No Ordinary Wedding Venue

No Ordinary Wedding Venue
Welcome to
5
6
9
12
18
21
23
23
25
27
29
31
32
Background image supplied by www.dalfoto.com
No Ordinary Wedding Venue
Once Upon a Time
Lumley Castle across the centuries
A Magical Day
The perfect setting for every occasion
Small but Beautifully Formed
Intimate wedding celebrations at Lumley
Sleeping Beauty
Bedrooms fit for a king or queen
Bridal Belles
Dream dresses for every bride
A Taste of Lumley
A feast for all with Lumley’s Head Chef
Our Winter Wedding
Katie and Marc share their special day
Midwinter Magic at Lumley
December weddings for less than £5,000
One Moment in Time
Capture precious memories with wedding photography
Oh Crumbs
Spectacular centrepieces for your special day
Bloom for Improvement
The finest flowers for notable nuptials
You’re now about to embark on one
of the most exciting adventures of
all; marriage - and where better to
exchange your vows and celebrate
with family and friends than
magnificent Lumley Castle?
Our fairy tale venue has everything
you need to create the wedding of
your dreams - from staircases, just
made for brides to sweep down, to
elegant rooms which glitter with the
light of dazzling chandeliers.
From stunning grounds - the perfect
backdrop to your wedding photos - to
sumptuous bedrooms where you can
kick off your heels and relive every
moment of your special day.
At Lumley Castle we believe that every
wedding should be wonderful, special
and unique, so please call us on
0191 389 1111 or email
[email protected]
We can’t wait to meet you.
Fun & Games
Stunning ways to keep guests entertained
Christine Gott, General Manager
And Another Thing
Special finishing touches to the perfect day
Front cover photograph by Studio 10 UK
www.studio10uk.com
Tel 0191 3873099
PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING: Sue Riney-Smith, Riney Publishing Limited Tel: 01325 304360 Email: [email protected]
EDITORIAL: Bernice Saltzer, and Emma Walker, Sorted PR Ltd
Tel: 0191 2656111 Email: [email protected]
LUMLEY CONTACT: Samantha Buchanan-Robinson, Business Development Manager, Tel: 07824 437275 Email: [email protected]
Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH3 4NX, Tel: 0191 3891111 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lumleycastle.com
The publishers cannot accept liability for mistakes or misprints or views expressed within advertising submissions: No Ordinary Wedding Venue Magazine 2014
A.J.BridalWear
The Old Fire Station, High Street, Newburn,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 58LN
Once Upon
a Time
Image supplied by: www.studio10uk.com
It’s a castle straight out of a fairy tale, with knights
and their ladies, dark deeds and dungeons and even a ghost. Let’s take a little look
back at Lumley….
‘Beautiful Gowns, Quality Service, Unique Experience’
T: 0191 2644 688 E: [email protected]
www.ajbridalwear.co.uk
All the best fairy tales begin with
“Once upon a time, hundreds of years
ago…” and Lumley Castle’s story is no
exception.
However, tragedy continued to stalk
the family with the brutal murder at the
castle of Sir Ralph’s wife, the beautiful
Lady Lily of Lumley.
As you walk through its corridors, over
uneven, stone flagged floors, you are
walking in the very footsteps of the
good, brave knight with whom our tale
begins; Sir Ralph Lumley himself.
Set upon by local priests and hurled
down a well in retribution for refusing
to convert to Catholicism, Lady Lily is
said to walk the corridors of Lumley to
this very day
A brave and popular soldier, Sir Ralph
inherited Lumley, then a relatively
modest manor house, in 1389 and set
about remodelling it into the castle you
see today.
Following Sir Ralph’s execution, all
the wealth and land belonging to the
Lumley family were given to the Earl of
Somerset who owned the castle until
his death in 1421.
This was a time of almost constant
warfare, when prisoners were thrown
into and often left to die in dungeons
below the ground, when a castle was
a fortification as well as a home and
when lives were often short and ended
brutally.
However, the Earl had no son, so,
under Elizabethan law, Lumley Castle
and all its land was restored to its
rightful owners - in this case Thomas,
Sir Ralph’s grandson.
Over the following 20 years he
triumphed on the battlefield and this
gallant and fearless knight was also
at Edward IV’s side as they rode
into battle against the late Queen
Margaret’s armies.
After his death in 1485 he was
succeeded by his son George and
thus began 400 years of peace in the
land with the Lumley family playing
an important role in court life and in
Chester-le-Street well into the 1800s.
Over the centuries each generation left
its imprint on the castle, with alterations
and differing decorative styles, which
are still on display and are enjoyed
by the thousands of visitors who have
dined and stayed at Lumley Castle
since the No Ordinary Hotels group
added it to its portfolio of unique
venues in 1976.
Heritaage
So it was for Sir Ralph, who barely
had time to enjoy his castle before he
and his son Thomas were imprisoned
for their part in a plot to overthrow
Henry IV and replace him with Richard
II. In 1400, they were stripped of their
titles and then executed.
Like his grandfather before him.
Thomas proved to be a valiant
and dashing soldier and played a
prominent role in the War of the Roses.
As a reward for his efforts he was
appointed Constable of Scarborough
Castle for life and in 1461 he was
summoned to Parliament, where his
family peerage was restored.
www.lumleycastle.com
The House of Scarborough still owns
Lumley Castle, however, and the
present Earl plays an important part in
its day to day running.
