From watching The Wedding Planner to heading up our Wedding Team!

10th July 2022

Watching movies such as 27 Dresses

As well as Jennifer Lopez’s blockbuster The Wedding Planner gave Debbie Armstrong the desire to plan and deliver weddings. That said, it wasn’t until Debbie decided to change career that the opportunity to fulfil her dream arose and join the award-winning Ellingham Hall team.

Whilst having an informal chat with Debbie our General Manager, David, recognised her warm and friendly personality, it was clear to him that Debbie was ambitious and passionate – all attributes that David knew would be essential in becoming a successful wedding and events planner. Little did he know that later that year the stars would align, and Ellingham Hall would be looking to recruit a new wedding and events co-ordinator, which Debbie later became the successful applicant of. Having no hands-on experience in the world of weddings it was Debbie’s sparkling personality, kindness and transferable skills from previous employment that made her stand out.

During Debbie’s first year with Ellingham Hall, she really earned her stripes by planning and part delivering the extensive backlog of weddings that were sadly not able to take place during the pandemic. Under tremendous pressure Debbie had to plan multiple weddings side by side, all the while making each couple feel special. It was Debbie’s calm approach and excellent customer service skills that gained her a promotion, awarding her the title of Head of Weddings and Events.

With Debbie’s new role and Ellingham Hall winning the title of ‘Events team of the year’, awarded at the regional final of The Wedding Industry Awards, we thought we’d catch up with Debbie and see how she’s enjoying being the real-life Mary Fiore, planning and delivering bespoke weddings at our exclusive Northumberland Wedding Venue.

What did you do before joining Ellingham Hall?

I am a trained nurse but was working in retail when I was chatting to my neighbour, David, who is General Manager, about a career change. When I asked him what he did, I told him it was a dream of mine to plan weddings as I’d been inspired by movies, like The Wedding Planner. It isn’t quite the same as what you see on screen, of course. It is a real privilege to help couples plan and deliver their dream wedding.

Any standout moments?

Well, there was one time when a florist forgot the confetti and suddenly realised before the ceremony. We pulled out all the stops and managed to contact our admin assistant, Wendy, who had some. It arrived about three minutes before the couple left the Ceremony Room. The bride was so grateful because it was important to her. It was a lovely photograph. One bride was in the process of getting ready, and when I popped into the suite to check everything was OK, she jumped up and gave me a huge hug because she was so thrilled with everything!

What have you learned so far?

It’s nice to make people feel good and make them happy. It maybe just my job, but it’s important because their wedding memory will be with them forever. It’s more than just a job, and it’s why I even take work home because I want every couple to know that every detail is as important to us as it is to them.

“The Hall has such a lovely feeling and having our meeting at the same time as the corporate launch last year, gave a very different feel to what we usually have at other local networking events. The Chamber needs local venues that make the North East stand out, and Ellingham Hall is a venue that is a hidden gem.”

CLARE MCCABE, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER NORTH EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“The venue exceeded our expectations. Not only did it offer uniqueness, but exclusivity was a key factor in booking. The main Hall offered lots of space for us to work and we found the delegate rates very competitive. The venue comes highly recommended. “

Lisa Davidson, HR Director – Connect Health
We’re now back from our honeymoon and we just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you did to make our wedding day so special.
The entire team was incredible from start to finish and we especially appreciate the flexibility you showed in accommodating my wish to have the ceremony outside, it meant the world to me!
Thank you again for helping create such an unforgettable day

Lisandra & Stephen, 26th June 2025
Throughout our stay, from start to finish. The staff worked so hard. Always calm, well organised, with someone always on hand if needed. Staff constantly and discreetly clearing glasses, plates and guest debris, the rooms always stayed looking plush. On the Big Day, on hand to keep everything running on time and on track. Food service from walking the room with canapés to serving Wedding breakfast and Friday morning breakfast was spot on and professional from a well managed young team.

We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, a very easy and smooth arrival process. Bar was open for the arrival of guests. Rooms were all well appointed with all your tea, coffee needs. We had a great barbecue style evening family buffet with all the guests. Plentiful and tasty. The sitting area near the bar had the bride and grooms playlist in the background for us to enjoy and chat over. The den was used by several guests through to the early hours! . We started Thursday morning with Sausage sandwiches which were great. Bar opened at 11:30 for a swift one before the main event. The room was perfect for the ceremony. Excellent canapés served with a drink whilst the photographs got underway. Wedding breakfast, served in the Chapel again superb quality. We then had a break with a cocktail hour. The mojitos were great. Our evening entertainment started at 7pm for first dance. We had a short break at 9pm to build burgers before we partied on till midnight. Friday morning, Full English breakfast. Again super quality.

Holly & Fraser Handley, 27th March 2025
“I booked a lunch party at Ellingham Hall for a very discerning group comprising of generous supporters of a local charity. We were 27 people and we enjoyed a Champagne reception before a delicious three course lunch. Wendy and her team could not do enough for us, our every request was granted. Dietary requirements were very efficiently and creatively dealt with and the result was a most enjoyable event at a price I was very satisfied with. I would definitely use Ellingham Hall again for a function like this.”

Jon Radgick
We just wanted to say thank you so much for our incredible wedding. The day was an absolute dream and everything we could have wished for. From our first visit to the day of, every person we interacted with us on your team was friendly, so welcoming and professional. We couldn’t be happier with how it all went.

The venue looked absolutely exquisite, our guests were amazed!! I kept giving tours to the bridal suite 😂 Hopefully we’ll visit again one day!

Camilla & James Allan, 10th May 2025

From watching The Wedding Planner to heading up our Wedding Team!

Watching movies such as 27 Dresses

What did you do before joining Ellingham Hall?

Any standout moments?

What have you learned so far?

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