Links
In my profession I meet and work with a lot of other suppliers. Some are poor, many are average, a few are good, but some stand out as being highly professional and a delight to work with. I am happy to provide links to some of this latter group of people here, and would happily recommend any of them as having a similar outlook on quality and service to myself. Being technically good at your job isn’t enough. That’s a given, the most basic of requirements.
One of the most important things with weddings (and one which many suppliers simply don’t get) is that it is NOT about the band, or the DJ, or the Photographer, the venue manager, the wedding planner or the florist. It is purely and simply about the Bride and Groom and their guests. This is where quality and teamwork come together to provide an event which is more than the sum of it’s parts. These are the suppliers who think in terms of YOU, not of themselves, and those are the people I most enjoy working with.
If you contact any of the professionals listed below I would be grateful if you could mention that you obtained their details from me. You never know – they may do the same for me one day!
As this section is quite long you may prefer to go directly to a particular type of supplier rather than read the entire page here are some quick links (it’s more fun to read the entire page though!):
BRIDAL WEAR AND GENTLEMAN’S FORMALWEAR, CAKE MAKERS, CARS AND LIMOUSINES CHAIR COVERS AND VENUE DECOR CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS AND CATERING, FLORISTS, MAGICIANS MUSICIANS SINGERS BANDS AND OTHER ENTERTAINERS PHOTOGRAPHERS, WEDDING PLANNERS
Forget-Me-Not – Kathryn has incredible talent, and the amazing ability to read your mind, pick out your dreams, and turn them into floral perfection! She specialises in Weddings and was also the Castle Florist for Auckland Castle. Kathryn is based in Bishop Auckland. Be careful though, because once you have seen her work, you will be smitten! Kathryn is also one of the nicest, most helpful people you could meet, as Shelley’s Chief Bridesmaid discovered, as filmed on Don’t Tell The Bride! She is currently building a website, but for the time-being can be contacted on 07817 192827 or her e-mail address is kathrynforgetmenot@hotmail.com
BRIDAL WEAR AND GENTLEMAN’S FORMALWEAR
Poppybridal – The first time I saw Poppybridal’s dresses, all I could say was ‘wow’. These ladies really know their stuff, and supply some absolutely exquisite Wedding Gowns and other bridal wear. You can visit them at their shop in Darlington (20 Duke Street), phone them on 01325 487372 or click to their website at www.poppybridal.co.uk
Pure Weddings UK – Anna offers some truly lovely dresses, as well as a range of Menswear for hire. She is based in Durham City, at Claypath, and their website is at www.pureweddingsuk.com or you can phone them on 0191 384 8038
The Tailor – Michael Coates provides a Designer and fully bespoke service for both Gentlemen and Ladies. He can be found at Bondgate in Darlington and his website is at www.the-tailor.net or you can phone him on 01325 741567
There are some fabulous photographers in the North East, with styles to suit all tastes and fees to suit most budgets. For me, a great photographer not only has to take incredible photos, but he or she must also be committed to being part of a team working towards giving the Bride and Groom their best day ever. Some photographers work closely with the DJ/MC/Venue to get the photos they want, others do their own thing. Fortunately, we have a lot of great photographers here who also are great to work with! Here is a selection of those who are easy to get on with, and who produce beautiful photographs in their own respective styles. This is quite a long list, so please take the time to visit all of their websites. I’m convinced that this selection of names is a list of some of the finest and most professional photographers available anywhere! I’d be amazed if you didnt find the perfect one for you here.
Mark Miller – Mark is one of those chaps who seems to have a natural talent for getting great pictures no matter what. He is truly an excellent photographer, highly motivated and professional, and a really nice guy. His website is at www.markmiller.co.uk and don’t forget to have a read of his blog!
