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real wedding:
Ellie & Dan
15th of July, 2023
Woodhill Hall, Otterburn, Northumberland
Photography by Bridgette Ibbotson Photography

“Dan really is a once-in-a-lifetime type of person, he lives his life to make us feel safe, supported and happy and is the most hard-working person I know…”
From the moment beautiful bride Ellie met Dan, she didn’t want to be apart from him ever again! A love story with the happiest ending – we are delighted to share this wonderful wedding story from Northumberland!


How did you meet, and when?
We met over 10 years ago when we were working in a bar. Little did we know from then on and after one crazy night, that the rest would be history. I felt I knew straight away, there was just something different about Dan, I felt my soul was connected to his somehow and knew from that day on I didn’t want to be apart from him. However, our love story started very messy, from a drunken kiss on my part, Dan had just finished work and was certainly not drunk. The next day I was too embarrassed even to face him walking into work, however Dan seemed extremely happy to see me, that night at work we chatted all night (well, I think I did all the talking and Dan just listened really, probably more intrigued!) and couldn’t seem to stay away from one another and so the story went on… Nights out to walking in the Lake District to movie nights and Lloyd tea dates; a whole 10 years has passed and we have built our first home together, been on some beautiful holidays with memories I will cherish forever… We have both changed careers, Dan has opened his own business and I have graduated with a degree. We got engaged, started our own little family and to now getting married. To us Dan really is a once in a life time type of person, he lives his life to makes us feel safe, supported and happy and is the most hard working person I know.
What was your budget? Did you stick to it?
We did go over by a lot, but it was worth it!


How many dresses did you try on before you found the one?
I tried on about 10 dresses
What made your one THE one?
It was more of a feeling I got as soon as I put it on – I knew straight away that it was the one for me.
Ellie wore a romantic gown with a beautiful full tulle skirt from Wtoo by Watters


Was there a theme or colour scheme for your wedding?
Yes, it was light blue.
How did you decorate your venue?
We used fresh flowers and photos. However, the venue is very pretty without needing too much decorating.

What were your best decisions for the wedding?
Marrying my best friend and getting married as a family – having our son there.
Did you make any cost savings, and how?
Family helped with dress alterations and making the cake.


What were your favourite moments?
Ellie: The first dance, my cousin sang our first dance song. Seeing Dan at the bottom of the aisle. I asked Dan and he said his were seeing me come down the aisle and seeing all of our friends and family at the wedding meal all in one place together enjoying themselves.
Any funny things happen? Embarrassing moments?
I did fall over the step and had to get my foot bandaged!

Did you follow all the traditions?
Yes and no, we did a mixture, for us we just wanted everyone we loved to be there.
What were the challenges of planning and organising the wedding?
The challenges was planning a wedding starting a new job and having our son who is only one and a half – both of which left me with very little spare time! It was very difficult to get anything done, but I really enjoyed researching and booking all the suppliers.
Any regrets? Anything you would have done differently, or included with hindsight?
I was really focused on the weather. However, the rain did not spoil it at all and the sun was shining when we were outside.
What advice do you have for other brides?
Try to enjoy the process – it will all work out and at the end of the day as long as you and your husband-to-be are happy just try to focus on just you two, forget about everything else on the day, stick with each other all day and have fun… Everyone is there because they love you and that really is all that matters. EAT don’t forget to eat the amazing food you have paid a fortune for!



The Details
Photographer: Bridgette Ibbotson
Wedding venue: Woodhill Hall, Otterburn, Northumberland
Number of guests: 70
Wedding dress designer: W.too by Watters
Flowers: Aroma florist in Carlisle market – absolutely beautiful
Stationery: Malu Design
Shoes: ASOS
Hair: Hair by Kayleigh
Makeup: Make up By Rebecca Cook
Mother of the Bride and Groom outfits: “My Mam had a light pink and silver dress on and Dan’s Mam had her sister make her dress and jacket (no designer makes).”
Cake: Made by a family member
Menswear: Suitculture
Entertainment: Ray Snowdon – piano during the day, night-time: Matt Case saxophone
Hen party: “Dan, my girls and my sister made me a festival hen do in the garden, it was absolutely fab they got a huge tepee, he made a dance floor and they all decorated it, he made a fire pit and made all the seats from wood. It was beautiful.”
Honeymoon: “We went to the Swan Hotel for our honeymoon in Ulverston in the Lake District, because we are planning a family holiday 2024 instead.”
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