England’s northernmost county boasts many fascinating landmarks, including the stately Doxford Hall. A grand, 200-year-old country mansion resplendent in ten acres of private estate, as the only hotel in the county to be awarded the AA’s coveted four red star rating, it’s outstanding for all the right reasons: sumptuous interiors, elegant gardens and superb service.
Jon Allan, Weddings and Events Manager for Doxford Hall, shares his tips on Spring Weddings and how special they can be at Doxford Hall.
“Spring weddings are among my favourite, it’s a beautiful and uplifting time of the year; a symbolic time too of new beginnings, the blossom is out, shoots of tender new growth, and to cap it all we even have lambs frolicking in the pastures, right below our stone terrace….
Katy Melling Photography - KatyMelling.com
It’s a time when couples can once again start to take advantage of the longer, hopefully, warmer, days. As the gardens and grounds at Doxford are a major benefit of what we have on offer here, it’s a season when full enjoyment can be made of the estate with its espaliered fruit trees in the Victorian walled gardens starting to bud, and our yew tree maze covered with young growth, and displays of bulbs a riot of colour.
One way in which couples maximise the garden setting is to employ a wedding arch, which looks great covered with greenery and some fresh spring flowers, it sort of boosts up the backdrop outside, especially during early spring at a time when the gardens are really just getting going.
I would warn although the days are longer, spring winds can be rather chilly and sometimes even a wintry shower, especially here in the countryside. It’s always a good idea to have a warm wrap to hand; spring brides may dress a sharp cream blazer over their gown, this almost business-like, luxury look certainly stole the show at The Bridal Spring Fashion Shows, along with capes with glamorous feather detailing. A more casual approach could be one of those decorated and personalised denim jackets, which I think can look rather cute, and an easy to wear top layer that can easily be peeled off once you retreat indoors!
From a styling perspective, pastels are bang on trend this spring/summer, which will perfectly complement a spring wedding, and the seasonal flowers include tulips, narcissi, anemones, hyacinth, lily-of-the-valley, a flower traditionally used in bridal bouquets to symbolise purity and good luck, meaning a ‘return to happiness’. A spring bouquet will be by its nature be delicate and generally muted colours, perfectly complementing this season’s colour trends, and sourced locally too, it’s a bonus!
From a photography point of view, the days are longer and the light is brighter, without the strong glare of a summer sun, giving rise to that flattering soft light much earlier in the afternoon than in summertime, an ideal ‘window’ in planning the day, not too late when everyone is keen to be feasting and celebrating.
Couple: Angela & Chris Emily Hannah Photography - emilyhannah.com
Couple: Angela & Chris Emily Hannah Photography - emilyhannah.com
Couple: Angela & Chris Emily Hannah Photography - emilyhannah.com
Talking of which, spring is a lovely time for tasting menus too when young fresh produce is in abundance – speaking to our Head Chef, David Quinn, he recommends dishes such as Chicken Breast with Lemon Butter Sauce, Spring Greens & Asparagus and Fresh Berry Eton Mess. We are also happy to supply alternative menus, such as vegan, to suit your preferred tastes and those of your guests.
Onto drinks, why not try to incorporate fresh herbs and refreshing flavours, such as Lemon Thyme Vodka Lemonade Cooler or Fresh Mint Julep.”
The next Wedding Open Days at Doxford Hall are:
- Sunday, April 5th 2020, 12 – 3pm
- Sunday, May 3rd 2020, 12 – 3pm
Complimentary tickets are available here.
If you would like to enquire about Doxford Halls dates of availability, fill out the form below:
