lauren and matty luxury wedding - the croft hotel, darlington.

This wedding was all about fun and having a laugh! Let’s face it, weddings are very much like big parties these days, apart from the actual ceremony bit! This wedding went one step further. It was all about the fun, drinking and dancing. Needless to say, I also had a lot of fun at this wedding and when you are surrounded by party people, you can’t help but smile and join in. The whole wedding took place at the beautiful Croft Hotel in Darlington. This place may look like a pretty ordinary country hotel from the outside, but on the inside, the work that has been done is simply mind blowing!

I arrived and went straight to the Garden Suite where Lauren and her bridesmaids were getting ready. As soon as I stepped in, music was blaring and drinks were flowing! It wasn’t even 9am yet! I am not one to judge though, especially on your wedding day. You live that day exactly as how you want to live it, and Lauren and her girls were certainly doing that! Lauren was so kind as to provide me with a little welcome gift, which is very rare! In it was a couple of chocolate bars and a red bull to keep me going, and a lovely thank you card. It was such a nice touch and it is so lovely to be welcomed in such a way. The Garden Suite is immaculate and a perfect room for the bridal party to get ready in. Matty was getting ready in the same venue, but upstairs, so I made my way up there just as he was applying the finishing touches to his suit. Again, when I arrived in their room, the drinks were full flowing!

The ceremony takes place in the Secret Garden Chapel, which again, is stunning (check out the photos below) and the reception took place in the room next door, the Garden Suite.

As I said, this wedding was a party wedding, and it was as the sun started going down when it really got going. Lauren brought out a shot trolley and casually handed out jager bombs and various other shots that I did not want to go near! There were pink cowboy/girl hats handed out, and then a 360 degree video stand. Like I said, this wedding was all about fun. As the hours passed and more drinks were consumed, the dance floor started to fill, which was a lot of fun.

What was my favourite moment of the day?

I am a massive fan of the band The Killers, so when Mr. Brightside came on, I was happy to see and photograph everyone who was loving it and singing their heart out to it.

When did it get a bit emotional?

Like most weddings, the speeches are what get emotional, and it was the same at this one (see photos below).

What did I like about the venue?

The Croft Hotel was a dream to photograph. Set in the charming, historic village of Croft-on-Tees and named after the loveable village itself, local luxury The Croft boasts both affordable glamour and all the comforts of home. From the team that brought you Newton Hall, Le Petit Chateau and Runa Farm, your wedding will be in the safest of hands.

Hidden within this historic Grade-II listed building is an enchanting Garden Chapel like no other. With huge antique doors, floor to ceiling mirrors, and ancient cascading willow trees deliver a truly magical and fairy-tale experience. A wow-worth beautiful stone aisle lined with oodles of luscious romantic florals is the path you’ll take to the raised altar where you can finally declare: “I DO”.

The choice is yours when it comes to set-up, choose tastefully traditional or go daringly different with our runway aisle set-up where your nearest and dearest will all have front row seats to the ‘wedding of the year’.

From banqueting to a good old knees up, cake-cutting and bouquet throwing to magical mist dancing and cocktail shaking; the Garden Suite at The Croft is where it all happens.

This unique designed botanical hideaway ensures for the ultimate indoor/outdoor feel with a wall of sliding glass opening out onto our secret garden terrace. Here you’ll find a cosy yet lovable, hidden wonderland complete with fire pits, a wow water feature and a fully retractable roof so this space can be enjoyed all year-round.

Sophisticated garden chairs and round rustic tables sat proudly under a luscious canopy of hanging wisteria, are at the heart of this botanic oasis allowing you to sit back and relax knowing you can celebrate in style.