Inspiration

I always love featuring weddings from Gary aka Marshal Gray, because his work shows you that there's absolutely no reason why you have to opt for more traditional wedding photography. There are SO many photographers out there now, with such distinctive and unique styles, we'd really recommend doing your homework so that you find one you really love. Gary's work really makes you look at a wedding differently, moments that would normally pass you by are exposed and there's always a huge sense of emotion behind each image. Gina and Paul's big day at Eshott Hall is a pleasure to look at, you really feel as if you are there, laughing and crying along with all of the guests. I always think that really good wedding photography should also make you fall for the Bride, and Gina really steals the show in Claire Pettibone in all of Gary's images.

The Bride

Gina The Bride: Working as a fashion buyer meant it almost became harder for me to pick a dress due to the nature of my job, after researching designers I chose Claire Pettibone. I really thought all her dresses were truly amazing and each design encapsulated her attention to detail. I chose her Christine dress with a customised back as this was both romantic and ethereal which suited me, but also the style of our wedding. I chose to keep jewellery to a minimum due to all of the small lace details on the dress, I wore my mother’s vintage earrings (which were my something ‘ borrowed’) along with rings on my fingers that I wear everyday.

The Groom

We were keen to choose a classic but contemporary look from a brand synonymous with UK style and after visit to the Mayfair flagship store; we knew Burberry was that brand. In his job Paul dresses casually day-to-day so his wedding provided the perfect opportunity to go all out and get something a whole lot more special. He decided on a three-piece wool and mohair suit in blue. His outfit was finished off with a brown pair of Paul Smith brogues and a pink tie from Reiss, which was also worn by the other groomsmen.

The Venue

Both being from the North-East of England we knew that hosting our wedding in that part of the world would be the perfect decision. Living in London since 2008 means that we have a large friend base, many of who had never visited our home county of Northumberland. We were familiar with Eshott Hall after growing up locally and after taking a look around, the cosy, private, relaxed feel completely reassured us it was the ideal venue. The venue provided the opportunity to spend an entire weekend surrounded by our family and closest friends. Looking back we would not have changed a single detail.

The Decor

For the décor we went for a bohemian and natural feel. As the venue itself is hidden away in its own small area of woodland, we wanted our floral arrangements to bring nature inside too. On the tables and around the venue we featured handcrafted ribbons on jars that were filled with wild flowers. Outside we piled hay bales and draped them in vintage blankets alongside a number of lawn games.

The Flowers

The core idea behind our flower arrangements was to make them appear that they had been freshly picked from the fields of the surrounding area. We added lavender and herb foliage to give the selections an amazing fragrance. The brides bouquet was a loose tied arrangement which included white double lisianthus with a cute pink edge, phlox, a little lavender, wheat, herb foliage and a little jasmine for the scent. The bridesmaids each carried a posie made up of gypsophila. We had traditional button hole arrangements made up for the men using the pink edged lisianthus, lavender, gypsophila and a little herb foliage. At the wedding breakfast we had eight round guest tables including a ninth for the bride and groom party. Each table featured a large vase including arrangements made up of the same flowers contained within the bridal bouquet.

The Wedding Party

We’re very lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of friends with great fashion sense. With slight direction from us as to what we would be wearing they followed suit adding their own touches to their own outfits. Certain accessories like the groomsmen’s ties were arranged and made the looks of the most significant people hang perfectly together.

The Ceremony

Our ceremony was held at a small chapel in the village of Eshott, about a 5-minute walk from the hall itself. It was small, intimate and informal which suited us just perfectly. Our main wish was to ensure the ceremony was as fun for all of our guests as it was for us. We added light touches like our own music with Gina walking down the aisle to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac. Jonathon Mann, brother of the groom did a reading of The Promise, by Eileen Rafter too.

The Food

We didn’t want to have a wedding cake in the traditional sense. Instead we opted for a homemade cake selection. They were made up of our favourite flavours whilst growing up, the kinds of cake that our grandparents made as treats. Coffee cake, chocolate cake and carrot cake. For the meal itself we chose to go with Northumbrian Beef which went down a storm with our guests. For the evening we hired a traditional pizza van, which served amazing wood fired personal sized pizzas.

The Photography

When deciding on a photographer we knew we wanted someone with real talent because once the big day has been and gone the photographs are the things that will help the memories live on forever. We also needed someone with a great eye, who could grab shots in a reportage style, ensuring that the photos did not feel staged and regimented. In the year leading up to our wedding we saw some shots that Marshal Gray had taken of some friends Anna & Thom. We knew instantly we’d found the perfect man for the job.
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Bride: Claire Pettibone | Boutique: Blackburn Bridal | Shoes: Faith | Florist: Lavenders Blue | Venue: Eshott Hall | Pizza : Pizette | Bridesmaids: ASOS | Groom: Burberry | Invites: Jack Walker | Entertainment: Silk Street Music | Celeste London

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