And, so, our tale ends, as all tales
should, with everyone living happily ever
after. Now it’s time for your tale to begin.
5
A Magical Day
Can’t decide where to hold your wedding celebrations? Why not follow
us now on a short tour of Lumley Castle’s stunning function rooms?
Most of us have a picture in our head
- admittedly, often quite a fuzzy one of our ideal wedding venue.
Perhaps we picture ourselves
glowing under the radiant light of
glittering chandeliers in an elegant,
pastel-coloured room.
Or we might imagine being formally
piped into a wood panelled hall to
greet our guests - our ivory gown
beautifully offset by the rich wall
hangings and the candlelight.
We might, of course, want both;
a mixture of fairytale Gothic and
elegant Georgian - and suddenly the
enormous task that lies ahead; of
finding a venue that meets our every
need, seems an impossible dream.
Well, fear not, Cinderella - you need
look no further than Lumley Castle.
It can seat up to 110 guests and
its portrait lined walls and rich red
décor are perfectly suited to formal
occasions.
The Garter, too, is an excellent
choice for couples planning a larger
celebration with its elaborately
draped curtains and timeless
elegance providing a beautiful
backdrop for up to 132.
Straight out of a Jane Austen novel,
this is a pretty confection of soft
colours and delicate plasterwork,
making it one of our most popular
rooms for everything from drinks
receptions to the ceremony itself.
Seating from as many as 130
guests to as few as 12, they offer
spectacular views over the grounds,
endless versatility in terms of style
and sufficient space to seat your
friends and family in comfort.
An added advantage here at Lumley
is the layout, with the rooms offering
endless flexibility in terms of how you
choose to use them.
Why not come and take a look for
yourself? Explore the castle a little
and picture yourself here on your
wedding day - we can’t wait to show
you around.
www.lumleycastle.com
Images supplied by: www.studio10uk.com
A Magic
In the 600 years since it was built,
each century has left its mark on
Lumley. Within its ancient walls lies
a myriad of rooms, each bearing the
stamp of the generations who made
it their home.
6
Perhaps the jewel in our crown
is the magnificent Baron’s Hall at
the heart of the castle. Rich and
opulent with its stone flagged floor
and impressive, carved fireplace, it
is a superb choice for any couple
seeking the “wow” factor.
7
Small but Beautifully Formed
ULTIMATE
FLOWERS
7 Kensington South,
Cockton Hill,
Bishop Auckland,
County Durham DL14 6JA
Telephone 01388 605000
www.ultimateflowers.net
Beautiful Flowers for all Occasions
Complete packages including albums from £795
While big can be beautiful, small is certainly very, very special,
Cosy
here at Lumley Castle.
Not all weddings need to be lavish
affairs and there is something
particularly charming about a small,
intimate - perhaps slightly less
formal - occasion.
and Northumbria, are the last word
in romance, seating up to 56 and 40
guests respectively, under glittering
chandeliers and providing a
gorgeous backdrop for photographs.
The joy of Lumley Castle is that it has
a range of rooms of differing sizes,
all steeped in history and character
and all of which lend themselves
perfectly to smaller weddings.
In fact, our two most beautiful and
elegant state rooms; Scarborough
However, perhaps you want an
even more intimate celebration, in
which case our private dining rooms;
The Gilt Room and The Sceptre catering for up to 16 and 12 guests
respectively - are perfect.
www.lumleycastle.com
In fact, what could be more fitting
than celebrating your wedding day
with those who are closest to you, in
a softly-lit opulent room, around one
large table glittering with silver and
crystal?
These rooms also lend themselves
perfectly to slightly less formal more fun-filled celebrations - it’s
your choice…and your wish is our
command.
9
&Singer
Harpist
J A N E T
B E N N E T T
A striking gold harp and beautiful voice can give
an unusual and magical touch of class to your
civil wedding, civil partnership, church wedding,
reception, conference or special occasion.
Winner Of
‘Contemporary Wedding Photographer Of The Year Award’
2014
Janet Bennett is the official
harpist and singer to the Lord
Mayor of Newcastle upon
Tyne and is presently delighting
audiences world wide with her
music and songs. These can
be used as part of a wedding
ceremony or as background
music during the drinks or
meal.
For further help and advice on
how this talented musician can
make your wedding or special
occasion truly memorable,
contact:
Janet Bennett
13 Broxholm Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 5RL
Tel: 0191 276 3019
www.janetbennett.co.uk
Just
Just
the
Just
the
Best!
the
Just
Best!
Best!
the
www.newcastlestringquartet.co.uk
Best!
www.newcastlestringquartet.co.uk
www.newcastlestringquartet.co.uk
Telephone:
0191Telephone:
285 4200
Telephone:
0191
0191285
285 4200
4200
Enjoy her magical voice, simply solo or with her band.
All enquiries to Sylvia Luke:
Tel: 01388 767 295 Mob: 07778 744 410
Email: [email protected] www.bethstobbart.com
Sleeping Beauty
And so to bed. Why not kick off your heels and spend your first night
of married life in the comfort of a Lumley Castle bedroom?
The fireworks have finished, the last
guests are making their way home,
your head is filled with the memories of
laughter and, for the first time in your
married life, you and your husband
are alone - so where better to relax
and relive the day than in one of our
gorgeous bedrooms?
