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Supplier Spotlight – Made Simply Perfect

Ask our Experts – Susan & Glynis

Mother & daughter duo Susan & Glynis, run a multi award-winning family business – Made Simply Perfect, a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist based in Amble.

We specialise in full Venue Styling, Floristry, Stationery & Finishing Touches and take a huge amount of pride in what we do. With a genuine passion for weddings, we work hard to earn our fantastic reputation for innovative designs and amazing service.

We offer our couples a seamless experience to styling their wedding day, across all elements that factor into the overall look and feel. Using our experience and knowledge, we are there to assist you throughout the planning process, to ensure that our designs not only meet your expectations…but exceed them.

Top Trends for Winter Styling

Winter has amazing advantages when thinking about the styling options for your wedding. Getting to consider the darker, rich & mood colour tones brings a real overall warmth. The dark, shorter days mean you can play with lighting to create a romantic ambience, by using different varieties of candles.

You’ll want to create an inviting warmth to your winter wedding. The weather is very unpredictable and one of the benefits to winter, is you can focus more on what the inside spaces can offer. Richer colours like dark greens, are a popular trend we are seeing for 2023 & 2024 weddings.

Compliment the season in your flowers, by utilising the evergreen varieties of foliage within your arrangements. If you wanted these softened slightly, they couple well with variations of eucalyptus, which brings more contrast and a more textured feel.

You may also consider frosted tones, adding greys to your colour scheme provides a lightness against those richer base colours. Again looking at ways to give your styling layers and not necessarily sticking to one colour and trying to match throughout. We would always recommend a colour palette of at least 3 colours in complimenting tones.

Table Centres

When we talk about a colour palette, you look at what tones go well together to create styling that works across your tables, the ceremony styling and the venue itself.

The rich greens of mixed foliage in your centre display, coupled with tones of grey using tapered candles and napkins look simply exquisite. Then adding warmth by using gold metallic accents across the candlesticks, charger plates & cutlery, really complete the look.

A foliage display filled with winter varieties and adding texture by using the softer sage tones of eucalyptus, gives the dimension of shades. The loose design of the foliage gives way to each variety, falling naturally as they would if grown outdoors and bringing the feeling of the outside, in.

By Candlelight

Going back to the shorter days that winter brings, think about the candlelight you can create within your centrepiece.

Mixing different varieties such as pillar and tapered styles, when using richer colours, really softens the tones and relaxes your guests into their seats. Tapered candles are a great way to add colour to your centrepiece and their delicate appearance lends themselves perfectly to the romance of the day.

If candles do not feature within the centrepiece itself, then by adding tealights to your tables will create an ambience that is a must for winter wedding styling.

Table Styling

Styling your table is not only down to the centrepiece, yes it’s the focal point, but also think about what can compliment it on the rest of your table.

Keeping in line with the trend of your dark greens, you can create a base colour using our Olive Green Chiffon table runner, loosely laid and ruffled along the centre of your table.

Each guests place setting should be well thought out and we’d recommend creating layers for texture. Our Gold Beaded Edge Charger Plates are the first layer, providing a great backdrop and continuing that gold accent from your centrepiece to the outer edge of your table. Adding grey linen napkins adds a lighter tone to the darker Cryptomeria foliage wreath which surrounds the charger plate. This sets a lovely base for our printed stationery cards which in white, goes one step further to increase the lightness overall, so stands out beautifully on each setting.

Remember, always go all out on winter styling and focus your attention to your inside spaces. Your table wants to look inviting, cosy and warm over the winter months.

Chair Styling

A huge trend for 2023/2024 are a variation of dark green fabrics to dress your Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast chairs. The most popular being Forest and Olive green (Pictured: Olive Green).

When thinking about your flowers and foliage, again your chairs styling need to compliment these. In this ceremony set up we have used the richness of the green from the winter foliage and extended this over the chairs using a chiffon drop. The chiffon drops are a soft, sheer fabric that easily offer support to the rest of the décor. A romantic fabric that has a natural drape to it and ruffles softly over each chair.

Choosing Your Winter Flowers

When thinking about what wedding flowers you would like, take as much direction from your florist as you possibly can. The team at Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist co. Made Simply Perfect, have the experience and knowledge needed to direct you on what is great during the winter months and what is not.

