Jane & Tom's humanist Orangery wedding at Settrington, North Yorkshire

Well, a week ahead of the big day the forecast had been determinedly spiteful in its threat to give us rain. By mid-week it had softened and offered a mixture. The cats, but not necessarily the dogs. By the time Friday arrived (Friday being the new Saturday in wedding-land), the gods had relented and the clouds were politely and conveniently moved on to t’other side of t’Pennines. As they say in Yorkshire - champion.

Yorkshire wedding photographer, Orangery Settrington

It all began with this incredible engagement ring from Tomfoolery. Its snug companion, about to be worn on that fourth finger, left hand for the first time, is from Kendalls jewellers.

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Only the most petite of figures can be bold enough to wear this sexy pink underweae by The Lingerie Room, Harrogate (for after the after-party presumably), let alone the cut away sequinned dress which Jane slid effortlessly into. Tom’s contrasting black dinner suit was a Paul Smith, super smart and elegant.

the orangery settrington wedding
the orangery settrington wedding
the orangery settrington wedding

The joy of a humanist wedding seems to be that the tone of the day is super-relaxed. Or maybe that’s just my incredibly cool, uber-fit, easy-going couple. The ceremony was a common-sensical, love filled, non-denominational Humanist one. My first, infact. I found it to be thoroughly refreshing and celebrant, Ewan helped proceedings along nicely with his humour and joy, and all nerves were calmed by the time the deed was actually done.

Bride Jane was sickeningly gorgeous in her low cut gown from Ghost Orchid Bride, Hull, and with hair and makeup by friend Lauren, as well as the delicate gold choker she wore from OnFoundations, there was a cool and unconventional twist to her styling. The colour scheme was monochrome, and simplicity itself. Fresh flowers are beautiful enough, so orchids and sumptuously-scented Lily of the Valley were simplistic and abundant, accompanied only by black ribbon, white balloons and greenery. All courtesy of Kymm Queen.

The Orangery is without a doubt amongst the prettiest of settings I have ever experienced as a wedding photographer. I’m used to scratching around in alleys and dark rooms hunting for reasonable backdrops and chinks of daylight with which to construct some ‘magic’ for my clients. I had not expected to have my senses bombarded with options at the turn of every corner.

Yorkshire wedding photographer, Orangery Settrington

Take this by way of illustration. It’s a cottage which is allocated to the bride for her pre-nuptial overnight stay, and provides a very cool location for the girls and their ‘getting ready’ shots.

In every direction, more surprises and aesthetically pleasing views. Yes, of course, there is the well-utilised stone ‘folly’ with its arches, lawn and fountain, but there is also a shady woodland, acres of cow parsley (or daffodils if you marry in early Spring), a vine-wrapped pergola and a glorious yellow love seat. See what I mean?

It is also well-managed, and the organisational expertise of Karen and Sara ensured that drama was absent throughout.

The interior of the Orangery is expansive and barn-esque, in a sophisticated kind of way. Our bride and groom, (being fit as butcher’s dogs) selected a Tour de France theme, complete with a ‘tandem’ DIY photo booth and cycling related table settings.

Even the guests were beautiful, it seemed. If the sunshine and surroundings weren’t enough to keep them happy, the champagne and percussionist duo, InPulse, certainly did the trick.

The Orangery Settrington wedding, Yorkshire wedding photographer
orangery settrington wedding
The Orangery Settrington wedding, Yorkshire wedding photographer

The perfect summer evening eventually moved indoors for further entertainment (mainly at the groom’s expense), cake (always a bonus) - in this case skilfully crafted by Rachel Duffy, and a smidge of dad-dancing.

orangery settrington wedding

This was an understated, gloriously happy day, fuelled by late May sunshine and Thai street food. Pretty damn perfect. Congratulations Tom & Jane.

the orangery Settrington wedding Yorkshire photographer

For wedding enquires, contact Helen at eyesomephoto@gmail.com or 07957627217.

2018 wedding gallery

As always, 2018 was a year of select weddings.

I don’t do many, but actually it rather suits me to keep a nervous edge. I still feel the need to prep every single wedding and I also reserve the right to lose sleep the night before. It’s just who I am.

We all care deeply about our clients, of course, but my need to balance family life with a brood of 6 kids ranging from 6 to 30 means that keeping the numbers low is partly essential, but also allows me the capacity to work with the luxury of time and attention, and to never lose the thrill.

Here’s a round-up.



