Yesterday I joined Jolene & Graeme to photograph their big day up in North Yorkshire!
They got married at the stunning Crathorne Hall, near Yarm
I hope you enjoy our the story of this special day!
It’s the first time I’ve officially photographed at Crathorne Hall; though I visited it a few months back with Jolene & Graeme for a pre-wedding nosey and to take some practice photos around the grounds in drizzling rain (check out the rainy pre-wed post here!). Â The day before their wedding it rained all day, but in true England style, on their wedding day the weather was beautifully sunny all day long!
Weather’s the only thing you can’t book, and mother nature is a funny ol’ bird sometimes.
The full day was at Crathorne Hall, from preparations, to ceremony, to reception; which makes for a nice chilled day.
While Clare, on 2nd shooty duties, wandered off to oversee the chaps preparations (or essentially join them in watching the Lions battle the Aussies), I joined Jolene & the girls in one of the huge hall bedrooms for their preps.
Generally folk don’t think about what they wear on the morning of their wedding, and girls traditionally wear their comfy joggers and an easily removable baggy t, safe for hair & makeup. Â But Jolene had bought Team Bride ace tropical dressing gowns from Good Morning Beautiful! Â Good call Jo –Â It make such a difference in pics!
Hair and makeup was done by the brilliant Alison Clegg at the cleverly named ‘Beauty Call‘!
Graeme’s known for giving ace presents, and as well as this fine mulberry purse, he’s whisking Jolene off to the Michelin Starred ‘Waterside Inn‘ before the honeymoon!
A few details of the beautiful wedding flora, gown & funky shoes!
At half time, Lions up by 3 points, Rugby mad dad popped up to see how things were going!
Meanwhile, the chaps (& man of the hour in official Lions merch!) were enjoying the game in the lobby bar
Jolene had bought Graeme a brilliant chunky Nixon Watch & initial embossed leather travel wallet for their 3-week globetrotting honeymoon adventure!
Graeme always was gonna look snappy in his shiny tan shoes & blue Saville Row bespoke suit
Ushers were given scrabble cufflinks with their initials on!
Graeme’s cufflinks had a photo of his cat on ’em!
The beautiful ceremony room was all set for action
In another room, a bride was gowning up…
I love to capture these relaxed moments between friends
I had a few quiet minutes waiting for dad and the registrar’s to arrive, to do a few bridal portraits.
Jo’s not a girly girl, but doesn’t she look radient here!
At full time, the lion’s lost by 1pt (D’OH!), and dad came to see his little girl, all dressed & ready for her wedding! Â It’s always a magical moment.
Here comes the bride!
Afterwards, the newlyweds walked down the aisle while guests filed out of a side door to head outside for fizz.
I really liked this moment of J&G quietly celebrating with a hug & a smooch.
The chaps celebrated with a few cigars!
Not a bad place for a wedding eh?!
After the usual family lineups, we did a few fun teamshots with the wedding party.
Then I took the happy couple off for a relaxed portrait shoot
The wedding breakfast room looked stunning.
Simple, but full of detail. Â The tables were named after places they’ve been, and the top table where they’re going (on the Orient Express!)
Little favours of Fragoli, a strawberry liqueur they discovered in Venice, and continuing the travel theme, luggage tag ‘escort cards’ to show guests where to sit!
Speeches were all great!
After dinner, a few more cigars & Frulis, just before first dance, we did another quick round of portraits
Love this one
Nothin’s gonna stop them now!
The function band, Life in Stereo were absolutely amazing.  I’ve added them to my list of suppliers they were so good.  The did an ace cover off the new Daft Punk Album!
Then the party got started!
And before things got too raucous, we bid our farewell!
What a brilliant celebration! Â Relaxed and chilled where it needed to be, yet unique and top fun all round! Â It’s great to be invited aboard to join the celebrations.
Here’s wishing Joelene & Graeme a wonderful life together and a fabulous honeymoon aboard the Orient Express! Â Party on you guys,
Barns & Clare