When it comes to throwing a spectacular seasonal celebration, there’s no location more fitting for the job than Grade II-listed country house hotel Beamish Hall, with its sophisticated blend of grand architecture, 24 acres of wild parkland and eclectic period character.

After first meeting Hayley on a night out in Yarm, Lee wisely chose to upgrade the scenery when it came to the proposal, popping the question beside the breath-taking Gullfoss Falls on a romantic break to Iceland.

Having already planned the perfect engagement holiday, he handed the reins over to his bride and her tribe when it came to planning their magical big day, but was happy to sign off on all the payments.

Sounds like a groom who already knows the key to a blissful marriage!

White Christmas

With advent just around the corner, the couple knew that they wanted to opt for a winter formal ambiance, complete with a dapper black-tie dress code for the groomsmen and high-octane glamour all round.

Knowing they needed a setting that would fit with their desire for serious festive glitz, Beamish Hall was top of the visit list, after Hayley had fallen in love with its elegant grandeur at a Christmas celebration a few years earlier.

“We didn’t really consider anywhere else, as I knew nothing would beat this venue,” the bride admits.

In keeping with their traditional-luxe theme, the pair wanted to keep everything monochrome, from the pure-white florals and post-I-do dove release to the exquisite pearlescent shimmer of the four-tiered cake.

The vows took place in the magnificent wood-panelled Shafto Hall, with guests seated in ivory silk sash-adorned Chiavari chairs.

Adding to the ceremony’s cosy yuletide feels was a towering fir tree and fresh wreathes, decorated with red and gold baubles.

The festivities continued in the venue’s conservatory suite, the Winter Gardens, which Hayley and Lee chose for its vast space, high marquee-style ceiling, beautiful pillars and wraparound panorama of the stunning grounds.

Enchanting touches, like the Scandi-chic white paper snowflakes dangling overhead and centrepiece vases filled with long twigs and branches, were complemented by lashings of LED lights and a Christmas tree strung with fairy lights and sparkling decorations.

With the spectacular reception scene set, guests were in for an evening of five-star merriment.

After a delicious wedding breakfast, the couple’s nearest and dearest mingled, marvelling at some clever magic tricks and – in the case of Hayley’s friends – throwing elbows over the traditional bridal bouquet toss.

As evening guests arrived, the dancefloor was warmed up by the DJ, who was later joined by a saxophonist for a set that got everyone out of their seats.

Snow White

Already knowing she needed a classic showstopper to outshine Lee’s tux and her bridesmaids’ Grecian-style column dresses, Hayley went in search for the ultimate ballgown, and after trying lots of maybes, she knew she’d found the one when she slipped into this off-the-shoulder Mikado silk, full-skirted dress by Ronald Joyce.

And it turns out she wasn’t the only one. “This one made my mam so emotional – if I needed any confirmation, her reaction was it!”

With its delicate beaded crystal belt, it needed little in the way of accessorising, with the bride opting for simple pearl drop earrings, lace-trimmed waltz-length veil and a tightly-bound bouquet of ivory spray roses.

Hayley’s look was completed with soft smoky eyes, dusky pink lips and an understated updo. We’re getting Grace Kelly vibes from this super-chic bridal style.

In the Frame

Hayley was already a fan of Michael of Carro Studio’s exceptional work, so choosing a wedding photographer was a real no-brainer for the couple. “He took on board everything that we wanted from our photos and video and were extremely professional on the day, capturing every little detail,” she explains.

Belle Loves

We’re in love with the variety of dreamy backdrops on show in this couple’s wedding album.

From the house’s grand facade and the premier suite’s refined antique details to the shady woodland steps and whimsical garden swing, Beamish Hall truly is a venue with no bad angles.

Words from the Bride

“Try not to be influenced by other people’s opinions when making decisions. It’s your day to celebrate and should be exactly what you always dreamed of.”

[ngg src="galleries" ids="276" display="basic_thumbnail"]For more real life romances and wedding inspo, visit our dedicated Real Weddings section or browse the pages of our glossy magazine – available to download now.