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!):
FLORISTS,
BRIDAL WEAR AND GENTLEMAN'S FORMALWEAR,
PHOTOGRAPHERS,
VENUES,
CAKE MAKERS,
CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS AND CATERING,
MAGICIANS, MUSICIANS AND OTHER ENTERTAINERS!
CHAIR COVERS
CARS AND
LIMOUSINES WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORISTS:
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 is 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
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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
www.the-tailor.net or
you can phone him on 01325 741567
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PHOTOGRAPHERS:
There are some very good
photographers in the North East, with styles to suit all tastes
and fees to suit most budgets. Unfortunately there is also a
proportion of 'prima donnas' who consider themselves the star of
the show. For me to recommend a photographer, he or she must not
only be a great photographer, but 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 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 I'll point out that there
are links to venues below this!
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!
Based
in Newcastle, Kenn is a fantastic Wedding Photographer who has
won several prestigious awards for his work.
Ken is also a thoroughly nice chap!
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 one
of the North East's top photographers. Again, he is a thoroughly
nice chap, and mad as a hatter! Well, 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! Have a look at
www.alan-mason.co.uk

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 and her website is
http://www1.clikpic.com/fmphoto/index.html

Henry Aarvold has
the amazing talent of being able to capture 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 inNewcastle and also covers the North East. His website is
at
www.henryaarvoldphotography.com/pages/home/
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VENUES: For a list of
other venues please see my Wedding and About Us pages.
The
Alnwick Garden - One of the most unique and beautiful places
in which to get married, and for those who prefer a modern twist
rather than a Castle or Mansion it is up there with the best of
them. Mariza and her team do everything possible to make your
Wedding day as personal and special as you have dreamt.
Auckland Castle - Close to my
heart, this venue has only one mission, and that is to make your
dream come true. As seen on 'Don't Tell the Bride' it is one of
those places which visually knocks you out! Combine with that a
level of service which outshines some of the very best hotels,
and add an attitude and commitment to excellence by everyone who
works there, and this venue simply shines out.
Durham Castle - An ancient and grand venue in a superb
location - with good food and a great staff! Tim keeps
everything running perfectly and the sheer majesty of this venue
puts it right up there with the best!
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WEDDING
PLANNERS:
Wedding Planners can be a dream
come true or a supplier's worst nightmare. I'm delighted to say
the following are most definitely the former!! A pleasure to
work with, their aim is to give the Client exactly what they
want!
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, so
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
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CAKEMAKERS:
Cakes 4 U - Edwina
& 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 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!
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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
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MAGICIANS, MUSICIANS 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
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CHAIR
COVERS
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
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CARS AND LIMOUSINES
G.W. Holmes & Son -
Visit www.yourweddingcar.com or phone Graham or Michelle on 01388
834420 to enquire about their incredible range of magnificent
vintage and classic wedding cars, all in pristine condition and
looking fantastic! Style and Elegance, personified!
Elite
Limo Hire - To hire a hugely impressive and luxurious
limo with CRB checked Driver, get in touch with Marco on 0191
247 3613 or click to
www.elitelimohire.co.uk for photos of this superlative,
modern and beautifully presented vehicle, perfect for hen nights
and proms as well as your Wedding.
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GENERAL AND ONLINE DIRECTORY LINKS

North East of England Regional Portal
Wedding DJ's & Discos


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