Your North East Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 34)

SAY CHEESE? My dad is so camera-shy that he’s asking not to be in any of our wedding photos! How can I reason with him while making him feel more secure about being snapped? Sue says: This is quite an unusual question, as I have never come across a dad not wanting to be photographed! What I would say is to tell him what I have said to nervous couples in the past – they don’t need to show anyone the images afterwards if they don’t want to. Ultimately, the images are not really for them; they are for their future generations to see and for you to have a lasting memory of your dad at your special day. Also, ask him to consider how the family would feel if he weren’t on any of the images. You should also consider having less traditional photos and more documentary-style shots instead. This way, he won’t even know he’s being photographed! Sue Stephenson | Sue Stephenson Photography sue.stephenson.photography ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY A lot of our guests are travelling from further afield, so we want a venue that offers more than just a hotel room. What should we be looking for in the Northumberland area? Rachel says: We’d always recommend looking at venues that offer more than just one night and more of an experience. A number of venues in Northumberland, including Ellingham Hall, offer two-night wedding experiences. We often find that when couples have guests who make the effort to come to the wedding, a one-day event with a quick stay-over can be quite exhausting. You want your friends and family to enjoy their time as much as you do, so make sure you do some proper research. Many venues will include catering the night before for all guests, as well as breakfasts both mornings, meaning you and all your guests can be fully relaxed and enjoy the occasion without worrying or feeling rushed. Here at Ellingham Hall, we also offer luxury self-catering cottages to guests. Sleeping up to four or six people for two nights, this is a great option for families or groups of friends who want to be close to the action but also have their own space to escape. Rachel Barlow | Ellingham Hall ellinghamhall Unsure on etiquette but don’t know where to turn? Our North East experts are here to help HOT TOPIC BIGGER IS BETTER We want 200 guests at our evening reception, but my mam says that’s far too many. How much do wedding venues help when such a large party needs to be catered for? Nicole says: Wow – what a popular couple you are! A big evening reception is great; there’ll be such a fab atmosphere, a nice full dancefloor and lots of fun. The key is to make sure your venue is comfortable with your numbers, and do take their advice on catering options. Venues are very flexible these days, with lots of different options on tap. It is your venue’s responsibility and duty of care to advise a realistic capacity for your evening reception, and if your numbers fall within this guideline, then you should all have a wonderful night. The bar will be controlled, the restrooms well checked and the area spacious enough. In terms of stress, the only thing to consider from your perspective is getting around everyone to say “hi” and maybe have a dance with them – that’s a lot of people to see! I would highly recommend a good entertainment base to make sure such a big group has lots of ways to enjoy themselves. A live band or DJ, casino tables, photo booths, magicians and caricaturists are all super-popular options. Nicole Wardle | The Vermont Hotel vermontnewcastle danvernonphotography.com suestephensonphotography.co.uk 90