Helen & Andy Wraith – Summer lovin’

September 19, 2023

After being set up by their best friends, their journey through life together could only be amazing. Who knows what you’re looking for better than your best friend?!

On 1st December 2021 the question was popped on the rooftop of Durham Cathedral. How spectacular!

When the stars align

For Helen and Andy the decision to get married at The Willows was an easy one. The gorgeous venue, exceptional food and the wedding team all seemed just right for what these weds-to-be were looking for.

On their wedding day, our happy couple were so pleased with their decision to get married at The Willows at The Woodmans. From their arrival, they knew everything was in safe hands as preparations were already well underway with the wedding team clearly keeping calm and being very organised. The many meetings held prior had ensured that our bride and groom could feel at ease on their special day and be in the moment. Our groom felt so comfortable he took his groomsmen to enjoy a hearty meal at The Woodmans Arms to settle any nerves he did have!

Love is all around

Making full use of all that The Willows has to offer, the bride and groom had booked to spend their wedding night in one of the fabulous suites in The Nest ensuring that Andy felt more than comfortable whilst getting suited and booted with his best men!

With a welcome drink in hand, guests made their way to the stunning ceremony room, flooded with sunlight and surrounded by gorgeous, panoramic views of blue skies, fields and cityscape. A local guitarist, Jack Brown, played lovely ambient music for everyone to enjoy whilst they waited for the ceremony to begin. The following half-hour flowed seamlessly as vows were made and their union was celebrated. Although a wedding day is all about love, spending time with your guests always helps to make it feel extra special. They’re all there for you! Andy and Helen mingled during the drinks reception, catching up with their nearest and dearest before they all took their seats for the wedding breakfast, speeches and toasts.

Photos: Joss Denham

“After some ribbing from my best men, I was ready for the evening’s entertainment.”

The newlyweds escaped to make the most of all of the photo opportunities in and around The Willows, allowing the band to get the room warmed up for the night of dancing that lay ahead.

Photos: Joss Denham

“What followed was around 3 hours of pure joy while we all danced and sang until it was time to call last orders.”

“Aside from the obvious satisfaction of seeing happiness on each other’s faces, the biggest gift of the day was celebrating it so comfortably with all our loved ones.”

Photos: Joss Denham

Gorgeous glamour

Helen looked incredible in a high-neck fishtail dress from The Wedding Room with glamorous beading on the shoulders down to the waistline. Allowing the beading work to show all of its beauty, she wore her hair in an updo with delicate face-framing pieces.

Andy modelled a light two-piece suit from Reiss with an eye-catching, patterned bow tie and pocket square that tied into the colour pallet of the flowers.

Their flowers were a lovely assortment of bright, pink-toned, summer colours with delicate foliage.

Photos: Joss Denham

A word from the groom

“Every guest commented on the standard of the venue, the food and drinks we were served and the atmosphere created by the Willows team, who went above and beyond our expectations. It’s hard to imagine that it could have gone any better, but the overall experience was simply amazing. We can’t recommend the venue and staff highly enough. Fiona and the team understood our needs and surpassed our expectations at every opportunity. We can’t express our thanks enough and will always cherish the memories they gave us on our perfect day.”

Photos: Joss Denham

Supplier Spotlight

Jones and Jones were a supplier that really stood out to Helen and Andy as they felt they were the perfect choice in a florist. Presenting flowers and foliage that complimented the colour palette of the dresses and other accent decor pieces, the newly-weds couldn’t have been happier.