Steph and Mike chose well - from the esteemed snapping skills of their photographer Camilla to the spellbinding setting of their venue overlooking the Solway Coast - with superstar suppliers came a story full of twists and turns, but in the end, this December party was one to remember.

A Stormy Start

Despite going to the same school, Steph and Mike’s paths didn’t cross until five years after at a mutual friends’ party. From then on in, the pair’s love story unraveled beautifully and was capped when Mike popped the question in Venice, ‘the city of water’ in April 2019.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing. Steph and Mike were forced to give up on their original December 2020 date, and even then, their December 2021 date was peppered with misfortunes at the hands of Covid.

Cutting their guest list down to just 35 to ensure vulnerable family members could attend safely, the photographer sat in her car awaiting a PCR test result on the morning of the wedding (thankfully it was negative!), one of the bridesmaids nearly not making it home from Dubai – it was a stressful start. Add to that Storm Barra causing 60mph winds and torrential rain on their day, you wouldn’t blame them for throwing the towel in. But it was going to take more than Covid and a few gusts of wind to put off this lovestruck pair.

Champagne & Gold

GG’s Yard was the chosen destination for Steph and Mike. Having looked around a number of venues across Cumbria and the North East, the unique coastal setting and the gorgeous modern, neutral colour palette won their hearts.

AS SOON AS WE LAID EYES ON GG’S YARD WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE PLACE. THE VIEWS, THE DECOR, THE STAFF, THE ACCOMMODATION, THE FOOD. EVERY SINGLE THING WAS JUST ‘WOW!'

STEPH, THE BRIDE

Letting the venue’s simplistic stylish interior speak for itself, with huge lofted ceilings and apex windows, the couple opted for a champagne, gold and neutral theme mixed with fresh foliage evoking a cosy Christmas-Glam feel.

Get the Luxe

Steph says the easiest part of the whole planning process was picking her dress – what was the secret? The Wedding Dress Company.

This hugely established Belle Bridal Guest List and Signature Stockist boutique in Corbridge was one of the first Steph visited and her gown, an embellished sleek Enzoani silhouette, was the first she picked from the rail. Thanks to the helpful stylists on-hand Steph was able to don her dream dress fitted to perfection, complimented by her beautiful princess hair curl and neutral makeup.

Snapper Spotlight

… And an expert photographer. Camilla Lucinda worked her magic at Steph and Mike’s big day, and Steph says she was “more like a friend” than a supplier – resulting in an album full of natural, light, love-soaked images. And a rain-soaked photographer!

Bride to Bride:

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

AFTER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, WE HAVE LEARNT WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN LIFE AND THAT SOME THINGS ARE OUT OF YOUR CONTROL.

LAUGH IF THINGS DON’T GO TO PLAN - GET OUT THERE AND DANCE IN THE WIND AND RAIN!

STEPH, THE BRIDE

Amen to that Steph!

For more incredible real weddings, head to our dedicated page here.