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Didsbury House Hotel Wedding Photographer

Katie and Gordon’s Wedding was very special for a lot of reasons. Katie is one of my old friends from my Charity fundraising days, it’s always an honour to journey through my couples wedding day with them, but when it is already someone you know and have love for it makes it extra special.

Katie and Gordon had also been through a lot to get to this day. Their original wedding date was the weekend just after the Covid restrictions came in, meaning that they had to cancel their wedding and deal with the scary reality of a global pandemic all at the same time. After rescheduling their date the venue that they had booked went out of business, then there was more new waves and restrictions… I think we maybe had 3 dates in the diary before getting to Katie and Gordons actual real-life wedding day. In that time some wonderful things happened. Nora their beautiful baby girl had entered the world and they had found the perfect wedding venue close to Katie’s Family home in Didsbury.

It wasn’t all plain sailing, just a few days before the wedding Queen Elizabeth II died, the country was in mourning and I was scared for a moment that this would mean another postponement. Luckily such traditions like cancelling everything for 2 weeks when the head of the monarchy dies are no longer in place in the UK, so Katie and Gordon could finally have the wedding they had been waiting for.

Getting Ready

Katie got ready at her family home in Didsbury. I love it when my couples choose to use their family homes to get ready, it adds an extra layer to the story. I was able to photograph Nora’s beautiful little daisy dress hanging in the window of Katie’s old childhood bedroom, maybe Katie had daydreamed about what her future children would be like looking out of that very window. Katie also got into her wedding dress in her old bedroom, with her best friends surrounding her, old books, CD’s even an old childhood teddy watching on from the surrounding shelves. The life lived in this room, the songs listened to, books read, homework done and tears shed all leading up to this moment…

Brides wedding dress hanging up in brides family home in Didsbury.

Brides daughters tiny white floral dress haging up in the brides childhood bedroom window.

News on the Queens death in The Guardian Newspaper

Bridesmaids chatting in the hallway of the brides Didsbury family home.

Brides daughter looks at the camera suspiciously.

Bridesmaids and brides mother having a drink and chat on the teal sofa.

Bridesmaid helping to feed Brides young daughter.

Bride is filmed by a family friend while having her make up done by Rebecca Anderton.

Brides laugh as they pour glasses of Champange for the bridal party

Bridesmaids claps as her friend poses with wet hair in doorway.

Bridesmaids and Brides mother playing with the brides daughter

Brides daughter watching her mother get ready

Bride playing with her daughter on the morning of her wedding day.

Bride has a glass of Champagne with her bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids look at brides daughter cute tiny dress

Bridesmaid holds up brides wedding dress

Bride standing in her wedding dress in her childhood bedroom smiling.

Bridesmaid helping bride with her dress.

Bride checking herself out in the mirror.

Brides mother pops her head in the door to see her daughter wearing her wedding dress.

Bride looking at her hair in the mirror as her bridesmaid fastens her dress.

Bride looks at her full length reflection in the mirror.

Didsbury House Hotel

Didsbury House Hotel is a beautiful Victorian Town House, with elegant arching Victorian door ways and huge windows to let all of that beautiful daylight in whatever the weather. Didsbury House comes fully equipped with it’s own bar and heated and sheltered outdoor space so that your guests will be properly looked after, but it does have a nice house party feeling to the place for those that are looking for a wedding venue with a more relaxed and informal vibe .

Groom and his groomsmen standing in bar at Didsbury Hotel.

Groom puts button hole flower on his Father's suit.

Grooms Father puts button hole on on groom on his wedding day.

Groomsmen help one and other with cufflinks

Father of the bride has help with his button hole.

Groomsmen laughing at something on iPhone.

Grooms mother wearing amazing colourful dress and head dress gives her son a meaningful look.

Man wearing keffiyeh holds smiling baby.

Bride walked down the aisle by her father at Didsbury House Hotel

Bride and Groom stand together holding hands at Didsbury House Hotel.

Brides family watch the ceremony from the front row at Didsbury House Hotel.

Groom gives a confused look as Bride looks back at the guests and laugh.

Bride and Groom laugh together holding hands during their wedding ceremony at Didsbury House.

Bride and Grooms daughter watching her parents getting married.

Bride laughing and holding her wedding ring.

Bride and Groom laughing as they leave the wedding ceremony.

The Ceremony

One of my favourite photos of the day is Katie and Gordon leaving the ceremony, the joy and happiness on both of their faces, everything it took to get here, getting through Covid, numerous cancellations, wedding venues going bust, all of that excitement, disappointment, stress, planning and in that tempestuous journey to this moment they morphed from a unit of two into a family of three and brought their beautiful daughter Nora into the world and now finally, FINALLY they are husband wife. I feel this last photo so much. “We made it!”

Black and white photo of Bride and Groom sitting on the sofa together at Didsbury House.

Bride and Groom having a glass of Champagne after the ceremony.

Bride standing in door way waiting for groom at Didsbury House. Photo in black at white.

Bride and Groom stand in doorway together at Didsbury House Hotel.

Wife fixes her husbandss button hole on their wedding day.

Bride and groom have a cuddle in the doorway at Didsbury House Hotel.

Bride and Groom stand together in front of Didsbury House Hotel.

Bride and Groom walking in front of Didsbury House Hotel.

Groom kisses bride on the head in front of Didsbury House Hotel.

Bride and Groom, Hello magazine portrait.

11 Didsbury House

After the Wedding Katie and Gordon had a bit of time to chill out and have some nice informal portraits done while the wedding guests made their way to Didsbury House’s Sister Venue; 11 Didsbury House, the venue is just a short walk away and has a beautiful terrace and walled garden with borders bursting with seasonal flowers. 11 Didsbury House also has a large getting-ready space for the bridal party in the morning if you need it. While we made our way to the reception venue the guests organised themselves to ambush Katie and George with confetti on arrival and a great ambush it was!

