Real Weddings - Eve and Paul
By Newcastle & North East Wedding Photographer Marco Damian
The Couple
Eve and Paul met over 20 years ago on the second day of Liverpool University freshers week in their Halls of Residents bar.
We instantly clicked, and shared a love for indie music and football. We were pretty much inseparable, so much that when I signed up to the Army Officer Training Corps (meaning I would be away most weekends), so did Paul!
The Morning
The Venue
The Baltic, Gateshead, in August 2021.
I grew up in the North East and I always wanted to get married back home. During one of Paul’s trips up North, we visited the Baltic and were blown away by the stunning views of the Quayside. Over the years, we revisited the Baltic for exhibitions and have celebrated special occasions at Six restaurant. So after Paul proposed, we knew it was the perfect location for our wedding.
We were married in one of the gallery spaces on Level 1 and had our wedding breakfast in the restaurant ‘Six’, which has great views over the Newcastle Quayside. Our evening reception was in the River Terrace room.
The rooms were modern and chic and therefore we wanted a very classic and simple colour scheme. Catherine and Cate from C&C Floral Design were amazing and styled the venue with beautiful cream flowers, green foliage, a floral archway and lanterns in the ceremony room.
The Proposal
Paul proposed on our 19th anniversary and it was a complete surprise! After drinking several pints while watching the rugby and attending a Bloody Mary Master Class, Paul persuaded me to squeeze in one quick drink in The Shard before meeting friends for dinner. When Paul popped the question, there were a few tears, and I said “Yes”!
The Ring
The number 22 has a special meaning to us, it’s both of our birthday dates and the date we met in September 2000. ’22’ features in my beautiful engagement ring which was designed and by our close friends Kas and Ros @kasandroslondon . It is a gorgeous sapphire encased in 22 diamonds and sitting on 22 shards to represent the London Shard – where Paul proposed!
The Ceremony
I walked down the aisle to Louis Armstrong’s ‘We Have All The Time In The World’. This is one of my favourite songs and a slight tongue in cheek response to waiting 20 years before getting married!
It was an emotional day for many due to absence of loved ones. My dad sadly passed away before the wedding and I was so lucky to have my dear cousin Alan to step in and walk me down the aisle and say a few words during the speeches.
We went for traditional vows but personalised the ceremony by having the reading ‘I want to grow old with you’, from the film ‘The Wedding Singer’ (we love the 80’s!) Read by our dear friend, Rachael Biggs – who we thank for introducing us to each other!
Photographs
Our lovely photographer Marco was one of the highlights of our day. You just have to look at the images to see why!
Dining
The food was outstanding. Our wedding coordinator Malissa recommended the sticky toffee pudding for desert, which was to die for!
Cake
We’re both cheese lovers, therefore decided on a cheese wedding cake @nlandcheese www.northumberlandcheese.co.uk
First Dance
‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ by Starship: we were born in the 80s and are big fans 80s music. We love the film ‘Mannequin’ which features this song. We had an exellent 80’s band, ‘Pop Gun’.
Special Touches
We made Lego figurines as favours which went down well! We also included a Cinema Room showing photos of friends and family.
Favourite Moments
There were so many but our absolute highlight had to be having all of our family and friends together in one place, enjoying our special day, especially after the difficult year we’d all had. The pandemic put a lot of things on hold, including the wedding, but it was great that restrictions were lifted so that we could catch up with the ones we love.
The most talked about points by our guests were firstly our lovely photographer, Marco, secondly the food, which was outstanding, and thirdly the awesome live band, smashing out some classic 80s tunes!
Paul says his favourite moment was when he saw me for the first time. Marco, our photographer, told him to look round when I entered the room…Paul is so pleased he did!
Although we had known each other for over 21 years before marrying, the wider families, particularly the children, only met each other for the first time on the day. It was lovely seeing them all get to know each other and play together.
Top Tip
Remember to grab some time together during the day, so you can soak it all in, because the day will fly by.
Those who helped
Photographer | Marco Damian Photography @marcodamianphotography
Wedding Dress | A Morilee gown from Brides Dream
Wedding Dress Alterations | Kaylean Dodds
Suits | Marks and Spencers
Venue | The Baltic
Wedding Breakfast and Evening Food | Six Restaurant at the Baltic
Flowers and Styling of Venue | C & C Floral Design
Cake | Northumberland Cheese Company
Make Up Artist |Claire Barron
Hair | Niki Jupp
Music/Band | Pop Gun
Engagement and Wedding Rings | Ros Millar and Kasun Ekanayake @kasandroslondon www.kasandros.london
Car hire | James Cars
Accommodation | Vermont Hotel
By North East Wedding Photographer Marco Damian
Available for weddings throughout Newcastle, the North East and across the UK. Photographing weddings with passion and verve for people in love. please get in touch If you would like me as your creative companion for your special day.
