy William deliver a heartwarming reading of ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton, which received rave reviews after I made some thoughtful adjustments to make it more inclusive and accessible to our guests.
Budget
The diagnosis of cancer shook me to my core, forcing me to reevaluate life’s priorities. With mortality looming large, the urgency to make the most of every moment became overwhelmingly clear. As I reflected on our past decisions, I realized that we had indeed been frugal and made conscious choices to save a significant amount, but now it was time to reassess and realign our spending habits with what truly mattered.
The Venue
As we strolled along the Northumberland coastline, our eyes met with the breathtaking vista of Newton Hall, a venue that stole our hearts many years ago. Little did we know then, but it would become the perfect setting for our special day. The scenic backdrop only added to our decision, as we had already gotten engaged at this very spot. Fast forward to our wedding, and we were thrilled with every aspect of our celebration. From the divine culinary delights to the expertly crafted Moscow Mule cocktails, every plate was cleared and every guest left satisfied. But what truly made our day shine was the exceptional service provided by the staff, who anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. As we cherish the memories of that special day, we’re grateful for the time spent at The Ship Inn, Low-Newton-by-the-Sea, and Newton Beach – a trifecta of experiences that only added to the magic of our wedding at Newton Hall.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Our two dresses, both from Essense of Australia, were purchased from Limelight Occasions in Lepton, Huddersfield. Despite our distinct physiques, we aimed to complement each other’s styles while also selecting gowns that flattered our individual shapes. The experience at Limelight was truly exceptional, surpassing many other wedding dress shops we visited throughout West Yorkshire. What stood out was the attention to detail, impeccable style, and genuine friendliness of the staff. To create a sense of cohesion, we opted for matching shoes from Carvella and handbags from Moschino.
Beauty
Our dream team of make-up artists and hairstylists truly outshone themselves on the big day. With two brides, six bridesmaids, two mothers of the bride, and two flower girls to pamper, we were blown away by their exceptional skill and dedication. Ashley Fehners, a talented make-up artist from Leeds, worked tirelessly from 6:30 am until the ceremony at 1:30 pm, bringing out the best in each of our faces. Her flair for capturing unique features, understanding diverse skin types, and warm personality made her an absolute delight to work with.
Emma Hill, a gifted hairstylist based in Newcastle, collaborated seamlessly with our florist to craft beautiful, rustic hairstyles that perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic. Despite some initial reservations about my own hair trial, Emma persevered until she achieved the look I had envisioned – a testament to her professionalism and commitment to exceeding expectations.
Bridesmaids
When selecting dresses for our bridesmaids, we prioritized comfort and individual style. To achieve this, we curated a diverse selection from high-street brands like Coast and Adrianna Pappell, as well as more niche designers like Sorella Vita. The result was a mix of styles that not only flattered each woman’s figure but also reflected their unique personalities. We ultimately settled on our favorite colors – navy, pink, and gold – which added a touch of glamour and sophistication. The gold accents helped to balance out the overall aesthetic, preventing it from feeling too casual or reminiscent of Jack Wills.
The Flowers
Sarah at Vintage Essence effortlessly grasped my floral vision from our initial meeting, impressing me with her ability to articulate my desires with uncanny precision. Throughout the process, she remained readily available via email, often elevating my ideas and providing valuable insights. Together, we strived for a rustic aesthetic that would thoughtfully contrast with the gold accents emerging in our design. The outcome was nothing short of stunning: lush wildflower bouquets for the two brides, miniature versions for the bridesmaids, and individual button holes that added a charming touch. My dad’s meticulous craftsmanship on wooden centerpieces provided the perfect canvas for Sarah to work her magic, bringing everything together seamlessly.
The Cake
While searching for the perfect match for our rustic-themed celebration, we stumbled upon Lyn at Bohemian Bakehouse. Our hour-long tasting session with her was truly the highlight of the entire planning process – and not just because she’s an incredibly talented baker! We fell in love with three mouthwatering flavors and left it up to Lynn to create a stunning masterpiece atop the cake. The only additional touch we added were two wooden birds (purchased from Etsy) perched on top, which lent a clever and whimsical touch to the overall design.
Your Photographer
We embarked on a search for a photographer who excelled in capturing unscripted, natural moments rather than staged group shots. Our quest led us to Craig, whose company name, Mr and Mrs Photography, had an endearing irony to it. We were thrilled with the engagement shoot, which confirmed our decision to work with him. On the wedding day, we crammed as much excitement as possible into the schedule, and Craig’s incredible talent for capturing the action shone through. He was the perfect photographer to have around, and we’re already eager to plan the next opportunity to work together.
Your Filmmaker
The surprise film for Clare was meant to be a secret, but it proved too challenging to keep concealed on the day, and ultimately, I ended up sharing the news with her. Craig’s versatility in switching between camera and film operations was impressive – a skill that left me wondering how he managed it. Despite the initial mishap, we’re thrilled with the final product, which has become a treasured memory.
The Details & Décor
We invested a significant amount of time and effort into crafting the perfect atmosphere for our special day. From building wooden ladders and signs, creating handmade table plans and centre pieces, to designing unique wooden boat decorations, every detail was carefully considered. The end result was a truly one-of-a-kind setting that reflected our personalities and love story.To keep the celebration lively and engaging, we had an impressive lineup of entertainment throughout the day. Richard Dudley set the tone with his soulful music during the ceremony and reception, while Canny Campers transported us to the beach in their quirky camper van. The bridal party even got in on the action, donning wellies and rainbow flares for a fun-filled photo opportunity.The bridesmaids stole the show with their hilarious speeches, leaving everyone in stitches. Later that evening, the North East Singing Waiters had everyone singing along and dancing before dessert. Snaparazzi Photobooths added to the merriment by dressing us up in silly hats and props, resulting in plenty of giggles.As the night wore on, The Bluehouse Band kept the dance floor packed with their infectious energy and encouraged guests to join in on the fun. To cap off an unforgettable evening, we finished with a spectacular display of sparklers, leaving everyone feeling joyful and satisfied. Our Master of Ceremonies even poked fun at our ambitious plans, saying ‘no one has ever tried to fit so much in’ – but we pulled it off, achieving our vision and delighting our guests.
The Honeymoon
As we look ahead to our six-week holiday, we’re excited to plan a thrilling journey that will take us from Budapest to Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and finally, Athens and Kefalonia. While we won’t have the luxury of bringing along a photographer or makeup artist to capture every moment in perfect light, we’re determined to make the most of our adventure and document it with equal flair.
Memorable Moments
As we gathered with our closest friends and family, the atmosphere was electric. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ flash mob that brought everyone together in a burst of joy and spontaneity. But even more memorable were the moments spent soaking up the sun on the beach, feeling carefree and weightless as the ocean breeze swept over us. Later, at the restaurant, the ‘New York, New York’ sing-along with the waiters was a special treat that had everyone dancing in their seats and grinning from ear to ear. It was truly an unforgettable night, filled with laughter, love, and those special moments that make life’s journey so worthwhile.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we relive the joyous moments of Mr. and Mrs.’ special day, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect blend of romance, elegance, and playfulness. From the picturesque setting of Newton Hall to the stunning bridal dresses by Limelight Occasions, every detail was meticulously curated. The vintage essence of the flowers, courtesy of Vintage Essence, added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. And let’s not forget the delectable treats provided by Bohemian Bakehouse – that cake was a true showstopper! Meanwhile, Emma Hill Bridal Hair and Ash Fehners Bridal Make Up worked their magic to make the happy couple look absolutely radiant. The transport, courtesy of Canny Campers, ensured everyone got to and from the venue in style. The music, provided by Richard Dudley and The Bluehouse Band, had everyone dancing in the aisles – special shoutout to North East Singing Waiters for their fantastic performances! And finally, Snaparrazi Photobooth captured all the laughter and love in a series of unforgettable photos. Your toastmaster was absolutely right when they said you packed a lot in – thanks for sharing it all with us, Bex and Clare! Rachel x