Bethica & Simon’s Beautiful, Bubbly and Slightly Chaotic Wedding Day

From a morning of makeup and mishaps to a magical ceremony and full-throttle reception at the races.

Some wedding days start quietly. Gently. Peacefully.
This wasn’t one of them.

From the moment I walked into Bethica’s home on the morning of the wedding, I knew we were in for something special. And by special, I mean a whirlwind of 8 bridesmaids, 1 daughter, several bottles of prosecco, a close shave involving a hairdryer, and a whole lot of love.

Bridal Prep: Calm, Chaos, and All the Bubbles

The atmosphere at Bethica’s house was buzzing. A kind of joyful, organised chaos. The type where someone’s always holding a makeup brush, someone else is holding a prosecco, and someone’s trying to work out where they last saw their shoes.

And right in the middle of it all was Bethica, calm as anything — sipping prosecco with her bridal party like it was just a regular Saturday morning. I was immediately welcomed into the fold with warm smiles.

Makeup was happening in stages. Prosecco was too. The soundtrack of the morning was a medley of hairspray, laughter, and gasps of “Where’s the eyelash glue?!” Classic prep room magic.

Bethica’s eight bridesmaids — a mix of lifelong friends  and daughter Mya — fluttered around her, offering support, mascara, and occasionally asking, “Are we on time?” (We weren’t. But that’s tradition, right?)

A Visit From Mum & Dad (and the Dress Moment That Stopped Time)

By midday, Bethica’s parents arrived, bringing with them a wave of emotion and enough tissues to see us through to the evening. There’s always something heart-stopping about seeing a parent take in their child on their wedding day, and today was no exception.

But before that emotional moment came… the dress.

Oh, the dress.

A stunning creation of lace, elegance, and a dramatic long train that deserved its own postcode. Add in a delicate veil and you had the perfect bridal vision. And when the bridesmaids saw her for the first time? Tears. Hugs. Gasps. The works. Mya held her mum’s hand like she was holding royalty, and honestly, it felt like she was.

Then came the moment for mum and dad to see her. I could barely focus through the viewfinder — there were that many tears flying about. Proud doesn’t even come close.

Wedding Dress Drama – The Hairdryer Incident

Just as we were basking in the glow of all the emotions… disaster struck.

Cue: bridesmaid dress versus hairdryer.

Yes, in a moment of multitasking madness, one bridesmaid had tried to dry her dress with a hairdryer after a prosecco spill — and let’s just say the dress did not win.

Sudden panic. Sharp intakes of breath. Someone may have whispered “Oh no, we’re doomed.”

But in true wedding day miracle style, a quick-thinking bridesmaid rang the dress supplier, explained the situation in rapid-fire speech, and like something out of a romcom, a replacement dress was delivered in time.
Tragedy well and truly averted.

Let this be a lesson to us all: hairdryers and chiffon don’t mix.

The Ceremony at St Andrew’s Church, Spennymoor

If you’ve never been to St Andrew’s Church in Spennymoor, let me paint the picture. Nestled in the heart of the town, this church is an architectural beauty — a traditional stone building with timeless charm, high arched ceilings, and stained glass that casts a soft kaleidoscope of colour across the pews when the sunlight filters in. It's grand, yes, but not imposing. There’s a peacefulness about it, a sense that stories have been told here for generations — and on this day, it would tell one more.

Inside, the church was already beginning to fill with the gentle buzz of anticipation. Friends and family filed in, dressed to the nines, chatting in hushed tones, clutching orders of service, and craning their necks for a first glimpse of the groom.

Simon arrived with his groomsmen and son Cohen looking sharp and confident — but I’ve done enough weddings to spot that slightly-too-frequent cufflink adjustment and the occasional deep breath. He wore the look of a man who’s waited for this day for a long time, and now that it was here, it was a bit surreal. Surrounded by his closest mates, he took time to greet guests personally, his smile warm but betraying just the tiniest flicker of nerves. The kind that say, “Is this real? Is today really our wedding day?”

Then the atmosphere changed.

The music began. That soft, stirring swell that signals the start of something unforgettable.

One by one, the bridesmaids made their entrance, each of them beaming, their dresses flowing as they walked gracefully down the aisle. There was a quiet reverence, a rising sense of emotion. Then came Mya, Bethica and Simon’s daughter, walking ahead of her mum like the little star she is — proud, poised, and full of meaning.

And then… silence.

Heads turned. The music paused.

