Anthony and Kevin’s dreams came true on one fateful December day at the quirky, iconic manor house that is Charlton Hall.

Having hummed and hared over whether to wait until their original booking in October 2021, this dedicated duo decided that in order for something positive to come out of 2020, they just had to get wed.

Asides from having to move it from November to December due to the North East being moved to tier four, their day went off without a hitch, gathering 13 guests in the eclectic electricity that exude from this fun and fabulous venue.

WE THOUGHT WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO LOOK BACK AND SAY 'WE GOT MARRIED DURING A PANDEMIC'... HOW COOL IS THAT?!

KEVIN, THE GROOM

From Tinder to the Tiles

It was a classic modern day love story. Two simultaneous right swipes on Tinder, a few messages back and fourth and the journey began…

They embarked on a first date at Lady Greys in Newcastle, followed by a burger at Fat Hippo, and then partied until 4am – proving just how burgers plus booze always equals a brilliant amount of chemistry (plus a heavy head the following morning).

The pair continued their wild and wonderful relationship, which reached a perfect peak while on holiday in New York when Kevin got down on one knee and popped the question on the red steps at Times Square.

Clearly, the time was right, as Anthony gleefully accepted and the couple began planning their dream day with all the hopes of what it could be like. Photo booth, a big band, 4am boogying, burgers, booze…

A Covid Conundrum

But, with the growth of the pandemic and the increasing restrictions, their wild and wonderful October 2021 extravaganza was seeming unlikely.

Add to that the stress and overwhelming feelings organising such a big event brings, and the couple decided to have a more stripped back, intimate affair with 13 of their nearest and dearest, moving their date forward to November, and following a tier change, to the week before Christmas 2020.

It was incredibly difficult as we have big families and friendship groups, so we felt such a mixture of emotions having to tell people they didn’t make the cut.

We were both sceptical of how it would go – with the restrictions in place we could only have the ceremony and no reception – but I can honestly say it was such an intimate and perfect day. We both said we wouldn’t have changed a thing. –

ANTHONY, THE GROOM

Location Love

Matching their bubbly personalities, Charlton Hall in Northumberland created the perfect quirky canvas for this pair’s nuptials.

A fairy-lit dripping ceremony hall with a zebra head above, vows and cake-cutting in the vibrant panoramic Looking Glass suite, a stupendous photoshoot in the underground Vaults and a celebratory cigar to round it all off in style, it was the perfect place for this colourful couple to come into their own and start their married life together.

Suits You, Sir

As far as wedding suits go, these two broke the boundaries of the boring tux…

Donning a multi-coloured paisley-patterned two-piece and an all-white number, Anthony and Kevin were a picture of statement style.

Fair to say they both approved…

A Chorus of Joy

My funniest memory from the day is driving down the road towards the venue with my bridesmaids who I isolated with for two weeks prior to the day, belting out Hold On by Wilson Phillips from the movie bridesmaids! – Anthony

With everything coming together seamlessly on the day, from the laid-back dusty pink decor to the beautiful post-marriage moments in Charlton’s grounds, this was a wedding well worth the wait.

For more magical real wedding inspiration, head to our dedicated Real Weddings page!