Love, reprised in these super sweet wedding images from Hipping Hall, Lake District

Andy & Becky are sweethearts. Any fool can see that.  They sealed their devotion in a wedding ceremony on the idyllic Greek island of Corfu in August of this year. Now home, with the nuptials all complete, they decided to dust off their marital outfits for one final time with a post-wedding photo shoot.

Enjoying the moment, newlyweds Andy & Becky see the funny side of sitting on a bridge with no shoes on for wedding portraits
 

favourite bridal portrait

Thanks to the artistry of local hair and makeup genius Lucy Pearson, bride Becky looked as pretty and youthful as the day she met her beau, with loose blonde curls and a sweet, natural look to her makeup. To complement her understated floral arrangement, Katie at Made in Flowers had created a stunning hair adornment for gorgeous Becky, who wore it with class and elegance. I adore how Becky's bluer-than-blue eyes stand out here against the dark brown wood pile in the background. Wowsers, Andy's a lucky guy!

Bride, Becky, made (even more) beautiful by make-up artist Lucy

venue highlight

Although not quite competing with Corfu, the English weather played nice on this super joyful day and bathed our newlyweds in glorious early autumn sunshine. We took to the fields and gardens around lush Hipping Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale in the southern Lake District, where the grass was long and the sun was helpfully low in the sky, adding an unsolicited breath of romance to our bridal portraits.

A relaxed and cheerful couple took to the fields on a hazy summer day for portraits

the best moments

Pretty much the final shot of the day, when Becky reached up her face and looked at her new husband, moments before a kiss, there was pure, unchecked adulation in her eyes. Marriage is a seriously intense experience, but the joy of re-enacting it purely for photographic pleasure allows a couple the chance to REALLY savour the time in front of the lens and relish in each other's affection. Just look at that smoulder!

The way Becky looks at her new husband here is just heart-wrenchingly gorgeous. This shoot was a reprisal of the wedding vows of this delicious couple who had already been married TWICE, firstly in Corfu then at home with larger friends and family i…
The late summer sun was just falling behind the trees in Hipping Hall's beautiful gardens as this shot was taken

Little details

Nervous grooms may not always show their apprehension in their faces, but if you know where to look there is inevitably some sign that they are jittery in other body language. Even though Andy had already been married to his gorgeous soulmate twice (yes, TWICE - once in Corfu, once in Blighty!) there was little doubt that he was still feeling daunted by the prospect of reliving the experience for a third time. His hands, never still, were in a constant state of agitation, undermining the calm expression on his handsome face.

A nervous groom, Andy's hands were not still for a moment whilst he waited for his girl
An apprehensive groom recalls how the real wedding day felt as he waits beside his wife's wedding gown for her to be readied

Hand in hand all the way for this adoring couple, who barely lost contact with each other's fingers the entire time we were shooting, across two different locations. Lingering for a while to chat, the bride removed her silvery shoes and dangled her bare feet over the edge of the stream next to what looked like a former mill. Details such as this show the degree of comfort that the newlyweds feel in each other's company, as well as giving off an unceremonious air. This is a couple whose life together will be unpretentious and honest, surely a winning combination with which to begin a marriage.

A peaceful moment as the newlyweds chat and hold hands on the bridge above the stream
The dress falls casually on to the cobbles and Becky clutches her bouquet nervously. The crossed feet say it all about how she is feeling at thsi moment

If you enjoy wedding posts, try some of these. You can find the wedding 'details' which went with this photo shoot by following this link, as well as lots of other lovely stuff.

This shoot was made possible by Aspire Photography Training, who run marvellous courses for professional photographers.

 

Details, details, details, my love.

Wedding breakfast place settings with a slightly rustic twist

A marriage will survive any storm if lovers pay attention to the details. It is always a great sign, in my opinion then, when the wedding day itself is a display of the couple's attention to the small details. Those perfect peripheral items which enhance the wedding and capture the guests' interest.

A declaration of love, framed, bearing the words "I have completely fallen for you"

Whether it's the matching stationery, the flowers, the bride's choice of footwear, or the table settings, it is the job of the photographer to freeze these items in a moment of time so that they will always be remembered. I still have in my possession the original box from my parents' wedding day in 1957 which contains the traditional black cat and silver horse shoe with which my mum was presented for good luck. Her luck endured for 50 years before she was separated from my dad by the only thing which they had pledged would ever render them asunder, her death.

The 'just married' bunting which adorned this barn was made from hessian and string and could not have been more perfect

In these modern times, wedding breakfasts are increasingly adorned with (P)interesting touches; decorative items which add to the ambience of the event and make bridal dreams come to life. It is small wonder then that wedding budgets have to stretch further than Elastigirl's knickers these days. 

