Your North East Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 31)

REAL WEDDINGS 35  C laire met Liam in October 2009 at a student house party in Sunderland. “We were introduced by our best friends, who are now engaged themselves,” says Claire. “We arranged to go on a double date, starting with drinks at Northumbria University’s student union, before going on to Tiger Tiger Newcastle. Liam bought me a shot of tequila, not knowing that I detest the spirit. I drank it so that I didn’t offend him but almost cried straight after!” Liam popped the question after taking Claire to Paris for the weekend. “It was our seven-year anniversary, and we’d just landed after a late flight home. I opened our front door to find rose petals and candles arranged up the stairs, while on our bed sat a heart of rose petals surrounding a little box. Inside was a Pandora heart charm, which is a traditional anniversary gift from Liam – usually engraved with a number to represent the years we’ve been together. True to form, it was engraved with the No. 7. However, the charm itself was a little heart-shaped ring box with a tiny engagement ring in it! Liam then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.” It took the couple 18 months to plan their wedding, with the couple taking joint-responsibility when it came to the organising. Here Claire tells us more about their big day… WATCH THIS SPACE The couple wanted an informal and relaxed celebration so set about searching for the perfect wedding venue. “As soon as we arrived at Northumberland’s Healey Barn, we felt excited,” says Claire. “The ceremony barn was so beautiful and calming that we instantly knew it was the venue for us! The staff were really professional, too, which meant we would be in good hands, and as we were having a relatively small wedding – just 70 guests in total – we liked the intimate feel of the dining area.” Healey Barn was also able to cater to Claire and Liam’s vision for their big day. “We decided early on that we didn’t want a traditional three-course wedding breakfast,” continues the bride. “Healey Barn suggested swapping the starter for delicious canapés during the reception instead, which worked perfectly.” SHOP TILL YOU DROP Claire spent time researching the latest styles and trends when it came to sourcing her dream dress. “I tried on more than 25 gowns and looked at hundreds on the internet before finding the one ,” she says. “I decided to try on every style to work out what suited me best, quickly realising that a strapless, fitted fishtail-style was the most flattering for my figure. The gown I picked was ivory lace over a blush satin, but I almost didn’t try it on because I thought it looked too pink on the hanger! In fact, the colour of the gown sealed the deal – I loved having the blush underneath the ivory lace, as it THE LOOK OF LOVE Northumberland’s Healey Barn was the perfect big-day location for Claire and Liam Images courtesy of Amy Lou Photography