Ria and Simon

Ria and Simon chose an elegant setting for their Newcastle wedding day. Two children and many challenges led the couple to a very emotional and heart filled wedding day. Historic Longworth House hosted both the ceremony and reception, providing a chic and beautiful backdrop for their day as captured by Nicholas Joel Pitt.

Ria tells their story. “Simon and I met in a club (very unromantic story) eight years ago. I drew his attention by my crazy fashion sense, as that evening was cold and I had decided to wear socks with my high heels. Since then we have been inseparable. We share our lives with our two beautiful children, our son Knox (3 years old) and daughter Ivy (2 years old). But like most people we have seen troubled times and about a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. Being quite young myself and with two young children this turned our world up side down. Our wedding was postponed while I underwent treatment. However I am now in remission and think everyday is a blessing. Our wedding was truly a celebration of life!”

Ria wore a strapless ballgown and carried a bouquet by Lavish Flowers adorned with something extra special, she explains. “My something borrowed, new, old and blue were 4 rings which I tied to my flower bouquet. Borrowed can from my mother in law, old was my mother’s mum’s ring, new was my engagement ring and blue was a gift from Simon after the birth of our first child.”

On choosing Longworth House for their wedding, Ria remarks, “Myself being born and bred in Newcastle and Simon spending most of his life here, we decided we wanted to be married in Newcastle. With a few important attributes in mind we begun searching the internet for an appropriate ceremony location and reception venue. After visiting a handful of possible venues we felt nothing stood out and were almost ready to settle on one. Until we stumbled upon Longworth House on Scott Street, Newcastle. The minute we walked into the establishment we were both in awe.

Simon and I have always loved old buildings, they have so much elegance and character, and Longworth House has just that. This historic building with its high ceilings and antique furniture is full of charm and grace, and was the perfect location for our vintage style wedding. Although I always dreamt of a garden ceremony, we were limited for choice in Newcastle (and I was concerned about mother nature) so we decided to also hold the ceremony at Longworth. This was convenience for the guests and made the entire wedding flow perfectly.”

There were two very special people that headed down the aisle first, Ria explains. “Our son, Knox and daughter Ivy, were our page boy and flower girl. We were so delighted we got to share this day with them. Simon will never forget witnessing them walk down the aisle together hand-in-hand.”

Ria walked down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Ria remarks, “Our ceremony was emotionally intense for not only Simon and I but for our guests as well. I loved walking in and seeing Simon’s face smiling back at me as I walked towards him.”

Of their photographer, Ria remarks, “Firstly I would like to say Nick is wonderful! We first met him when I was pregnant with our second child Ivy when we employed his services for a maternity shoot. Following this he has also shot newborn photos, an engagement shoot and now our wedding. And I can safely say this wont be the last time we stand in front of the camera for him.

We have definitely developed a friendship with Nick which was an easy thing to do considering his laid back attitude and warm demeanor. I think it is vital to find a photographer who is compatible with your individual style and personality, and Nick ticked all our boxes. He captured all the important aspects of our wedding but with his own artistic spin on it. He really added to our special day and I’m so pleased we have these images to look back on for years to come.”

Reception celebrations continued back at Longworth House, Ria remarks, “There is one particular vendor I can’t thank enough. Emma and Jess from The Wedding Designers. These gorgeous girls went above and beyond any expectations. They made me feel like my best friends were designing our wedding. They were completely in-tune with the theme I wanted to capture.” Chandeliers, crystals and embroidery hoops hung from the ceiling.

Ria and Simon chose to have a table just for two at the reception and dined with each other.

“My Sister, with the help of the girls from The Wedding Designer, carefully planned, designed and constructed our Candy bar, which was a definite highlight of the reception.”

Ria remarks, “I think any wedding is an emotional time, but because of the hard times we’ve endured our day was especially touching. It was a journey of tears, laughs, tears, love and more tears (both of joy and sorrow). One very memorable moment was when our 3 year old son took to the dance floor with a lolly pop as a microphone and ‘rocked out’ to the sounds of the Wiggles.”

Of their first dance, Ria remembers, “Simon and I hadn’t really practiced our first dance… and Simon isn’t much of a dancer. So it wasn’t anything spectacular but it still was very emotional.”

Thank you for sharing your day with us Ria and Simon! Congratulations on your journey together! Thank you to Nicholas Joel Pitt for sharing today’s photographs with us.