His and hers vintage champagne glasses awaited the happy couple

For me, the best details are those which come from the heart, not necessarily a wealthy pocket. A hand crafted bunting display says more about the soul of the bride who requested (or indeed crafted) it than a gob-smacking chandelier. Even if they both give us clues about the brides who bought them, I know which one I'd rather have as my BFF.

A mossy spot proved perfect placement for the wedding rings
The bridal footwear is often one of the big expense ticket items of the day and should definitely be captured in a pretty setting

It's not about the DIY necessarily, it's about the romance. A great deal of effort goes in to sourcing the items that replicate the look that a bride desires in any situation, but a great deal more passion goes in to creating something that reflects who you are and what you believe in. It is a manifestation of your personality.

A gilded birdcage just for fun was a funky focal point for a table setting
A simple platter of drinking straws for guests' children to use, in a matching colour to the wedding palette

Details, my love, are therefore paramount. I will always do my absolute best to do yours justice. 

The all important dress details. Simply unmissable

For more wedding type stuff, try these blog posts. If family is your thing, here are some others. 

An al-fresco engagement session in the Lake District with John & Sophia

An engagement or pre-wedding shoot poses an interesting dilemma for a lot of couples. On the one hand it has the advantage of familiarising them with their photographer, and also extends the period of anticipation and excitement in the lead up to the big day. On the other hand, it can add a lot of pounds to an already overweight wedding budget.

A quiet cafe corner provides an opportunity for refreshment and a chat for John & Sophia

A relatively new phenomenon from across The Pond, the engagement shoot isn't really what it says, as most couples are engaged well before this event takes place. Rather, it is a 'let's-have-a-practice-before-the-wedding-day' shoot, and this, for me, is the greatest advantage of all. It offers the couple the chance to both 'warm up' in front of the camera, and also to extend their wedding collection with photos that are a little more reflective of how they behave in real life (i.e. not carrying flowers and being followed by a bunch of girls in matching frocks).

One of many kisses exchanged by our engaged duo, a sign of wedded bliss to come

John and Sophia could not have been more cool about being in front of my lens. There were so many kissing stops that I almost called the fire brigade at one point. Man, was it hot out there!

so comfortable in each other's company, our couple get cosy on the log pile

Amongst other 'game' things, John and Sophia thought nothing of walking through the odd cow pat or mud bath to find a decent destination for a portrait. Love is like that.

Tramping through cow pats and mud not a problem when you're in love

We chose several different locations, including the picturesque town of Kirkby Lonsdale, with its cafes and pretty streets. A couple of refreshment breaks provided the perfect opportunity for our couple to catch up over a cappuccino. 

a brief stop for coffee and cuddles at the pub in Kirkby Lonsdale

Rarely more than an inch apart, I was left in little doubt that this couple will have an amazing life together. Their comfort in each other's company was clear for most of the residents of the Lake District to see, and even the passers-by (who were intrigued enough by the public posing to ask whether there was a celebrity in town) commented on how freely John & Sophia gave and received affection with so many eyes upon them.

never more than an inch apart, love was in the air all day long

The long grass (and thistles) is always a great spot for kissing, even if you have to stand up.

love in the long grass, helped by magnificent light
kissing in doorways - a wonderful passtime
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public canoodling at the public house

There was public canoodling at the public house, kissing in doorways, snogging against the railings, and I LOVED it!

such closeness was lovely to witness in this awesome couple

Major thanks to the adorable, perfect subjects that are John & Sophia, and here's to many long years of love and lust. Wherever.

more kissing and any opportunity to show their affection on this special engagement

If you like kissing, try more wedding posts!

Thanks are due to Aspire who found John and Sophia and these awesome locations.

A Tithe Barn wedding in York

It's quite normal as a photographer to NOT get any sleep the night before a wedding. On this occasion, however, I found that the pressure was off as I was playing the role of 'second shooter' to my friend and co-photographer genius Caroline Johnston. 

The flowers were a delightful palette of pastel blues and pinks, and really very pretty and delicate indeed.

Spending the day in a semi-relaxed state was a real treat. It meant that I could actually enjoy the wedding, look for the details, and try out angles that a lone photographer would not have the luxury of time to play with. This was a church wedding, followed by a wedding breakfast of roasted hog (yum) at a venue to die for.

A confetti storm was about to erupt, but there was very little that would have dampened the spirits of this bride and groom

It was a very relaxed day, reflected by the choice of Reception venue which was the Tithe Barn at Nether Poppleton in York. A truly beautiful venue, nestling beside a duck pond and open fields, the interior was almost magical. Open beams and twinkly lights were complemented by beautiful table settings and low hanging bunting. Breathtaking.

The Tithe Barn at Poppleton in York is a magical setting for a wedding breakfast.