Bride and groom approach the confetti ambush that awaits them at 11 Didsbury Park.

Wedding guests laughing holding confetti.

Bride and Groom are ambushed with confetti.

Bride and groom smiling together with confetti in the air around them.

Small child with blue glasses holding confetti.

Group Photos

After the confetti ambush Katie and Gordon’s guests enjoyed the garden, played games, had some drinks and canapes and we were able to grab some quick group photographs. Gordon’s best man had travelled to the wedding from down south and had been stuck in traffic during the ceremony so arrived later in the day. Gordon and his Groomsmen decided to mark his arrival by throwing confetti at him and luckily I was there to capture this fleeting moment.

Bridesmaids have photo together in front of greenhouse.

Bridesmaids laugh holding their flowers.

Bridesmaid playing with children on garden bench.

Sofreh

In honour of Katie’s Iranian heritage one of her aunts put together a beautiful Sofreh, which is a Persian tradition of a table put together for the couple with lots of symbolic elements to bring the couple good luck and fertility in their future lives together. The table was comprised of lots of beautiful herbs, sweets and, spices and looked and smelt wonderful. You can find a list of the components and their historical and cultural meaning below:

The Mirror (Ayneye-Bakht) is symbolic of purity, light and brightness. In a traditional Sofreh Aghd Ceremony the first thing the groom would see in the mirror is his new wife removing her veil, Katie and Gordon didn’t do this put they did have a photograph together reflected in the mirror instead.

Two Candelabras (Shamdan) are placed next to the mirror and symbolize clarity and energy in the couple’s life together.

Traditional Persian Embroidered Cloth (Termeh) Traditional Persian silk or embroidered cloth usually handed down from generation to generation as part of the Sofreh Aghd and symbolises family and traditions.

The Holy Book A symbol of God’s blessing for the couple.

Spice Tray (Sini-Ye Aatel-O-Baatel) A beautiful decorative tray of seven herbs and spices to guard the couple against the evil eye.

Decorated Persian Flatbread (Naan Sangak) is a decorative display of flatbreads and symbolises prosperity for the feast and the couple’s life together. It can be accompanied with feta cheese and fresh garden herbs.

Decorated Eggs, Almonds, Walnuts and Hazelnuts Symbolic of fruitfulness, fertility and abundance. It is the hope to have a marriage as strong as the nut shells.

Rock candy (Shakheh Nabat): Symbolizes a sweetened life for the newlyweds.

Honey (Asal): The honey represents sweetness in the couple’s life together.

Two Sugar Cones (Kalleh Ghand): This is to shower the couple with sugary sweetness for happiness for a good life together.

Wild Rue (Espand) is a herb burned as part of a ritual for purification. It is believed to keep away the evil eye and bring good health.

Sweets and Pastries (Shirini): This is to symbolise the sweetness of life.

Rose Water (Golaab): Rose water is part of the immense history and culture surrounding a traditional Persian wedding ceremony. With its distinct taste, fragrance and influence in Iran, Golaab is the perfect fragrance to accompany the Sofreh Aghd. It is symbolic of the love that flows between the couple.

Sugar Cloth (Tureh Ghand): A piece of material, made of silk or other fine fabric, to be held over the Couple’s heads throughout the ceremony by happily married female relatives and friends.

Sofreh table with Bride and Groom reflected in the mirror.

Bride and groom enter their wedding breakfast to a round of applause.

Brides and groom listening to the speeches.

Bridesmaids laughing and raising a glass during the speeches.

Speeches and Portraits

After the speeches Katie and Gordon braved the rain and headed out again for some portraits. I like to keep my portrait sessions short and snappy with 10-15 minutes after the ceremony and then the same again later in the day (if we have time) and you like it. The second portrait session can be loads of fun as you have eaten, drank and had a good time with all of your guests already and to be honest a lot of couples comment on how it’s nice to get a little break from the day. Katie and Gordon had a little mess about in the door way and then we retreated to the greenhouse for a few more photos before making our way back in and getting the party started!

Bride and groom have a photo in the doorway of Eleven Didsbury Park

Black and white photo on bride and groom in greenhouse.

Bride and groom laughing in green house.

Black and white photo of Bride and Groom laughing together in greenhouse.

Colourful photo of Bride and Groom in greenhouse full of plants.

Soft focus photo of Groom kissing his bride.

In focus photo of Groom kissing his Bride.

Dark photo of Bride and Groom kissing through greenhouse glass.

Bride and groom kissing in green house, focus on the rain.

Black and white photo of Bride holding her ear as if to listen to someone.

Wedding guests sitting at table laughing.

Wedding cake with plants dangling above it.

Bride and groom laughing during first dance, photo in black and white.

Bride smiling and dancing with her husband as guests take photos in the back ground.

Bride and Groom together in door way at Eleven Didsbury Park on their wedding night.

A Shout out for this Wedding’s Awesome Suppliers!

Florist: https://www.flowersbybethany.co.uk

Make-up artist: https://www.rebeccaanderton.co.uk

Dress: https://https://www.puurebride.co.uk .puurebride.co.uk

Ceremony Venue: https://www.didsburyhouse.co.uk/

Reception Venue: https://www.elevendidsburypark.co.uk/

Thornbridge Hall Wedding

Thornbridge Hall

Thornbridge Hall is a grade II listed stately home in the peak district, set in 100 acres of parkland and 14 acres of formal gardens even inch of the place is oozing with personality. Maybe even multiple personalities, the building has had many owners over the years all with different styles and tastes and this comes together in the most fantastic, spell bindingly way. The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Thornbridge Hall was just how many pairs of eyes there are looking at you for the faces calved into the wooden mantelpieces and fire places, to the garden statues whose eyes follow you around as you make your way around the extensive gardens. All of this character means your wedding guests will have plenty to look at and explore on your wedding day, it feels like being on a film set and the mix of styles makes it a fancinating place to wander around.

