NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around the North East OUT IN THE OPEN Outdoor weddings have become increasing popular following the recent changes to marriage laws, with the lawns and gardens at North Yorkshire’s Crathorne Hall an idyllic setting to say ‘we do.’ Here you can wed on the Front Lawn; framed by the impressive architecture of the hall and its grounds – or choose the tree-lined Glade, with towering horse chestnut trees for a ceremony encompassed by the beauty of nature. There’s even the choice to marry in the Sunken Garden, bursting with colour in the summer months with roses, hydrangea and lavender. And that’s before you’ve stepped inside the hall itself! Here, guests receive the red carpet treatment from the minute they arrive, taking in Crathorne’s stunning original fireplace with beautiful marbling in the Edwardian room; or the foyer’s arched ceilings surrounded by elaborate wood panelling. For more info on weddings visit www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/crathorne-hall/weddings MALE ORDER After something different for your last proper night out as a singleton? Darlington Hippodrome’s Forbidden Nights combines superlative circus and acrobatic skills with finely honed physiques. It showcases stunt-orientated routines and explosive choreography, performed by a cast hand-picked from across the UK which featured on Britain’s Got Talent. The show is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as the cast perform heart racing tricks including aerial straps, fire, acrobatics and live music… not forgetting a few men in uniform thrown in for good measure. Forbidden Nights is performing at the Darlington Hippodrome on 27 July – for more info visit the website www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/Forbidden-Nights LAIRD FOR THE DAY Ready to wed in Northumberland but looking for something to wow guests? Consider Lairds House, a bespoke, intimate and lovingly restored Georgian House, with 11 luxury bedrooms and spacious enclosed rear garden and sun terrace. Licensed for up to 65 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 125 for an evening reception, this family run business works with you every step of the way to ensure your celebration is as individual as you are. Offering several bespoke options, you’re free to select the perfect combination for your special day, meaning no two Lairds House weddings need ever be the same. Included in each package is exclusive access to the garden terrace for drinks, a dedicated wedding coordinator, large cinema screen for rotating images, bespoke lighting for the dancefloor, a 12am bar licence and lots more! Visit https://lairdshouse.com/weddings/ for more info – and turn to our venues feature starting on page 15. RING THE CHANGES In the past month interest in ‘timeless engagement rings’ has increased by 200%; so, if you, too, are searching for something similar consider the following advice from Austen & Blake diamond expert Tony French: “An engagement ring is an investment you will hopefully wear for a lifetime, so the fact that people are looking for timeless pieces is great. Current engagement ring trends have seen a return of more classic stone cuts and settings and a preference for minimalist and simple features, all of which make for a classic, timeless piece. Round diamonds are considered by many to be the most timeless diamond cut for engagement rings. Thanks to their cut, round diamond engagement rings generate maximum sparkle due to their large number of facets and are an increasingly popular choice, likely due to their versatile design.” For more information on Austen & Blake’s Newcastle store visit www.austenblake.com/customer-care/viewings/newcastle www.leescullion.com www.angelawaitesphotography.co.uk 8
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