Kenn Elliott – Based in Newcastle, Kenn is a fantastic Wedding Photographer who has won several prestigious awards for his work. Kenn is also a thoroughly nice chap and a total professional! His website is here
Andrew McGregor – Another fantastic photographer, Andrew is very creative, and a magician at capturing those natural and humorous shots! Andrew is based in Northumberland, near Hexham, and his website is www.acmphotography.co.uk
Alan Mason is deservedly one of the North East’s top photographers. Again, he is a thoroughly nice chap, and mad as a box of frogs (although he may prefer the term eccentric). Whichever, he is a creative genius who is also completely professional and does everything he can to ensure the perfect day in photographs! Have a look at www.alan-mason.co.uk
Henry Aarvold has the amazing talent of being able to capture any atmosphere into a photograph. He has an amazing eye for style, lighting, occasion – and the talent to reproduce those things in his work! Henry is based in Newcastle and also covers the North East. His website is at www.henryaarvoldphotography.com/pages/home/
Andy Craig – Andy’s style of natural photography, easy manner and professional attitude make him very popular with Brides and Grooms, and he is also a true professional who works with everyone else around him to make ‘the day’ perfect! Andy also runs photography courses so you could make sure you get fantastic honeymoon photos too! Visit Andy Craig Photography
2Tone Creative Photography – Chrissie and Nigel are in a pretty unique position of being married to each other AND working together. And they work together beautifully, too. Both are fabulous photographers and very nice, easy-going people. They have a knack for being able to spot a dramatic shot where others may not. Having 2 photographers ‘on site’ has a lot of benefits too! Based in Stanley their website is at www.2tonephotography.f2s.com
G-Photography – Graham Shirley is another jolly nice chap who just happens to take marvellous photographs. He is passionate and creative. Graham is based in Whitley Bay, and his website is at www.g-photography.co.uk
Forever Memories – Claire Elliott is one of those photographers who can fuse formal style with contemporary thinking to produce delightful and memorable work. She is based in Shildon, County Durham and her website is http://www1.clikpic.com/fmphoto/index.html
Sophotogenic – Based in Newton Aycliffe, Lee provides a great service, brilliant photos and is a very nice chap who really understands what weddings are about. Visit Lee’s website at www.sophotogenic.co.uk
North East Wedding Planners can alleviate the stresses, budget concerns and time pressures associated with planning such a special event. They work on your behalf to provide design inspiration, locate your dream venue, source exceptional suppliers and manage your preparations, ensuring that your wedding day is planned to perfection. North East Wedding Planners can be involved at any stage of your planning, whether you are just starting out or have reached a point where you require some extra assistance pulling everything together. Donna and the team are professional, approachable and most importantly affordable, contact them directly to arrange your first appointment free t. 0191 3882387 or info@newp.co.uk. To view their services in detail visit www.newp.co.uk
Cakes 4 U – Edwina and Audrey have over 20 years experience, and this shows in their magnificent creations. From an elegant heart to a full Magical Kingdom Castle their cakes have a wow factor! Oh yes, they taste pretty scrummy too! They also supply everything you need for cake decorating yourself! The Ladies are currently building a website, which I will link to as soon as it goes live. In the meantime they are in Horden, County Durham opposite The Bell on Sunderland Road, and their phone number is 0191 518 3650. They are jolly friendly too, and their valuable advice costs…….. nothing!
CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS AND CATERING:
Chocolate Surprise – Joanne Ryan not only provides the scrummiest dips for her yummy belgian chocolate, but is one of the friendliest and most helpful people you could ever meet! She is a total perfectionist and it shows in both the taste of the food and the presentation of her lovely fountain with its beautifully lit surround! Phone Joanne on 01429 235 712 or e-mail her at joanne.ryan888@ntlworld.com
MAGICIANS MUSICIANS SINGERS BANDS AND OTHER ENTERTAINERS
Mike Driver – Magician Extraordinaire and a member of the IBM British ring, Mike performs a wide range of World Class Close-Up Magic effects – with cards, coins, rings, sponge balls, cups and fire! He is sure to add interest and intrigue to your event! Mike can be contacted on 01642 711390 or his e-mail is mike@magicalmysteryman.com
Laughing Jacks- Laughing Jacks are widely regarded as the top function band in Newcastle, Northumberland and across the North East. This extremely versatile six piece play a wide repertoire of rock, pop, swing, soul and jazz to cater for the varied taste and age range found at weddings, corporate events, parties and restaurants. Contact: Richard Rutherford 07743 817177 or visit
www.laughing-jacks.co.uk
Pure 2 Posh- Top quality Chair Covers, including Sash, delivery, fitting and collection. Based in Durham at Claypath, Kerry can be contacted on 0191 384 8038
Alnwick Wedding Cars – In addition to a gorgeous selection of beautifully-kept cars, Jim and Derek offer the friendliest, most helpful and thoughtful service you can imagine. Brides and Grooms arrive relaxed and pampered and always say fantastic things about these chaps. They are also thoroughly nice to deal with!
GENERAL AND ONLINE DIRECTORY LINKS
North East of England Regional Portal
| Home of the Top Wedding Sites ™ Search for wedding DJ in UK & Ireland and UK bridal magazines now! |
EO Link Exchange Directory
Quality directory of webmasters actively seeking link exchange. Improve your search engine rankings and link popularity the easy way. Work clever not hard.
18th Birthday Gifts
Providing useful tips, information and ideas for 18th birthday celebrations.
Themed Weddings
Themed Weddings for all styles and budgets organised by professionally trained wedding planners