The Carraige House; a clock towered, glass walled dining hall even boasts a secret underground night club to spring on your guests later in the evening once the party has already been started, again making the experience of being in this venue an adventure in itself.

Thornbridge Hall is a family home and part of the gardens are open to the public, so it isn’t a venue that you can stay in overnight but if you are looking for something with the wow factor, breathtaking English countryside and a wedding venue that is as beautiful and weird as you are… This might just be the place.

Getting ready at Thorn bridge hall

I knew I loved this venue as soon as I saw the suite Ruth was getting ready in, not only is The India Suite huge giving you and your bridal party loads of room to get ready in but the light coming through the huge leaded glass windows was beautiful and it made for an epic start to the day. Having a nice big room to get ready in can really help take the stress out of the morning, with everyone having enough space to relax, take time out and get ready it can really start one of the most important days of your life off with the right tone, plus with loads of space and light you can get some lovely photos of that morning too.

While the Bridal Party had an epic Bridal suite to get ready in, George’s Lads pad downstairs did take the biscuit with a pool table and private bar, the groom and groomsmen had plenty to keep them busy and calm their nerves in the morning. I always think sometimes if the men don’t have much to do in the morning it can let the nerves set in. George and his groomsmen spent the morning greeting wedding guests, playing pool, having a few beers while planning their hilarious and heartfelt speeches. Two perfect wedding mornings running along side one and other.

Thornbridge Hall a wedding venue in Derbyshire

Statue of a bearded man in Thornbridge Hall Formal Gardens

Archway leading onto the back garden of Thornbridge Hall, autumnal trees in the distance.

Two female wedding guests dressed in fancy winter coats chat outside the wedding venue.

Wedding guests arrive on foot back lit by the winter sun.

Wedding guest arrive by taxi wearing a navy blue dress.

The groom laughs as he greets wedding guests outside Thornbridge Hall.

Groomsmen enjoy some beers in the pool room.

A face of an eerie painting reflecting in the bathroom window.

Groomsmen laugh together while writing their speeches.

Groomsmen enjoy the sunlight steaming through the windows while sipping on a beer.

The wedding dress hangs in the hallway of Thornbridge Hall in front of a colourful stained glass window.

Brides red shoes sit in front of a stained glass window.

Bride and her bridesmaids relaxing in The India Suite on the morning of her wedding at Thornbridge Hall.

Mother and sun take some time out together on the bed in The India Suite

The bride and her mother smile and look at a scrap book wedding gift the bride has received from her bridesmaids

Bridesmaid getting her make up done in The India Suite, Thornbridge Hall.

Bridesmaid tell the bride a story as she is having her hair done.

Mother gives her baby some treats at the foot of the bed as the bridesmaids get ready around her.

Bride has her hair done while bridesmaids get ready around her.

Reflection of bride getting her make up done in the mirror.

Mother and child look out of huge leaded window in The India Suit at Thornbridge Hall.

Mother of the Bride laughs while drying her hair.

Brides sits on the floor at a coffee table while writing her speech.

Mother of the bride puts on some earrings.

Bridesmaids partner arrives to pick up his son.

Mother of the Bride smiles as she looks in the mirror

Bridesmaids smile and look on as the Bride begins to get dressed.

Mother of the Bride kneeling on the floor smiling as she helps her daughter into her dress.

Bridesmaids huddle round to watch the instructions of how to fasten the dress on brides phone.

Bridesmaids react to bride wearing her dress!

Bride stands in the window light while putting on her earrings.

Bride stands in the window light and is reflected in the mirror.

The Ceremony

Ruth and Georges beautiful ceremony took place in The Great Hall of Thornbridge Hall, surrounded by stunning Autumnal flower arrangements by the very talented Swallows and Damsons (check them out for some seriously beautiful flowers!). The couples popularity really showed filling the ground floor with guests and then having the rest their friends and family watch the ceremony from balconies over The Great Hall. The ceremony was heartfelt and emotional, with tears and laughter throughout before the couple made their way out of The Great Hall to be met in the back garden by their wedding guests for one of the longest confetti walks I have seen in a while!

After the confetti had been thrown and everyone had had a good old mingle, we grabbed some nice relaxed group shots against the beautiful back drop of the autumnal Derbyshire hills before Ruth and George came for a wander with me through Thornbrigde Halls beautiful manicured gardens to get some lovely relaxed wedding portraits and give them a bit of time out to enjoy each others company of their wedding day.

If you are thinking of having your wedding at Thornbridge Hall there are plenty of different places to hold your ceremony; for couples that want to brave an outdoors ceremony and feel those wonderful Derbyshire manicured lawns underneath your feet as you say I do there is the South Lawn Temple and for smaller indoor ceremonies there is the Music Room or if you are having a bigger winter wedding like Ruth and George you can take advantage The Great Hall and your friends and family watch you for two levels.

wooden calved face in the fire place of The Great Hall

Autumnal flowers dressing the fire place of The Great Hall, Thornbridge Hall.

Guests huddle together to facetime a friend on an ipad.

Sister of the groom laughing while sitting on the front row.

Master of ceremonies greets the wedding guests.

Sister of the groom has tears in her eyes.

First two bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

Sister of the bride walks down the aisle alone.

Two final bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

The groom looks up at his bride making her way to him with tears in his eyes.

Bridesmaids and guests look up as the bride circles them from above

Bride is walked down the aisle by her mother.

The groom greets his bride with a kiss on the cheek.

The bride and groom stand together as they are addressed by the registrar.

Bride and Groom hold hands facing on and other and laughing during the ceremony.

Bride and groom look back at wedding guests as they stand.

Close up of Bride and Groom looking at their rings

Tearful from the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and other guests.

