No Ordinary Wedding Venue

No Ordinary Wedding Venue
Welcome to...
Contents
4
A spectacular setting
Step back in time through our
sumptuous State Rooms
6 9 11 Background image supplied by: www.davidlawsonstudios.co.uk
No Ordinary Wedding Venue
And so to bed
Beautiful bedrooms in which to
begin and end your day
The food of love
Dine like royalty at Lumley Castle
Meet the team
Planning your big day can be a daunting task from picking caterers to choosing flowers, there
are so many decisions to make that sometimes
it’s hard to know where to start.
Our wedding experts are
here to help
13 Real life stories
Meet some of the couples who
married at Lumley last year
14 The finishing touches
Some little extras for your
special day
18 Gorgeous gowns
A stunning selection of
dream dresses
21 The final countdown
Our guide to planning your big day
23 As pretty as a picture
Capturing memories to last
a lifetime
27 The best of the bunch
Say it with flowers on your
wedding day
We have everything you could wish for at
Lumley Castle Hotel, so please give us
a call on 0191 389 1111 or email
[email protected]
29 The icing on the cake
We look forward to seeing you,
Our guide to the sweetest
centrepieces
33 A royal wedding
Celebrate like royalty with our
Elizabethan weddings
Here, at Lumley Castle Hotel, we will guide you
through every step: helping you plan each little
detail of your perfect wedding, right from your
hen-do to your honeymoon.
Our sweeping staircases and glittering
chandeliers, along with the acres of beautiful
parklands surrounding the castle, create a
stunning backdrop for your special day.
We also offer superb food and outstanding
service, so you can relax and enjoy your
wedding, knowing every aspect of your day is
in the safest of hands.
Whether you are opting for an intimate
gathering or a large celebration, nothing is more
important to us than making your wedding the
best it can be.
Christine Gott
General Manager
Cover Image
www.alan-mason.co.uk
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: Nola Collinson, Director of Sales. Tel: 0191 3891111 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 2015
A Spectacular Setting…
For 600 years Lumley Castle has towered majestically over the Durham
countryside - so why not let it weave some of its medieval magic over your wedding…?
With its turrets and towers, opulent four poster
beds and glittering chandeliers, Lumley Castle
could have been plucked from the pages of a
fairy tale.
Over the following 20 years he strengthened
his reputation on the battlefield, triumphing in
various campaigns, such as the successful
siege of Bamburgh Castle.
Surrounded by seven acres of soft Durham
countryside and steeped in history it is, quite
simply, the most perfect setting for a wedding.
The gallant and fearless knight was also at
Edward IV’s side as they rode into battle against
the late Queen Margaret’s armies and was often
seen at court, where he was well-liked and
respected.
Image: www.alan-mason.co.uk
Now part of the No Ordinary Hotels Group, this
exquisite building is as popular with modern
day knights and their ladies as it was when Sir
Ralph Lumley built it back in 1389 and from
whom it takes its name.
Tragically, however, Sir Ralph - a brave and
respected soldier - had little time to enjoy
his new home as, in 1400, he and his son
Thomas were imprisoned for their part in a plot
to overthrow Henry IV and replace him with
Richard II. They were stripped of their titles and
then executed.
That was not the only disaster to befall the
family. Lady Lily Lumley, Sir Ralph’s wife,
was murdered by local priests and her body
dumped in the well, which you can still see
today - and her ghost is said to walk the
corridors of her former home.
Following Sir Ralph’s execution, all the wealth
and land belonging to the Lumley family was
given to the Earl of Somerset who owned the
Castle so beloved by Sir Ralph until his death
in 1421.
The Earl had no son to bequeath his inheritance
to, so under Elizabethan law Lumley Castle and
all its land was restored to its rightful owners - in
this case Thomas, Sir Ralph’s grandson.
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 by writ to Parliament,
where his family peerage was restored.
4
After his death in 1485 he was succeeded
by his son George and thus began 400 years
of stability with the Lumley family playing an
important role in court life and in the day-to-day
lives of the people of Chester-le-Street well into
the 1800s.
Although little information remains about the
family during this time, 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 dine, marry and stay at Lumley
Castle ever year.
And, whether you plan to exchange your vows
at Lumley Castle or are simply choosing to hold
your reception with us, our unequalled choice
of rooms will ensure you get the right venue for
your requirements.
Seating from as many as 132 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.
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.
From the top table, on the dais, the bridal
couple can see every single one of up to 110
guests - no nasty pillars or awkward corners
- and beyond them to the gardens, while the
room’s 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 pastel
shaded timeless elegance providing a beautiful
backdrop for up to 130.
So, whether you picture yourself as a medieval
maiden or a Georgian heroine straight from the
pages of a Jane Austen novel, let Lumley Castle
sprinkle a little fairy tale magic on the most
special day of your life.
Majestic
5
And so
to Bed…
Whether you wish to wake up at Lumley
Castle on your wedding morning or enjoy
your first night of married life in our exquisite
bridal suite, we have rooms with a view…
and so much more besides…
Nothing prepares you for your special day so much as a good night’s
sleep and what could be nicer than waking on the day of your wedding in
a four poster bed, overlooking acres of parkland?
