“We’re huge dog lovers,” says Alex. “Peter’s mam Susan doesn’t like to leave her dogs Timothy and Nora in kennels, especially as one dog has a brain condition. So, we needed to find a venue that would welcome them both and Ellingham Hall exceeded our expectations with their unique dog parlour. Susan was so happy that the dogs could stay for our two-night wedding celebration.

Notes from the Bride

Apart from a Dog-Friendly Wedding Venue, what else were you looking for?

We wanted a different venue from other weddings we’ve been to. We’re from Durham and have been guests at most wedding venues in the North East. We didn’t want to travel outside the region as most of our family live local, but some family members were travelling from Australia and Latvia.

None of our guests had attended a wedding at Ellingham Hall before, so it was perfect. In fact, the only person I spoke to who had been to Ellingham was my manager at work. A week before our wedding, she asked where we were getting married and when I said Ellingham Hall. She said, “No way, that’s where I got married – we both have great taste!”

Tell us about your Wedding Decor

I made all my own flowers and decorations. I’ve never done florals before, but as I’m very particular, I wanted to do it myself. It was lovely project, as it helped keep my mind busy during the lead up. My mam came with me to visit the Hall before the wedding and she said it had a lovely romantic vibe, like Bridgerton or an opera house. And that was my inspiration for a red colour theme.

What did your guests think about your two-night wedding?

Our guests were very happy they could stay onsite and didn’t have to find a hotel or get a taxi. I think they were expecting the venue to be busy with other weddings, so when they arrived and realised it was all exclusively ours for two nights they fell in love with the Hall. It was perfect that it was just the family and a private event. It made it such a special day. We got married in April – mainly as it was the only month where we didn’t have something else going on. We had lots of guests saying it was the best wedding they’ve been to!

What about your guests who travelled from Australia and Latvia?

My Uncle Joe is Australian and absolutely adored it. He felt like he was living in a big castle! And my Uncle Philip loved it too, especially the two-night experience and having all the family together. We all loved relaxing and making the most of the grounds. Both our families spent the time getting to know each other. It was like a mini party in the Blue Room.  

Were your guests happy with the food during your two-night wedding?

Absolutely. The food was probably one of the parts of our wedding that really stood out for me. We enjoyed chicken and chips the night before and all I heard for most of the night was how good the food was. That and everyone having such a good time!

You chose a Sweetheart Top Table

It was Peter who suggested it, and I was on board with the idea. He said that after being so busy with the photographer and spending time talking to guests, it would be nice for the two of us to have a bit of time together. He thought having some time to talk about the day would be nice.

What’s your advice to anyone planning a wedding?

I’d say take 5 minutes after your ceremony to unwind because I was way more stressed than I thought I would be. Get all your friends, like all your bridesmaids, together before the ceremony. Having a bit of a natter with them on the morning will help calm you because you’re probably going to be nervous. And just enjoy it! It does fly over, so take time to enjoy every bit of your special day!

If you are looking for a dog friendly wedding venue in Northumberland contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Jessie and Emile
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars 
Bridal Gown – Blue Bow Bridal Company
MUA – Beatrice Holli Makeup
Hair – Carly Taylor Hair
Suits – Suit Culture
Bridesmaid Dresses – Club L London
Florist/Stylist – own styling
Winging Waiters/ Magic Mirror & DJ – No1 Singing Waiters NE
Cake – The Cake Garden

Even our resident peacocks got in on the act! Each time the string quartet stopped playing during the outdoor cocktail drinks reception, they voiced their approval. One peacock also decided a bridal photobomb was in order…

Notes from the Couple

Tell us about your Proposal from Lewis

We were on holiday in Cyprus in July 2022 and on the last night Lewis proposed to me on the beach, it was completely unexpected. It took two attempts, as the first time he got down on one knee I thought he was joking, so I left him in the sand! We’d met on Tinder seven years earlier; however, it was almost over before it had begun. Lewis was at a festival in Paris, and his phone broke, but after much perseverance (on his part!) we eventually arranged our first date, and the rest is history.

