Making the most of things while you can has been a running theme of 2020. Be it enjoying a meal out with friends or grabbing that last pack of loo roll from the supermarket shelf, we’ve all learnt to seize the moment in a year where they can be gone in an instance…

And that was certainly the view of Emily and Mark Turnbull. Having originally organised a wedding for the 14th November (on their six year anniversary!), this pair’s plans were torn apart after the government announced a second four-week lockdown to begin on the 5th November.

The Race to Romance

Down, but not out, on a miserable Monday morning drive to work Emily had a crazy but wonderful idea pop into her head: ‘What happens if we do it on Wednesday and beat the lockdown?’

Despite this being less than 48 hours away, this determined bride wasn’t going to let Covid spoil her special day – and after a few frantic phone calls to the registrar, wedding planner and Mark (who was as speechless as he was overjoyed), the race was on. She contacted all of the suppliers in the hope that they would get on board, which they did, with an enthusiasm huge enough to confirm to Emily that her hasty decision was the right one.

Delectable Doxford

Doxford Barns, the rustic Northumberland bolthole on our Venue #Guestlist, agreed to move the day forward and offered Emily and Mark the dream canvas for a picture-perfect wedding, with sunset lakeside photographs, fabulous food and drink and a customer service Emily will be eternally grateful for.

THE DOXFORD STAFF WERE AMAZING FROM DAY ONE, THIS HELPED TO MAKE OUR DECISION.

WE ARE SO GLAD WE BOOKED WITH THEM AS THEY WERE AMAZINGLY FLEXIBLE AND DETERMINED TO MAKE OUR DAY HAPPEN.

EMILY, THE BRIDE

In fact, when asked who would get the gold medal in the wedding Olympics for making her day amazing, the answer was the venue itself!

“From the wonderful chefs having to run around, order the food and prepare it to the staff preparing the cottages and venue for our arrival, I could not fault them.”

Stuck in the Mud

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This daring duo had many hurdles to jump on their journey to the perfect day. What with Mark working away in the Royal Navy, friends and family unable to get the time off work with such short notice and the struggle of having to reduce their Guest List down to 15, it was a logistical nightmare that caused the pair many sleepless nights.

But Emily and Mark, ever the optimists, saw the funny side in things, and the cheerful chaos was epitomised when the 4x4 transporting them to Doxford’s lake for their photoshoot got stuck in the mud on the way back to the venue.

“I looked in the back and saw my husband, Lee and James all squashed together with Abi the wedding co-ordinator driving with pure panic on her face. I burst out laughing and safe to say the rest of them did too.

Abi said if we can’t get out, we will have to get a tractor to come and rescue us, but she managed to get us out so we didn’t need the tractors assistance. Although I think I secretly wanted that to happen so the situation would be even more hilarious!”

Us too, Emily!

The Lady in Liri

When it comes to wedding gowns there’s not many more stunning than a full tulle skirt.

This one, a Liri Bridal number from the gorgeous Newcastle boutique gracing our #GuestList, Si…Bridal, was the perfect fit for Emily as she stunned in delicate details and effortless elegance.

Advice from the Bride

Despite the setbacks, the sleepless nights and the stress, moving their wedding day forward to beat the lockdown was the best decision Emily and Mark have ever made.

IT WAS AN INTIMATE AND ELEGANT DAY SPENT WITH THE PEOPLE WE LOVE MOST.

WE DIDN'T LOSE TRACK OF WHO WAS THERE, AND WE COULD SPEAK WITH EVERYONE PROPERLY. I'M NOT SURE HOW BRIDES MANAGE THIS WITH OVER 100 GUESTS!

EMILY, THE BRIDE

For more beautiful real weddings and inspiration, head to our dedicated Real Weddings page!