Many couples will already know that flowers are seasonal and some varieties are not available all year round. Plus anything requested out of season, if it can be sourced…may not live up to the high quality when in season and may increase in cost.

So, take full advantage of winter varieties, whether that be Ranunculus, Tulips or various other flowers available throughout the winter season or all year round.

If you are looking for a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist or one based in the North East, contact Made Simply Perfect. If you are planning your dream wedding in Northumberland, contact us to speak to our wedding team today.

A Venue for all Seasons!

At Ellingham Hall it’s not all about Summer, we are a venue for all seasons!

Our stunning Country House with its elegant reception rooms, choice of ceremony spaces, luxury accommodation and 8 acres of picturesque grounds and woodland, make every season equally idyllic for a perfect exclusive two-night wedding celebration.

a venue for all seasons - Ellingham Hall

Rich Autumn Weddings

Autumn weddings are extremely popular at Ellingham Hall, and so they should be. This season is a blaze of colour, with the creeping Virginia on the Hall changing from plush greens to glorious orange and red tones, creating a rich autumnal backdrop for your wedding portraits.

On the inside, the optional festoon lighting sets a warm glow in the Chapel, when the light outside quickly fades. Wedding themes often see the earthy rich bronze and brown tones come to life in florals and room styling. Sparklers add magic to your evening shots and if you’re lucky enough to get married on bonfire night, then you can host a fireworks display too!

September often brings with it warm days, however by choosing a date in October or November, you’ll benefit from an off-peak price. But it’s not just the favourable price tag that makes Autumn weddings so special, but having a country estate, full of stunning trees including horse chestnuts with their mahogany-bright conkers, makes it one of the best seasons to tie the knot.

Amy & Dave Autumn Wedding

Megan & Shaun Autumn Wedding

Ian & James Autumn Wedding

Lydia & Sean Autumn Wedding

Magical Winter Weddings

A blanket of thick frost or snow, cosy log fires in our front reception rooms and magical indoor lighting, really set the scene for your perfect winter wedding!

The smell of mulled wine fills the air for your wedding reception, and the brides and the bridesmaids look stunning in their winter capes and accessories. The addition of candles and rich warm floral tones set the perfect festive ambience for your winter ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Christmas time at Ellingham Hall really is something special. If you choose to marry during mid-November and before the first week of January, the Hall with be dressed with lavish festive décor and it won’t cost you penny! From the impressive Christmas trees in the front reception rooms to the grand staircase adorned in Christmas finery, it’s will be the festive fairy tale wedding you’ve always dreamed of! On New Year’s Eve, you can again choose a perfect show of fireworks.

Weddings in January and February can give your friends and family something to look forward to in the colder months and gives your wedding a standout, away from the masses in the summer. You’ll also benefit from FREE venue hire, so it’s super-friendly for your budget too.

Chris & Sarah Winter Wedding

Alex & David Winter Wedding

David & Deborah Winter Wedding

Holly & Elliot Winter Wedding

Fresh, Crisp Spring Weddings

When the sunshine returns, the snowdrops begin to bloom and the crisp days grow longer, springtime can be the most beautiful season. With 8 acres of picturesque grounds and woodland to explore, Ellingham Hall is the perfect location for a spring wedding.

This time of year can be ideal for outdoor ceremonies, with more extended hours, but the sun not yet rising to its full summer height. The light can often be softer than summer, which is great for your wedding photos, with no harsh midday sun. The fresh natural tones of whites and greens filter into the pretty table décor and bouquets, and the pastel shades adorn the brides tribe.

March and April both fall into mid-season pricing which is an added bonus, but the real jewel in the crown is the gardens and grounds bursting into life. The peacocks look serene parading the lawns and the blooming daffodils, magnolia and cherry trees really are a stunning spectacle, as you make your way up the picturesque driveway.

Marie & Rob Spring Wedding

Laura & Anthony Spring Wedding

Rebecca & David Spring Wedding

Georgia & Gareth Spring Wedding

Sunkissed Summer Weddings

Summer weddings are always the most sought-after of the year. With sizzling BBQs on the Chapel Terrace and relaxing drinks on the Rooftop Lounge whilst taking in the stunning views of the Northumberland coast; it’s no surprise why.

The gardens are filled with colourful roses and rhododendrons, perfect for romantic strolls and picture perfect couple portraits. Enjoy sunny outdoor ceremonies, with a choice of 3 stunning locations – you’re really spoiled for choice!