Why did you decide to Travel to Ellingham Hall?

We are both from the North East and we currently live in Stockton, which isn’t too far away from the venue. My family live down south in Brighton, Kent and Bath, so having the wedding weekend was a great idea for everyone to get together.
They didn’t mind travelling for our summer wedding weekend, and it was lovely that we all stayed together in the Hall.

Tell us about your Wedding Styling

We love the traditional country house aesthetic with the modern décor twist. Ellingham Hall certainly has the wow factor whilst retaining a cosiness that suits a family wedding. We wanted to merge a bold splash of bright colours with a traditional backdrop for our two-night summer wedding.

We looked at lots of wedding venues and as soon as we stepped into the Ceremony Room at Ellingham, we knew this was the room where we would get married.
We both loved the room’s original features such as wood carved fireplace and the high coffered ceiling. We have a similar aesthetic in our home and we knew this was the vibe we were looking for.
Neutral décor wasn’t for us and had decided on a bright orange and pink colour scheme with an injection of disco shimmer. Ellingham Hall was the perfect canvas for our vision and complimented our wedding theme, it was amazing to see it all come to life on the day.

How did you combine your Style with your Dresses?

My wedding dress had a traditional feel with a modern twist. I bought my dress from Marrime bridal in Jesmond. As soon as I tried on the ‘Zoe’ dress from the ESTY STYLE collection, I knew instantly it was the one for me. The elegant matt organza gown had marshmallow sleeves and Lewis agreed on the day, that it was very much ‘me in a dress’.
We wanted a more relaxed atmosphere and an injection of fun for the evening celebrations, so we opted for a quick costume change. I wore a sparkling teal hand-embellished dress with feather detailing by my favourite designer, Nadine Murabi. I’m obsessed with her style and Lewis bought me that dress as a surprise Christmas present in 2023. He knew I would want to wear it on our wedding day! Lewis changed into a tuxedo for the evening, swapping his olive suit for a pink crushed velvet tuxedo jacket. We both love fashion!

Tell us about your Special Touches on your Wedding Day

I designed all the menus, on the day stationery and name tags in keeping with our summer disco themed wedding.
We kept the theme running from day to night, opting for a simple polaroid guestbook with summer props, for a timeless feel. On the day stationary, name tags etc. which I really enjoyed doing. We also opted for an early evening cocktail hour too before the evening reception for an extra touch of glamour!.

How was your Wedding Day?

From meeting Matt the night before our big day to discuss all of the important things, we knew everything was going to run seamlessly in his hands. From helping us with the decorations & table settings, which I was very particular about, to making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time, he took all of the stress away and made sure the day ran perfectly.
Beth was lovely with all of our guests over the whole weekend, and nothing was too much to ask of her! She made everyone feel so welcome.
The whole waiting team during our wedding breakfast were amazing, the service was 10/10. and we couldn’t fault anything on the day!

If you are looking for a summer wedding weekend venue in Northumberland, contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Credits

Photographers – Sean Elliott Photographer

Videographer – Jolly Good Wedding Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Gown (day) – Marrime Bridal ‘Zoe’ ESTY STYLE dress

Dress (Evening) – Nadine Merabi

Bridal Headpiece – Vivi Embellish 

Suits – Dandy Threads

Bridesmaid Dresses – Abercrombie & Fitch & Monsoon

Rings – Fraser Hart

Hair – Wonderland Hair and Beauty by Alice

Mua – Faye Garnett Makeup

Florist – Floral Quarter Weddings

Band – Cousin Matthew

Wedding Cake – Vanilla Teas

String Quartet – Andrelli

Balloons & Decor – Balloon-ilicious

Even our resident peacocks got in on the act! Each time the string quartet stopped playing during the outdoor cocktail drinks reception, they voiced their approval. One peacock also decided a bridal photobomb was in order…

Notes from the Couple

Tell us about your Proposal from Lewis

We were on holiday in Cyprus in July 2022 and on the last night Lewis proposed to me on the beach, it was completely unexpected. It took two attempts, as the first time he got down on one knee I thought he was joking, so I left him in the sand! We’d met on Tinder seven years earlier; however, it was almost over before it had begun. Lewis was at a festival in Paris, and his phone broke, but after much perseverance (on his part!) we eventually arranged our first date, and the rest is history.

