Gathering just 25 of their nearest and dearest, Trish and Stew decided to tie the knot during the perils of a global pandemic, and judging by these joy-filled images – captured magnificently by our #guestlist snapper Scott Carney Photography – it was a decision worth taking.

Home is Where the Heart is

Trish and Stew first met online and had their first date in a bar in Jesmond. Hitting it off straight away, the pair began a blossoming relationship which Stew decided to tie down on Christmas morning in 2018. Getting Trish’s children and their dog involved (who seems to have a pertinent presence in this relationship!), Stew got down on one knee and popped the question to his leading lady – who wouldn’t have had the proposal any other way.

Less is More

Having both been married before, neither Stew or Trish wanted anything too extravagant – instead favouring a small and intimate celebration with the people who mattered most. Therefore, the ever-changing government restrictions to wedding numbers didn’t hinder their plans, and they decided to go ahead with just 25 of their nearest and dearest friends and family.

Beautiful Black Horse

Set in the stunning grounds of Black Horse Beamish’s Red Row Estate, with over 37-acres of glorious gardens and lavender fields, The Orchard Marquee was the chosen destination for this fun, food-loving duo who had appreciated the venue after a terrific trip to the Black Horse Restaurant.

Commanding captivating views across the valley, this award-winning marquee offered an incredibly intimate setting for Trish and Stew’s laidback love affair, with drapes used to section off their ceremony space.

And for the piece de résistance of any wedding day – the food – there were no holds barred. Think a gentleman’s afternoon tea, creamy vegetable soup, a hearty chicken dinner, and a show-stopping, three-tiered, gorgeous gateaux for dessert. Yes please.

Thinking Outside the Box

Pesky Covid-19 did however cause a slight headache for Trish and Stew when trying to arrange their entertainment. However, they came up with a few games which included good old fashioned bingo (with a few familiar faces!) and their guests lapped up the laughter.

The jovial atmosphere was carried into the speeches, as Trish admits her funniest memory from the day was Stew’s speech (and no, he hasn’t asked her to say that.)

It contained lots of props, my favourite being the Boris Johnson cut out and the card sent from (inverted commas) “Chris Whitty himself” advising us of the wedding guidance. Everyone was in fits of laughter and I was impressed with the thought that had been put into it!

Photographer Love

Having struggled to find a photographer who was able to work on their day, Trish and Stew were delighted when they discovered renowned North East snapper Scott Carney was available. His laid-back, storytelling style of shooting lent itself to the natural flow of this day, capturing those special little moments that make up the jigsaw of a perfect wedding day.

#LoveIsNotCancelled

For this perfect pair, lockdown didn’t hinder their dream day one bit. From the accommodating Black Horse Beamish staff to the beautiful setting, fabulous food and joy-filled reception, everything came together for Trish and Stew’s special celebration. In fact, Trish would even recommend having a lockdown wedding to other brides.

AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE MINDSET THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THE DAY IS YOU AND YOUR PARTNER AND NOT THE 'SHOW' OF THE DAY ITSELF, THEN YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND WAYS TO MAKE IT SPECIAL.

TRISH, THE BRIDE

For more beautiful brides and wonderful wedspiration, visit our dedicated Real Weddings section, full of all the pretty pictures and heartwarming stories.