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2nd February 2024
2nd December 2023
A winter wedding wasn’t the original plan for Luisa and Chris Hartley – until they viewed Ellingham Hall dressed for the festive season and soon changed their minds!
Our Northumberland winter wedding venue looked its festive finest when the couple visited for the first time. And that magical experience helped them decide to switch from an April spring wedding to a jaw-dropping winter wonderland wedding in December.
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
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“Nick and I just wanted to say the most enormous thank you for making our day so special. The whole thing felt completely effortless whilst being executed perfectly. We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived, with a massive thanks to Beth, Debbie, David and Jeff who were all completely faultless. Their attention to detail and acknowledgment of things important to us was exceptional. Debbie, thank you so much for making me feel at ease when I was so nervous!
Chloe & Nick Gardiner, 4th May 2024
“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 have hosted a number of corporate events and the staff have always been superb in supporting us. Our guests are always delighted when they walk through the doors and get to spend a day in the beautiful surroundings. “
DIGITAL SPARKLES – NICOLA LITTLE (CHIEF SPARKLER & DIRECTOR)
“Staff have been amazing – friendly and accommodating. When we arrived for our wedding, we had a meeting which helped us outline the day and iron out things.
Katie & James Fenwick, 10th August 2023
“I have hosted seminars for over 30 years, all over the country at various well-known venues. At Ellingham Hall you remember everything, from the beautiful quirky venue which has retained its historic features, the friendly staff, great service and the delicious food and amazing coffee! The meeting room had good light and was the perfect size for our event. It was lovely to have use of the comfortable reception rooms too for breaks and lunch. I was very impressed with the extra spaces such as the basement games room and rooftop networking terrace. It is a hidden jewel in the North-East and I am planning to return soon for a private family event”
Amanda Chadwick, Senior Speaker/Presenter, Croner
“The hall catered for everything we needed, from the luxury entrance rooms, to the grounds outside, which we used to talk with clients in more detail afterwards. It was exactly what we wanted to allow us to host a presentation of this size. Guests were welcomed with a selection of drinks and canapés in the entrance hall and then again on departure. The seminar itself took place in the Chapel, while the dining room and drawing room provided the perfect spaces clients to relax.
Michael Sage, Director, Sage Wealth Management