Why did you decide to Travel to Ellingham Hall?

We are both from the North East and we currently live in Stockton, which isn’t too far away from the venue. My family live down south in Brighton, Kent and Bath, so having the wedding weekend was a great idea for everyone to get together.
They didn’t mind travelling for our summer wedding weekend, and it was lovely that we all stayed together in the Hall.

Tell us about your Wedding Styling

We love the traditional country house aesthetic with the modern décor twist. Ellingham Hall certainly has the wow factor whilst retaining a cosiness that suits a family wedding. We wanted to merge a bold splash of bright colours with a traditional backdrop for our two-night summer wedding.

We looked at lots of wedding venues and as soon as we stepped into the Ceremony Room at Ellingham, we knew this was the room where we would get married.
We both loved the room’s original features such as wood carved fireplace and the high coffered ceiling. We have a similar aesthetic in our home and we knew this was the vibe we were looking for.
Neutral décor wasn’t for us and had decided on a bright orange and pink colour scheme with an injection of disco shimmer. Ellingham Hall was the perfect canvas for our vision and complimented our wedding theme, it was amazing to see it all come to life on the day.

How did you combine your Style with your Dresses?

My wedding dress had a traditional feel with a modern twist. I bought my dress from Marrime bridal in Jesmond. As soon as I tried on the ‘Zoe’ dress from the ESTY STYLE collection, I knew instantly it was the one for me. The elegant matt organza gown had marshmallow sleeves and Lewis agreed on the day, that it was very much ‘me in a dress’.
We wanted a more relaxed atmosphere and an injection of fun for the evening celebrations, so we opted for a quick costume change. I wore a sparkling teal hand-embellished dress with feather detailing by my favourite designer, Nadine Murabi. I’m obsessed with her style and Lewis bought me that dress as a surprise Christmas present in 2023. He knew I would want to wear it on our wedding day! Lewis changed into a tuxedo for the evening, swapping his olive suit for a pink crushed velvet tuxedo jacket. We both love fashion!

Tell us about your Special Touches on your Wedding Day

I designed all the menus, on the day stationery and name tags in keeping with our summer disco themed wedding.
We kept the theme running from day to night, opting for a simple polaroid guestbook with summer props, for a timeless feel. On the day stationary, name tags etc. which I really enjoyed doing. We also opted for an early evening cocktail hour too before the evening reception for an extra touch of glamour!.

How was your Wedding Day?

From meeting Matt the night before our big day to discuss all of the important things, we knew everything was going to run seamlessly in his hands. From helping us with the decorations & table settings, which I was very particular about, to making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time, he took all of the stress away and made sure the day ran perfectly.
Beth was lovely with all of our guests over the whole weekend, and nothing was too much to ask of her! She made everyone feel so welcome.
The whole waiting team during our wedding breakfast were amazing, the service was 10/10. and we couldn’t fault anything on the day!

If you are looking for a summer wedding weekend venue in Northumberland, contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Credits

Photographers – Sean Elliott Photographer

Videographer – Jolly Good Wedding Films

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Gown (day) – Marrime Bridal ‘Zoe’ ESTY STYLE dress

Dress (Evening) – Nadine Merabi

Bridal Headpiece – Vivi Embellish 

Suits – Dandy Threads

Bridesmaid Dresses – Abercrombie & Fitch & Monsoon

Rings – Fraser Hart

Hair – Wonderland Hair and Beauty by Alice

Mua – Faye Garnett Makeup

Florist – Floral Quarter Weddings

Band – Cousin Matthew

Wedding Cake – Vanilla Teas

String Quartet – Andrelli

Balloons & Decor – Balloon-ilicious