Whether you stay within the castle itself or in one of the elegant courtyard
rooms, discreetly tucked away in its shadow, you can be sure of 21st
century comfort and luxury.
Those rooms, or, rather bedchambers, within the castle itself, boast
ornately carved, four-poster beds, soft lighting and deep carpets and are
the last word in opulence.
And, because every room is unique and those in the castle are many
hundreds of years old, our designers had huge fun fitting them with
modern requirements.
So, if the bathroom isn’t immediately apparent, look again - perhaps it’s
behind the bookcase or, like Narnia, through the back of the wardrobe!
These charming and inspired touches all add to the magic of the castle.
Of course, while waking at Lumley Castle is a dream start to a wedding
day, there could, equally, be no nicer way to end it - and begin your
married life - than in our bridal suite.
Of all the jewels in Lumley Castle’s crown, the magnificent King James
Suite is the biggest and most glittering of them all.
Luxury
6
At its heart 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.
The suite also features a comfortable lounge area and, for the ultimate in
relaxation, a jet bath - perfect for easing away the strains and stresses of
the day or unwinding in before you head downstairs to greet your evening
guests.
Talking of guests, with 73 bedchambers to choose from, there really is no
need for friends and family to depart once the day draws to a close.
They can choose to stay in the castle itself or, perhaps, in one of our
charming courtyard rooms, cleverly converted from the castle’s former
stables and boasting every modern amenity.
So, when it comes to spending your last night as a single person or your
first night as a married one - or both - there really is nowhere as beautiful
or as special as Lumley Castle Hotel.
7
The Food of Love
At Lumley Castle Hotel we understand that the food at your wedding needs to be
as perfect as the rest of your day. So, whether you choose a finger buffet or a formal
wedding breakfast, we will ensure you dine like royalty…
Food is at the heart of any wedding celebration
and that is why we work with you to create a
menu as unique and special as you are.
Not only do we offer a wide range of canapés,
buffet and banquet menus, but our chefs
are also happy to create bespoke menus
comprising dishes that hold special memories
or are firm family favourites.
And, whether we are catering for intimate
gatherings or large scale celebrations, we
ensure that each dish is prepared, cooked
and presented to perfection…every time.
Here is a sample selection of our dishes just to make your mouth water.
SUSAN’S
ESTABLISHED 1964
Sample Menu One
To Start
To Start
(v)
with rocket dressed in pesto
Tomato and mozzarella salad
tons,
crou
garlic
e,
lettuc
gem
Chicken caesar salad with little
esan
anchovy fillets and shaved parm
Salmon and goats cheese tart with tomato and basil salad
Mori Lee • Amanda Wyatt • Ellis Bridals • Benjamin Roberts
BRIDESMAIDS
Mori Lee • Kelsey Rose • Alexia • Amanda Wyatt
APPOINTMENTS NOT NECESSARY
Susans Bridal, 42 Hylton Road Millfield Sunderland SR4 7AA
Tel: 0191 514 4564 Web: www.susansbridal.co.uk
Duck and pancetta terrine with crisp leaves,
fig jam and brioche bun
Sorbet
Sorbet
berries
Sloe gin sorbet with fresh black
Green apple and calvados sorbet
Soup / Intermediate
Soup / Intermediate
croutons
Minestrone soup with garlic
Sweet potato and rosemary soup
Main
Main
roasted new potatoes,
Poached breast of chicken with
wine, mushroom tarragon
seasonal vegetables and a white
sauce
Cumberland sausage served on scallion mash potato,
seasonal vegetables and a red onion and ale gravy and
crispy fried onions
g roll with coconut rice and
Oriental style vegetable sprin
seasonal vegetables (v)
Roast loin of pork with sage and onion stuffing, roast
potatoes seasonal vegetables and rich sage gravy
Sweets
d
brulée served with shortbrea
e
crèm
la
Classic vanil
y
sour cherr
Strawberry bavois served with
and amaretto sorbet
Banoffee pie served with toffee sauce and
banana ice cream
Sweets
Lumley Castle signature warm sticky toffee pudding
with butterscotch sauce and clotted cream
Hot & Cold Fork Buffets
lasagne | Fillet of salmon with
Chicken tikka curry | Vegetable
| Buttered new potato |
rice
ati
Basm
|
cream
n
lemo
chive,
slaw, potato salad, pasta
Cole
|
r
platte
meat
cold
of
Selection
salad
leaf
d
salad, mixe
£22.00 per person
ard cream sauce | Fish pie
Chicken in a honey and must
| Vegetable curry | Chilli con
topped with cheesy leek mash
potatoes | Selection of cold meat
carne | Basmati rice | Jacket
, pasta salad, mixed leaf salad
platter | Coleslaw, potato salad
£26.00 per person
BRIDALWEAR
Sample Menu Two
cottage pie | Chicken in a wild
Beef bourguignon | Vegetable
sauce | Oven roasted sea
mushroom and tarragon cream
soy sauce | Selection of cold
bass with spring onions and
sh
| Smoked salmon and shellfi
and continental meat platter
salad, mixed leaf salad,
platter | Tomato and red onion
r and mint yoghurt salad
coleslaw, pasta salad, cucumbe
rice
ati
Basm
|
toes
pota
et
Jack
£28.00 per person
ding Cheesecake,
Lumley Castles Savoury Wed
fruits and assorted crackers
eys,
chutn
with
accompanied
£175.00
0
(10 portions per platter) £75.0
fruits and assorted crackers
accompanied with chutneys,
Platters of assorted cheeses,
sauce and wedges
Shredded pork baps with apple
| Bacon baps with wedges |
Sausage baps with wedges
on
pers
per
wedges £13.00
Hot beef baps with Gravy and
Delicious
9
Meet the Team
Name: Richard Chilver
Job Title: Head Chef
Name: Claire Sanderson Job Title: Wedding Co-ordinator What’s your favourite part of your job?
