Amy and Jamie’s wedding journey started in the same location as their relationship. “We met when we were both working in a retail store. After a drunken Christmas party, I asked Amy out on a date underneath a Chinese Arch in Newcastle. On our seven year anniversary I proposed underneath the Arch and the wedding planning process begun.”

Amy and Jamie wanted a wedding that was both modern, but classic, and the venue they feel made for the perfect backdrop was Ellingham Hall. “We wanted the wedding day to reflect us as a couple and wanted something modern, but classic. We wanted to be surrounded by our closest family and friends, who had been on our journey with us. We wanted everyone to have a good time, celebrate our relationship and raise a glass to our next chapter.”

“After we got engaged, a work colleague of mine told us about a wedding she had been to at Ellingham Hall. We had been to a few venues, but we found that it was either more of Amy or more of Jamie and not one that was just right for the both us. Encouraged by my maid of honour to see as many venues before making a decision, we booked an appointment to view the hall not expecting to find our dream wedding venue. During our tour of the hall we both fell in love with the venue and booked our wedding date there and then. This was in April 2016, a whole two and a bit years before our wedding date.”

“We would highly recommend Ellingham Hall to future brides. From start to finish, the staff were helpful and understanding and tailored our wedding to suit our needs. We stayed at the hall for the whole weekend and it was perfect from the moment we stepped through the doors to the moment we left. This was thanks to Wendy and her team who made sure the wedding ran smoothly and made sure it was exactly what we wanted. Everyone has commented on the amazing food, friendly staff and beautiful location. It really was a fairytale venue with a relaxed atmosphere.”

Amy wore a gorgeous Ronald Joyce gown from Wendy Coles Bridal. “Wedding dress shopping was stressful at first. On the first day of dress shopping, I went to a few lovely bridal shops, but I felt overwhelmed with choice and soon discovered that wedding dress blindness is a real thing. I thought finding the wedding dress would be the easiest part, but you soon realise what you want and what you don't want in a dress and that some dresses just aren't right for you. I took the whole wedding party to begin with then I just asked my mam to come on the next few appointments. I went to Wendy Coles Bridal after a few weeks of dress shopping and was beginning to get a bit stressed about the experience as I was worrying I wouldn't find a dress I loved. My dress was the first one I tried on in the shop and I couldn't find fault with it. I tried on another dress then went back to that one. The second time I put it on I just knew it was the one for me and a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. I could picture myself walking down the aisle to meet Jamie. I put a deposit down on it that day. My mam thought every dress was beautiful but we both agreed we'd found the one. I kept my dress a surprise for two of my bridesmaids (Sophie and Charlotte) and it was lovely to see their reaction on the day.”

How did you choose your photographer?

“Two years before the wedding, I Googled Northumberland wedding photographers and there were lots of the same type of photographs, however, one photo really caught my eye. It was a couple underneath the stars and after showing it to Jamie we did a little bit more investigating. We met his mam at a wedding fair at Alnwick Tree house and she showed us a lot of his impressive work. We booked an appointment to meet Dru and upon meeting him and looking at his work some more we both knew we wanted him to be our photographer. Dru is so down to earth, very relaxed and really listens to what you want to achieve for your wedding day. On the morning of the wedding, himself and Paula put me at ease straight away. Throughout the day he was an ultimate professional and by the end of the night we felt like we had made two new friends. We are over the moon with our photographs and we couldn't recommend him enough.”

Advice for other brides and grooms?

“Throughout the planning you will get different people wanting to influence you, but plan the wedding that you want and you won't go wrong with it. Also, the most important part of the day is saying those vows so try not to stress the small stuff. (Easier said then done!)”

What was your highlight of the day?

“We felt like the whole weekend was one long highlight as it was perfect from start to finish. We both agree becoming husband and wife after 10 and half years together and knowing that we had a whole new adventure to start was the biggest highlight.”

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