Lumley Castle is the last word in
opulence and, whether you stay in the
castle itself or in one of the charming
courtyard rooms, you’ll find yourselves
cocooned in comfort but with all the
modern luxuries you need to feel totally
pampered and cared for.
With four poster beds hung with richly
coloured drapes, deep pile carpets
and heavy curtains keeping out the
chill of the night, you’ll sleep as
soundly as every princess in a fairy
tale castle should.
One thing the castle most certainly
isn’t, however, is a museum. Lumley’s
roots may lie in the mists of time but it
lives very much in the here and now
- which is why your room will also
offer you modern comforts along with
more than a sprinkling of wow factor
stardust.
And, when you find it, you’ll be
delighted to discover it’s a far cry from
the days of yore with tin baths and a
strip of cloth to dry yourself - instead,
you’ll find an endless supply of hot
water and soft, fluffy towels with which
to ease away the tensions of the day.
One of the reasons so many bridal
couples choose Lumley is that there’s
plenty of accommodation - so family
and friends can extend the celebrations
with an overnight stay.
But what of the happy couple
themselves? Which is our most
spectacular suite - the one fit for a king
and his queen?
Well, if its rooms are the jewels in
Lumley Castle’s crown, the magnificent
King James Suite is the biggest and
most glittering of them all.
The perfect choice for the happy
couple, the centrepiece of this spacious
suite is a 20ft high, canopied, Queen
Anne bed, richly draped in black
and ruby damask to complement the
crimson and gold embossed wallpaper
and brass and ivory light fittings.
Beauty
You can’t find your en-suite bathroom?
Look again - perhaps it’s behind the
bookcase or, like Narnia, through the
wardrobe.
Could there be a more wonderful end
to a romantic day than curling up in a
feather bed in the turret, perhaps, of
a castle and waking to breathtaking
views of its surrounding parkland?
So, celebrate with us and stay with us because there really is nowhere more
lovely than Lumley Castle.
12
www.lumleycastle.com
13
Bond Parties & LMS Entertainments for
all your Wedding & Party Entertainment
n
Fun Casino Tables (full size)
n
n
Unique Wine Tasting Casino
Table
Table Football, Pool,
Air Hockey
n
Big Screen Race Nights
n
Mini 2 Lane Scalextric
n
Racing Simulators
n
Crazy & Target Golf
xn
Popcorn & Candy Floss Machines
n
Stag & Hen parties catered for
n
n
Full Colour Personalised Fun
Money
Free Play Token Slot
Machines
n
Wii™ on Projection Screen
n
Giant Games, Lawn Games
n
Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
(indoor or outdoor)
We also provide a full hosting/
master of ceremonies service
LMS Events & Entertainments est. 1988
Call Paul or Jane 01642 713010 or 07989 395 542
www.lmsentertainments.co.uk
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/bondparties
www.twitter.com/lmsents
We carry full public liability insurance
Established for 17 years the Wedding Wardrobe is the most sought after
bridal boutique in the north east, situated in Chester-le-Street with a
car park opposite, finding us couldn’t be easier.
We are stockists of the world renowned designer Maggie Sottero whose gowns incorporate corsetry and
support which creats an enviable figure whatever the dress size. Chosen for their quality and uniqueness
the Wedding Wardrobe also stock gowns by Farage, Benjamin Roberts, Allure, Eternity and Lou Lou.
Our newly arrived 2014/15 collections are pure bridal glamour with classic vintage details.
Our hardworking team are dedicated to offering you a personal and unforgetable visit in a calm and
relaxing enviroment, we enjoy hearing all about your plans and visions for your wedding which helps us find
the perfect gown for you. Our indvidual payment plans can be tailored to your own needs, helping you to
afford your dream gown. We also offer a mens formal hire service.
Booking an appointment is advisable so that we can give you our undivided attention.
Our brides tell us we have the best selection of gowns in the north-east, why not come and see for yourself?
www.weddingwardrobe.com
7 We s t L a n e , C h e s t e r l e S t r e e t , C o u n t y D u r h a m , D H 3 3 H J • T : 0 1 9 1 3 8 8 2 2 2 6
Bridal Belles
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for; when you slip into the dress of your
dreams for the most important day of your life … but which dress will it be?
Images supplied by: Maggie Sottero • Dresses are available from: Wedding Wardrobe Chester le Street Tel: 0191 3882226
Many girls start dreaming of their ideal
dress when they lay hands on their
first bridal Barbie or get picked as a
bridesmaid.
Over the years, the style of their dream
wedding dress will probably change
as fashions change, but one thing will
remain; the desire to look their most
beautiful on their wedding day.
The dress you wear for your wedding
will probably be the most important
dress you ever choose and every
style expert agrees that the best way
to ensure you look magnificent is to
choose a dress that plays up your
good points and cleverly conceals any
problem areas.
If you have full hips, avoid overly shiny
fabrics – such as satin - and elaborate
ruffles, for example. Equally, a small
bust may benefit from a cleverly wired
bodice or a hugely stylish halter
neck, while a larger one will require
excellent support and need to be a
superb fit.
Because the weather here in the North
East can be unpredictable at the best
of times, if you opt for a strapless dress
then you might want to try on some of
the fabulous stoles and shrugs currently
available.
From soft-as-a-kitten faux fur to cobweb
lace embellished with sequins, these
are a wonderful way of adding a little
glamour to a plain dress and perfect
for brides who would like to cover up
a little for the ceremony and can easily
be removed when the dancing begins.