Inventing and producing new dishes and
keeping up with food trends
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love being a part of the couple’s special day
and helping to make their ideas and requests
reality. The final details meeting is one of my
favourite parts as I like finding out about exactly
how they envisage their big day.
What’s been your biggest wedding
challenge? Every wedding has its own
challenges, but one of the trickiest problems
is when the speeches run on too long or
photographers spend another hour taking pictures. Our challenge in the
kitchen is to ensure that no matter what happens, the food is at its best,
always.
Providing Morning Wear, Slim Fit Lounge Suits,
Highland Wear, Dinner Suits and more we can
assist in ensuring the perfect suit complements
the perfect gown
Specialising in the Masterhand brand of suits, half
the weight of traditional hire wear and beautifully
cut to guarantee a perfect fit. Without doubt the
pinnacle of men’s formal wear.
Plus, order any suit with us and get a brand new
pair of shoes for only £20.00 per person (RRP
£35.00). Choose from Oxford style brogues in black
or brown or more contemporary Gibson style slip
on. Perfect to finish off the outfit.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened? A bride had a French
croquembouche wedding cake - which is profiteroles built into a tower - and
the whole thing just collapsed. I was asked to rescue it, which I did and not
only did the bride think it looked better than before, but she was so happy
that when it came to having her picture taken with it she asked for me to be in
the picture with her - and not her new husband!
How have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? In lots of ways
- I do all the time. I’ve created bespoke traditional African menus, carried
out first aid when people have fainted on hot days and fixed hundreds of
wedding cakes. I’m happy to, though, because on my wedding day all I
wanted was my amazing wife to have a perfect day and all I want at Lumley
Castle is for all brides to have the same. So in my eyes nothing will ever be
beyond the call of duty as I will always do everything I can to make their
dreams come true
Name: Keith Stephenson
Job Title: Events Manager/Wedding
Co-ordinator
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love everything about it, particularly the variety.
However, I must confess that weddings are my
favourite, as each one is different. I never lose
sight of the fact that every single one is special.
What’s been your biggest wedding
challenge? We’ve had everything from ring-bearing owls and dogs, to
wedding cars breaking down and brides arriving more than an hour late: that
always makes the chef happy! We’ve never had a problem we haven’t been
able to solve, though.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened?
The funniest thing that has happened, was me going upstairs to meet the
bride and groom, I missed the top step and fell flat on my face in front of
them.
Unit 2
Front Street Industrial Estate
Shotton Colliery
Durham
DH6 2ND
www.weddingdressdurham.co.uk
What’s been your biggest wedding
challenge? For me every wedding is as challenging as the next as there is a
lot of pressure to ensure that the day is as perfect as the couple imagined. It
is important I am organised and that I capture every minor detail.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened? The most memorable moment
was one Thursday morning when I walked into the courtyard to find the best
man trying to clamber on to a large white horse. He was attempting to ride
down to the bottom of the driveway and collect the bride but had clearly
never ridden before. Needless to say, the horse wasn’t impressed.
How have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? To ensure the
wedding day goes as smoothly as possible, I find myself in a variety of
situations, from strapping brides into their dresses to consoling them when
things get too stressful.
Name: Alison Oakland
Job Title: Events Supervisor
What’s your favourite part of your job? I enjoy
all aspects of my job, especially being part of
such a happy event.
What’s been your biggest wedding
challenge?
Every wedding is a challenge and unique, and I
embrace each and every challenge as it comes
along. I’ve had to cope with wedding dress alterations, cake disasters, and
being in two places at once when brides and grooms are arriving at the same
time.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened? I was standing at the front of
the castle waiting for a bride and groom to arrive. Their horse and carriage
pulled up and just as I gave them their champagne, the horse had a call of
nature in front of me and the wedding party. Apparently this is lucky for the
couple on their wedding day, but it certainly wasn’t for me.
How have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? I would hope
that I go above and beyond the call of duty for everyone’s wedding. Every
wedding I have looked after has been different in its own special way.
Passionate
Do you go above and beyond the call of duty? Going the extra mile is part
of the job but I do have to think on my feet quite a lot. A cake once arrived
after travelling half way across the country and, sadly, the bottom tier had
collapsed, so I bought fresh white roses to hide the damage and turned
a three tier cake into two tiers - I’m pleased to say the bride’s mother was
delighted with the end result.