Groomsman holding wedding ring box with tearful eyes

Bride and Groom stand and look at one and other laughing as guests stand an applause.

Mother of the bride with tears in her eyes.

Bride and groom laugh while signing the register.

Bride and groom walk down the aisle together.

Wedding guests form confetti line through stone arched door with the rolling hills of Derbyshire behind them.

Bridesmaid holding her autumnal bouquet.

Grandmother of the Groom waits in the confetti line with her confetti.

Grooms family wear sunglasses and wait to throw confetti at the bride and groom.

Close up of the bridesmaids holding their autumnal flowers.

Bride and groom walk through the stone arched doorway in the garden at Thornbridge Hall

Groom holds his wife's hand up like a prize as he walks down the confetti line

Bride and groom laugh as guests throw confetti at them

Groom trips over and bride folds over laughing.

Bride and groom laughing while confetti is being thrown at them in Thornbridge Hall Gardens, Derbyshire

Groom wipes confetti from his face while Bride laughs.

Bride and groom look at each other laughing.

Groom looks at camera laughing as confetti is till being thrown at them.

Bride laughs as they get to the end of the confetti line.

Confetti gathered in the folds of the brides white dress.

Bride and Groom hug their guests in an outdoor receiving line.

Black and white photo of Bride and Groom receiving guests in the gardens of Thronbridge Hall.

Bride and groom photographed with all of their wedding guests behind them.

Bride and Groom with grooms family casually standing together.

Bride and Groom with brides family, standing together laughing.

Groom steals a kiss from his bride in the walled gardens at Thornbridge Hall.

Bride and Groom stand together laughing in the long grassed gardens at Thornbridge Hall.

Bride and Groom have a quiet moment together in the walled gardens of Thornbridge Hall, Derbyshire.

Tail of wedding dress amongst the autumn leaves.

Bride and groom sit on the walled gardens drinking champagne and laughing.

Bride and groom walk together in the walled gardens

Groom kisses bride in Thornbridge Hall Gardens with the rolling hills of Derbyshire behind them.

The Carriage House

Ruth and George held their wedding reception in The Carriage House an old stable building that has been beautifully renovated and given a glass ceiling and front. On their tables waiting for their guests they had some autumnal flower arrangements, hand calved wooden name places and homemade marmalade!

After the Speeches

After the speeches it was time to get the wedding cake cut and get the party started and Ruth and George didn’t waste any time before they got on the dance floor and started tearing it up.

Autumn leaves with Carriage House clock tower in tower in the back ground.

Carriage House at Thornbridge Hall, Derbyshire.

The cork board table plan with twinkly lights and chairs behind.

White table clothed chairs and tables with twinkly lights and autumnal flower arrangements.

Hand engraved grooms name on wooden disk.

White wedding cake, with heart icing and twinkley lights behind it.

Bride and Groom enter The Carriage House

Wedding guests stand and swirl napkins in the air on couples arrival.

Black and white photograph of wedding guest smiling.

Wedding guest laughing while listening to Mother of the brides speech.

Bride looking at mother while she makes her speech.

Grandmother of the groom look emotional during speeches.

Wedding guest filming speeches on her phone.

Mother of the bride expressively giving speech.

Head table cheers to the Mother of the Brides speech.

Bride smiling as Groom gives his speech.

Black and white photo of guests cuddling up to one and other as they listen to the speeches.

Wedding guest listens to speech on the edge of her seat!

Bride and Groom laugh together at Best Mans speech.

Female wedding guest having a good belly laugh.

Mother of the bride dances with bridesmaid.

Male wedding guest throwing some shapes on the dance floor.

Mother of the bride holds onto her hat while dancing.

Couple chasing each other across dance floor.

Wedding guests laughing and dancing at Thornbridge Hall.

Female wedding guests throw some shapes.

Child smiles while doing the limbo on dance floor.

Adult laughs as he does the dance floor limbo.

Groom whispers in Brides ear on the dance floor.

A Shout Out to Some Awesome Suppliers!

Flowers: Swallows and Damsons
Hair and make up: Jenn Edwards and co
Groom’s suit: Dooley and Rostron
Groomsmen suits: Slaters
Dress: Cheadle Bride
Bridesmaid dresses: Rewritten Bridesmaids
Venue: Thornbridge Hall

WHITE HART INN LYDGATE - A WINDSWEPT WINTER WEDDING

White Hart inn Lydgate

Amy and Ben chose the White Hart Inn in Lydgate after looking at loads of different venues including some as far a field as Vegas! They loved the White Hart Inn for it’s warm and friendly vibe, delicious award winning food, open fires and beautiful views making it the perfect location for their Winter Wedding.

Amy got ready at the one of the White Harts cottages just a short walk away from the venue and had a lovely busy morning, with her bridesmaids, parents and family members popping in and out to give their best wishes before Amy and left the cottage to brave storm Dennis and most importantly go and marry Ben!

Bride smiles as she gets her hair done at her winter wedding in Lydgate

Groomsman gets his red tie put on in bath room at White Hart Inn

Mother and Father of the bride get ready

Mother of the bride smiling as her dress is fixed for her.

Bride is surrounded by her friends wearing her wedding dress.

Bride is helped into her dress by bridesmaids

The Ceremony

Amy and Ben got married surrounded by their friends and family in the large ceremony room at the White Hart Inn with Storm Dennis howling outside the the large open fire roaring inside keeping Amy and Ben and all their wedding guests nice and toastie for the duration of the ceremony. There was lots of laughter and these two couldn’t keep the massive grins off their faces for a millisecond!

Groom and best man laugh together waiting for the bride.

Bride laughs at groom and holds his hand as the ceremony begins at The White Hart Inn Lydgate

Bride and groom say their wedding vows to one and other.

Bride and groom kiss to the applause of their wedding guests.

Bride and Groom look at each other in their first few moments as husband and wife.

