On Friday I joined Tracey & Chris for their fabulous wedding at Rudding Park Hotel & Spa in Follifoot, on the outskirts of Harrogate
It’s not the first time I’ve photographed at this stunning venue, and you can view all of my wedding photos at Rudding Park Hotel here.
My buddy & shooter-for-hire Cris Matthews & I joined Tracey & Chris at the beautiful Rudding Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Course in inclement conditions!
The whole day’s weather forecast was rocking that icon with the black cloud, sunshine & raindrops; so we crossed our fingers and hoped we might get a window.
All the same, Rudding is a stunning venue to shoot in whatever the weather, and we had a quick brainstorm on arrival for places to shoot if the weather didn’t change.
While Cris pottered off to find the chaps, I headed to join Tracey and the ladies for their preparations
Now I don’t say this about every Bride’s wedding gown, but when I saw this one I thought it suited Tracey perfectly.
Tracey & Chris are paediatricians, and they both clearly both love kids, so there were plenty of flower girls and page boys around to join the fun!
Meanwhile, in a room directly above the girls, the chaps were getting themselves together
Tracey bought Chris a beautiful watch as a wedding gift!
I like that Chris had his sister play an usherette role!
The wedding ceremony was all set, and outside was a table of photographs, including wedding photos of all their siblings, parents and grandparents!
Tracey’s dress had been custom made by Kate Chapman at Scarlet Poppy Bridal Boutique in Leeds.
Chris had sent Tracey a box full of lovely memories; including all their anniversary cards & a photo frame for a memory of this day!
Team bride: ready to rock!
Man & wife!
After the ceremony we’d hoped to head outside for confetti, groups, portraits & lawn games. While the drizzle was starting and stopping, we finally found a window of respite and quickly rounded everyone up to head outside for a full teamshot
And the sun even put his hat on for a quick confetti shot!
It was safer to do the family groups indoors though!
Then Cris (known to his colleages as ‘Flash Matthews’ on account of his flash photography wizardry) and I whisked the newlyweds off for a quick round of portraits around the hotel, kicking off on the grand old staircase
I love this set together!
There’s this quasi-futuristic hanging chair in the hotel that seemed too good not to use…
It looked like Tracey was hatching dastardly plans, a la Austin Powers!
We found this beautiful bright spot in the new wing of the hotel for a few relaxed portraits.
It really helped that we’d done a round of practice pictures at Roundhay Park (check out their pre-wed highlights blog here).
We had lots of fun adding a bit of flash in here and there
Then Tracey & Chris headed back for more mingles, and I photographed the details around their wedding breakfast
!
Speeches were brilliant fun, delivered from the heart without the assistance of a Google search!
As I often say to couples: when it does rain, it rarely does all day long…
…and we were lucky enough after the speeches to get out for another little round of portraits around the stunning, blossom- & bluebell-filled grounds
Such a lovely, fun couple to hang out with.
During the evening reception we ran our fun photobooth for Tracey, Chris & their guests to mess about on!
They’re always a good laugh!
Then it was time to cut the cake and dive into the evening’s dancing…
What a cracking day all round! It was so nice to spend the day with Tracey & Chris to document their beautiful wedding, and to get out in some evening sunshine for a few more sunny pics.
Here’s hoping Tracey & Chris have a wonderful life together and fab minimoon in Wiltshire ahead of their big honeymoon to Thailand & the Maldives!
Happy days…
Barns & Cris