11
Real Life Stories…
The fun continued with an evening reception
for about 80 guests before Lynn and factory
supervisor Adam, 37, headed up to their
sumptuous, tranquil bridal suite.
When our cover girl, chef Lynn
Adams, set eyes on Lumley
Castle she knew it offered all the
ingredients for a breathtaking
wedding…
With its stunning grounds, opulent function rooms
and beautiful bedrooms, four star Lumley Castle
Hotel really is a fairy tale setting - and Lynn and
groom Adam Houghton were determined to
enjoy every single second of their wedding here in
October 2014.
Lynn, 30 and her two older bridesmaids checked
in the night before the big day so they would
waken in the morning refreshed and relaxed
before the ceremony in the elegant Scarborough
Suite.
“It was the perfect start to the perfect day,” said
Lynn. “And from the moment I opened my eyes
every second was just magical.”
Around 50 friends and family members watched
as Lynn’s brother-in-law escorted her to Adam’s
side - her Cathedral-length, lace trimmed veil
flowing over her full tulle skirts - followed by her
sister, two nieces and best friend in soft shades of
sage green and rose pink.
“After the ceremony we had a three course formal
wedding breakfast in the Baron’s Hall,” said Lynn,
from Hartlepool, “although I was so excited I
could barely eat a thing.”
Image: Richard Rowell
Image: www.alan-mason.co.uk
And Lynn has this advice for brides-to-be
considering Lumley Castle. “Don’t think twice. It is
so unique and so special and the wedding team
go out of their way to make everything perfect.
Mine was a dream wedding and yours would be,
too.”
We might be pushing our luck to
suggest that the sun always shines
on Lumley Castle - but it certainly
blazed down on Sunderland couple
Claire Rowell and David Purvis’
wedding in August 2014.
When banker Liam Burn slipped
a ring on bride Helen Turnbull’s
finger in the glittering setting of
Lumley Castle’s Scarborough room,
it really was a case of third time
lucky.
“We’d been worried because the weather had
been pretty bad the day before,” said 34-year-old
exam officer Claire, “but it was just wonderful
on our big day - in fact the whole wedding was
perfect from start to finish.”
“Although Helen had stayed at the hotel the night
before, my best man Peter and I were leaving
from our homes,” said Liam, 31, “and he forgot
the rings twice.
Claire and David, a 35-year-old sports
development officer, opted for an intimate
celebration with a ceremony in the Scarborough
Room in front of just 16 friends and family
members.
“We then went into the Gilt Room for a three
course seated wedding breakfast,” said Claire
and then, in the evening, had cheese and wine.
“He left them at his house when he made his way
to mine and had to go back to get them, then then
we were actually on our way to the hotel when he
realised he’d left them on my hall table.”
Thankfully, once the pair - and the rings - arrived
at Lumley Castle, 30-year-old financial adviser
Helen and the couple’s 72 guests were none the
wiser and enjoyed a beautiful and special day.
Perfect
Good fortune continued to bless the couple
when the wedding party went outside for
their photographs. “The weather hadn’t been
wonderful,” said Lynn, “but the moment we
stepped outside the sun just blazed down on us.”
“We’d looked at several venues but Lumley
Castle just had that ‘wow’ factor,” she added. “We
wanted to spend the whole day in one place - and
there really is no better place than Lumley.”
“After the ceremony, we had a formal wedding
breakfast in the Garter Suite,” said Liam, “and,
later, an evening disco for around 130 people.
“I knew as soon as we saw Lumley Castle that it
was the right venue for us. Not only does it look
amazing but the staff were superb from the outset
- we knew they had everything covered and we
could just concentrate on enjoying the day.”
13
The Finishing
Touches
At Lumley Castle Hotel we know it’s the little
extras that make a celebration truly memorable …
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.
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.
Entertainment
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.
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.
Food and drink
Gorgeous gifts
Chocolate fountain, £315.
Our cascade chocolate fountain with
accompaniments is the perfect sweet treat for
you and your guests.
Lumley Castle teddy bear, £15. Our gorgeous teddy bears in their red, Lumley
Castle jumpers, make a lovely gift or memento
of your wedding day.
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.
Engraved Champagne flutes. £40
This beautiful pair of Champagne flutes,
engraved with the bride and groom’s names
and wedding date, are available in Silverline or
Platinum designs.
Drinks fountain, £80.
This magnificent drinks fountain is the perfect
display for an alcoholic fruit punch or a nonalcoholic cocktail for children and non-drinkers.
Still beverages only.
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.
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 cake-in-a-jar favours.
£3.95 each.
These delightful, edible, wedding favours come
in a range of flavours.
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.
Image: www.philsmithphotography.co.uk
Lumley Castle chocolates, £10. A charming box of 12 assorted chocolate
truffles - a lovely gift for bridesmaids or a prewedding treat just for you.
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.
Gorgeous
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.
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.
14
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.
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.
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.
