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Ahem… wow! Yesterday’s Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Dine Venues’ The Mansion was even more fabulous than I expected, and I was expecting something very fabulous indeed. If you follow Brides Up North on Twitter and Facebook (and Instagram, now I think about it) you’ll have already seen some of the beautiful exhibitor set ups from the day and heard about our huge (another record attendance!) footfall… with over 400 through the door. I was kinda meant to be taking a day off (Baby Brides Up North being due imminently and all that), but I couldn’t resist dropping in and ended up staying all day… oops! What can I say, such is the lure of the wedding pretty!
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Dresses by The Little Bridal Company, tiaras by Damselle Tiaras, flowers by Greenhouse Florists and a rather special vintage bus by The Yorkshire Heritage Bus Company
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As I’ve said before, Yorkshire… you DO know how to do it!
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But I like to look forwards, not back, so if you have missed the first three of our amazing bridal events this season, no worries, we have a few more up our sleeve for you right across the regions – click here for all the dates, details and pre-registration.
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So, let’s get cracking with a brand new week of inspiration here on the wedding blog, and how better to do it than with a rather lovely, simple , eclectic and chic (yes, those words do work together in this context!) Real Wedding, sent to me by Vanessa of VA Photography With Heart and real bride Amelia. Let’s take a trip to Newcastle Upon Tyne…
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Amelia says: We got engaged on 25th December 2010 – We were away visiting my family for Christmas, Michael suggested going for an early walk on the beach, just the two of us. I couldn’t believe when he asked me to marry him and I didn’t even have to consider the answer!
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We were married on 28th September 2012 – exactly 10 years to the day from when we first met!
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We chose Hotel du Vin, Newcastle for the ceremony and wedding breakfast then As You Like It, Jesmond for a party in the evening ‘til the early hours. From the start we didn’t want a typically traditional wedding. We wanted an informal day with close family and friends and then a party in the evening to celebrate with everyone. Having visited so many venues that just weren’t for us, when we visited the luxury boutique Hotel du Vin we fell in love with the quirky decor and we both just knew it was right.
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I chose a full length a-line lace dress from a boutique in Newcastle, and Michael wore a suit from Reiss. The bridesmaids chose gowns from Ted Baker. My sister made my stunning headpiece.
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I carried a bouquet of really beautiful flowers, including roses and sprigs of herbs, from The Willow Garden in Hebden Bridge. I have loved the florist for as long as I can remember and was delighted when they said they could supply, even though it was a super early start for the guy delivering them on the morning of the wedding!
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We loved the ceremony as it was small and intimate, saying our vows in front of close family and friends.
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My mum made a fabulous three tier cake, including a Chocolate Guinness Cake (don’t knock it ‘til you try it) and a Hummingbird Cake (a quirky alternative to carrot cake). The decoration was simple but classic, covered with edible lace with an oversized rose on the top.
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My mum made the tasty favours, mini pots of jam which were labelled with ‘Spread the Love’ labels designed by my dad. The place cards were designed and printed by my dad. We both sourced vintage bottles from various antique shops for the table decorations and flowers and we bought loads of retro sweets and glass jars for a sweet table for the evening.
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It was a great feeling walking into the Bistro to a standing ovation as husband and wife, where we then served amazing food and listened to the fabulous speeches, memories that we will cherish forever.
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We chose to have a DJ in the evening at As You Like It, although before booking him we made sure he wasn’t a ‘typical’ wedding DJ!
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We have always loved Barcelona but only ever passed through so after the wedding we had four nights there exploring the exciting city.
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My top tip for other Brides Up North would be – don’t get hung up on the unnecessary, never lose sight of why you are getting married and enjoy it ALL, it goes by so quick!
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Congratulations Amelia & Michael!
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Get in touch to see your own Real Wedding featured on these pages – here’s how to do it!
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 VA Photography With Heart
This is not a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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Congratulations Amy & Simon! 
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