A little while back I joined these beauties at Middleton Lodge, up in the rolling countryside around Richmond, near Scotch Corner!
The lovely couple are Rachael & Chris, and I’m soon to be snapping their big day at…
… the charming Middleton Lodge in deepest North Yorkshire!
In recent years Middleton lodge has become one of the country’s most unique settings for a wedding.  One of the coolest things about it is they essentially each couples have exclusive usage over 2 nights and 3 days, and treat the home as their own country mansion for the duration of their stay!  
I’ve never shot here before, and after a brew & a natter in possibly THE biggest kitchen I’ve ever seen, we had a good nosey around this ancient boutique wedding venue.
Like Goldsborough Hall and a few others I’ve shot at, it’s one of those cool venues that’s actually a private country home during the week! 
Once upon a time these badboys’d have rung for the butlers & maids!
We even had a nose round the late bar, in the wine cellars, where the party heads in the wee hours after we’ve no doubt left!
So I decided to get Rachael & Chris limbering up, & getting used to how it feels to be papped by yours truly!
We also had a look around the bridal suite and the light in there was just magic, so we had a cheeky squeeze there too.
The hall was also bursting with great light! Â Smooch please.
It didn’t take them long to get into the groove.
In fact, they were possibly the most natural couple I’ve shot.
Generally I try to loosen folk up by talking a whole load of rubbish and trying to make the couple laugh and catch that in my images.
But these two had a quiet soulfulness to them that I really liked.
Either that, or they didn’t find me funny!
Before I’d set off the forecast said ‘HEAVY RAIN’ all day long, and I even offered them the chance to raincheck, but check out what we really got?!
[Brides take note! Â UK weather forecasts are not to be trusted!]
Outside and already limber, we scouted round the venue looking for spots to use on their upcoming big day.
With 250 acres of private parkland to play in, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself!
That way I’m not having to find backgrounds as I go, and we’re all familiar with the good locations and light.
I believe outdoor ceremonies are sometimes done under this funky timber structure.
Here are a few more that I really liked…
Rarely do I get this kind of magical quiet connection between couples without setting it up.
They seemed to just take each other in. Â It was really nice.
Awww.
Burying ourselves in this willow was a good idea!
A little tryptic sequence.
We also ventured into the woods, and I thought a little vintage processing might look nice.
It’s always been about the shoes. Â Especially 60s knee-highs!
There was literally endless spots for us to shoot in front of, and I can’t wait to get them out and around in their finery.
Magical lights.
The skies began to gloom a little, but still looked great with the rays beating down on our happy couple.
A little sequence of vintage detailing
We wrapped up by the entrance gates, and I found a little spot of sunlight for Rachael & Chris to cuddle in.
Beautiful.
Can’t wait to join these guys in a couple of weekends time!