15
Dresses to Dream of
When you’re planning your big day all decisions pale in comparison to finding the prefect dress and, with so much choice on offer this year, finding your dream gown couldn’t be easier…
Affordable Elegance
Since it opened in Sunderland, three years ago, Amore
Brides has earned a reputation for affordable elegance. A
supremely stylish boutique, it offers discerning brides, their
bridesmaids, flower girls and matrons of honour, a choice of
more than 100 beautiful gowns, from award-winning
designers Mark Lesley, Maggie Sottero, Jasmine, Donna
Salado and Sweetheart. Staff ensure every bride feels
special, providing a professional and personal service,
tailored to her specific needs - just one of the many reasons
why Amore Brides reached finals of the English Wedding
Awards.
Images supplied by: www.amoresunderland.co.uk
Designer Wedding Dresses and
Bridal Accessories in Sunderland.
It’s a well-known fact that the all-important
wedding dress is a vital part of almost every
bride’s dream day. It is, without question, one of
the most memorable outfits you will ever wear, so
it’s important you get it right, with a shade, cut and
style which flatter. So where do you start?
Whether the main body of the dress is satin
or silk, choosing a dress with Venetian lace
embellishment or a net overlay can help you add
a bit of bling to your wedding gown while still
giving you the classic look that so many brides
dream of.
Fashions from across the decades are coming
together this year with vintage glamour at the
forefront of designers’ minds.
From neckline embellishment and embroidered
cuffs to all over lace, you can go for as much
detail as you like, transforming the plainest frock
into a glittering gown or simply adding a few little
touches to give your dress the ‘wow’ factor.
It’s all about adding that extra sparkle to your
gown with some understated detail; from the
lace embroidery of the twenties to halter necks
of the fifties, there’s something to suit all tastes –
meaning you have plenty of choice when finding a
gown to flatter your figure.
Sparkle
Many brides are choosing a court or chapel train
as a popular alternative to the full length cathedral
train. Their circular shape and shorter length make
them more manageable, while still giving the
elegance associated with long, sweeping trains.
We stock a wide range of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses,
veils, head dresses, jewellery, shoes and accessories to suit
differing styles and budgets.
Suite 3 | 11 Green Terrace | Sunderland
T 0191 5108 838
W amoresunderland.co.uk
Headbands and high necklines from the Roaring
20s are a perfect choice for more mature
or conservative brides. This popular style of
dress offers more modesty than the traditional
sweetheart neckline and, with added detail and
various accessories, will give you a grown-up and
sophisticated look.
Extending from the waist, court trains are flattering
for a variety of figures. Brides with an athletic
figure can pair this cut with cap sleeves and flared
skirts, whereas brides with a fuller figure can opt
for a ball gown skirt and a boned bust.
One of the great things about being a bride,
especially this year, is that there is such a vast
selection of dresses to choose from.
So, whether you pick a bespoke creation or
a designer gown, you can look and feel like a
princess on your big day: after all, it’s a day you’ll
remember forever.
17
A Perfect
Fit…
Here are our top tips for making sure you are
dressed to impress on your wedding day.
1. When choosing your dress try on as many different styles, lengths and
shades or colours as you can. This is the only way to find out what works
and what doesn’t.
2. Take with you someone whose opinion you value and who you know will
give you an honest appraisal of each outfit.
3.
Take a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to the ones you will wear on
the big day to enure the dress is the right length. Remember that a bride
is on her feet for a long time and this is possibly not the right time for six
inch heels.
4. Generally speaking, ivory or oyster are kinder to the complexion that
brilliant white but, again, try them all to find a shade that works for you.
5. Don’t forget to look at accessories. A simple gown can be given the wow
factor with a fabulous stole or headdress…
6. …And don’t forget to check out high street shops for accessories.
The current 1920s trend means there are lots of evening gloves, jewelled
headbands and slides and some fabulous jewellery to be had.
8. Dress to suit your shape, too. A good dress will flatter your good points
and conceal imperfections. So, if you don’t like your upper arms, for
example, consider three quarter length sleeves or a lace bolero.
9. Make sure you check the fitting of your dress in the run up to the big day
as you may well lose weight and don’t forget to have a trial hair and make
up run as well…
10.…Finally, don’t change your style too drastically.
You still want to look like you.
18
Images supplied by: www.amoresunderland.co.uk
7. Try and be realistic when choosing your dress. A skin tight sheath dress
might look great in pictures but can make kneeling, dancing and even just
sitting, nigh on impossible.
Perfect
19
A Date to Remember
Detailed below is a time line to assist you with the planning of your special day.
This time frame is Lumley Castle’s recommendation only
Once the venue, church or registrars
have been booked:
•Book the wedding cars
•Book your photographer
•Take out wedding insurance
•Buy your wedding dress, shoes and
accessories
•Choose and design your wedding cake
•Book your band/disco
•Book your honeymoon
Wedding Fayres
6 Months
Planning your wedding day? Then why
not come along to our wedding fayres?
Not only will you be taken on a tour of
our Grand State Rooms but more than 40
of the region’s leading wedding suppliers
- from entertainers and florists to cake
experts and bridal salons - will be on
hand to advise and inspire you.