The bride wore a romantic gown with loads of tulle around the skirt and shoulders (you can never have too much tulle!) It mingled and frothed as it combined with the fallen confetti petals, making for an irresistible moment.

Yards of tulle and romantic confetti combined for this shot

The church balcony provided an opportunity to get above the action for a change. What a view, and what a ceiling!

Ian and Charlotte look so blissfully happy during the ceremony - even the priest commented on the permanent grin that was fixed to the bride's face!

The organist was a bit surprised to see me appear at the top of the stairs as I joined him up 'in the gods' on the balcony, but he didn't miss a note!

The surprised organist didn't miss a beat when I joined him on the balcony during the ceremony!

Knaresborough, a bride and a lot of long grass - styled photo shoot

Stunning evening light and the shade of a tree brought zing to model Issy's beautiful brown eyes for this bridal portrait

Issy is a friend's daughter. Her perfect brown eyes and youthful skin are priceless material for a wedding photographer seeking a model for a bridal shoot, and thankfully she agreed to my demands.

I had been in nearby Knaresborough recently with the kids for a summer picnic beside the river. On that day, I had happened across a 'perfect' spot whilst walking the dogs down a side path. I knew immediately that I wanted to come back with a bride, and since I don't have a Knaresborough wedding booked, I thought I'd better get on with it myself (before the grass gets cut!)

The passing dog walkers were intrigued to find a lonely bride in the filed on their evening constitutional stroll!

So, model - check. Flowers - check (donated by a friend). All I needed was a dress and a make-up/hair artist. The latter were both provided, with spectacular finesse, by Chrys Spaulding-Chapman, using Laura Mercier cosmetics. The dress, my own, dusted off for a fresh outing, and looking damn fine if I may say so myself.

The river bends 180 degrees at this point in Knaresborough, providing a still and perfect backdrop for a reflective wedding portrait.

Issy's easy quality in front of the camera made this shoot a breeze. The water lovingly offered up a reflective surface for a reflective portrait, and the evening sun just did its thing without any fuss.

Blue hyacinths and the longest grass I can remember seeing provided perfect simplicity for Issy to drag her gown and train in to the distance for a wider shot

The field of incredibly long tufty grass is completely surrounded by enormous banks of trees, creating this incredible 'enclosed' atmosphere. Isolating Issy from the background using a long focal length helps to emphasise her delicacy against nature's backdrop.

The final shots of the day were at dusk as the sun fell below the horizon. Gnats were buzzing around and the evening light presented us with a beautiful rim light around Issy's gown

We shot for two full hours, and the sun breathed its last as we finished our final images. There were gnats buzzing about our heads like fireflies as it grew darker, whilst the low sun highlighted and accentuated the tulle outer skirt on Issy's gown.

Laughter in the old cow sheds for a few more relaxed poses as we left the shoot just before dark

A passer-by reminded us (helpfully) that we were standing in a pig pen, which seemed fitting in an expensive wedding dress! Made us smile though!

The engagement ring nestled amongst eucalyptus leaves to show off its vintage sparkle

The vintage sapphire and diamond engagement ring nestled amongst a handful of eucalyptus leaves - the details at any wedding are all important.

Playing with the veil may have ruined Issy's hair but it was fun to capture a partially concealed portrait

As the day came to an end, some veil adjustments became an opportunity for playful portraits. A partially concealed bride is, traditionally, the way every good wedding begins, so why not re-create the moment even if the groom has not yet met the bride?

A vintage forest-themed wedding shoot

I expected it to be cold. I expected there to be a lot of waiting for my already-gorgeous model to be beautified. I even expected the weather to disobey. What I didn't expect was the emotion I felt when I saw the final images of Anna in my mum's 1957 wedding dress.

Anna has never modelled before, but she was a total natural, requiring little direction. Those enormous brown were enhanced with perfection by the equally gorgeous Rishu Puri using Arbonne cosmetics.

The wellies seemed to somehow set off my mum's wedding gown perfectly, and a nearby forest provided the perfect romantic backdrop for our antics.

The final embellishments were provided by lovely Louise, who created a soft and timeless look for our bride's hair.

Thanks ladies. Mum would be proud.



K & P - an Indian Summer's day

 

Mid September in Yorkshire rarely offers unending sunshine, but on this occasion the gods were smiling and so were the wedding guests.

The couple had made the very wise decision to spend their money on the important things. The marquees were borrowed and set up by friends, the decorations were hand made by the bride's step-mother, the venue was local and relaxed.

This 'everyone mucked in' approach was, in my view, testament to the loveliness of this couple - their friends had dropped everything to help make this day special for the bride and groom, and it certainly showed in the atmosphere and outpouring of wellwishers. Rarely have I seen so many people file out of a church following a wedding ceremony.

A perfectly relaxed day for a most gorgeous couple.

Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

wedding photography yorkshire