Sam & Hugh’s Wedding at Kirkstall Abbey and East Keswick Village Hall: A Day of Love, Laughter, and Dancing
Kirkstall Abbey wedding photography. Sam and Hugh’s July wedding was a perfect mix of emotion and fun. From the early morning preparations to the wild ceilidh dancing in the evening, every moment was a reflection of their personalities and their deep love for each other. Here’s a look back at their beautiful day.
Getting Ready
The day started with Sam getting ready at one of her bridesmaids’ houses just outside Leeds. The kitchen table was the heart of the morning—hair and makeup were done with laughter and light-hearted conversation. Everyone took their time, doing their own makeup, and the atmosphere was relaxed, filled with excitement. Sam’s dress, from Coast, was already stunning, but with the addition of an extra layer of floral detailed fabric, it had a unique touch that made it even more beautiful. Her bouquet of dried flowers, chosen for their timeless and rustic charm, added to her effortless beauty.
When Sam’s parents and brothers arrived to see her in her dress, there was a beautiful moment of family connection. A few family photos were taken in the garden, capturing the joy and love of the moment. It was clear this wedding would be full of heartfelt memories.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was a blessing held at Kirkstall Abbey, and it was as emotional as it was beautiful. Led by a close friend of Hugh’s, it was an intimate and personal service that saw the couple exchange vows outside in the open air. The sky was a brilliant blue, but the Abbey’s location proved to be a bit of a wind trap. Sam’s veil nearly blew off during the ceremony, which made for a lighthearted moment and some laughter.
Tears were also shed during the ceremony, especially as both of their dads gave meaningful readings . There wasn’t a dry eye in sight. After the vows, Sam and Hugh walked back through the Abbey ruins, greeted by their guests who were waiting at the front. A long confetti line followed, with laughter and cheers echoing throughout the grounds, before everyone posed for a group photo in front of the Abbey.
After this we whipped through a few more family photos and then ducked back in to the Abbey as a rain shower started – typical English summer! Luckily there are loads of undercover spots at Kirsktall and Sam & Hugh had arranged for ice creams to be served for everyone. I even got a vegan Magnum! The rain broke and I managed to capture some great shots of Sam and Hugh around the Abbey – we were spoiled for choice with locations as you might imagine!
Reception at East Keswick Village Hall
The next stop was the East Keswick Village Hall for the reception. I arrived first to capture the hall dressed for the wedding breakfast—rows of trestle tables adorned with vases of dried flowers, creating a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. The highlight was the impressive dessert table, which looked mouthwatering!
While the rest of the guests arrived, the sun was finally shining, and everyone enjoyed some garden games outside. Twister became a favourite, with friends and family bonding over the game on the lawn. It was a lovely way to kick off the celebration, adding some playful energy to the day.
Speeches
Once everyone had enjoyed their meal, the speeches began. They were a mixture of emotional moments and humour, with heartfelt words from both Hugh and his brother, as well as funny stories and anecdotes that had everyone laughing. It was clear that Sam and Hugh are deeply loved, and their bond with family and friends shone through in every word spoken.
Party Time: Ceilidh Dancing
After dinner, it was time to really let loose! A ceilidh band took to the stage, and the whole room erupted into energy and laughter. The ceilidh was a perfect choice for Sam and Hugh’s fun-loving personalities, and it didn’t take long for the guests to dive into the energetic dancing. The combination of traditional folk music and enthusiastic dancers created an atmosphere of pure joy.
A Day to Remember
Sam and Hugh’s wedding was filled with personal touches, laughter, and deep emotion. From the heartfelt ceremony at Kirkstall Abbey to the lively reception at East Keswick Village Hall, it was a celebration that will be remembered by everyone who attended. Whether it was the games on the lawn, the emotional speeches, or the wild ceilidh, this was a wedding that truly had it all—and one that Sam and Hugh will remember for a lifetime.
Here are some of my favourite photos from their day…