•Arrange the hire of any formal wear
•Choose and order your wedding rings
•Order your invitations
4 Months
•Send out your invitations
•Arrange your flowers with the florist
•Order the favours
•Buy any gifts for the bridesmaids,
Best Man etc
•Start making a seating plan based
on acceptances
•Pick up the wedding rings
•Arrange a dress fitting
3 Months
Your final details appointment with your
Lumley Castle Wedding Co-Ordinator. At
the meeting be prepared to discuss the
following:
•Approximate numbers of day and
evening guests
•Reception drinks selection
•Canapés choice
•The wedding breakfast
•Beverage selection
•Order of the day
•Entertainment
•Table plan and set up
Six weeks
Sunday 18th October 2015
Time to be confirmed.
•Start your table plan
•Pick up the wedding dress
•Have a hen/stag night
Wedding Showcases
1 Month
•Organise a practice session with your
hairdresser and beautician
•The final balance of your Lumley Castle
wedding bill is due
1 Week
Alternatively, why not visit one of our
wedding showcases to see Lumley
Castle Hotel in all its bridal glory and
have a chat with our wedding team?
Sunday 17th May 2015
From 1pm - 4pm - Admission free
Wednesday 19th August 2015
From 5pm - 8pm - Admission free
•A final details meeting will be arranged with
the Lumley Castle Operational Wedding
Co-ordinator who will be looking after you
on the day.
•Your wedding co-ordinator will advise you of
the appropriate date to deliver your wedding
cake, decorations and favours
•Bring along your table plan and pass it to
your Wedding Co-ordinator
Detail
At the meeting we will advise you of the
procedures and time frames leading up to
your wedding date
Bridal images: www.davidlawsonstudios.co.uk
ADVERT
1 Year to 8 Months
21
As Pretty as a Picture…
When memories fade, pictures can bring the past instantly to life and
nowhere lends itself to stunning shots quite as well as Lumley Castle.
With the rising popularity of smart phones taking
photos is easier than ever - but just because anyone
can take a picture, it doesn’t follow that those
pictures will be worthy of pole position on your
mantelpiece.
While family snapshots provide great, informal
images of the day, nothing can beat wedding
photographs taken by a professional photographer.
Many, particularly the best ones, can be booked up
months in advance so start your search early. Begin
by asking friends and family for recommendations
and find out if your reception venue has a favourite
photographer - they work with so many they are
bound to be able to advise you.
When you have a shortlist of three or four, make
an appointment to see them. You need to ask
how much experience of wedding photography
they have - it is a specialism and a great portrait
photographer, for example, may not be brilliant at
weddings - and see examples of their work.
photographer has worked at your church or
reception venue before. If so, they may know where
to get the best shots and this could save a great deal
of time on the day.
day, but now you can tackle the rest of the planning
safe in the knowledge your efforts will be beautifully
captured to look back on and enjoy for many years
to come.
Once you have booked your photographer you
and they need to be completely clear about your
requirements.
Our top wedding photo tips
Clarify the exact cost and try and get a clear idea of
how long the photo shoot will take. Many weddings
have been spoilt because guests have been left
hanging around in the reception venue for hours
waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.
Timing is also significant as your reception venue will
expect you at a certain time and will have alerted the
kitchen to your schedule. If you are significantly late
arriving it could throw the whole reception into chaos.
In years gone by it was traditional to purchase
three albums of photographs, one for the bridal
couple and a set each for their parents. However,
technological advancements mean there is
now a vast choice of mediums and finishes for
photographs and you must make sure you discuss
these with your photographer and ensure your final
decisions are clearly written down.
Lumley Castle Hotel is one of the region’s
most picturesque locations - and here’s why
1. With turrets and towers the castle is straight out
of a fairytale…
2. …and don’t forget about its stunning grounds.
Whether snow covered or in full summer bloom,
there are seven acres in which to pose to your
heart’s content.
3. Why not get some pre-ceremony shots of
the wedding party getting ready in our ornate
bedchambers?
4. Or make like a princess with a picture on our
sweeping staircase?
Moment
Explain the variety of shots you would want groups of family, perhaps, as well as more intimate
shots of you and your betrothed - and ask if the
Once you and your photographer are in complete
agreement you may not meet again until the big
5. With so much to choose from, it’s a good
idea to pay us a pre-wedding visit with your
photographer to plan your pictures in advance
and ensure your special day runs seamlessly
from start to finish.
6. Why not also consider a video of your day?
This will add an extra special dimension to your
memories.
23
Image: www.fyzal.com
There’s an old saying that everyone’s an expert
- and never has that been more true than with
photography.
Mark
Lloyd
Come and see Mark at Mobeus Jewellers...
120 Park Rd, Hartlepool TS26 9HU
[email protected]
Designer Jewellery
Associate Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths
SINCE 1984
WE ARE NOW OFFERING A
UNIQUE WEDDING PACKAGE IF
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01429 221000
B
The Best of the Bunch
Images: www.funkyflowercompany.co.uk
Whether you opt for a striking sheaf, a simple posy or an
elaborate trailing bouquet, flowers have a beautiful role to play in your big day…
Not only do flowers add colour and texture to
the bridal outfit but they can also soften the
contours of reception venues and brighten
gloomy corners.
