Vicki + Simon at Shortflatt Tower | September 2025
“Sarah was an amazing celebrant and we got so many compliments about our wedding ceremony! It was so personalised and relaxed, which suited us so well.”
I love Northumberland wedding venue Shortflatt Tower for the mix of old and new, light and dark, stone and glass. The main tower, originally built in the 13th century, sits proudly in the lawns, but tucked in a corner of the gardens is a stylish modern ceremony and dining space with floor-to-ceiling glass. The Woodland Suite. I’ve done five weddings at the venue now - ranging through all the seasons - and whatever the time of year, it feels so deliciously cosy to marry a couple against the backdrop of woodland through the glass. Whether it’s budded with spring or barren with winter it’s like the perfect green screen, but it’s REAL, baby.
Vicki and Simon’s autumnal wedding was a celebration with family and friends right at the centre, and where talents were used in the loveliest way.
Simon’s brilliant sister Niamh was on piano, playing an instrumental version of You Set My World On Fire by Loving Caliber while Vicki walked down the aisle. Usually at least a decade younger than me, I like hearing the songs my couples pick for their ceremonies. Often it’s the classics, but just as often it seems to be bands I’ve never heard of, and I get to claim new favourites.
I lose my breath whenever I see you
You stole my heart, what is it that you do?
My life was grey, 'til you added colours
Like the moon needs the sun, we don't care 'bout the others
Simon’s own fantastic illustrations of their pets (Maui the tortoise and Clio the dog) were on the signage and stationery around the venue. I think that’s a first for me: seeing wedding artwork that’s been done by the groom. It was such a fun, personal touch.
Photography by Rose Turner Photos
During the ceremony both the mother of the bride and mother of the groom came to the front to share a reading of their choice; a beautiful symmetry to have both mums. Simon’s mum read from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin about love as “a temporary madness”, and Vicky’s mum read a wedding poem called If You Can Love Each Other (author unknown) with advice for the newlyweds.
If you can love each other
Through the sunshine and the storm,
And keep the flame of true devotion
Glowing bright and warm;
If you can give each other room
To grow and change and learn,
Yet still hold one another close
In mutual concern;
If you can be both lovers
And the very best of friends,
And face together, hand in hand,
The challenges life sends...
If you can offer patience, comfort,
and real understanding,
Encourage one another’s efforts,
Yet be undemanding;
If you can show true love and faith
In everything you do,
Then married life will surely hold
Much joy for both of you.
As well as a gang of friends who clearly adore this couple, there were some extra special (extra small) VIPs. And no it wasn’t the tortoise. Niblings Lily, Tilly and George not only had the excitement of being the flower girls and page boy for the day, but were in England for the first time ever, over from Australia for the wedding. And they were adorable in their matching autumnal knits.
I’m partial to a big, bridal bow
And want to know about Vicki’s beautiful bow? It was made with the off-cut material from her dress. Her wedding make up was by Dani MUA, hair by Cheryl at Bridal Hair North East, and that dress? That sweet, spotted, backless, gorgeous dress? A Shikoba Bride design from Rare Bridal Studio.
It was such a pleasure to get to know Simon and Vicki…and Maui and Clio. I visited their local for a drink when we first met, and then their house for a cup of tea and catch up before the wedding. And let me tell you, I love when I get the chance to do that. To be able to visualise a couple’s home life? Their thriving house plants? Their pets? The art that graces the walls? Their favourite mugs? Delightful!
Maui crawled across the table that evening as we chatted about funny stories we might include in the wedding…like the time they let themselves into a stranger’s house and started cooking, thinking it was their airbnb!! Regaling their friends and family with that story was one of my highlights of the whole ceremony.
This was a wedding bursting with good-natured laughter against the backdrop of great nature, as we all enjoyed autumn in Northumberland. And it was the joining in marriage of two kind people, who are the kind of people I have a lot of time for.
“We would definitely recommend Sarah to anyone ✨️”