REAL WEDDINGS
An elegant affair in the heart of Durham’s city centre
REAL WEDDINGS
An elegant affair in the heart of Durham’s city centre
It was destiny and part-time jobs at Boots in Durham that brought married couple Lucy and David together as students. However, the shelves of shampoo, vitamins and meal deals that backdropped their early romance seemed like a distant memory when, during an enchanting holiday to Lake Como in Italy, the groom got down on one knee and proposed.
KEEP IT CLASSIC
While the pair knew that they wanted a church ceremony, they were still unsure about a venue, until David and his mother stumbled across a St Chad’s College’s wedding open day during one of their routine dog walks around the city. “We had no idea that it hosted weddings,” explains Lucy, “but once they went inside, they could absolutely see why.”
As one of Durham’s oldest colleges, St Chad’s boasts a wealth of Georgian features and Grade II-listed heritage charm. And it’s ideally located in the historic heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from Durham Cathedral – which was visible from the grand arched windows behind the reception’s top table. The couple were particularly enchanted by the college lawns, where guests could mingle in the sunshine, and the glass orangery at night-time, as it made the evening reception especially atmospheric.
BELLE LOVES
At Belle Bridal HQ, we’ve seen every wedding theme under the sun, so Lucy and David’s decision to go themeless is refreshingly groundbreaking. The wedding’s colour palette of white, cream and foliage green beautifully complemented St Chad’s handsome portrait-lined interiors – a masterclass in less is more.
I CAN’T RECOMMEND ST CHAD’S ENOUGH. THE WEDDING COORDINATORS LESLEY AND DARRYL ARE NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING. I HAD A FEW RESERVATIONS THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, AND THEY WERE ALWAYS ON HAND TO BEST ADVISE ME. ON THE DAY ITSELF, THEY ENSURED EVERYTHING WENT PERFECTLY, WHICH IS ALL WE COULD HAVE ASKED FOR.
LUCY, BRIDE
Dressing the venue spaces subtly in fresh roses, trailing ivy and fragrant foliage such as stock from Timeless Flowers and Treats, the bride and groom’s aim was to accentuate the venue’s timeless grandeur. And the theme of timeless sophistication was carried through to the day’s menu, with delicious canapés accompanying the drinks reception toasts, before a formal – and delicious – three-course wedding breakfast of crayfish-tail salad to start, followed by a traditional roast chicken dinner, and a dessert of chocolate brownie and ice cream.
I WOUND UP BEING 40 MINUTES LATE TO THE CHURCH BECAUSE OF BAD TRAFFIC. APPARENTLY, EVERYONE HAD ALREADY PLACED BETS AS TO HOW LATE I WAS GOING TO BE (I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A REPUTATION FOR BEING TARDY) AND I MANAGED TO EXCEED EVERYONE’S ESTIMATES!. LUCY, BRIDE
THE VIBES
TIMELESS
ROMANTIC
WARM
REFINED
BLACK-TIE ELEGANZA
Old-school glamour was the order of the day for these stylish lovers, with Lucy opting for an eternally chic sleeveless Ronald Joyce silk fishtail gown, with an oversized bow adorning the waist at the back, bought at Blue Bow Bridal. While she worked with local stylist Sophie Punshon to create the perfect down-do for her blonde tresses, the bride did her own make-up on the day, having had a consultation and bought new beauty products from Dior.
Meanwhile, David and all of his groomsmen all donned Moss Bros. tuxedos – which Lucy notes “looked really classic in the photos”. She adds, “it’s genuinely impossible to choose a favourite photograph from the day. There’s no better feeling than that moment after the ceremony when we were alone and looked at each other and said ‘we did it’. If I could bottle it, I would.”
BRIDE’S ADVICE
“Don’t get swept up in spending more money than is needed with extra vendors and add-ons, as it’s so easily done. Focus on curating a guestlist of those whom you hold dearest and spend A LOT of time thinking about the entertainment on the evening – for us this was the most fun part. We had a string quartet to welcome our guests into St Chad’s, and an eight-piece brass band for the evening reception, as well as a photo booth for creating memories”
FIRST-DANCE SONG
Everybody Loves Somebody – Dean Martin
Find our more about weddings at St Chad's on their Belle Bridal guestlist page.
THE CREATIVES Wedding venue(s): St Oswalds Church and St Chads College Photographer & Videographer: Stories from Eros Dress (designer and shop): Ronald Joyce at Belle Bridal Guestlist member Blue Bow Bridal Hair: Sophie Punshon based at Hair at Tiffany’s salon Makeup: Brides own Bridesmaids dresses: ASOS Suits: Moss brothers Flowers: Timeless Flowers and Treats Cake: Wedding Guest Invites/Menus: An independent seller on Etsy Entertainment: "We had bells ring out at the church before and after our wedding ceremony. A string quartet welcomed our guests into St Chads and on the evening we had a live 8 piece full brass band with a male and female singer. We also had a Photo Booth." Transport: We hired vintage rolls Royce’s.
