After a romantic Christmas 2019 proposal on Bamburgh Beach – a beauty spot that is deeply special to Katie’s family – the rest, as they say, is history.

However, Covid-19 had other plans for their big day. Having had to postpone their wedding date once during the pandemic, Katie admits that the planning process was “somewhat stressful, eye-opening and generally unpredictable – but it reminded us of what’s really important.” However, perhaps this circumspect perspective is down to the fact that much of the wedmin nitty-gritty fell to her. “I’d give Adam a one out of 10 for his help – he chose the beer, and that was it!” She giggles.

Going Undercover

Katie and Adam fell in love the dramatic Langley Castle Hotel at first sight, and felt it was the perfect backdrop for their alfresco evening celebrations. “When you drive up towards the castle, all you can think is ‘wow!’, it’s so spectacular,” the bride recounts, eyes wide. “We’d absolutely recommend this venue to other couples. It’s simply fabulous!” The lovers took their vows in the Stuart Suite, uplit by the captivating medieval windows, before taking the festivities outside.

To make the most of the summer weather, the couple opted to host an outdoor tipi wedding in the 14th-century Northumbrian fortress’ grounds. Their chosen colour scheme was blue, white and lush, natural greenery with gold accents, which was implemented with real botanical flourish by venue styling maestros, Great British Bash. Beautiful puffy hydrangea floral arrangements hung from the canvas ceiling while meadow flower stems adorned the tables. “Fiona and Bill did an absolutely wonderful job of decorating both the Stuart Suite and the tipi – we had loads of succulents running throughout the décor, as they’re my favourite plants,” Katie adds.

Oh, Happy Day

Amid all of the historic grandeur of the castle grounds, this couple created a day full of light-hearted joy, not only reflecting everyone’s newfound happiness at lockdown restrictions being eased, but also their delight at finally getting to say ‘I do’. From their guests feeding the cheeky Ferny Rigg alpacas carrots to Adam’s unexpected yet endearingly sweet and funny speech, this bride and groom’s day was full of fun and feeling. Even their first dance, which was to an acoustic version of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These, became a communal event, with the song blending into the full-rock version to welcome their guests to join them on the floor. “We didn’t want a soppy song, it’s just not really us,” the bride explains.

I WAS A NERVOUS MESS GOING DOWN THE AISLE. I WAS ABSOLUTELY FINE ALL MORNING, BUT ONCE I PUT MY DRESS ON, IT JUST HIT ME.

KATIE, THE BRIDE

All about that Lace

We’re just going to say it: Katie’s a woman who knows her own mind. “I had a look online first to see what kind of styles I’d like,” she explains of her dress-shopping approach. “Then I went to Wed2B with my mum, Adam’s mum and my bridesmaids. We were there for less than two hours!” Having seen the Kate design on the website, she earmarked it to try on at the store, and that was that. Efficiency aside, her bridal look was classically chic: the dress’ Chantilly lace bodice, three-quarter-length sleeves, full tulle skirt and beaded waistband embellishment all combine to celebrate her hourglass figure. To complement the look, she opted for natural make-up and styled her bob with a beaded comb and simple cathedral-length veil. Meanwhile, her four bridesmaids looked the part in dusky blue, draped gowns with different necklines to suit each lady’s shape.

Caught in a Moment

When it came to finding the right photographer to capture their special day, Katie’s decisive nature struck again: “I’d already seen a lot of Diane’s photography, and I knew she would be perfect for us.” And like this bride’s other sure-fire decisions, it was the right one for this wedding. From technicolour confetti snaps to couple’s portraits taken as the pair strolled around the castle’s woodland grounds, the camerawoman’s artful lens caught every moment beautifully.

Bride to Bride

TRY TO ABSORB AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO KEEP HAPPY ARE YOURSELVES!

KATIE, THE BRIDE

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