When Emma & Richard asked me to photograph their wedding, I was thrilled. I knew it would be understated and intimate, since both halves of this couple are shy and uncomfortable in the limelight.
So, when they said ‘Rudding Park’ I thought I had mis-heard. Rudding is a behemoth of a wedding venue. It is a beautiful stone country pile with its own chapel building and golf course, and dozens of acres to romp in post-nuptially. Many an impressive occasion has graced its elegant halls, often with a no-expense-spared approach to the decorations, food and floral displays. This did not sound very ‘Emma’ at all.
It soon became clear that, whilst the wedding ceremony was to be held in the main house, the newlyweds had every intention of then escaping from the grand corridors and pruned box hedges of the front of this famous Spa Hotel, in preference to an intimate celebration with just close family and friends at the Deer Park pub which lies nestled within the gardens of the Rudding estate.
The walled kitchen garden was fully laden with roses and apples, and as such offered plenty of opportunity for us to take full advantage of the autumn harvest as a backdrop for some bride and groom moments.
Emma had kept everything perfectly simple. The flowers, the rings, the dress, the make-up. All typically classy and elegant, but without ostentation. Even the feet were a heel-free zone.
These gorgeous little gingerbread newlyweds were crafted by the cake maker, Jane Emma Fisher. The flowers were created by Colette at Flowers by Colette at Rudding Park.
This fabulous assortment of gentlemen belong to the Harrogate Harmony male Barbershop choir. Having appeared as faux dessert waiters (pulled off easily thanks to their white waistcoat uniforms) they proceeded to serenade guests with a medley of magnificent old standards. A proper treat.
And THESE gorgeous gentlemen below were thoughtful enough wear matching socks en masse, so it would be rude not to photograph them!
Emma’s firm and longstanding friendship with the Rudding Park owners Simon & Judy added an unexpected further depth of emotion to the occasion. Simon insisted that the bride and groom be conveyed by the best means possible from their wedding ceremony to the reception, and what better way than to drive them himself in his vintage Model T Ford. A short turn about the golf course in the open-topped classic car eventually brought the ecstatic couple to rest just steps from the confetti-ready crowds.
This was a sweet, heartfelt wedding day in beautiful surroundings, as understated as the two stars of the show.
Rings by I’Anson Jewellers of Harrogate.
Bride’s dress from the Bridal Factory Outlet, Northallerton.
Bride and bridesmaid’s hair & makeup by Fabienne Moon and Danielle Alexandra Reading, respectively.
Venue decor by Funky Muppet of Leeds.
Wedding slots are still available for 2019 and 2020. Please get in touch to chat about your needs.