Couple laugh together with the registrar.

Couple walk down the aisle at the White Hart Inn.

After the Ceremony

Amy and Ben were joined by their beautiful dogs Dexter and George, to have some very important family time before they headed off into the storm to grab some lovely windswept wedding portraits of just the two of them.

The bride and groom have a moment with their dogs.

Bride looks shocked as the groom laughs.

Bride and groom walk down a country lane together.

Bride and groom have a country file style photo.

Bride and groom hug, photo in black and white

Bride and groom laughing together in the wind.

Bride and groom laugh as the storm howls around them

Bride and Groom laugh together with the rolling hills of Lydgate behind them.

Bride and Groom laugh with wind swept hair.

Groom laughs and back away from his bride.

Bride and Groom laughing into the howling wind.

CONFETTI, SPEECHES AND SNEAKY NIGHT TIME PORTRAITS

After braving the storm Amy and Ben headed back inside to warm up and be ambushed by their wedding guests who were more than happy to chuck a load of confetti at them before they headed in to the wedding breakfast and some wonderful heartfelt speeches. After the speeches were finished and everyone had finished their delicious food me Amy and Ben sneaked off to take some night time portraits but all was not as it seemed, Amy had a card up her sleeve that Ben knew nothing about… A surprise that was secretly being set up while we went about taking our night time couple photos….

Bride and groom get their confetti indoors at the White Harty Inn

Bride and Groom laugh at the Father of the Brides Speech.

Bride, Groom and Best man laughing at the speech.

Bride and Groom clink their glasses laughing.

Bride and Groom listen to Best Mans Speech.

Bringing Vegas to Lydgate

Amy had thought that if they couldn’t have their wedding in Vegas, Amy would bring Vegas to them! Ben had absolutely no idea! After playing some casino games, they feasted on pizza, cut the cake and hit the dance floor to party the night away with their friends and family.

Thank you for having me Amy and Ben you threw an absolute belter of a wedding! xx

Groom marvels at his brides gift to him.

Guests have fun playing casino games, a gift to the groom from the bride.

Guests looking glamorous at Casino tables.

Party on the dace floor at the White Hart Inn Lydgate

A Shout Out to Amy and Ben’s Awesome Wedding Suppliers:

Dress: Anna Campbell Bridal purchased from Jean Jackson Courture
Shoes: Rainbow Club
Wedding Jacket: The Mermaid Effect
Trainers: Converse from Office
Suits: Next
Flowers: DIY
Band: Pac Band
Casino Tables: Ace of Diamonds fun casino hire
Hair & Make: The Bridal Luxe (Charlotte Riley for Hair & Charlotte Laskey from Make up)
Cake: Sweets by Sarah
Videographer: https://www.facebook.com/KukjansProduction/

Winter Wedding at The Old Grammar School Middleton

December wedding

I LOVE photographing weddings in December. There’s Christmas magic in the air, people are excited, there are twinkling Christmas trees with carefully wrapped presents scattered beneath them, stockings hanging up on fire places, cups of mulled wine and there are fairy lights EVERYWHERE. Note: Wedding photographers bloody love fairy lights! AND people are ready to PARTY!!!

The Victoria Hotel

Chelsey and Darren chose the Victoria Hotel in Oldham as their ceremony venue, the hotel has a beautiful Victorian ceremony room and 92 rooms for guests to stay at the night before and evening of the wedding. Chelsey and her bridesmaids had their hair and make up done and got ready together in Chelsey and Darren’s room while having a good laugh together, sipping champagne and keeping any wedding nerves at bay with some good old fashioned larking about.

Santa on a bauble in a Christmas tree with fairy lights

3 gypsey grass bouquets sit on a wintery windowsill.

Silhouette of bride getting her make up done.

Bride has the finishing touches done to her lipstick on a December morning.

Bride smiling having her make up done on the morning of her wedding day.

Bridesmaids laughing together in hotel room.

Shoes and flowers sit in December window light.

Bride smiles as she is helped into her wedding dress.

Portrait of bride as her bridesmaids do up her wedding dress.

Bride looks at herself in the mirror as the finishing touches are done to her wedding outfit.

Close up of the back of the brides dress.

Close up of the bottom of the brides dress in winter light.

The Ceremony

Chelsey and Darren exchanged their wedding vows in front of their closest family and friends in the beautiful victorian ceremony room at the Victoria hotel, before making there way out to the hotel foyer and bar to enjoy and few drinks together and have a good catch up.

Old lady smiles and poses for a photo with her grandson.

The groom stands at the end of the aisle waiting for his bride.

Bride looks back at her father laughing.

Bride and Groom sign the wedding register laughing.

Bride and Groom face wedding guests as husband and wife.

Father and brother of the bride have a good laugh together.

Wedding guests sit nice and cosy at a winter wedding

The Wedding Bus

When organising a wedding it’s always a good idea to consider transport for guests, even more so in the winter months when the weather is usually much colder. Chelsey and Darren thought about this when organising their day in December, they wanted their guests to be able to relax after the ceremony and have a drink and liked the idea of everyone travelling to the reception venue together so booked a Red London Bus so that everyone could relax and stay together, there’s something quite nice about keeping the wedding guests together in this way and it means that the festive atmosphere of the wedding continues without being interrupted by having to wait for an Uber or getting stuck in traffic, the celebration and conversations continue on the bus and as you can see from the top window the party was already in full swing.

Bride and groom lead guests off the bus.

Bride and groom laugh as they walk to the venue with guests.

Wedding guests laughing and pulling tongues at the camera.

Winter Wedding Portraits

If you are planning a winter wedding one of the things to consider is what time the sun sets on the day you are getting married. Chelsey and Darren got married on the 7th of December and chose to have their ceremony at 1pm meaning that they had plenty of time to get married, have some drinks, jump on a bus, get their group shots, munch some canapes and get some couple shots before the sun set at 3.51pm.

