Your North East Wedding - Page number 29 - May/June 2021 (Issue 44)

REAL WEDDINGS 29 G raeme and Louise’s love story began in 2004 during a trip to Prague with mutual friends where they instantly clicked. Louise says, “We had a strong connection and felt comfortable in each other’s company – we knew straightaway that we would be together long term.” During a holiday in Copenhagen later that year, the pair became a couple and created many beautiful memories. After being together for nearly 15 years, Graeme proposed during a romantic walk through their hometown. Louise comments, “We were walking across a bridge with stunning views over the river when he popped the question – it was a complete surprise!” SETTING THE SCENE The couple legally got married in Iceland in August 2020, and later that month had a blessing in Northumberland with friends and family. The couple’s original venue closed down due to COVID-19, but they instantly fell in love with Doxford Barns after searching the North East for a new location. Louise says, “Everything about the venue was perfect from the Threshing Hall, the barn, outdoor spaces, food and drink options and the fabulous accommodation all on-site. We took our six-year-old son Jack to view the place and he was happy as soon as he saw the combine harvester and tractor.” Another bonus for the couple is that Doxford Barns is dog-friendly, meaning that their three-year-old vizsla pointer cross called Forrest could attend! A rustic theme was picked for the wedding and was highlighted throughout the day. The bride says, “Our centrepieces included rustic logs with flower arrangements on, photos of us in Iceland and wooden table names in Durham gin bottles.” Each table was named after places the couple had visited together in Iceland and guests could find their seats with help from the rustic table plan. The childrens’ table included a centrepiece of activities such as planes to build, scratch art masks/shapes, note pads and pencils and puzzle toys. Loved ones could find a giant Connect4 and Jenga to play outside and additional activities scattered around to entertain the little ones including bubble wands, I spy cards, bingo cards, inflatable musical instruments and dress-up items. When picking the perfect florals, the couple took inspiration from the Icelandic poppy and picked similar orange and natural colours as the original flower wasn’t in season. Louise’s natural bouquet was beautiful and wrapped in burlap fabric. She says, “We had flowers draped over the mantelpiece in the Threshing Barn, a pedestal arrangement in front of a hay bale and hanging baskets and white planters at the barn’s entrance for guests to see as they arrived.” When it came to the wedding favours, guests were given a Macmillan bee brooch and two chocolate hearts to thank guests for coming to the day. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD A formal sit-down meal wasn’t something the couple wanted and opted for sharing platters instead. A ploughman’s platter was offered first, followed by a Sunday lunch platter with all the trimmings and chocolate brownies to finish. Street food such as fish and chips, nachos and lamb kebabs were offered in the evening. The three-tiered cake looked incredible in photos and included lemon, blueberry and cherry Bakewell flavours which went down a treat with guests. The bottom layer had a wooden effect and poppies made from icing, while the top two layers were plain white with a wooden Mr & Mrs sign on top. A lovely touch was the red velvet cake created for Jack to cut! LOOKING THE PART When it came to finding the perfect gown, the bride-to-be didn’t want anything too complicated with difficult buttons or ribbon fastenings as she 