Yesterday I joined Annie & Jason for their lovely sunny wedding up at Fountains Abbey
I hope you enjoy our the story of this special day!
After a rainy Friday, it was brilliant to have the bank holiday weekend sun blazing as we headed up to Reeth, deep in Swaledale, to join the girls for their preparations.
Annie’s preparations were at her parents new-build home in the creative market town of Reeth, from which they run their needlework business The Nutmeg Company.
Annie certainly looked pleased with her custom Caroline Castigliano wedding dress!
One of Annie’s oldest male friends was an honourary bridesmaid. Â I’ve heard these called “Bridesmates” before!
As Annie’s a fan of the fizz, Jason had sent over a hand-painted bottle of Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque bubbles for the gang to enjoy!
Their brilliant vintage Bentley wedding motor housed a beasty 5-litre engine!
Though the driver told me it handles a bit like a rhino; quick on the straights, but bad on the corners!
Meanwhile over in Grinton, the next village over, all was set at St Andrews church.
Clare was there to catch Jason & the chaps’ arrival
…and to take a few relaxed portraits and details as they awaited guests.
I love this one on the right of Annie being buttoned in while she switches her engagement band from left to right hands!
Although it was only a short run over to the church, a few trips were made, so I had a few moments to do some quick portraits with our blushing bride!
Team Bride: Good to go!
A while back Jason had given Annie a necklace that she’d wanted to wear for the wedding, but unbeknown to Annie, he’d also bought a matching bracelet to give to her before she headed to the church!
I always love capturing this moment!
It was so nice to have weather like this for a quick shot of everyone, before throwing a spot of confetti…
It was a nice touch that Annie’s Mum had arranged an hour’s tea and cake reception for guests at their local church.
Then it was time for more champagne to be enjoyed over the hour’s drive to Fountains Abbey.
Which was certainly looking awesome in the sunshine!
I love shooting here!
As the sun was out, there were plenty of revellers around to enjoy seeing Annie & Jason wandering around the Abbey, but it’s great how people get out of your way for the pics!
We even managed to get the whole Cellarium (my favourite part of the Abbey) to ourselves!
It’s great seeing random members of the public wishing the newlyweds well!
Then it was back to the walled garden for a drinks reception with the guests.
A few quick family shots!
(Apparently this guys likes to sleep on hedges…)
Someone suggested doing a victorian style serious slash bored looking portrait! Â So I thought it’d look fun processed like an old daguerreotype!
I’ve generally only seen the main hall in Fountain’s Hall used as a wedding ceremony room, but it looked fab dressed for the wedding breakfast
Speeches were great fun, delivered the best way – with warmth, wit and genuine emotion.
After the meal, guests headed up to the Fountains Abbey visitors centre for the evening BBQ reception!
The cake was cut…
…the band delivered a beautiful rendition of Bill Withers’ ‘Lean On Me’ for their first dance…
…then the party got started…
…and we left them to enjoy the BBQ as the light started to fade over the beautiful Abbey!
What a brilliant and beautifully sunny day all round!
Here’s hoping Annie & Jason have a wonderful life together as man & wife and have an awesome honeymoon in Greece!
x Barnaby & Clare x