What feels like ages ago now, in February’s snowy spell, I joined the very lovely Katie & Anthony for their pre-wedding photos at Middleton Lodge, near Richmond.
Middleton Lodge is one of my very favourite North Yorkshire wedding venues.  Not just because it’s a stunning Georgian Palladian mansion, packed with tweed and country touches, and is set within 200 acres of open countryside and woodland, but because over the years I’ve photographed there I’ve seen it develop from being a family home that did occasional weddings, into one of the most successful Yorkshire wedding venues, without losing the charm of feeling like it’s your country mansion for the day.  James and the guys that run the show have really stuck to the ethic of “Our home, your home” for all their couples.
And they’ve recently added to the party with an amazing Coach House restaurant, with rooms for a perfectly chic country retreat!
So before IÂ caught up with Katie & Anthony, I did a little spin around the place to gather some stock that can come in useful on the big day
I love the old bells in the servants area – it’s like Downton Abbey!
The secret cellar bar is fun for couples to go into after the marquee turfs out!
So after a good catch up with Katie & Anthony, we took to the grounds for a round of practice photos.
I always like to do these to get couples used to being photographed, to make the big day shoot easier and quicker for everyone, so they can get back to the party!
These are a selection of my faves, including some fun we had with their giddy girl Lola…
“OMG! HI! WHO ARE YOU?! I THINK I LOVE YOU! WE SHOULD PLAY!”
Lola – all the time
Stay tuned for their official highlights slideshow on Sunday!