Photographer: SoPhotogenic Photography
Lily and Sam joyfully celebrated their marriage with a bespoke ceremony last year, following their legal 'I dos' in 2023.
In May, thirty of their closest friends and family, including their three sons, came together at the breathtaking Blackwell Grange Hotel, a 17th-century mansion nestled in the picturesque Durham countryside.
Their ceremony was set in the classic George Allan Suite, with stunning views of the grounds. With love in the air, guests sipped on drinks while children played lawn games, creating a wholesome atmosphere for their family-orientated moment.
As their guests took their seats, Lily and Sam shared a romantic, intimate moment with a 'first touch' just before Lily made her entrance with her bridesmaids and father.
It was nearly time for the big moment we were all waiting for but before Lily could make her grand entrance, we reminded their guests that even though they met online, they did not wish for phones to be present in this part of their story - so requested for all technology to be put away.
As Lily walked down the aisle, smiles immediately lit up the room and created an atmosphere of both joy and warmth - a feeling which stayed throughout the whole ceremony.
We welcomed everyone to celebrate their special day. As Lily and Sam held their two youngest sons, we shared their thoughts on marriage, connecting these back to key memories in their story. We laughed and hinted to their first memories as a couple - speaking about why our love grows from first meeting to eventually making a commitment to marry.
Now was the prefect time for a reading about love, given by Lily's step-mum.
'Love is temporary madness' (excerpt from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernières)
The reading spoke of two lives becoming one and with that, it was time to reminisce about how their journey started, which lead to this gorgeous day.
From the moment they started talking online to their intimate proposal at home and all the amazing memories in between, we reminded everyone about their heartwarming family story - causing laughter and all the emotions!
To symbolise their two lives being joined together by the commitment they are making, the couple chose to include a unity candle ceremony.
The candles were beautifully decorated by DIY bride, Lily, with a lovely floral design to match their wedding theme.
To make the moment even more personal, we invited Sam's sister, who was also their maid of honour, to the front to light the two taper candles.
We told their guests how these two individual candles represent Sam and Lily's separate paths in life.
They were then invited to light the larger, pillar candle as a metaphor for their lives coming together. As they did we spoke about the flame and what it represents, how to keep the spark alive and wishes for their future.
As the candle burned, the couple read their lovely, handwritten vows to each other which were printed on card with a Willow, family tree design. With rhyming words and references to favourite songs, it was a fantastic moment, with all of the intimate feelings.
To further demonstrate their commitment, it was time to exchange rings. However, the rings were not with the best man. Prior to the ceremony, we had sneakily attached them to a random chair, setting up a surprise ring bearer, who turned out to be a school friend of the bride!
Once all was revealed, Sam and Lily placed the rings on each others fingers and held hands as a poem was read for them to finish with 'I do' in unison. A completely unique way to exchange rings which kept their family engaged and making the moment even more personal!
Their bespoke ceremony concluded with a joyful reintroduction as Mr and Mrs Glennon, sparking a round of applause before they walked back down the aisle, surrounded by their favourite people.
Congratulations again, Sam and Lily!
Wishing your family all the happiness - you'll always find home with each other!
Photographer: SoPhotogenic Photography
Venue: Blackwell Grange, Darlington
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