You can be brave with colour, too.
White, which has long been relegated
to the back benches in favour of ivory,
is making a dazzling come back this
year but those who find it a little harsh
should keep an eye out for the soft
pinks, rose golds and oysters that are
also enjoying the spotlight.
Think, too, about the day itself. If
you’re likely to be outside a lot for
photographs then do be aware that
a train of any length will attract grass
stains. They’re tricky to dance in, too,
so you may wish to have a detachable
one or a separate outfit all together for
the evening.
Another trend we have glimpsed on
the horizon is for fresh flowers. Not
necessarily the dense floral halos made
popular by the Duchess of York in the
1980s but something simpler and
lighter.
Belles
Be led by fashion, but not ruled by it.
The good news this year is that the
choice of gowns is enormous; from
striking column dresses to heavily
embellished 1920s-style gowns. From
gently flared A-line skirts to three
quarter length prom-style dresses.
One of the biggest bridal influences
recently – thank you Kate Middleton
- has been the return of the tiara, but
we believe this is a fashion tide about
to turn.
Bridal bling is moving towards Great
Gatsby-inspired diamante hair slides
and clips - in fact, if your hair is long
enough, a chic French pleat adorned
18
with a glittering comb looks effortlessly
elegant and adds real pizazz during
the ceremony, when you have your
back to your guests.
www.lumleycastle.com
So, where to start? Here we’ve shown
you just a handful of the styles and
dresses on offer but the best thing is to
try on as many styles as you can and
remember that a dress that lacks magic
on the coat hanger may be simply
stunning on.
Try them all: with veils, with hair slides,
with capes, with shrugs and, most
importantly, with heels you can walk in.
Your dream dress is out there - enjoy
looking for it.
19
Wedding Photography
Wedding Videography
A taste of Lumley
Wedding Photo Booths
Food lovers across the region are flocking to Lumley Castle, largely thanks
to the efforts of one man. Meet our head chef, Richard Chilver…
Image supplied by: www.studio10uk.com
Tradition and modernity go hand in hand at Lumley and nowhere is this more evident
than in the food it serves - both to diners in its renowned Black Knight restaurant and, of
course, to wedding parties.
In the two years since head chef Richard Chilver, 34, took the reins, the menu and, in
fact, the whole approach to cooking, has enjoyed a radical overhaul.
“We believe in serving not just the best of British ingredients but the very best that this
particular region has to offer,” said the married father of three.
“Whether we’re taking
simple vegetables like
parsnips and slow roasting
them in honey, or using
locally reared lamb in a dish
of cutlets and suet pie, it’s
about using the best quality
ingredients and serving it
with a little flair.”
Starter
Duck and pancetta terrine with crisp leaves,
fig jam and brioche bun
Sorbet
Sour cherry and amaretto sorbet
Main
Oven roasted, rosemary-marinated rump of lamb,
with garlic mash potato, seasonal vegetables and
redcurrant, honey jus
Indeed, one of Richard’s strengths is his ability to give classic British
dishes a modern twist - serving red lentil soup with an onion fritter
and a dash of mint yoghurt, perhaps, or pan fried sea trout with a
baby leek and shitaki mushroom broth.
“It’s about giving diners the comfort of familiar ingredients, but
presenting them slightly differently,” he said, “making the entire
dining experience a pleasure and a little bit special.”
Of course, no meal is ever as special as that served at a wedding
and Richard and his team are expert at the two elements that matter
the most; superb food for large numbers.
Sweet
A taste of chocolate: dark chocolate and pistachio
terrine, white chocolate and coconut panna cotta,
milk chocolate and raspberry brûlée garnished with
homemade hazelnut match maker, chocolate tuille and
chocolate milk shake
Taste
“Catering for weddings is a particular skill,” he said, “as each dish
served must be perfect yet the quantities involved can be mindblowing.
“Thankfully, the experience I gained as head chef at The Sage
Gateshead has served me well and I love being able to offer our
bridal couples a wider choice of dishes than they generally ever
expect.”
So, whether you opt for a formal wedding breakfast, an informal
buffet - or, indeed both - Richard and his team will work with you to
create dishes fit for a king, no matter what your budget.
Starter
Smoked salmon, prawn
and cream cheese
roulade with herb mixed
leaf salad, and lemon
mayonnaise dressing
Sorbet
Green apple and calvado
s sorbet
Main
Breast of chicken rolled
in Italian herbs, wrappe
d in
smoked pancetta, serv
ed with fondant potato
seasonal
vegetables and a chunky
tomato provincial sauce
Sweet
Baked chocolate tart with
Horlicks
and Malteser ice cream
Here are just two of his sample wedding menus:
01207 235255
www.ideal-photos.co.uk
www.lumleycastle.com
21
Images supplied by: www.studio10uk.com
Our Winter Wedding
AS the year drew to a close Lumley Castle wove its magic for
one couple, just beginning their married life together …
Sometimes, something just feels right and that’s when magic happens. Just ask
Katie Malone.
After 10 years and two children with
boyfriend Marc Tallentire she hadn’t
given much thought to getting married
and then “it just sort of came out of the
blue around about last October,” she
said.
