Falling in love at first sight is a wonderfully romantic concept – the fairtytale-esque plot of many a novel and film – and for Dean and Gemma, it was like a lightning bolt that hit them both out the blue when their eyes met across a crowded bar. “I know it sounds cheesy but we saw each other and something was there, a connection neither of us had ever felt, before we even spoke. We couldn’t stop looking at each other, it truly was love at first sight,” said Gemma.

Seven years later, the pair had a romantic, intimate late-Summer wedding at 18th Century country house Newton Hall, in Northumberland. Gemma and Dean exchanged vows in the stunning Glass House and celebrated their marriage in the Garden Suite, with its beautiful countryside views stretching miles to the North Sea.

Gemma treasures her memories of the special day, the highlight being when she walked down the aisle surrounded by all the people she loves, together in one room. “I will always remember the feeling I had, it was a mixture of nerves, excitement and pure emotion. It is lovely knowing everybody is there just for you,” she said. “But, the best feeling of all, whilst trying to hold back the tears, was seeing my beautiful husband’s face at the end of the aisle.”

The Dress:

Gemma knew the style of wedding dress she wanted from a young age and when she tried on her Mori Lee gown at The Wedding Dress Company, she knew immediately that it was ‘the one’.
“I hear so many stories about brides going to so many shops and struggling to find their perfect dress, or choosing a style they didn’t expect to, but I didn’t have that experience,” said Gemma. “The Wedding Dress Company was the first shop I went to, I explained the dress of my dreams, and they pulled out this one dress for me to try on and I just knew it was ‘the one’ straight away.”

 

The Photographer:

Like her dress, Gemma said choosing experienced wedding photographer Ross, of rgmphoto, to capture their day was quick and easy. “We saw Ross’ work and just knew he was the one we wanted to book. We didn’t even look around! We couldn’t have been any happier with our photos and we’d choose rgmphoto over and over again,” she said.

Dream Venue:

One of Gemma’s best friends and bridesmaids had previously got married at Newton Hall, so Dean and Gemma already had their hearts set on spending their big day at the rambling, contemporary country house, in the heart of Northumberland’s area of outstanding beauty.
“Newton Hall is just absolutely breathtaking and we loved how our guests could spend the full day, night and next morning with us,” said Gemma. “We couldn’t recommend the venue more highly. The staff are beyond lovely and could not do enough for us; they truly made our day so special and we will be forever grateful.”

 

Added Extras:

Gemma made all her own wedding favours, presenting each of her guests with a little box, within which was a thank you note and a heart-shaped bottle opener on a rope, allowing them to open their own special bottle of cider or beer.

Bride’s Advice:

“My main advice is to enjoy every single second and not let the stress of planning get in the way of your love for each other. It is the most important day of your life and you need to enjoy the lead up to the big day just as much as the day itself. You will never get that time back, so you need to enjoy every moment. Also, always remember that the day is about you and your husband - it is not about anybody else!”

For more inspiration take a look at our dedicated real weddings section, or take a look at the glossy pages of our regional magazine.