If you are planning a winter wedding and have booked a later ceremony it can sometimes be an idea to have some photographs such as your group photographs and couple shots before the ceremony if you love the natural light light look and your aren’t too superstitious about seeing one and other before hand. Otherwise your photographer should be able to do some shots for you using flash, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your photographer if you are planning a later ceremony to see what photographs will be possible after sun set.

Chelsey and Darren didn’t want to spend ages on photos as they were itching to get inside and join their friends and family for the party so we had a nice relaxed portrait session where they had a little wander and mess about looking magnificent as I’m sure you will agree they both do.

Later on when the sun had gone down we also took a few portraits inside The Old Grammar School as Chelsey and Darren loved the venue and wanted some of the atmosphere of the venue captured in their wedding portraits.

Bride and groom walking together smiling.

Bride and groom look at one another outside The Old Grammar School.

Bride and Groom laughing with trees behind them on a winters day.

Groom kisses bride on the head during outdoor portraits at a December wedding in Manchester.

Bride and groom smiling with wintery sky and bare branches behind them.

Bride and Groom mess around outside The Old Grammar School Middleton on a winters day.

Bride and groom walking away, the bride is wearing a hand painted biker jacket.

Bride and groom laughing in a natural candid moment together.

The Old Grammar School Middleton

Chelsey and Darren were both really excited to have their wedding reception at The Old Grammar School in Middleton as they fell in love with the building when they first went to see it. The Old Grammar School was built in 1412 and is a Grade 2 listed building. The School has tons of character was the perfect setting for a beautiful winter wedding with the tons of fairy lights and large roaring open fire as soon as Chelsey and Darren walked through the door and saw how beautiful the venue looked they were both moved to tears.

Table set with red roses, candles and Christmas baubles.

Red roses and evergreen foliage as a table decoration with fairy lights behind.

Bride cries at how beautiful the room looks.

Table number is glass casing and wrapped in fairy lights.

YOUR MY WIFE NOW! Sign at winter wedding Manchester.

Ping Pong

I love a good game at a wedding. It’s nice to have something to keep your guests busy and although I see a lot of lawn games and fun things to do and Summer and Spring time weddings, Winter Weddings deserve some fun too! I have to admit this was the first time I’ve seen a Ping Pong table at a wedding before and it was a massive hit with the guests, even the ones who couldn’t actually hot anything!

Bride and groom have a cuddle in The Old Grammar School next to some fairy lights.

Indoor portrait of bride and groom at their winter wedding in Manchester as they share a cuddle and a laugh.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

While the guests were busy trying to find the lost ping pong ball under some furniture we sneaked off to get some portraits upstairs in The Old Grammar School. Before Chelsey and Darren headed back down stairs to get enjoy their wedding breakfast and speeches. There was a lot of laughter and a few sneaky peeps at the football before one more portrait of Chelsey and Darren in front of the epic amount of fairy lights before I bid them farewell and set off into the wintery night and the party rumbled on.

Guests admire some of the best mans props.

Best man and friends enjoy some drinks together.

Bride smiling while her new husband makes his speech.

Wedding guests laugh at the speeches at winter wedding.

Brother of the bride cheers while bridesmaid looks shocked.

Groom laughs making his speech while standing under mistletoe.

Father of the brides laughs at his son in laws speech.

Guests watching December football game on iphone.

Bride and Groom look at each other smiling infront of a cascade of fairy lights.

A Shout Out to Chelsey and Darren’s Awesome Wedding Suppliers

Dress: Adele Howarth Winstanley Bride - https://www.ahwbride.com/

Suit: https://www.slaters.co.uk/

Shoes: https://www.rainbowclub.co.uk/

Flowers: Milly Davey Flowers - https://www.millydaveyflowers.com/

Jacket: Mimosa Couture - https://etsy.me/2w8KqZq

Cake: Homemade

Table plan: Homemade

Catering: The Old Grammar School - https://oldgrammarschool.com/

Bus hire: http://www.weddingbuses.co.uk/

Venue dresser: - https://www.millydaveyflowers.com/

Bowlicious provided the chairs and tablecloths - https://www.bow-licious.co.uk/

Hair - Emma at Studio Em https://instagram.com/studioem_?igshid=1f7vn5bfplksk

Makeup - Ashley Elizebeth https://instagram.com/makeupbyashleyuk?igshid=y9bljxbycp7d

Altskeith Country House Wedding, Loch Ard, Scotland.

Helen and Jameson got married at Altskeith Country House on Loch Ard in Scotland. It was a bit of a trek for their friends and family some coming from as far as Liverpool, Manchester, down south and even Canada!!! I overheard that getting off a 12 hour flight and then navigating Scottish country roads in a hire car, in the dark, on the other side of the road is quite something! But it was most definitely worth it!

If you would like to watch the slide show click on the image below! If you prefer to scroll carry on scrolling!

Altskeith Country House

Altskeith Country House is the perfect venue for couples that love nature, the venue sits on the edge of Loch Ard, overlooking the Loch and Ben Lomond and sitting right in the centre of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park you are surrounded by forests, nature and beautiful scenery, with very little light pollution about the starry skies at night are a dream.

At Altskeith Country House there are plenty of different options for an outdoor ceremony, you can get married on the lawns alongside the Loch, by the waterfall, on the beach of Loch Ard, under the beech tree over the small bridge in the trees. If it rains you can have your ceremony in the function room over looking the Loch and Ben Lomond, the glass wall in the function room is removable so if you want to be able to breath is some of that sweet rainy air while you are getting married you can while staying dry as well something alive relatively dry. It’s all to play for.

Altskeith Country House Wedding, Loch Ard, Scotland.

