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.

the orangery settrington wedding photography Yorkshire

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.

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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Horseshoes for luck

too good to miss the irony in this directional sign intended for wedding guests

I do not generally consider myself a lucky person, but I have been very fortunate where wedding photography has been concerned.

a moment of quiet away from the bustle of ceremony, just minutes married

Some stunning brides, idyllic locations and as yet I've never had to battle with torrents of rain or wild disasters disrupting the nuptials (that's the kiss of death right there, eh?)

Maybe it's a coincidence, but the brides I seem to attract are uber-relaxed and unconcerned with pomp and detail. I LOVE this. Frankie, however, took 'carefree' to a whole new level, leaving the lion's share of the wedding planning to groom, Dickie. I have never seen this before but what a refreshing change!

The girl contingent of this wedding party strolling from the parents' field where the Reception was held

It became quickly obvious that by posing detailed questions to bride Frankie about the format of their wedding day, I was on a hiding to nothing, as she deferred one decision after another to the (super)man in her life. I came to see quite early on that Dickie is a real keeper.

This was a wedding without transport, without hotels, without enormous floral displays and without stress, yet it had everything Bohemian summer nuptials should have, and more.

Just a short walk to the church and back for the wedding party and congregation

The bride was walked to the church, just 100 yards from her parents' home, by her dad. After the ceremony, the newlyweds strolled back in the June sunshine, followed by their congregation.

Beautiful summer bride, Frankie, lapping up the last of the sun's rays in her parents' field

The reception was held in a field behind Frankie's parents' house, where a large Yurt awaited. Simple green and white bouquets and olive trees complemented the rustic Italian-themed details, and the bridesmaids got sunburned whilst they mingled with guests seated on hay-bales.

Yurts and hay bales perfected the rustic nature of this relaxed wedding day

My luck endured as this perfect day went without a hitch, and my love for shooting weddings of this type continues to grow.

looking relieved, relaxed and blissful, the bride and groom

Congratulations gorgeous couple.