Bethica appeared at the entrance of the church, framed by the ancient stone archway, a vision in lace and grace. Her long train shimmered behind her, the delicate veil floating softly around her shoulders. For a moment, it felt like time stopped. You could hear the collective gasp from the congregation. Her mum and dad flanked her proudly, and the emotion in their faces was mirrored in every pair of eyes watching.

Simon turned.

His reaction said everything. His eyes welled up instantly, his hand instinctively covered his mouth as he tried to steady himself. This wasn’t just a beautiful moment — it was the culmination of a love story written over years. And it hit him all at once.

The walk down the aisle was slow and filled with emotion — the kind of walk where every step holds a memory, a promise, a future.

The ceremony itself was deeply personal and moving. The vicar led it with warmth and a light touch, perfectly balancing formality with feeling. There were heartfelt readings that drew tears and smiles alike, nods to family and friends, and glances between the couple that said more than words ever could.

When the time came for the exchange of rings, the air shifted. The whole church seemed to hold its breath. Rings were placed on trembling fingers, vows were spoken with conviction and tenderness, and the moment they were pronounced husband and wife, the entire congregation erupted into applause. Smiles lit up the room. A few guests cried openly. A few cried quietly. And Simon and Bethica? They just beamed at each other, holding hands like they never wanted to let go.

It was one of those ceremonies that felt sacred — not just because it took place in a church, but because of the realness of the emotion. This wasn’t just a ritual. It was a milestone. A celebration. A promise sealed in front of the people they love most.

And just like that, the next chapter began.

Reception at Sedgefield Racecourse – Let the Celebrations Begin (and the Drinks Keep Flowing!)

After I’d bagged some must-have shots outside St Andrew’s, it was time to head over to Sedgefield Racecourse — a venue that truly brings something different to the table. Where else can you celebrate tying the knot surrounded by panoramic views of the track, wide-open skies, and a vibe that says "Let’s have a proper party"?

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Guests were greeted with fizz and smiles — and that fizz just kept on flowing. I’m not saying people were thirsty, but let’s just say the bar staff were earning their keep from the word go.

Inside, the room had been transformed into something beautiful. Think crisp white linen, lush florals, subtle lighting, and a backdrop that said, “This is a big day.” But while it looked elegant, the real theme of the evening was unapologetic celebration. Glasses were raised. Then refilled. Then raised again. There was wine with dinner, gin with speeches, and shots with toasts. If there was a drinking game secretly happening, everyone was winning.

And then came the speeches.

What a line-up. Funny, emotional, occasionally embarrassing (as all the best ones are), and filled with heartfelt thanks. The kind of speeches that make you laugh through your tears and top up your drink before the next one starts. It was clear how much love was in the room — not just between Bethica and Simon, but among everyone there. Old friends reunited, new friendships forged, and drinks shared like currency.

When the lights dimmed and the DJ took over, the energy shifted again. Time for the first dance, and wow — Bethica and Simon did not disappoint. A romantic sway that melted into a real moment of togetherness, just the two of them, lost in the music and the madness of the day. You could feel the emotion in the room.

And then…

Boom. The dancefloor exploded.

Whatever was in those drinks kicked in (likely everything), and suddenly we had the full Strictly line-up, with moves being pulled out that probably haven’t been seen since someone’s last holiday in Benidorm. Aunties, uncles, mates, cousins — everyone was up. Heels were kicked off. Shirts came untucked. Ties became headbands.

The drinks didn’t stop. There were pints, Prosecco, Pornstar Martinis, mystery shots ordered by enthusiastic groomsmen — the lot, and before long the place was buzzing, boozy, and beautifully unfiltered.

All the while, although just a very young child, Cohen seemed to be having the most fun. A whirlwind of excitement and laughter.

This was more than a reception — this was a full-blown party, the kind you remember forever (even if a few of the guests might need a little help piecing it together the next morning).

When I finally packed up my gear, the dancefloor was still going strong, the bar was still busy, and the laughter was louder than ever. People were hugging, singing, spilling drinks, and spilling their hearts. It was chaos. It was joy. It was the best kind of messy.

I left Bethica and Simon surrounded by the people who love them most — glasses in hand, music pumping, and no intention of slowing down any time soon.

Final Thoughts

Bethica and Simon’s wedding was the perfect storm of love, chaos, beauty, and boldness. It had all the ingredients of a truly unforgettable day: family, friendship, a burnt dress, buckets of prosecco, and two people madly in love saying “I do” surrounded by the people who matter most.

And that’s why I do what I do.

Here’s to Bethica and Simon — may your days be full of laughter, your home full of love, and may your hairdryers never again come near a bridesmaid dress.