Gloriously warm weather, long days and light nights are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and garden games on the lawn are always a hit the night before.

Weddings in the summer fall into peak season pricing, but don’t worry if this is too much of a squeeze for your budget, look at the surrounding months of March, April, Sept & Oct and you can still benefit from glorious weather but for a lower price.

Charlene & Brett Summer Wedding

Cai & Daniel Summer Wedding

Leanne & Joel Summer Wedding

Summer Florals Inspired Shoot

If you’re looking for a venue for all seasons, then contact the team at Ellingham Hall today and come and view this fabulous luxury wedding venue!

How Our Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Dream Came True!

Marie & Rob

5^th May 2022

As Marie and Rob visited potential wedding venues in Northumberland, one vision became clear – they wanted an exclusive outdoor wedding ceremony and even though a devastating storm meant our team had a bit of unexpected work to do, the couple enjoyed the outdoor wedding of their dreams.

Notes from the couple

Marie explains, “We’re really good friends with our photographer and he gave us a list of potential venues. Ellingham Hall was on the list and the one we liked most because it gave us so many options. I really liked the idea of getting married outside.”

Rob says that we were first on the list, they visited 15 venues and knew Ellingham Hall was the right place. “There were a lot of reasons: how well we got on with our wedding planner, the homely, family feel of the place and the grounds available for an outdoor ceremony. None of the other venues had the outdoor wedding ceremony spaces and they couldn’t guarantee you wouldn’t have people from other weddings wandering around the venue and grounds.

“Ellingham Hall also offered the full package as it’s an exclusive use venue, which we wanted because of the number of guests who wanted to stay.”

Marie adds that unlike other venues, the fact couples have access to the entire estate means you and your guests are always in one place, which makes it less stressful.

“At another venue, the groom and his party had to leave and stay in accommodation down the road, while the bride was getting ready. But Ellingham Hall has two wedding suites and lots of space for everyone, so you can be away from each other but still within the house or grounds.”

And it was the grounds that really convinced Marie and Rob, who married in May 2022, that we were the perfect venue for their outdoor wedding. Even though Storm Arwen meant that a tree at the spot they wanted their ceremony was uprooted leaving residual damage, in true Ellingham style our team pulled out all the stops (and trunk!) to make their dreams come true.

Marie remembers, “We came about five weeks before the wedding and I spotted that there was a problem: a tree had fallen where we wanted our guests to be positioned and we were worried about it not being safe”.

“The team at Ellingham Hall showed us other areas where we could marry, but we had our heart set on that spot. So, the team said they would sort it out for us.”

Rob says that they had dreamt of their ceremony at that spot – and the Ellingham Hall team had made their dream come true.

“Marie had a vision in her head and even though the storm had made things difficult, everything was done to make sure we could use that area,” he says. “It even rained on the day and at one point we weren’t sure if we could go outside.

“David, the General Manager, said he’d wait until the very last minute to make the decision as he was worried about the seats being too wet to sit on and ground softness. In the end, the rain stopped, and the guests all commented on how special it felt being stood throughout the ceremony. It had a very informal feel and guests said they enjoyed being able to move around and mingle.”

Marie agrees that the whole wedding has led to amazing comments from their guests: “The feedback from our guests has been fantastic and we want to thank you all for making our wedding dream come true.”

If you are searching for wedding venues in Northumberland for the perfect wedding celebration with family and friends, contact our wedding planning team today.

Credits

Photographer – Fyzal

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Dress – I Do

Hair – Lauren Hornsby

MUA – Nikki Newman

Suits –Woven Durham

Bridesmaids Dresses – Purbelle

Decor – The Whole Sch-Bang

Cake – Mrs Bou-cakes

Cheese Cake – Mouse Trap Cheese

DJ / Lighting – Anthony ‘AJ’ Little

Body & Fitness Transformation – Tactical Transformations

A classy, exclusive wedding venue that’s also homely!

Marie & Rob

5^th May 2022

Notes from the couple

“Ellingham Hall also offered the full package as it’s an exclusive use venue, which we wanted because of the number of guests who wanted to stay.”

Marie adds that unlike other venues, the fact couples have access to the entire estate means you and your guests are always in one place, which makes it less stressful.

