Vicky and Phil's Wedding at The Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley

The Craiglands played host to Vicky and Phil when they were married there last weekend. The weather was fabulous. It was hot and sunny.


Vicky stayed at the Craiglands on the eve of her Wedding so I spent some time there early afternoon before the ceremony. They were married at 4pm in a lovely, intimate ceremony in the Conservatory surrounded by immediate family and close friends.
Vicky looked amazing in a gorgeous fitted gown by Art Courture and wore shoes by Vivienne Westwood. Phil had bought her a beautiful diamond bracelet as a wedding gift which she wore on the day.

I think Barney liked the camera!


Vicky's friend, Jo Hodge made her stunning bridal bouquet. Beautiful colours.

Guests enjoyed drinks after the ceremony in the lower gardens. The light and colours were fabulous. As everyone made their way back to the bar and terrace I was able to get some beautiful shots of the newly weds.

Evening guests started to arrive at 5.30pm and they were treated to a Hog Roast and Cake Pops, which was all rather yummy!!
Congratulations Vicky and Phil, such a lovely day. 


Emily

Sarah and Thomas - Pre Wedding Shoot

I met up with Sarah and Thomas at the tiny village of Newsholme near Oakworth. We met for the first time last year when they booked me for their Wedding, so we had a lot of catching up to do as we hadn't seen each other since then. They wanted their pre wedding shoot around the place where they will have their marquee for the reception. This gave us chance to have a good look around and talk about their Wedding photos. 
The weather was really cold but we spent an hour or so exploring the surrounding gardens and features. There were some great little areas and in a few weeks time the gardens will be in full colour so it should be lovely.


Sarah was a bit nervous and really dislikes having her photo taken but actually photographs really well! She looked great, brilliant smile. Thomas has had past experience in front of the camera and was was quite chilled!
They were very patient with me, especially in the cold wind. Here's a few of the shots from the afternoon.

Thanks Thomas and Sarah!

Amanda and Mark's Wedding - Hollins Hall

Amanda and Mark had a full weekend of marriage celebrations over the Bank Holiday period. They were married at an intimate, close family and friends ceremony at Hollins Hall in the Thompson Room at 2pm on Friday afternoon.

Amanda was fashionably late for the ceremony due her daughter Maisie having a last minute nosebleed! However it did give me some extra time to get some shots of Amanda on the beautiful staircase which was stunningly decorated with candles and ivy. Thanks Maisie!

The ceremony was full of smiles and laughter, and a few little tears (Mark). Had to get that in!

After the Ceremony, guests enjoyed a drinks reception and then it was outside for confetti and a group shot on the front lawn before whisking the new Mr and Mrs Connolly off for some photos around the grounds.

The speeches were before the Wedding Breakfast and Mark's son Dan who was Best Man, made a fantastic, hilarious speech. He was brilliant. Charlotte and Maisie, Amanda's Daughters, then stood to give a really lovely, touching few lines about their Mum and Mark. 

I left them all to enjoy the Wedding Breakfast, the room looked amazing, gorgeous details and lots of treats for everyone.

I returned to Hollins Hall on the Sunday evening where they held a large party to celebrate. Even Elvis made a couple of appearances.

Congratulations Mark and Amanda.

Jen and Ben Wedding - St Stephens, Steeton and Chevin Lodge, Otley.

Yesterday Jen and Ben were married on a glorious day at 12pm at St Stephens Church in Steeton. I started the morning with the girls at Jen's mum's house. They were all very relaxed and quiet when I arrived.
No one had seen Jen's Wedding Gown apart from Pauline, Jen's mum, so I felt quite privileged to be taking some detail shots of it behind the scenes. No wonder Jen wanted it to be kept secret, it was amazing! It was a beautiful vintage style dress that was embellished with lace and jewels. 
When her Bridesmaids, Judy, Jody and Angharad saw her, the tissues came out and it was a very emotional moment. Jen was very composed until her Brother Chris arrived.....


We travelled to Jen's Dads farmhouse for some photos before the Church and then I went along to see the boys before the ceremony.
Ben was nervous and emotional and "that problem" with his contact lenses seemed to last all day! Looking good for his portraits though.

We used some time after the ceremony for photos outside the Church and in the nearby gardens and then Mr and Mrs Dewhirst travelled in a gorgeous vintage Bentley to Chevin Lodge in Otley for a drinks reception, more photos and the Wedding Breakfast.


So as promised last night, here is a sneak peek at some images from a brilliant day......

Thanks Jen and Ben!

Vicky and Phil - Pre Wedding Shoot

I met Vicky and Phil last night for their evening Pre Wedding Shoot in Danefield Forest at Otley. Pre Wedding shoots are a great way of helping people feel more relaxed in front of the camera before their big day and are brilliant for getting out in the fresh air for an hour and creating some lovely images. Danefield Forest has lots of varied backgrounds and at the moment all the new leaves are appearing. It was dry and overcast but freezing cold!
Here's a little selection of last nights work.

Tommy and Cracker their Boarder Terriers came along for the walk and went completely wild in the woods.

I love the textures you find in the Forest, and its a good opportunity to get some really nice black and white images. Black and white has such a classic feel.

Vicky and Phil's big day is at the end of May at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Only 3 weeks away now! Thanks Vicky and Phil for being such good sports last night in the cold.......