“We are highly recommended by Lumley Castle Hotel to
their Brides for our gorgeous collections and superb service”
2 0 Fr e d e r i c k S t r e e t , S u n d e r l a n d S R 1 1 LT • Te l : 0 1 9 1 5 6 4 2 2 2 7
Find us on Facebook @Encore-Evenings-and-Bride
www.encore-evenings.com
“I loved the idea of a winter wedding
but time wasn’t on our side so we had
to organise it all very quickly. I looked
at a couple of wedding venues,” said
25-year-old-Katie, “but as soon as I saw
Lumley I just fell in love with it. It really is
a fairytale castle.”
And so it was that, on December 27,
following a ceremony at St Patrick’s
Church, Consett, the happy couple’s
vintage car drew up at Lumley Castle
and the celebrations really began.
Bedecked in all its Christmas finery,
Lumley was at its warm and opulent best
and, after reception drinks, the wedding
party headed for the medieval grandeur
of the Baron’s Hall for a formal, seated
wedding breakfast.
“The atmosphere was just wonderful,” said
Katie, “and the food was superb.”
Then, as the day came to an end, a
volley of fireworks lit up the castle.
“It was beautiful,” said Katie. “I look
back on it now and it was everything I
could have wished for - I wouldn’t have
done any of it any differently.
It really was magical.”
YOUR FLORAL & WEDDING SPECIALIST
Here at Blooms we have an excellent reputation within the
wedding flower design market, with over 18 years experience
in working with flowers specialising in wedding event floristry.
Making your
special day that
extra special...
We supply flowers along with a vast array of accessories ranging
from vases to Organza chair ties in a variety of colours and are
never knowingly undersold.
Our aim is to make your day that extra special. We pride
ourselves on our friendly personal service.
To make an appointment please contact Christine on
0191 387 1405
or email
[email protected]
www.yourbloomsflorist.co.uk
15% discount
available to all Lumley Castle
brides
151 Front Street | Chester le Street | Co Durham | DH3 3AX
Where could be cosier or more
magical than Lumley Castle for a
winter wedding?
With thick stone walls, opulent décor
and open log fires, Lumley Castle is
the perfect venue for bridal couples
looking to tie the knot in the depths
of winter.
And, now, we’re offering a Winter
Wonderland wedding package on
specific dates in December.
Image supplied by: www.philsmithphotography.co.uk
Midwinter Magic at Lumley
of a starter of leek and potato soup
or tomato and mozzarella salad
followed by poached breast of
chicken with a rich roast gravy or
turkey with all the traditional festive
trimmings.
Diners can choose from a dessert
of Christmas pudding and brandy
sauce or orange and cranberry
cheesecake with mulled berries,
with coffee and sweet mince pies
rounding off the meal.
The hotel will also include menu
cards, Christmas crackers, a table
plan and place cards along with
the services of its in-house wedding
co-ordinator and a hot and cold
evening buffet in the package.
Special
For just £4550 couples can welcome
65 daytime guests and 100 evening
guests with canapés and a reception
drink choice of Bucks Fizz or mulled
wine prior to a ceremony in one of
the hotel’s ornate function rooms.
This can be followed by a threecourse wedding breakfast consisting
A range of additional items is
also included such as white table
linen and chair covers, a top table
flower arrangement, the castle’s
candelabras for use as table centre
pieces and a choice of coloured
bows for the ceremony and
reception rooms.
Then, for the perfect end to
your perfect day, unwind in
the unparalleled comfort of a
complimentary Standard
Courtyard double room.
For further information or to make a reservation, call 0191 389 1111, email [email protected] or visit www.lumleycastle.com
www.lumleycastle.com
23
One Moment in Time
They say a picture paints a thousand words - so good photography is crucial
in telling the story of your wedding.
Thanks to the rise and rise of
smartphones, everyone from your
elderly aunt to your teenage nephew
will be pointing and pressing,
preserving every single moment of your
special day.
Image supplied by: www.studio10uk.com
And that’s all well and good, but,
unless you really want your day to be
recorded in a series of happy snaps
- which will probably get increasingly
blurred and erratic as the day goes
on - then you need to call in the
professionals.
After all, you’ve spent months planning
your wedding, hours perfecting
your hair and make-up and fortunes
ensuring everything is exactly how you
want it, so the very least you should
do is ensure your photos really do you,
your guests and your venue justice.
One of Lumley Castle’s major
advantages is that it looks fabulous
inside as well as out so
even if the weather’s
dreadful and pictures
in the grounds are out of the question
you have a myriad of wonderful rooms
and atmospheric nooks and crannies to
choose from.
In fact, it’s a good idea to choose your
photographer well in advance of your
wedding as Lumley offers a wealth
of creative possibilities and it makes
sense to explore them all beforehand
so photography on the day runs as
smoothly as possible.
There is no sadder sight post-wedding
than the face of a much-loved relative
who has failed to appear on a single
wedding photo - particularly if they
have travelled halfway round the world
to be there - so do make sure you
give your photographer a list of your
nearest and dearest.
Specify, too, the way in which you’d
like your pictures presented. This
may be the age of social media but
there is still nothing to beat a good,
old-fashioned album - not to mention
smaller versions, perhaps, for both sets
of parents.
So, what’s hot and what’s not when it
comes to the pictures themselves? Well,
formal groupings are still a great way
of recording the event but the trend is
less posed than it once was.
So, you might still have a grouped
shot of, say, the groom’s family, but
taken more informally, while they
are laughing or chatting, rather than
staring rigidly ahead
A good plan is to go for a mixture
of black and white and colour shots
and the trend for taking pictures from
bizarre angles is, thankfully, on the
wane - however, the choice is yours.