“The team at Ellingham Hall showed us other areas where we could marry, but we had our heart set on that spot. So, the team said they would sort it out for us.”

Rob says that they had dreamt of their ceremony at that spot – and the Ellingham Hall team had made their dream come true.

If you are searching for wedding venues in Northumberland for the perfect wedding celebration with family and friends, contact our wedding planning team today.

Credits

Photographer – Fyzal

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Dress – I Do

Hair – Lauren Hornsby

MUA – Nikki Newman

Suits –Woven Durham

Bridesmaids Dresses – Purbelle

Decor – The Whole Sch-Bang

Cake – Mrs Bou-cakes

Cheese Cake – Mouse Trap Cheese

DJ / Lighting – Anthony ‘AJ’ Little

Body & Fitness Transformation – Tactical Transformations

We’re TWIA Regional Finalists for a second year!

Rich Autumn Weddings

Magical Winter Weddings

A blanket of thick frost or snow, cosy log fires in our front reception rooms and magical indoor lighting, really set the scene for your perfect winter wedding!

Kat comes home for her Fairy Tale Wedding!

Marie & Rob

5^th May 2022

Notes from the couple

“Ellingham Hall also offered the full package as it’s an exclusive use venue, which we wanted because of the number of guests who wanted to stay.”

Marie adds that unlike other venues, the fact couples have access to the entire estate means you and your guests are always in one place, which makes it less stressful.

“The team at Ellingham Hall showed us other areas where we could marry, but we had our heart set on that spot. So, the team said they would sort it out for us.”

Rob says that they had dreamt of their ceremony at that spot – and the Ellingham Hall team had made their dream come true.

If you are searching for wedding venues in Northumberland for the perfect wedding celebration with family and friends, contact our wedding planning team today.

Credits

Photographer – Fyzal

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Dress – I Do

Hair – Lauren Hornsby

MUA – Nikki Newman

Suits –Woven Durham

Bridesmaids Dresses – Purbelle

Decor – The Whole Sch-Bang

Cake – Mrs Bou-cakes

Cheese Cake – Mouse Trap Cheese

DJ / Lighting – Anthony ‘AJ’ Little

Body & Fitness Transformation – Tactical Transformations

Supplier Spotlight – Dru Dodd

Ask our Experts – Susan & Glynis

Mother & daughter duo Susan & Glynis, run a multi award-winning family business – Made Simply Perfect, a Northumberland Wedding Event Stylist based in Amble.

Table Centres

When we talk about a colour palette, you look at what tones go well together to create styling that works across your tables, the ceremony styling and the venue itself.

2. Don’t be late

Aim to be ready with some time before the ceremony, or before you or your photographer need to leave for it. Rushing for the ceremony will leave you flustered, and you won’t take in the first few moments of the big occasion.

Being ready beforehand gives you time to get photographs in your dress and with your bridesmaids.

I’m saying this twice because it’s really important: Don’t be late. The time just before the ceremony is one of the most precious moments of your life. Being late has knock-on effects for the rest of your day and invariably it’s your photo time that gets cut.

3. Buttonholes for Bridegrooms

Despite its name, it doesn’t go through your buttonhole…it should be pinned to your left lapel a couple of inches below the buttonhole. If you can’t get it right, your lovely wedding planners at Ellingham Hall will be happy to put it right for you!

4. The Ceremony

Find out the photo policy of your venue asap. Some ban all photography, some allow it from the very back, and some don’t allow your photographer to enter the building during the ceremony. For many, the photographs of the exchanging of vows and rings are the most important part of a photo story. Don’t leave it until the day to find out, or you might be left disappointed.

At Ellingham they work with Northumberland Registrars, who have no photo restrictions. They offer many indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, which all create different vibes for your wedding photographs.

5. Here come the Bridesmaids!

Think your entrance through carefully. Are your bridesmaids going before you? Give them time to get up the aisle and into their seats before you take your turn.

You are going to look amazing; your fiancé wants to get a clear view of you because it will be one of their favourite memories, and photographs.

Let your bridesmaids have their moment, but don’t let them block your big moment! The wedding planners at Ellingham set the bridesmaids away with an even gap, which provides a great opportunity for the photographer to capture those all-important shots.

6. Last to arrive, first to leave

You’ll be the last person to arrive to the ceremony and as newlyweds you’ll be the first to leave. You’ll head outside while all your guests slowly follow to congratulate you both and before you know it, your whole wedding party is backed up in a queue.

