BLYTH WINTER WEDDING | APRIL & TOM

Date: 17th December 2016
Ceremony: Blyth St Mary’s and Martin Church
Reception: Barnby Memorial Hall, Blyth
Vicar: Kate Bottley (from Googlebox)

Winter weddings can be risky but are increasingly popular these days and there is definitely something special about them. Maybe it’s the excitement of Christmas, the chance of a white wedding, the fresh winter air or simply the excuse to get to the bar early. I think at April and Tom’s wedding it was all these factors, and we couldn’t have wished for a nicer day, beautiful in fact, even if somewhat fresh.

I arrived for the bridal preparations in my usual way, calm, not rushing and getting to know everyone and instantly knew it was going to be a lovely day with great people.

Whilst the girls applied their finishing touches I made my way upstairs to locate the dress and shoes. By the time I got back downstairs the girls were well on the way (getting ready that is) and the markup artist was applying the final touches to the bride to be. Here a few photos from the morning preparations.

I said my goodbyes and headed to Blyth St Mary’s and Martin’s Church, my first time at this beautiful church, where I was met by a familiar face. It then clicked that the Vicar was Kate Bottley from Googlebox that famously led a wedding flash mob. She laid the ground rules and then I met another familiar face, this time the groom, seemingly very clam. We rounded up the suits for a few pre-wedding photos before then headed inside to patiently wait.

Moving onto the ceremony, it was emotional, happy and fun. The vicar kept everyone entertained with stories about mugs and plates, whilst ensuring I never set foot on the red carpet!! J Sometimes ceremonies can be a bit slow and boring, this one definitely wasn’t and it was refreshing.

After the ceremony we had a short window of light to get the groups and couple photos that were all done around the church grounds. It was freezing and the bride did amazing to hold out for these before they made their way to Barnby Memorial Hall for the reception.

Having visited the hall the week before for a noisy, I could believe the transformation of the place – it looked stunning. The rest of the evening was magical; guests were enjoying themselves taking selfies, kids (and adults) were indulging in the sweets and I even recruited a personal assistant and photographer. He actually borrowed my (insured) camera and took some good photos – one to watch out for obviously!!