Most photographers are happy to
show you examples of their work
and this is a great aid in helping you
choose.
Remember, your wedding isn’t a dress
rehearsal. It only happens once and,
while your memories will last forever,
they will fade with time.
And that is when you will really value
a truly wonderful set of photographs.
Moment
www.lumleycastle.com
25
Oh Crumbs
Wedding cakes are having something of a moment,
as brides give a tweak to tradition with the
most delicious results…
The traditional three tiered fruit cake,
encased in rock hard, white, royal icing a monument to the art of sugar craft - will
always have a place in a girl’s heart.
But there are some new kids on the block and they’re pretty incredible, too.
As cake baking techniques get cleverer
and as brides increasingly opt to stamp
their wedding with their own ideas and
tastes, trends have changed and there
is now simply no limit to what can be
achieved or chosen.
Specialists in designing individual wedding and celebration cakes.
With our collective culinary expertise and cake artistry, we can design your wedding
cake to your exact wishes. From fantasy creations and traditional styles to contemporary
chocolate sensations, we will design your dream wedding cake.
One thing is for certain, however; a cake
of some sort is crucial. Not only does
it provide a focal point throughout the
wedding breakfast but, when they join
hands to cut it, the bride and groom are
united for the first time in their married
life.
So, how best to make sure your cake
lingers in the memory long after the last
crumbs have been devoured?
If you want a confection with wow factor
then unleash your creative streak. You
don’t have to stick to fruit cake, for
example. Sponge cake is popular with
all ages - and why not give every tier a
different flavour?
This is similar in style to the traditional
French croquembouche; a mouthwatering tower of profiteroles filled with
crème pâtissière and coated in spun
sugar … topped with a sparkler or two
this is guaranteed to impress even the
most wedding weary guest.
Another current trend which owes more
than a nod to our French cousins is that
of replacing the sweet wedding cake
with a savoury version made entirely of
cheese.
It’s entirely up to you whether you opt
for wheels of cheese stacked in ever
smaller tiers or a tiered arrangement
of individual cheeses but this is a very
nice way of introducing the ‘cake’ to the
celebrations.
It can be presented either before or
after dessert - it shouldn’t really replace
it as you do really need to offer guests
a sweet dish - and is a great choice for
less formal, more relaxed and intimate
weddings, when everyone is easily able
to help themselves.
Do have fun too with the icing and
decorating. By all means opt for colours
which echo your theme but why not also
use your decoration to reflect your sense
of humour, hobbies or interests?
Whatever you choose and however
you decide to display it and serve it give your wedding cake its turn in the
spotlight… and let it shine.
www.lumleycastle.com
Images supplied by: www.kellyanns.co.uk
0191 584 5623 / 0781 749 5457
www.kellyanns.co.uk
Another option, which gives tradition a
wonderfully modern twist, is to create
a sugar sweet pyramid of individual
cupcakes - one for each guest.
Sweet
In fact, why stop at three tiers? You can
turn your cake into a tower by creating
fake tiers out of iced and decorated
cardboard (an old, confectioners’ trick to
add height and pizazz at a fraction of
the cost).
Unit A1 | Houghton Business Centre | Lake Road | Houghton-le-Spring | DH5 8BJ
Cake decorating is huge news at the
moment with confectioners exploring
ever more elaborate and inventive
designs and techniques - so do have
some fun with it.
Bloom for Improvement
This year, brides aren’t just saying it with flowers - they’re positively shouting it…
Free Consultation Available
Wedding & Event Florist • Special Occasion Flowers
Flowers for Business • Candelabra & Vase Hire
Chair Sash Hire • Nationwide Delivery Service • Order Online
OFFER
Special Offers
Exclusive to
Lumley Castle Brides!
Images supplied by: www.funkyflowercompany.co.uk
because blooms are back and bigger than ever.
When it comes to weddings, flowers
are one tradition that will never wither
and die. In fact, the fashion for all
things floral is positively blooming.
From pedestal arrangements to
bouquets, buttonholes to table
decorations, flowers aren’t just the
supporting cast anymore, they’re
centre stage - and rightly so.
For too long we’ve chosen our flowers
for the wrong reasons; to tie a colour
theme together, to give a bridesmaid
something to hold or to fill a gloomy
corner of the church.
Of course flowers do all these things
but they also bring so much more to the
party, namely fragrance and beauty and today’s brides have cottoned on
to that.
It really is true that every bride is
beautiful - and the natural beauty of
flowers enhances that radiance and
complements it perfectly.
can create a far better effect with a
big display? We’re not talking tall
centrepieces here - they’re impractical
and annoying as they block the view.
Shallow bowls of flowers, though,
teaming over with ivy and clouds of
gypsophila (often called Baby’s Breath)
look wonderful - or why not scatter
scented petals over the tables?
Fragrance is also a crucial part of
a wedding day and, again, flowers
come to the rescue. Who wouldn’t
want to exchange their vows in a rose
scented bower or take a reassuring,
calming sniff of fresh lavender to
steady the nerves before they walk
down the aisle?
Of course, heavily scented blooms particularly old English roses - don’t
come cheap. So, clever brides
are taking a tip from their great
grandmothers and inserting herbs
- such as rosemary - or sprigs of
lavender into their bouquets.
