Yesterday I joined Natalie + John for their wedding photography at Woodlands Hotel in Leeds, in West Yorkshire!
The day’s weather was strewn with Mist and Fog, but it stayed mild, didn’t rain and in the end added a lovely atmosphere to the late Autumnal day!
I hope you enjoy the story of their special day!
You never know what weather you’re gonna be dealt on your big day, and while Autumn/Winter weddings come with an additional inclemental gamble, they’re just as unlikely to be a perfect sunny day!
Today’s forecast was either Fog or Mist all day, and I had to ask google what the difference was (they’re different in density/visibility, and basically fog is clouds at ground level and mist is suspended fine water vapour).  But it stayed mild, didn’t rain and I ended up thinking that the fog added to the atmosphere of the day, without killing the option for pictures outside, so it’s good with me!
Anyhoo, I joined the girls in the Penthouse Suite at Woodlands Hotel in South Leeds for their relaxed morning of pampering to a soundtrack of 90’s pop hits!
Always nice to see genuine emotional responses at weddings, such as when Natalie read her sweet card from John.
The beautiful gown was hanging in wait, and had been hand made by the Bridal House in Leeds
The flowers by AnneMarie Wilkinson were pretty amazing, with vibrant reds and purples
Nothing like a wedding day selfie!
Meanwhile downstairs…
…the man of the hour, John, arrived at Woodlands for a Dutch sharpener with his best men in the bar, while my wingman Hamish documented the action
Johns a big Arsenal fan, and his guys were given Gunner’s hipflasks & cufflinks!
Loving these details of the guys getting ready in one of the lovely bright Woodlands bedrooms
Natalie had told John that they weren’t going to get gifts for one another, but Nat had a little surprise in store…
John had been wanting a road bike, but wedding budgets hadn’t allowed for it, so he was chuffed to bits to get this!
Fun times!
Afterwards, Hamish took the dudes outside into the mist for a few relaxed teamshots outside before the ceremony…
Liking this one of the guys walking back in, with a reassuring pat between pals
AÂ nice little ring detail shot on the Autumn Leaves for a bit of context
The room was all set and ready for the wedding, so the guys hit the bar to chat with guests before the ceremony
Upstairs, the girls were helping Natalie into her beautiful gown, and there was a quiet moment while her sister putting on some significant family jewellery
I always like the significance of switching the engagement ring onto the other hand to prepare for an incoming wedding band!
Mum & Dad arrived as the veil was being put on, and it was really lovely to see dad burst into tears…
I’d like to think I’ll be an emotional mess when my daughter get’s married.
It just goes to show the gravity of it all!
After a quick Bridal party teamshot, we headed downstairs to the ceremony…
I like the composition of this one.
Lots to look at.
Our groom patiently awaits…
A supportive glance from mum
And as their pal Richard played the Beatles track from the slideshow (‘And I love her’), here came the bride!
Love this little ‘We did it!’ expression!
As guests piled outside there were some lovely little moments between near and dear too.
I particularly like this teary squeeze between the groom and his new mother-in-law
Then we whistled through the family groupshots, where I impressively called the groom Rob, and didn’t live it down the rest of the day!
😉
Oops!
A little team of pals
And a few fun shots with the wedding party people
Then as guests went inside to relax and enjoy the canapes and bubbles, Natalie, John and I took a quick turn around the grounds for a few relaxed portraits
John decided we needed to take a wedding selfie with my camera!
😀
The happy couple then joined their pals, accompanied by Tony Perkins on Piano
And I popped into the Marquee to photograph the wedding meal tables before they got destroyed!
They’d done a lovely job dressing the room, with light up letters and wire writing everywhere
😉
After the meal, and as dusk set in, it was time for the official speeches…
Now it was Johns turn to get emotional!
Aww. Â I genuinely love it when there are beautiful, real moments to capture at a wedding
The best man did his duty and shamed the groom appropriately!
After the meal evening had truly set in and the mist looked ace with the house lights on
We set up out photobooth and got some great photos of the gang having a bit of fun!
Love this one!
Good old Photobooth fun!
Then it was onto the official cutting of the cake – that Natalie had baked herself!!
Top work
These guys decided they didn’t want a big public first dance, so got everyone onto the dancefloor at the same time to dance to The Wannadies ‘You and Me Song’!
Then it was time to properly party!
So a massive congratulations to this lovely couple, Natalie & John (not Rob).  It was such a pleasure to be involved in your big day and to witness and document all the moments and fun!  Here’s hoping you have an amazing, sunny Honeymoon in Australia over December!
Party on kids,
Barnaby & Hamish
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