Meet Mr & Mrs Donaldson, the stars of our latest Real Life Bride Series…
The Groom – Andrew Donaldson, Electrical Engineer
The Bride – Catherine Ayre (now Donaldson!), Primary School Teacher
Our story and our wedding…
How did you meet?
We met many years ago when we were 10/11. We are both from the same town – Seaham.
Tell us about the proposal
It was on Christmas Eve in our home. We had spent the day as a family, watching the pantomime at Sunderland Empire. We had just had a lovely dinner and had completed all the Christmas Eve traditions with Chloe. Once she was in bed, Andrew was sitting half on the chair, half on the floor, when he got down on one knee and proposed, in front of the Christmas tree.
Why did you choose Seaham Hall?
Seaham Hall has always played a part in our lives. As we are both from Seaham there really wasn’t anywhere else we even considered. We loved the idea of the “exclusive use” wedding experience.
What was the theme?
Rose gold and blush was the main theme, with lovely autumnal colours coming into the flowers.
Tell us about the dress?
The dress was purchased from Amore Brides, Sunderland. It was a beautiful Mark Lesley dress in blush pink. The dress had two looks in one. It was a fabulous lace and hand- beaded fit and flare gown with a beautiful sweeping detachable train, which was trimmed with waistband and bow detailing. The illusion key hole back was complemented with delicate fabric- covered buttons.
What is your favourite part of Seaham Hall?
All of it. We really couldn’t choose. However, the ballroom once dressed absolutely blew us away. Wild and Wonderful were amazing at executing our dream. We also became very fond of the Ada Lovelace room (where Lord and Lady Byron married), which I stayed in the night before with our daughter, Chloe, and also on the wedding night.
Where did you choose to hold your ceremony?
The ceremony took place in the courtyard at 1pm. It was stunning.
What did you like about your ceremony space?
The glass roof allowed so much natural light into the room, which made it feel like a summer’s day.
How did you feel?
I felt on top of the world as I walked into the courtyard. I should have done this a long time ago so it felt just right. It was lovely knowing all our special friends and family were there to share our special day.
What music did you walk down the aisle to; does it have a special meaning?
North East Soiree played ‘Tale as Old as Time’. Before the wedding, we had heard that being played by a string quartet, and we both had goosebumps and we just knew it was the one. When I first heard it during the ceremony I filled up, it was magical.
Suppliers:
Amore Brides – Wedding Dress
Jacqueline Lackford – Makeup
Hairhouse – Hair
A Little Less Salt Weddings – Video
Lee Scullion – Photographer
Wild & Wonderful Flowers – Flowers
Alex Jobson – Magician
Prime Entertainment / Prime Racing – Casino
Posh Chair Covers And Bows – Dressing the Chairs.
Master Debonair – Suits
The DISCO Co North East Ltd – DJ and Party Set Up
Accent Original Bridal Wear – Bridesmaid Dress
Exclusively Yours Bridal Shop – Bespoke Young Bridesmaid Dress
Rings By Design – Bespoke Rings
Special mention to Mam (Carol) and Dad (Gordon) for creating the cake, cheesecake, seating plan, and marble place names.
Explore our amazing wedding offerings and keep your eyes peeled for next weeks Real Life Bride instalment!