The view of Ben Lomond from Altskeith Country House

The dining room over looking Loch Ard and Ben Lomond at Altskeith Country House

Getting Ready

Helen and Jameson both got ready onsite at Altskeith Country house. Jameson took the cottage on the outside of the building with his groomsmen while Helen stayed in the main building with her friends and family. Helen’s sister Harriet who is a mega talented make up artist did Helen’s hair and make up for her while the girls enjoyed some champagne together and watched for wedding guests arriving at the venue from the loft room windows.

Dress hanging in window at Altskeith Country House

Photograph of brides father attached to flowers.

Bride sitting on bed smiling framed by doorway.

Bride looks out of the window at guests arriving smiling.

Wedding guest does her make up in mirror. Photo in black and white.

The Bride and the grooms sister sit on bed laughing.

The bride has her hair done by her sister.

Reflection of bridesmaid in mirror. Photo in black and white.

Bride has finishing touches added to her make up.

Wedding guest does young guests make up.

Groomsmen shot through window carrying their suit bags to house.

Grooms morning sandwiches on top of book and next to his aftershave.

The Ceremony

Helen and Jameson chose to get married under The Beech Tree on the lawn as that is where Jameson proposed! I know just when you thought it couldn’t get more prefect! Well it has, so get over it!

As Helen and Jameson were already technically married they had a humanist hand fasting ceremony, with plenty of heart felt readings from Helen and Jamesons friends and family and Helen walked down the aisle to music Jameson had composed for her on their anniversary. No you stop it!

Bride stands at the top of the stairs smiling.

Brother of the bride is at the bottom of the stairs laughing at his sister.

Chairs await wedding guests bottoms under The Beech Tree.

Wedding guests sit waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Mother of the groom and mother of the bride sit together.

Wedding guests stand to receive the bride.

Mother of the bride watches her daughter come down the aisle.

Groom smiles as he watches his bride come down the aisle.

Bride and her brother appear in the distance.

Bride and brother walk down the aisle at Altskeith Country House .

Wedding guests reads during ceremony as bride and groom look on.

Bride and groom come together for hand fasting ceremony.

Bride and Groom tie the knot in hand fasting ceremony.

Bride and kilted groom stand appreciating one and other.

Bride and groom walk down the aisle smiling at their wedding guests.

Confetti, Drinks and Magic

After being attacked with some dried petal confetti by their friends and family they chilled out for a bit and presented their wedding guests with a boat load of booze and a magician.

Then after some family photos and a few quick portraits hiding out of Scotlands blazing sun. Yes really! We headed in for speeches, some cracker pulling, plenty of giggles and a few tears. Oh and some amazing food from the kitchen at Altskeith Country House obviously!

Wedding guests outside Altskeith Country House.

Family stands together with confetti waiting for the bride and groom.

Brightly dressed wedding guests holding confetti.

Smiling wedding guests with confetti ready to attack.

Smiling blokes holding confetti cones made from music sheet paper.

Child that hates the photographer wearing sunglasses looking fierce.

Couple smile while confetti is thrown at them.

Couple laughing while confetti is thrown at them.

Couple attacked by confetti on their wedding day.

Couple survive confetti throwing near Loch Ard, Scotland.

Bride greets smiling wedding guests holding a baby.

Wedding guests stand on the lawn together at Altkeith Country House , Scotland.

Brightly coloured wedding guests greet Bride.

Bride and Groom hug wedding guests at the same time.

Moody cool child give photographer the look.

Bride and groom stand for photo near bushes in Scotland.

Bride and groom look at each other smiling.

Cake Cutting and Speeches

After our little expedition we headed back for Helen and Jameson to pretend to cut the massive Cake (Helen and Jameson loved the cake design so much they thought it would be a crime to eat it, so they got a fake one made so they could keep it forever!) then it was straight into the main room for dinner and speeches.

Mother of the bride smiles while listening to speeches.

Sister on the bride wipes a tear from her eye.

Brother of the Bride laughs at her speech.

Wedding guests smiles as he is thanked for his work on the table plan.

Wedding guests laugh at the grooms speech.

Loch Ard

Once everyone was fed we popped back out for a little walk on the beach of Loch Ard and a boat trip. I bloody love boats as any of my friends will tell you, it’s hard to walk past a boat or a boat trip with out me forcing a load of people on it and shouting that they all better stop crying and start enjoying themselves, but that is another story.

On the boat Jameson got the rowing job while Helen has the job of alternating between pulling silly faces and looking pretty which she did like a pro… As you can see. Even the midges stayed at home, or all hung out outside a night club or something.

Bride and groom stand on beach of Loch Ard.

Bride and Groom laughing in front of Loch Ard.

Bride and Groom have a romantic moment together, Loch Ard, Scotland.

Bride and Groom walk along bank of Loch Ard.

Bride and Groom run across beach laughing.

Bride and Kilted Groom walk together along the pebbled beach at Loch Ard, Scotland.

Bride leans towards her groom as her rows them across Loch Ard on their wedding day.

Bride pulls a funny face while groom laugh in rowing boat on Loch Ard.

Bride and Groom laugh together in rowing boat on Loch Ard on their Wedding day.

Bride and groom reflected in the water on Loch Ard.

Bride and groom sit on bridge wall. Groom is laughing.

Bride laughing at groom while sitting on wall.

Guest photobombs bride and grooms wedding photographs.

The Party

Then it was party time!!! Helen and Jameson opened the dance floor with their first dance and then passed over the reigns to the Scottish Ceilidh Band who had everyone wizzing around the room like smiling Tazmanian devils, high of life and fine wine.

As the night drew in the fire pits came out and guests feasted on toasted marsh mellows and pizza before greeting Helen and Jameson with sparklers before they left the building.

Bride and Groom has first dance in front of their wedding guests at Altskeith Country House, Loch Ard, Scotland.

Wedding guests have a romantic moment on the dance floor.

Bride laughing while dancing with her brother.