This can eat up time straight after the ceremony, which is crucial for getting your formal photos done. Best advice is, once you’re outside, move around the crowd sharing hugs, to allow your guests to filter out quickly, as your photographer gets your confetti shot set up.

At Ellingham Hall, they take this into consideration and take you both away into the bar area and allow the party to flow outside, ready to greet the couple with confetti.

7. The Confetti Shots

The confetti shot is that moment, captured for eternity. It is the most common photograph shared on anniversaries years after the wedding. Why? Because the confetti shot shows so much emotion. It’s a traditional shot but it’s not often on guests’ list of items to bring along so it’s worth buying confetti yourself.

Make sure you know what the venue will allow. At Ellingham Hall they only permit biodegradable or flower petals, so do make sure you buy the right confetti.

Let your photographer arrange a nice long aisle of guests for you to walk up and then walk up slowly, take your time, let it shower you!

8. Frustration Free Formals

The formal photographs can take quite an effort to get people in the right place at the right time, when time is of the essence. Make a list of who you would like in each photograph and get it to your photographer. This is something I help with. Also think of people who could help on the day, who know a lot of your guests and can get them to the photographer quickly when needed. Start big and get progressively smaller, down to the VIPs. Doing this can save you up to half an hour!

If you place a list of the numbered groups on display or into your order of service, you can create extra time for yourselves on your wedding day.

9. Rain shouldn’t stop play

Always have a wet weather contingency for your group photos. Ask your venue if it’s raining, where your photographer can take you and your guests for the photos. You should plan for 2 weddings in the most part: a sunny wedding and a wet wedding.

Ellingham Hall is an all-weather venue which makes a huge difference, so if it’s raining outside there are plenty of spaces within the Hall for all your formal shots without any disruption to your wedding day. This isn’t the case with all venues.

10. Grandparents

If you have any of your grandparents at your wedding, then you are wealthy beyond measure. I love to give grandparents special attention so get them in amongst your group photos and I’ll do images with them separately with you. A photo together will make their day as well as yours.

11. Take your Seats

Spare a thought for the photographs and how you want this to be documented, when you’re planning your wedding reception room layout and running order.

The norm is to have your wedding breakfast 2 hours after the start of your ceremony. Adding an extra 30 minutes to that time will make a huge difference to your group photos and the mingling time you will have before sitting down for your meal.

12. Speeches

I recommend having your speeches before you eat, as it takes pressure off the speakers and allows them to relax and enjoy their meal. This time is also when most of the ‘candids’ of your guests will be taken. You want your tables to look stunning, rather than messy with napkins and empty bottles lying around.

You may not have control over the position of your top table, but try and face the largest window or light source. If you sit in front of a window then a lot of your photos of the top table will be against pure white back drops, rather than the beautiful surroundings. At Ellingham Hall, the Chapel wedding breakfast space has the original high stone windows so regardless of your top table position, you don’t get any unwanted glare.

13. Videographers

I’ve been photographing weddings for over 10 years now and have encountered videographers of all styles and persuasions. If you want relaxed, mainly candid photography then it’s not a good idea to book a hands-on videographer who will direct your wedding in scenes. It’s highly recommended that you consult your photographer as to who they would recommend.

I’m lucky to know some unbelievably talented videographers, who also know how I work. Together, as a team, we can produce photos and a movie that you will cherish forever without us battling for the same piece of flooring or standing in each other’s way! Ask who’s the best in the business.

14. Throwing light on the subject

What time of year are you getting married? A summer wedding will have many hours of sunlight left after you’ve finished eating. An autumn wedding will see very limited light after the meal and a winter wedding will see the sun set during your meal.

If you want to catch that epic light, then speeches first is definitely a wise idea as you can sneak out as soon as you’ve had your desert and make the most of the sunset light. It’s not something a photographer has any influence over, so you need to take the sunlight when it’s at its best.

15. The Night

Taking good photographs in the dark isn’t easy, so find a photographer that knows how to create their own light to make dramatic, dynamic photographs.

I want to make you look like movie stars and your photos, like stills from a Hollywood film. But you shouldn’t need to be working like actors to achieve this! It’s my job to be doing the hard graft, lighting scenes and capturing your love, joy and happiness.

