Lumley Castle - Charlotte and Tom

Charlotte and Tom travelled all the way from Australia to realise their dream of being married in an English Castle.  They brought with them their parents, Charlotte's brother and her best friend, with a much larger party planned for a couple of weeks later back in Melbourne.  They had hoped and dreamed of snow to help paint the scene of their perfect English winter wedding and wonderfully they were not disappointed.

It was our honour to capture their very intimate wedding day and to get to know these eight amazing people.  Congratulations to you both and we with you every happiness for your future lives together.

Matfen Hall - Janet and Ben

Our first wedding of what was to be a very busy August was that of Janet and Ben.  They met and become a couple whilst still at school and chose to tie the knot last summer.  They were married in the pretty church in Stamfordham, just up the road from their reception venue, Matfen Hall.  Looking smart as a dart, Ben wore his Naval number one's for the special occasion.  After the ceremony, Ben whisked his new wife Janet off to Matfen Hall in his own BMW Z3.  Their guests happily greeted them as they made a grand entrance into the Great Hall of Matfen Hall, announced in to the room with music played by the string quartet, a special surprise gift from Janet's father which then continued, setting a wonderful mood for the drinks reception.

It was a wonderful day with a great couple, picture perfect weather and a stunning venue.

Here are a few of our fav's from the day...  

Close House - Melanie and Will

Over the years we have attended many weddings at Close house.  It was always an extraordinary venue and a delight to visit however with a new refurb and a change of direction a few years ago we watched it transform to become one of the most exclusive and most desirable wedding venues in the North East.  At the beginning of last year, it was a sadness for us to learn that as from last October, Close house would no longer host weddings.  We were honoured to be selected to photograph one of their very last weddings, and for our last visit to this wonderful venue, I am so pleased we were there for Mel and Will.  A wonderful couple, full of fun and love for one another surrounded by their family and friends whom it was clear meant so much to them.  It was a delightful day filled with emotion, laughter and love. 

We both want to thank you, Mel & Will for inviting us to your wedding day and for allowing us to document your first day as man and wife.  Your words of kindness mean the world to us.  We both wish you every happiness for your future together.

"Dear Nigel & Chrissie

When we started to look for photographers, every time I saw different photographers work online, I was always drawn to your pictures.  When we booked you, we hadn't been to meet anyone else but I remember my stomach sinking at the idea you would be booked by the time we got around to choosing someone and we made our minds up that night to book you.  I can only say how happy I am that I trusted my gut instinct, because we are absolutely delighted with our wedding photos.  I have cried more looking at the pictures, than I did on the day and we are bowled over at how well you have captured everything.  We have shown a few friends and family members and everyone agrees they are amazing. The photo's are nothing other than beautiful and so artistic, you have given us something that we will treasure for years to come, so I just want to say thank you so much.

Mel & Will x"

Linden Hall - Nicola and Andy

Word of mouth is so often the very best referral's you can receive and when it comes down to something as precious as choosing who to trust to capture your wedding day in the way you want to remember it, it becomes essential to find a perfect fit.  Our first contact from Nicola and Andy was from a direct recommendation from a friend and very well established local wedding photographer.  Nicola and Andy got in touch, popped over for a chat and quickly booked us for their wedding at St Aidan's Catholic Church in Ashington and their reception at Linden Hall in Northumberland.

Linden Hall on Nicola and Andy's beautiful mid July wedding day.

I started my day as usual with the girls in the bridal suite as they prepared for the wedding.

It was great to work along side the super talented Lisa Cameron styling the girls hair.

A great father and daughter moment.  Nicola's dad is beaming with pride for his daughter as she helps him with his cuff links.

Nigel meanwhile is downstairs with the lads as their prepare in Linden Hall's entrance hall

Until you are a mother to a daughter yourself, I don't think you can ever understand the true strength of the bond that naturally exists between you both.   A precious unforgettable moment for both girls, Nicola's mum lovingly helps her into the gown that she has carefully chosen to wear on her wedding day.  One day I hope that I will also be given the opportunity to share in this special moment with my own little girl.  

I love this pretty portrait of Nicola standing in the window of the bridal suite of Linden Hall.  The natural light catches her hair as it gently falls over her face, and with a thoughtful smile she is ready for the rest of the day to begin.

Nicola's dad escorted her gown Linden Hall's grand staircase.

The wedding ceremony took place in the stunning St Aidan's Catholic Church in Ashington.  

I love this moment, this gesture from the vicar to a member of the family clearly shows how everyone was welcomed open arms into the church.  The atmosphere was warm, inviting and one of love and humility.  

Andy's brother Daniel is a vicar himself and was overjoyed to be given the honour of marrying them.  He made the ceremony very personal for the both of them, added a little humor and fun and made it an unforgettable experience for them.  

Daniel, Andy and an usher make time for a quick last minute selfie before Nicola arrives. 

Nicola photographed in her wedding car looks completely stunning.  

Andy is prepped for the brides arrival and the procession begins.

Sticking to tradition, Andy doesn't turn to meet his bride's gaze...

...but when he does turn, he can't take his eyes off of her.

We love to find unusual angle to take photographs from, and this is a great example, setting the scene of this wedding ceremony and allowing us to see really how beautiful St Aidan's church in Ashington really is.

Daniel lovingly compares his brother and sister in law with Mr Potato Head and Ariel the little mermaid!

Daniel passes Nicola's ring to his brother Andy.

He pronounces them man and wife and they are married.

I love this shot.  It is a photograph with a double meaning.  The little girl is being comforted by the vicar.  The image sends us a message of welcoming and love from the church to the community.  This little girl happens to be Daniel the vicar's daughter.  She hadn't seen her daddy much that day and was missing him terribly.  She watched him perform his duties throughout the ceremony and could wait no longer to be with him.  

We all head on over to Linden Hall, a beautiful mansion house set just outside of Longhorsley in Northumberland.

The tree lined road winding up to Linden Hall makes for some gorgeous photograph opportunities.

Spots of shade from the trees give us some dramatic light to play with.

Nicola and Andy dressed the tables in the Bigge suite in Linden Hall with fresh white linen, alternating pink and white organza chair sashes, bird cages filled with pink and white flowers on the tables and fairy lights wound around the pillars. 

Fab photographs of the speeches once again.  We are loving the embarrassed expressions on poor Andy's face as his best man Mike tells everyone his secrets!

Live music and a little mood lighting help create a perfect atmosphere for the evening party in Linden Hall's Bigge suite.

Nicola and Andy take to the floor and share their first dance together as man and wife.

A wonderful message from our happy couple was waiting for us in our inbox just a few days after receiving their wedding images.

“We just wanted to say that we’ve looked at our photos and they are beautiful. Absolutely stunning and perfect. Our friends and family all think they are absolutely amazing too! We can’t wait to get some printed... and of course see the album!! ”

— Nicola and Andy

We are both delighted that you love your photographs and we hope that they bring you many years of happiness and joy.  We were delighted to be invited to be a small part of your day.  Your beautiful Queensberry Duo feature album is getting hand made in New Zealand right now and it's going to be out of this world gorgeous!  I am so looking forward to handing it over to you both for safe keeping!