Wedding guest pulls funny face while dancing.

Wedding guests clap on edge of dance floor.

Older couple laughing and dancing together.

Older couple smiling and having a lovely time together.

Wedding guest munches on marsh mellow while other wedding guests toast theirs of fire .

Bride and Groom sparkler exit. Groom is scared they are both going to be set on fire on their wedding day at Altkeith Country House, Loch Ard, Scotland.

A beautiful wedding for some beautiful humans. Thanks for having me along for the ride Helen and Jameson!

More weddings in Scotland please!

Supplier Shout Out!

Dress: Dress Designed by Mori Lee, supplied by Blush Boutique in Upper Mill

Kilt : Kilt and suit hired from Kilts 4 U in Glasgow. Ties in family tartan made by The Scotland Shop.

Florist: Cherry Blossom - https://www.flowersbycherryblossom.co.uk

Bridesmaid Dresses:: The Infinite Collection by Wed2B

Entertainment?: Magician and DJ - http://www.johnkingevents.com/magician-glasgow

Ceilidh Band - http://www.scottishceilidh-band.co.uk/the-band

Cake : http://www.studio8cakes.co.uk/

Hairdresser and Make Up Artist? : Harriet Westcott @harri.hmua

Wedding Favors: Crackers made by Helen and Jameson

Hand Drawn Map Table Plan: fentimansadventure

Slide Show Music Jameson Bell.

Shotton Grange Wedding Photographer

Shotton Grange

Shotton Grange is a Georgian Manor and coaching house turned wedding venue. It’s a beautiful big house sitting in six acres of land with woodland, lawns and a big walled garden with lots of beautiful flowers for guests to hang out in on sunny days.

Alex and Kris chose Shotton Grange because they wanted a fun informal wedding celebration with their closest friends and family, they wanted it to be colourful and fun just like them. Determined to do their own thing Alex opted out of wearing traditional wedding dress and treated herself to s snazzy outfit from ASOS instead while Kris wore a kilt and they both looked bloody smashing.

Shotton Grange Wedding Venue Newcastle Upon Tyne

A butterfly sitting on some daisies in the walled garden at Shotton Grange.

The bride puts on make up in front of a mirror at Shotton Grange.

The Ceremony

Alex was walked down the aisle by her father and then her and Kris had their wedding ceremony performed by a humanist celebrant in front of their closest friends and family. There was lots of giggles and tears during the hand fasting ceremony and generally Alex and Kris looking totally besotted with each other all in the beautiful setting of Shotton Grange’s light and airy ceremony room. After the ceremony Alex and Kris were accosted by their weddings guests with a tray load of natural petal confetti and also greeted by a few amorous wasps.

Bride is walked down the aisle by her father.

Bride wipes a tear away during her ceremony at Shotton Grange.

Bride and groom hold each other for a moment in front of their friends and family.

Bride and groom share a laugh and a drink together outside.

Bride and groom are attacked by confetti and wasps.

Bride and groom laugh as red petal confetti is thrown at them.

Natural petal confetti on the floor next to guests tattooed legs.

Walled Garden and Portraits

After the confetti throwing the wedding party made their merry way into Shotton Grange’s beautiful walled garden, where they were greeted with fruity drinks and sunshine. Alex and Kris opted out of formal group shots and just had a few photographs of themselves together. Leaving more time for them to enjoy the day with guests and giving me more time to grab those lovely natural reportage shots. Winner, winner! Veggie roast dinner!

Guests enjoy a laugh under a tree in Shotton Granges Walled garden.

The bride and her mother enjoy a laugh together.

Grandma sits laughing surrounded by young ones on their phones.

Mother of the bride has a moment with her son as the maid of honour and her partner chat with her mother.

The bride is presented a gift by her step dad.

Bride and groom stand laughing together naturally.

Bride and groom laugh at wedding guests.

Bride and groom chill on a bench together.

Bride and groom laughing in front of flowers.

Bride and groom stand together in front of a row of daisies, bride wears daisy ear rings.

Untraditional bride and groom stand laughing on their chilled out wedding celebration.

Groom cracks up laughing while bride gives him a shove.

Bride and groom laugh together, groom wears kilt and bride goes for a non traditional wedding outfit.

Bride and groom stand laughing together in the walled garden at Shotton Grange.

The Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

While Alex, Kris and their wedding guests were relaxing in the garden, the hard working team at Shotton Grange were busy transforming the ceremony room into a beautiful, colourful dining area for the dinner and speeches.

Alex is an illustrator and graphic designer and chose the colour pallet for the room, keeping the centre pieces simple and effective. Alex chose yellow, blue and white bottles with pink candles and had grapefruit and oranges chopped in half showing there wonderful natural patterns and colours. Alex also designed the awesome ribbon table planner you can see in the photo below that really brought the room together. Check out Alex’s bloody awesome illustrations here: http://www.alexdavy.net/

Speeches were a fun filled affair with hilarious and heartfelt speeches from Kris’s Grandad Kevin, Alex’s Mum Sheila, Kris’s Best Man Jay, Alex’s maid of honour Megs and of course the man of the moment Kris.

Summer wedding colour pallet of yellow, orange, pink, red and blue dining room ready for the Wedding Breakfast.

Summer fruits wedding cake for relaxed summer wedding.

Bride, groom, mother of the bride and the grooms grandma laugh and the grooms grandads speech.

Mother of the bride makes a speech and the bride and groom laugh.

Bride, groom and grooms grandma sit laughing during the speeches.

The best man makes his speech at Shotton Grange.

Mother and Step father of the groom laugh at the best mans speech.

Cake cutting and First Dance

After the speeches and a bit a bit of milling about with guest outside Alex and Kris cut their cake, which was a fruity little number in akin with day and then went into their first dance to kick off the party! A belting party it was. Thanks for having me Alex and Kris. xx