We’re thrilled to kick off our 2015 real weddings with a picturesque English country fairytale at the breathtaking Wynyard Hall. Claire Louise Kruman and Andrew Quinn exchanged vows on Friday, June 20th, at St Cuthbert’s Church in Marton, followed by a lively reception at Wynyard Hall. The couple aimed to recreate a traditional white English country garden wedding with a fun and laid-back ambiance. A talented string quartet expertly set the tone for the day, despite the scorching summer heat. As guests arrived, they were awestruck by the stunning setting and surroundings of Wynyard Hall, perfectly capturing the essence of a whimsical English fairytale.
The proposal
It all began on a night out in Middlesbrough back in 2009, where fate brought us together. Little did we know at the time, Andrew lived just three streets away from me! Fast forward to our three-year anniversary as a couple in 2012, and Andrew had planned an unforgettable surprise for me. He told me we were going out for the night, but that was all I knew – except for the fact that I had to pack an overnight bag and bring some clothes for a special meal. The evening took us to the Crab and Lobster, where Andrew had booked us into a cozy hot tub log cabin with a romantic dinner waiting for us. As we sipped our wine in the hot tub, my favorite song ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars started playing on Andrew’s iPod. It was as if the universe was conspiring to make this moment extra special! And then, out of nowhere, Andrew pulled out a stunning platinum diamond ring from behind the hot tub and popped the question! After saying yes, we quickly called our families to share the news before heading in for dinner. But here’s the amazing part – both of our families were waiting for us at the restaurant, completely unaware of the surprise that was about to unfold. It was a masterfully planned evening, with months of planning going into every detail. Andrew knew exactly what would make me happy, and it was clear that he had been thinking about this moment long before we even got engaged.
The dress
In early February 2013, my mum, Andrew’s mum, and my chief bridesmaid joined me for a dress shopping adventure in Middlesbrough. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we stumbled upon Laura Day Bridal and decided to pop in without an appointment. After trying on a few dresses that didn’t quite resonate with me, Laura pulled out a stunning Pronovias of Barcelona gown – the Durban design I had previously admired online. As soon as I caught my reflection in the mirror, I knew it was the one for me. The dress’s sheer panel at the front, adorned with intricate embroidery and lacework, cascaded down over the bodice and skirt, creating a breathtaking effect. Its long train and layers of fabric only added to its regal charm, making me feel like royalty when paired with my Pronovias veil, Laura Day’s Swarovski tiara, and Jimmy Choo sandals – a special treat for myself.
The venue
Wynyard Hall was Claire’s ultimate dream wedding destination. She had always envisioned exchanging vows beneath its majestic crystal chandeliers, surrounded by lush gardens and a serene lake. After exploring numerous venues across the North of England, Wynyard Hall remained her top choice, holding a special place in her heart.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen
In terms of wedding party attire, Claire had chosen a subtle yet elegant approach for her big day. For her two bridesmaids, Helen Quinn and chief bridesmaid Becky Lambton, she opted for pale mint green gowns from Debenhams. Meanwhile, Andrew’s entourage consisted of not one, but two best men – James Ruse and Darren O’Rourke – who complemented the proceedings with suits hired from Bakers Tailoring in Middlesbrough. To add a touch of cohesion to the overall look, the groomsmen sported green ties that perfectly harmonized with the bridesmaid’s dresses.
The speeches
As I began crafting my speech, I started with a mental list of all the people I wanted to express gratitude towards. My goal was to strike the perfect balance between humor and sentimentality. Given that Claire was the main attraction, I made sure to emphasize her contributions, pouring extra thought and effort into those sections. Once my ideas were down on paper, I rehearsed the speech repeatedly until it felt natural and effortless, eliminating any need for me to read from a script.
Advice you’d pass on to couples planning their wedding?
Embrace the chaos and avoid stressing over minor details. Instead, focus on doing your due diligence by researching suppliers online and attending local wedding fairs. Remember that popular vendors and venues can be booked up years in advance, so plan ahead to ensure availability. As you navigate the planning process, make time to pause and take it all in – literally. Stand back and observe the room, allowing yourself a moment to absorb the excitement and anticipation building around you. Before you know it, your special day will be a distant memory, making the present all the more precious.
The suppliers
Our special day was captured perfectly by Ian Vickery, our talented photographer, and Jon Lunt from Top Table Films, who brought our wedding story to life through their exceptional videography. The sweet treats that caught everyone’s eye were a tiered masterpiece created by Sharon at Sadie May Cakes – the chocolate orange, lemon, and fruit cake was a true showstopper. When it came to transforming our venue into an enchanting setting, Classically Covered in Sunderland took center stage with their stunning table decor, chair covers, and post box. Their exceptional service and competitive pricing left us impressed. To complete our wedding party’s look, La Belle Vous from Wynyard worked their magic on our makeup, while Claire’s hairdressers at Eklipz in Acklam opened early to craft our hairstyles. As the night unfolded, we danced the night away with the Purple Supper Band, who seamlessly transitioned from a live band to a DJ between sets. We were also treated to an unforgettable performance by magician Paul Lytton, whose skills have impressed celebrities like Prince Harry and many others – we discovered him at a wedding fair! The delightful string quartet North East Soiree provided the perfect ambiance for our drinks reception with their unique blend of classical and contemporary music. Our beautiful bouquets, buttonholes, and venue flowers were lovingly crafted by Andrew’s Auntie Kathleen from Edwina’s in Middlesbrough, while our grand exit was made in style thanks to a stunning 1954 White Rolls Royce from GW Holmes & Son in Bishop Auckland.
The honeymoon
Following our special day, we jetted off on a romantic getaway – a three-night adventure in the iconic city that never sleeps, New York. We soaked up the bright lights and bustling energy of Times Square before heading south to Secrets Maroma Beach in Mexico for an unforgettable 10-day escape.