When it comes to perhaps the most
important floral display, however; the
bridal bouquet, again, think big.
You want to meet your groom swathed
in a floral cloud, not tightly clutching
a hand cut sheaf of lilies or a small,
tightly packed posy of roses. These
simplistic styles of the last decade
have already faded, to be replaced
by a general sense of lushness and
abundance.
The colour of the blooms you choose
may also be influenced by fashions
and ever since the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge filled Westminster Abbey
with trees, there has been a return
to typically English, cottage garden
flowers.
So, whether you go for vivid pink
peonies; scented, softly-coloured sweet
peas, or that most English of flowers,
the rose, make sure your day is filled
with perfume and petals.
Bloom
That is why today’s brides are quite
literally surrounding themselves with
floral displays. It’s all about quantity; in
the number and range of displays and
in the flowers themselves.
Why just pop a single, small
arrangement on a table when you
Another trick which works wonderfully
well is to scatter a few drops of a
good, floral essential oil onto pedestal
arrangements or, at winter weddings,
onto radiators.
www.lumleycastle.com
29
Party Poppers
Established 2003
Balloons & Chair Covers
We provide elegant Balloon Displays and Chair Covers to help
transform your venue whether it be a local club or a luxury
hotel. We can make your Special Day Perfect.
All our displays are made to the highest standard and prices are
extremely competitive. Whatever your budget we guarantee you’ll be
delighted with our work.
We Cater for All Occassions
Fun
&
Games
For as long as there
have been weddings
there have been
celebrations - and
planning them is one of
the most enjoyable prewedding tasks.
Equipment Available to Hire
~ Star-cloth ~ Fibre Optic Back Drop and Drapes ~ Fish-Bowls ~
Martini Glasses ~ Twinkling Topiary Trees ~ Seat Covers and Sash’s
~ Crystal Tea-Light Holders ~ Mirrored Plates ~
~ Cake Stands ~ Wishing Wells
Plus much more .......
Contact Mel for more details at:
Party Poppers, 114 Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3BA
Tel: 0191 387 5447
Mobile: 0787 659 2546
e: [email protected] | www.partypoppersnortheast.co.uk
From music to magic, from fireworks
to fiddlers - quite literally on the roof, if
you like - when it comes to entertaining
your wedding guests Lumley offers a
myriad of opportunities.
As with so many of your wedding
plans, you can be as creative as your
imagination and budget will allow,
so perhaps the best starting point
when planning music and so forth is
to consider the various elements of the
day.
the register: after all, this is probably
not the time or the place to give your
guests a blast of gangsta-rap.
Not only are these great fun but they
appeal to all ages and guests can join
in or take a break as they choose.
One of Lumley’s strengths is the
flexibility it offers in terms of space the Minstrel’s Gallery in our Baronial
Hall provides the perfect setting for
everything from harpists to DJs - not to
mention our Ladies of the Court whose
repertoire covers everything from traditional
It might also be worth considering
hiring a face painter or balloon
modeller to keep younger guests
amused or even setting aside a small,
colouring-in-and-comics space within
the main reception room.
ballads to livelier Geordie anthems.
Lumley is also hugely fortunate in
having plenty of space outside, so
you may want to consider taking
the celebrations outdoors - perhaps
laying on some outdoor games such
as croquet or ending the day with the
bang of a thousand fireworks as they
light the night sky.
Image supplied by: www.philsmithphotography.co.uk
melaniepartypoppers
Entertain
Nothing sets the tone quite like music,
so why not welcome your guests to
Lumley Castle with a string quartet
playing in the courtyard or a bagpiper
greeting them at the top of the drive?
Traditionally, however, the majority
of the entertainment is held after the
wedding breakfast - when, speeches
over, the bridal party can let their hair
down and really celebrate with friends
and family.
Think about the sort of music you might
like throughout the ceremony, too.
Tradition tends to win the day here as
most brides would prefer the soothing
strains of classical music as they sign
Again, live music is a great option
- as is a DJ - but why not consider
something a little more orchestrated,
such as a ceilidh or Scottish country
dancing?
www.lumleycastle.com
Whatever style of entertainment you
choose, we have the space, the sense
of fun and the experience to make it
happen.
31
Flavoured hot chocolate or coffee,
£3.50 per person.
Warm up your guests with hot
chocolates and coffees in flavours such
as orange, mint and caramel - perfect
with a slice of wedding cake.
Savoury wedding cheese cake
with crackers, chutneys and
accompaniments, £175.
And Another Thing
When planning a wedding, the devil, as always, is in the detail. Why not
sprinkle a little special stardust on your day with our enticing enhancements?
Above image supplied by: www.fyzal.com
Here come
the girls
Ladies wine tasting experience,
price on request.
Give your hen night a sophisticated
twist with a three course dinner
followed by wine tasting in one of the
Castle’s private dining rooms.
Setting the scene
Chair Bows, £1.60 per chair.
Our shimmering organza chair bows
come in a wide choice of colours and
provide an elegant way of continuing
your colour theme and dressing your
room.
Traditional Scottish bagpiper, £165.
Our traditional Scottish piper will greet
you and your guests on arrival at
Lumley and entertain you throughout
the celebrations.
Master of ceremonies, £165.
Our medieval Master of Ceremonies
will ensure your day runs smoothly by
formally announcing each stage of the
proceedings.
Ladies of the Court, £255.