Denton Hall wedding shoot

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Denton Hall is a 2500 acre estate in the beautiful Wharfedale countryside near Ilkley, North Yorkshire. I was chuffed to be invited to capture some images to represent both the epic-ness of this place as a potential wedding venue, as well as the work of a number of local wedding suppliers who were gathering for a day of nuptial creativity.

The first of these clever peeps was hair and make-up stylist Chrys, whose transformation skills are legendary, and who carefully and lovingly embellished the already-exquisite face and hair of model bride, Christy.

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Wedding details come in many forms. In this case, many of the artistic accompaniments were created and curated by Natalie, a local wedding stylist who showed her flourish with this set of delicate stationery and table settings, as well as a fabulously charming ladder altar. See more of Natalie’s work on Instagram at HandMaid.

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A short photographer’s ‘reccy’ stroll around the immediate surroundings of the Denton Hall estate presented a number of appealing spots for photographic opportunities; none more eyesome (see what I did there?!) than the frontage itself. I’m a sucker for symmetry, so I was practically cock-a-hoop when I saw the proportions of those great stone columns on offer.

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“What are those CAKES?” I hear you cry. Pretty huh? All crafted by the uber-talented Gayle from Where The Ribbon Ends. Check out her mad, mouth-watering creations and fabulous handiwork, you won’t regret it.

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Our groom was suited and booted by the trendiest menswear store in the Dales, Jenson Samuel of Skipton. Modern, mix and match check suits with beautiful details and complementing waistcoats/accessories, spoiling groom George for choice.

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The elegant autumnal florals were all created and designed by Leeds-based wedding planner Gillian from Planned with Gill.

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Amongst some of Denton’s lush features is a pretty, winding staircase - a florist’s dream for embellishing. It’s customary during Denton Hall weddings to host the cake cutting ceremony underneath the staircase, and guests have been known to gather up, over and around, in order to observe and throw confetti. Epic.

The epitome of elegance, this beautiful crossover lace-and-bead gown is from Rachel Allan Bridal’s Lo’Adoro range. Fitted to the hips, it then spills down into a soft tulle full length skirt with a lush train.

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One of Denton’s most elegant features is the enormous stone carved fireplace, in front of which the team set out the table with all its settings. Burgundy, green and orange were the perfect tones to usher in an early autumn, complementing Natalie’s hand-crafted menus and name cards to a tee.

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The delicate rose gold jewellery pieces worn by Christy were all created and provided by So Belle Jewellery of Skipton. Stunning.

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If you haven’t found your photographer yet, 2019 and 2020 wedding dates are still available. Contact Helen at eyesomephoto@gmail.com or on 07957627217. Tell me a little about your big day and we can go from there.

Boutique bouquets - wedding florals

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The brides that come to me for wedding photography tend to be chilled. Their wedding-day-in-planning is destined to be relaxed and intimate. It will be a day without pomp, but chock-full of celebration and love. 

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No expense will be spared on the important items - an exquisite bridal gown, fabulous food and a half decent photographer, but neither will money be thrown out of the window like the proverbial baby with the bathwater. When it comes to the florals, my girls, being both classy and romantic, opt for understated and generally petite bouquets which enhance but do not overpower their look.

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In many cases I've noticed that my brides have chosen a single colour for their flowers, often just cream or white, and have added herbs and foliage to strengthen the design. Often it is the waft of these herby additions which out-plays the perfume of the flowers themselves. The bouquet above belonged to Frankie, whose bohemian Italian themed nuptials with Richard were inspired by the couples' engagement in Sicily. 

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Elegance and romance appear to be the consistent watch-word, however. I have rarely had a bride who has thrown investment at great swathes of rose pergolas, or festooned the altar with six foot standing floral displays. They have selectively added their splashes of scent and colour in a discreet and well thought out manner, in order to optimise their impact whilst saving the bigger bucks for the real show stopping items.

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A pink posy accompanied its owner, Tala, her hubby and their three children at their relaxed and gloriously summery, tiny family wedding. The occasion was less about big statements of ostentation, and more about the affirmation of their togetherness. The roses came along for the joy ride.

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The gents are never forgotten. These gloriously cute daffodil buttonholes which featured in the recent Easter wedding of Charlotte & Simon summed up the time of year perfectly. Little sprigs of rosemary and string ties added a rustic touch.

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So when you're planning your big day, remember that size isn't everything. Spend it, but spend it well. The carefully curated selection of blooms you hold in your hands on the day you meet your man at the altar will most likely remain special in your heart for many years to come. Make sure you have them photographed.

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