At Ellingham Hall you’re spoiled for choice for stunning settings to capture those moments both day and night.

If you are looking for a Northumberland wedding photographer or one based in the North East, contact Dru Dodd Photography . If you are planning your dream wedding in Northumberland, contact us to speak to our wedding team today.

A poignant moment makes woodland wedding special!

Marie & Rob

5^th May 2022

“Ellingham Hall also offered the full package as it’s an exclusive use venue, which we wanted because of the number of guests who wanted to stay.”

Marie adds that unlike other venues, the fact couples have access to the entire estate means you and your guests are always in one place, which makes it less stressful.

“The team at Ellingham Hall showed us other areas where we could marry, but we had our heart set on that spot. So, the team said they would sort it out for us.”

While the couple live in Northumberland, guests travelled from around the world including America, Switzerland and Germany to attend our wedding venue. Even those closer to home appreciated having exclusive use of Ellingham Hall.

“My mam and dad stayed in one of the cottages and they picked it because it was like a really homely, nice place to be. They said it felt like a bit of a holiday as well,” explains Jack.

Having exclusive use of the venue was another reason their wedding felt so special, the couple say.

Jack says, “Other venues are usually churning out wedding after wedding, with sometimes two or three on the same day. We wanted the place to ourselves because we knew we were going to have lots of our friends and family there and we wanted it to be a special and intimate celebration.”

“We didn’t want to see random people walking past. We wanted it to be about us and our family and our friends and not have anybody else there,” adds Emma.

If you are searching for wedding venues in Northumberland for the perfect wedding celebration with family and friends, contact our wedding planning team today.

Credits

Photographer – Fyzal

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Dress – I Do

Hair – Lauren Hornsby

MUA – Nikki Newman

Suits –Woven Durham

Bridesmaids Dresses – Purbelle

Decor – The Whole Sch-Bang

Cake – Mrs Bou-cakes

Cheese Cake – Mouse Trap Cheese

DJ / Lighting – Anthony ‘AJ’ Little

Body & Fitness Transformation – Tactical Transformations

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

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.

Kitchen dream team reunites at Ellingham Hall

David Munro

For the past 26 years, David Munro has been creating amazing dishes in many famous restaurants across Northumberland.

Over that time, David has honed his skills using local, seasonal and organic produce to deliver delicious dishes.

It’s why we’re delighted to welcome David to Ellingham Hall as our new Head Chef. And in doing so, we’re also reuniting David with his very first boss, our Executive Head Chef, John Blackmore, creating a dream team in our kitchen.

David started working with John at the Tankerville Arms in Eglingham when John was Chef Patron there. David remembers, “I trained with John for seven years at the Tankerville from the age of 13 right until I was 20 years old.

“I was an apprentice and was on a modern apprenticeship course with Northumberland College and spent the rest of my time working with John in the kitchens. He gave me my opportunity to get into this industry.”

David says the way he now works is thanks to what he learned from John, so working together again feels natural.

Dream team

“It’s lovely to be back working with John again,” he explains. “We have the same work ethic because it was instilled in me from him from a young age. We’re very similar in the way we work and the way we drive forward.

“Some people at Ellingham Hall say it’s like the dream team is back together. I suppose it is!”

Over the past 15 years since last working with John, David has forged a career in providing high quality food at restaurants across Northumberland including the Castle Hotel in Bamburgh and the White Swan Inn at Warenford. David has continued to get a deep understanding about the produce on our doorstep during that time.

“I think we are blessed in Northumberland because we have the best produce in the whole country from land to sea. We’ve got amazing seafood as well as some of the best game. The produce we grow is also some of the best in the UK, such as our potatoes.

“Ellingham Hall already provides amazing menus using local produce and we want to do more. Both John and I like to use a modern twist on traditional favourites, so I’m looking forward to driving things forward together.”

Family atmosphere

It is the first time in his career that David has worked at an exclusive wedding venue. So, is he enjoying his time at Ellingham Hall?

“I really love being part of the team,” he says. “It’s amazing how everybody works together in all areas. It’s a proper team attitude. And it really shows because the venue is loved so much by the visitors and guests.

“I’m already feeling at home. I really enjoy going to work every single day, which is a bit of a rare thing in this industry. There’s a family atmosphere and the team spirit makes it such an enjoyable place to work.”