Our Ladies of the Court will sing to you
and your guests during your drinks.
Reception.
Food and beverage Gorgeous gifts
Chocolate fountain, £315.
Our cascade chocolate fountain with
accompaniments is the perfect sweet
treat for you and your guests.
Champagne glass tower, £80.
The Champagne glass tower is a
simple, yet stunning, centre piece
with unequalled wow factor. Fill it
with Bucks Fizz or Champagne for a
memorable drinks reception.
Drinks fountain, £80.
This magnificent drinks fountain is
the perfect display for an alcoholic
fruit punch or a non-alcoholic cocktail
for children and non-drinkers. Still
beverages only.
Candy stand/ cookie stand/
savoury stand, £165.
Our traditional Lumley Castle cart
can be filled with an endless array of
colourful sweets and candies, delicious
homemade cookies and cakes or
savoury snacks.
Lumley Castle chocolates, £10.
A charming box of 12 assorted
chocolate truffles - a lovely gift for
bridesmaids or a pre-wedding treat just
for you.
Mini alcoholic favours,
from £3 each.
Treat your guests to wedding
favours with a twist; miniatures of
their favourite tipples, including
port, brandy, Baileys Irish Cream,
Jägermeister and Courvoisier.
Presentation bottle of Champagne,
£39.50.
Pop the cork on a bottle of house
Champagne and let the celebrations
begin with a toast to the bride and
groom.
Presentation bottle of Champagne
and Lumley Castle chocolates set.
£50.
Start - or end - your special day
with this luxurious Champagne and
chocolates set.
This beautiful pair of Champagne
flutes, engraved with the bride and
groom’s names and wedding date,
are available in Silverline or Platinum
designs.
Engraved cake knife and slice. £40.
This elegant set, engraved with
the bride and groom’s names and
wedding date and available in two
designs, can be used on the day for
the cake cutting and then kept forever.
Lumley Castle cake-in-a-jar favours.
£3.95 each.
These delightful, edible, wedding
favours come in a range of flavours.
Lumley Castle unique cookie
favours. £3.95 large, £2.95 small.
Our bespoke shortbread or
gingerbread cookies in a range of
shapes make great favours and can
also double as place cards with guests’
names piped in icing.
Lumley Castle fruit hamper. £20.
Treat your guests - or the happy couple
- to this hamper of seasonal fresh fruits,
which can be placed in their bedroom
on arrival.
Lumley Castle cheese hamper. £35.
Again, present this as a gift or surprise
a guest or loved one by arranging
for this hamper, filled with prestigious
cheeses, to be delivered to their
bedroom.
Lumley Castle teddy bear, £15.
Our gorgeous teddy bears in their
Lumley Castle jumpers, make a lovely
gift or memento of
your wedding
day.
Enhancements
Uplighters, £185.
For the wow factor and instant glamour
choose these fabulous uplighters,that
cascade coloured lights around the
room throughout your ceremony,
wedding breakfast and evening disco.
32
Entertainment
This fabulous three or four tier cake
is created from premier cheeses and
decorated here at Lumley Castle - an
excellent alternative to traditional
wedding cake.
Engraved Champagne flutes. £40.
Court jester, £165.
His juggling, jokes and limericks will
entertain children and adults alike.
Visit from Santa Claus, £165.
A winter wedding just wouldn’t be
the same without a visit from Father
Christmas. All children will receive a
gift and photograph opportunity.
Mulled wine and sweet mince pies,
£3.95 per person.
These festive treats are a perfect
addition to your winter wedding
here at Lumley Castle. Serve with
your evening buffet or while enjoying
fireworks under the stars.
Lumley Castle teddy bear and
presentation bottle of Champagne
set. £50.
This delightful set includes a bottle
of House Champagne and a Lumley
Castle teddy bear.
www.lumleycastle.com
33
Our fleet of luxury vehicles range from a
1 passenger Lamborghini Gallardo
Convertible to a 28 passenger Party Coach.
This allows us to cater for different group
sizes and with such a diverse range of
vehicles we can cater for all budgets too.
You can view our entire fleet and get a quote
on your favourite vehicle from our website.
Based in Teesside we cover the whole of the
North East.
Our special Wedding Day packages include
your chosen vehicle(s) dressed with ribbons
to match your colour theme, flowers inside
and come with complimentary bubbly.
Our packages and tailored to suit your
requirements so we’re able to provide you
transport whether you’re having a church,
registry or civil service wedding.
Once in a while right in the middle
of an ordinary life, love gives us a
fairy tale.
Holiday Stylist is your local independent Travel Agent. We can arrange Weddings Abroad,
Honeymoons, Familymoons, Stag and Hen Weekends or even pre-wedding spa breaks.
We offer a bespoke and unique service to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. From budget conscious to top
class luxury - no request is too small; we will offer you personal honest advice and ensure every last detail is taken care of.
Out of hours appointments available.
The Wedding gift you’ll never forget
Ask for a special and memorable gift you’ll never forget, we not only take care of your holiday arrangements but can
arrange a gift registry service to enable friends and family to contribute towards your trip. Perfect for the bride and
groom who have everything. We will arrange complimentary gift list cards and you will receive a record of those you
have contributed towards your trip of a lifetime.
Call us on 01207 281419 or 0191 3894163
[email protected] • www.holidaystylist.co.uk
4 Beamish Street Stanley Co Durham DH9 8AH