However, when choosing your flowers it is
worth remembering that colours can make or
break an occasion so they need to be chosen
with care.
Blues and violets will struggle to stand out
in dimly lit areas while yellow can drain pale
complexions and white flowers could make an
off-white dress look positively grubby.
So where do you start? Choose a colour you
like and that you are happy to carry through to
other areas of the wedding. Then take your cue
from your own dress.
If it is a stylish, contemporary creation with little
in the way of frills or flounces, you might choose
a similarly striking and modern bouquet. Long
stems of hand-tied lilies look very effective and
sophisticated or, for a dramatic statement, why
not choose vividly coloured blooms?
Don’t forget, too, that the shape of your
bouquet can work wonders at accentuating
your figure. If you want to look taller or slimmer
then a trailing bouquet, which flows gently
downwards will help create that optical illusion.
Similarly, angular brides can draw the eye
outwards with an orb of blooms or widen their
silhouette slightly with a sheaf of flowers carried
loosely in the crook of the arm.
In choosing her flowers, a bride also needs to
take into account bouquets for bridesmaids,
buttonholes for the groom and his attendants
and displays for the church and reception
venue.
Fussy creations loaded with dyed carnations
and gypsophilia have given way to statement
arrangements which rely on the shape and
colour of blooms such as tulips and roses,
rather than variety and quantity.
So, your groom may wear a buttonhole of
a single exotic stem, echoing a colour of
flower from your bouquet and, likewise, the
bridesmaids may carry smaller, simpler versions
of it.
At the reception venue, flowers on each table
are essential, with displays sized accordingly.
So, you will need larger displays for the top
table than you will for the others and you must
remember to keep them fairly compact so they
don’t trail in the food or poke guests in the eye.
If all this sounds alarmingly confusing don’t
forget your florist will be able to advise you on
what is needed and how to provide it within
your budget.
Our top tips
Your flowers needn’t cost a fortune and here’s why…
1. Exotic blooms will inevitably be far more
expensive than seasonal, home-grown varieties
so it is wise - and far more effective - to use
them sparingly.
2. Foliage such as fern and ivy are relatively
cheap - they may even be growing in your
garden - and always effective.
3. Why not hand pick flowers and arrange them
in pretty, vintage china teacups or jugs for a
charming, informal table arrangement, or float
flower heads in bowls of water?
4. If another wedding is taking place the day
before or after yours, perhaps you could share
the cost of flowers?
5. Don’t forget that many of our wedding
packages include flowers - ask our team
for details.
Blooms
27
The Icing on the Cake
From traditional, tiered towers to cascades of profiteroles, anything goes when
it comes to the confectionery centrepiece of your wedding reception.
For decades, rich fruit cakes, wrapped in
marzipan and elaborately decorated with
iced lace and roses, have been the traditional
wedding centrepiece - but now many couples
are opting for something entirely different.
Some are staying with a tiered cake replacing
the brittle, royal icing with soft fondant and
placing the tiers on curving, modern stands.
Others are using sponge cakes instead of or as
well as fruit to ensure all their guests’ tastes are
catered for.
Such is the trend for personalised, individually
designed cakes that clever cake makers across
the country are letting their imaginations run
riot and continually experimenting with new
techniques and ideas.
With the clever use of flowers, both iced ones
and fresh ones, edible glitter, sparklers and
intricate icing techniques, a good cake maker
should be able to turn even your most farfetched fantasy into reality.
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.
There are very few rules to observe when
choosing or designing your cake other than to
ensure it is large enough and will hold its shape
long enough for you to cut it.
Our top cake tips
Do be aware that sponge cakes are not as
dense as fruit so may not be able to support
a great number of tiers unless they are fairly
heavily iced and that cakes covered in butter
icing will not fare well if left to stand in a warm
room for long.
1. Your cake should have wow factor. If you
don’t like elaborate icing, perhaps think about
adding fake tiers or using edible glitter to
decorate it.
Cake makers chosen by recommendation are
ideal but if you are considering an untried baker,
then ask them to create a mini-version of your
cake for you to try at home. That way you can
be sure of the quality and get a feeling for how
the real one will fare when it has been sitting,
possibly in a sunny window, for the duration of
the reception.
Of course, the cake isn’t simply a frivolous,
sugar-coated confection; it is a symbol - and
the ancient tradition of cutting it re-enforces
your union as man and wife.
Our chief pastry chef Jonathan Rambuyon
has this advice:
2. Individual cupcakes are a great, modern way
of serving wedding cake, but why not have a
giant cupcake, too, so the bride and groom can
carry out the symbolic cutting?
3. Why not decorate the cake in keeping with
your colour theme? You can echo the colour in
icing or fresh flowers.
4. Ask your baker if you can see - and taste examples of their work before you order.
5. If you’re opting for a rich fruit cake, remember
to save the top tier for the christening party of
your first child!
Images: www.kellyanns.co.uk
One particularly modern option channels the
trend for cupcakes, by displaying numerous,
individually decorated, small cakes on a large,
tiered stand. Then, instead of offering guests a
slice, each person gets a cupcake of their own.
