NOTES FROM THE BRIDE

So, a winter wedding wasn’t your plan?

“Not at all! I’d always dreamed of having a wedding in April; however, I do love Christmas time and when we visited Ellingham during the winter and I saw the venue dressed with all the festive décor, sparkling lights and roaring log fires in the reception rooms, I instantly fell in love with the idea of a winter wedding. I’ve never seen a venue make so much effort with their décor for Christmas – it was magical. It also saved us a lot of money as the grand staircase was dressed with a stunning large Christmas tree and the staircase was draped with a stunning garland and twinkling lights.”

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

“We really wanted our wedding to be a two or three-day celebration rather than just a wedding day, which is rushed and over in a blink. We wanted to spend quality time with our friends and family, some of whom we hadn’t seen for a such long time. Ellingham Hall is such a beautiful venue where you can relax the night before and we knew instantly it was for us. The venue is also dog friendly, which was an added bonus. Our little sausage dog, Mr Willie, joined us for the wedding weekend which was really special.”

How was the lead up to the wedding?

“I’m really organised and I made a lot of things for the wedding, including signs and gifts for guests, etc. which did take a little time organising. Chris didn’t get involved in things so much at the beginning but around six months in advance he sorted out all the food and drink requirements with the team.

Debbie, who is Head of Weddings at Ellingham, was amazing and helped us think about everything we wanted and brought it to life. On the night before, Alicia was brilliant and she helped me to put out everything we had made in the Hall and for the guest’s rooms, which really helped me to relax.”

Tell us about the wedding day?

“Our day ran perfectly. Not only was the Ellingham Hall team amazing from start to finish, but the dusting of snow that had fallen outside created the perfect winter wonderland setting, which we could never have imagined so early in December. Our guests really enjoyed our Champagne tower and sitting outdoors by the toasty fire-pit on the evening. We took blankets to keep guests warm and also hired the after dark party den to extend the party beyond midnight. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it as I’d been up since 4am for my morning run before the arrival of the hair and make-up artists. All of the guests loved it and said they had the very best time.”

How was your overall experience?

“It was simply perfect. Our guests all had an amazing time. One of our loveliest moments was when David, the General Manager, took us both up to the Chapel Mezzanine to enjoy some canapés and drinks together to have a short break from our guests.

 On your wedding day all guests want to chat to you both, so it’s really thoughtful that the team at Ellingham gave us the opportunity to have some time to have a moment together.”

Advice for brides-to-be…

“Don’t make your own hangover kits as our guests forgot to use them and didn’t take them away as they thought they were provided by the venue! If you are thinking of making up something like this, you may want to consider adding a little tag on your gift to say ‘a treat from your newlyweds’ (which I didn’t do).

Enjoy the run up to the wedding and don’t spend time worrying about the small things – and trust in the Ellingham Hall team, as they have everything planned brilliantly.

Don’t rule out a winter wedding venue – Ellingham Hall as it is simply magical!”

If you are looking for a winter wedding venue in Northumberland, contact us today to arrange a viewing appointment. 

Credits

Photographer – David West Photography

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Dress – Designer Wedding Dresses & Accessories Newcastle | Marrime

Shoes – Rainbow

Bridesmaid’s Dresses –ASOS

Groom’s Suit – Suit Culture

MUA – Home | Marta Makeup | Luxury Bridal Makeup Artist | Yorkshire |UK | Destinations

Hair – @emilyhnealon

Flowers & Styling – Sprig and Thistle

Cake – @sweet.lovecupcakes

Band – Ibiza Soul Duo

DJ – Bride and Grove

Musician – Wayne on Sax UK

Party Signs –@junkyardgirlx

LED Sign – Low Fell Hire Company