Our
Lisa and I had been ill for over a week and for me, I felt worst that day. So I was popping pills and guzzling energy drinks to get on a good footing. Being self-employed and working for clients on the most important days of their lives means that you can’t let them down. You can’t call in sick to anyone you just have to get on with the job. My morning got even better when scouting out Doxford Halls grounds, I managed to step on a loose paving stone that dropped me into a puddle soaking my foot in ice-cold water. We weren’t going to be able to take our bride & groom far in these conditions.
Warm & Cosy inside Doxford Hall
While I was trying to avoid getting hypothermia outside, Lisa was enjoying the warmth of a suite inside Doxford Hall. Kerry, her mother and daughter were enjoying their wedding preparations. The champagne was flowing and the girls we’re loving being pampered. Kerry’s mum couldn’t contain her pride.
Michael and his best man got ready in a far more modest room. I remember them being extremely proud of the cufflinks that Kerry had given both of them. Michael had a familiar bond with his best man. A mix of Micky takes and respect. I believe Michael had been his best man and had taken his duties of embarrassing the groom to the extreme. His best man had cunning plans to return the favour today.
A Break in the Weather
The registrars arrived and brought with them a small break in the clouds. It let us venture outside after they took their information. Upstairs the winter sun lit 3 generations of the family beautifully. Downstairs, friends and family gathered in Doxford Hall’s Service room. Kerry was radiant as she and her daughter walked hand in hand down the aisle.
The Grounds Keepers Bad Books
We continued to take advantage of the dry spell for a group shot outside the hall but it was still chillingly cold. Kerry & Michael are seasoned walkers so they were willing to brave the elements. Their guests weren’t so hardy, nor had they brought their hiking boots. They would have been useful in the slippy slush.
I, of course, had to camp in the flower bed to get the group as my ladders would have been unsafe. Then the guests pulled out some unplanned confetti canons! Leaving footprints in the flower bed I could feel the curses of the groundskeeper being whispered as a storm of confetti swept across the grounds. We pressed our luck for some images with Michael’s sister, then retreated to the cover of the hotel.
Doxford Hall Library
We love Doxford Hall’s Library. The colours are fantastic and even on a dull day, the ceiling lantern floods it with light. It’s only one of Doxford’s interiors that help on days like these. All that’s needed is some furniture rearranging.
In the Northumberland Room with a Stinky Kipper.
The Northumberland room made a perfect venue for Michael & Kerry’s Wedding Breakfast. Intimate and warm for a winter meal. As mentioned, Michael’s Best man was out for revenge for an undisclosed event at his wedding. So he used his speech to tell of a kipper placed on the engine block of Micheals car, his pride & joy. His best man was going to keep the unique tool needed to retrieve it, for a while. Long enough to let the smell circulate around the interior at least.
An Evening Stroll
After the snow, ice, mist, wind & rain throughout the day, blue skies had the cheek to materialise just before we lost the light. So we abducted Kerry & Michael to make use of the grounds a little. The paths were still slippy and it was quickly dropping below freezing again. Our beautiful couple soldiered on though with only cuddles from her new husband to keep her warm.
An Evening in Doxford Hall’s Kennedy Suite
That evening, Kerry & Michael were joined by their entire walking club. They spent the night dancing to their fabulous band with a second round of speeches. We left them to enjoy their company after the first dance. Halo Photography wish them both a wonderful life together and hope to see them again soon.
Here are some of Kerry & Michael’s suppliers that made their wedding day unique.
Wedding Photography – Halo Photography
Venue – Doxford Hall
Bridesmaids Dresses- House of Fraser
Flowers & Button Holes – Julie’s at Alnwick
Grooms & Grooms men’s suits – Walton’s in Newcastle
Cake Supplier – Cakes by Kimberley
Makeup by: Chelsea MUA
Band – The Aaron Bayley Band