Unit A1 | Houghton Business Centre | Lake Road | Houghton-le-Spring | DH5 8BJ
0191 584 5623 / 0781 749 5457
www.kellyanns.co.uk
Beautiful
29
FFER
ecial Offers
xclusive to
Castle Brides!
Party Poppers
Established 2003
Balloons & Chair Covers
We provide elegant Balloon Displays and Chair Covers to help
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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
We specialise in high impact, low noise
wedding firework displays.
Free Consultation Available
Wedding & Event Florist
Special Occasion Flowers
Flowers for Business
Candelabra & Vase Hire
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Equipment Available to Hire
OFFER
~ Star-cloth ~ Fibre Optic Back Drop and Drapes ~ Fish-Bowls ~
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B22 Houghton Business Centre, Lake Road,
Houghton Le Spring, DH5 8BJ
Tel: (0191) 512 6733
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.funkyflowercompany.co.uk
Imagine the finale to your big day,
the sky filled with colour & sparkle
all beautifully choreographed to
perfection to your own choice of
music at no extra charge!
Tel: 0191 387 5447
Our other services include:Indoor, First Dance & Table Fireworks
Indoor Sparklers
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e: [email protected] | www.partypoppersnortheast.co.uk
melaniepartypoppers
Wedding & Party Entertainments at Their Best!
Find Us On Facebook & Twitter
www.lmsentertainments.co.uk
Call Paul, Jane or Charles
[email protected]
01642 713010
/lmsentertainments
@lmsents
www.bondparties.co.uk
[email protected]
/bondparties
LMS Events & Entertainments est. 1988
A Royal Wedding
Step back in time to a Golden Age of opulence, with an
Elizabethan style wedding, fit for royalty…
Lumley Castle:
The perfect place for hen parties
Ladies who like the finer things in life need look
no further than four star Lumley Castle Hotel
when it comes to planning their hen dos.
Murder Mystery Evenings
It’s 1903 and Lumley Castle is the setting for a
hideous crime. In the dead of night a murder
was committed – and the villain remains at
large.
Ladies looking for a hen do with a twist are
invited to help unravel the mystery of this
horrible deed. Taking on the role of detective,
you and your party will watch a re-enactment of
the murder before looking for the hidden clues
that will help you solve the crime.
Creating Bridal Beauty for over 20 years.
Bridal makeup • Airbrush makeup • Lash extensions • Nails
w:www.perfectionnailandbeauty.co.uk
t: 0191 5512924 • m: 07810 072364
e: [email protected]
Creating Bridal Beauty for over 20 years.
Bridal makeup • Airbrush makeup • Lash extensions • Nails
Hair available on request
w: www.perfectionnailandbeauty.co.uk • t: 0191 5512924 • m: 07810 072364
and, now, brides-to-be can celebrate their big
day in true Tudor style with our sumptuous
Elizabethan wedding banquets.
This evening entertainment begins with
welcome drinks in the dungeon and
guardroom, followed by the banquet itself in our
impressive Baron’s Hall, which can cater for up
to 110 people during the day and 180 people in
the evening.
Here, you and your guests can indulge in an
exquisite five-course meal - complete with
goblets of wine and mead - while our Lords and
Ladies of the Court entertain you with songs,
sketches and sing-a-longs.
After dinner the hotel Chamberlain will return
you and your guests to the 21st century for
your evening celebration.
The Elizabethan era was an age famous for
its grandeur, with lavish celebrations and regal
banquets becoming part of day to day life for
the Lords and Ladies of the court.
In the warmer months, you’ll be able to receive
your guests on the terrace before entering the
Guards Room and Baron’s bar to dance the
night away.
Over the centuries, Lumley Castle has played
host to some of England’s aristocratic elite
However, winter brides need not worry as they
can host their guests in the transformed hotel
dungeons, with music from our resident DJ to
end their big day with a bang.
The evening begins with a reception drink and
a three course dinner before you embark on
your crime stopping mission. Then, after an
evening of detective work, why not rest your
head on the fluffy pillows in our individually
designed bedrooms at a discounted event and
accommodation rate?
Afternoon Tea and Ladies
Wine Tasting Experience
Fine dining with fine wine is the name of the
game at Lumley Castle Hotel, where high-class
hens can indulge in an exquisite three course
evening meal.
Then, after dinner, you and your friends will
be invited to join us for wine tasting in one of
our ornate private dining rooms to toast the
occasion.
Or, for a daytime treat, why not try our afternoon
tea in the Library Bar or our renowned Black
Knight Restaurant? We offer a range of
packages, including afternoon tea with Pimms
or Champagne - now that really is worth raising
a glass to.
Sumptuous
33
images: www.fyzal.com
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
Alan Mason photography
www.newcastlestringquartet.co.uk
Telephone:
0191 285 4200
It’s your day . . .
www.masonstudio.co.uk
or tel
(01670) 783357
A.J.BridalWear
The Old Fire Station, High Street, Newburn,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 58LN
‘Beautiful Gowns, Quality Service, Unique Experience’
T: 0191 2644 688 E: [email protected]
www.ajbridalwear.co.uk
www.ajbridalwearboutique.co.uk