Emily & Mike at Rudding Park. Proving that there’s never too much confetti

Such a gorgeous day for a Rudding Park wedding! Emily and Mike had a beautifully personal blessing in the chapel at Rudding followed by a reception in the main house.

Getting ready.

I joined Emily & her friends, bridesmaids and family at Gardener’s Cottage on the Rudding grounds where Amber Louise Hair & Make Up was finishing off Emily’s make up perfectly (highly recommend her and her team!). I grabbed a few shots of Emily’s shoes, perfume and other details and then captured the final make up touches. It was a full house ringing with laughter which I always love! I got loads of great candid shots of Emily & the girls enjoying a quick drink before we all made our way over to the Main House for preparations to finish in the Russel Room. We were also joined by Ainsley Wedding Films who was so lovely to work with. He and I grabbed some shots of Emily’s dress hanging in the Russell Room before everyone arrived and popped some more champagne and settled in to enjoy the rest of their time pre-ceremony. They were all ready so early it was impressively organised and meant there was no last minute rush! Emily got dressed in her amazing Tiffany’s bridal gown which suited her perfectly, with help from bridesmaid Becky. She then showed off the finished result to the rest of her bridesmaids, friends and lovely mum – such a nice moment.

Blessing at Rudding Park Chapel.

Time then to head to the chapel to catch up with Mike and get some candid shots of guests arriving and greeting him whilst he fought off the nerves. The chapel looked amazing with gorgeous floral displays by Paul Martin Planters & Bouquets.

Once everyone was seated Emily made her way over from the main building and the ceremony could begin. It was such a touching and personal celebration led by a friend of Emily’s, celebrant Kaye Barney. There were lovely readings by Emily’s brother and one of her sisters lots of stories about Emily & Mike and how they met, and Mike’s mum played a beautiful rendition of Clair de Lune on the piano.

Emily & Mike read personal vows to each other and then it was time for rings and that all important kiss to seal the deal! They then walked back up the aisle to huge cheers and we ushered everyone outside for a very efficient confetti line up outside the chapel. They opted for biodegradable paper confetti which is my favourite as it falls the best!

Reception.

We all made our way round to the back of the hotel for the drinks reception. Once everyone was inside Emily & Mike made an entrance down the main staircase. We jumped straight into their group photo list which was nice and short. We finished with a shot of everyone on the stairs outside the main house and then let the guests go back in for drinks and canapés whilst we took Emily & Mike off for a few relaxed portraits. They absolutely nailed this, easing into it really quickly with seemingly no awkwardness at all though they’d probably disagree!

We let them rejoin their guests and enjoy the rest of the reception then, and got some detail shots of the wedding breakfast set up. The site looked so beautiful with loads of candles and flowers in greens and whites, including the huge floral displays brought over from the chapel. I then busied myself capturing some lovely candid shots of Emily, Mike and their guests chatting and enjoying their drinks. Soon it was time to be seated, and for Emily & Mike to be announced at the new Mr & Mrs. Speeches were before the meal, with Emily, Mike and best man “Mike No. 2” all saying a few words. They were really emotional and moving speeches, as well as being really funny in places. It was one of those times when I have to hold on to my own tears as half the room was in floods!

Food was served so we left them to it for a while. It was looking to get dark before dessert was finished so we grabbed Emily & Mike for a few more shots of the two of them outside in the grounds after they’d had their mains.

Party time.

There was a nice break then allowing people to relax and have tea and coffee before the evening reception kicked off. I also managed a final couple of photos of Emily & Mike on the staircase before it was time to cut the cake.

Emily & Mike got the party started with their first dance, and then the dance floor filled thanks to the amazing band that is The Rolling Keys! They’re so good and I always know there’ll be a full dance floor when they’re around! I got so many dancing photos and then it was time for me to leave and let them party into the night!

For more gorgeous Rudding Park Weddings check my Find Your Venue section!

Venue: @ruddingparkhotel
Videographer: @ainsleyweddingfilms
Celebrant: Kaye Barney
Florist: @coletteflorist (bouquets & buttonholes) @paulmartinplantersbouquets (centrepieces & chapel floral displays)
Hair & make up: @amberlouisemakeup
Dress: @tiffanysbridaldresses from @divineboutique_leicester
Cake: @hg1cakecouture
Band: @rollingkeysmusic