Golden hour, magnolias, & labradors in tuxedos…

Rudding Park wedding photographer. We had such beautiful spring weather for Emily & Andy’s wedding at Rudding Park – not traditional for a bank holiday in the UK!

Getting ready.

I joined Emily in the Russell Room where she was getting ready with her bridesmaids, and I spend a lovely couple of hours with them all laughing and chatting and just having a great time. They were a really fun group and it was clear that they all knew each other really well from the way they ripped into each other – my kind of group!

I got some shots of Emily’s stunning Elysee Bridal Design gown (what a train!) and other details like shoes (both pairs!), perfume and so on. I like to start with these bits as it gets people used to me being there before I start photographing hair and make up. We were also joined by videographer Pete Rush who was lovely to work with.

Once the details were taken care of I set about capturing loads of candid shots of everyone finishing off hair and make up. Meanwhile my second shooter Lissa was with Andy & the guys in Harrogate capturing their side of the morning, before following them to Rudding to don buttonholes and start greeting guests.

Back in bridal HQ it was time for Emily to get dressed – she looked amazing and all the bridesmaids were blown away! Once she was ready to go we took her down to the main staircase to where her dad was waiting for his first glimpse of her –  safe to say he was impressed! They then took a spin around the block in the car her dad had organised specially. I headed over to the chapel to join everyone queuing to get inside.

Ceremony.

Once everyone was seated the bridesmaids came over and I waited outside for Emily & her dad to get back. Then it was on with the ceremony! Emily & Andy were already legally married so chose to have a blessing in the chapel for their friends and family. I always love these at Rudding as the vicar is wonderful – he’s really relaxed about photos which is nice and also he makes the service fun.

The bridesmaids made their entrance down the aisle and all stopped at the end to give Andy a hug (or high five!) which was a lovely touch. Then it was Emily’s turn and I think Andy approved! It was a lovely service with personal stories about Emily & Andy and how they met, and the chapel rang with laughter. Rings and vows were exchanged, along with the drinking of some ceremonial wine (always a winner), and then they sealed the deal with a kiss.

The sun was shining so we were on for confetti outside the chapel, so Emily & Andy walked back up the aisle and had a few moments alone together whilst their guests filed out. Their gorgeous dogs Reggie and Stanley were outside waiting to greet them too, dressed in little tuxedos which made my day!

Reception.

We executed a speedy confetti tunnel and then Emily & Andy went to see their very excited pooches. Please always bring your dog(s) to your wedding! We all made our way to the main house then for drinks and canapes in the sunshine. After a few shots with the dogs we let Emily & Andy spend some time with their guests whilst we captured loads of candid shots of everyone congratulating the happy couple and catching up over a glass of Pimms (or a beer).

We whipped through their group photo list in record time (it can be like herding cats sometimes but these guys got full marks for heading where they were asked to when they were asked to!). We still had plenty of time left (always go for a minimum 90 minute reception to make the most of your day) so Emily & Andy rejoined their guests for a while whilst I nipped inside to get some shots of the Radcliffe Room set up for the wedding breakfast.

Then it was time to take Emily & Andy for a spin around the grounds for some shots of just the two of them. Like most of my couples they weren’t used to being photographed, but they eased into it so quickly and were super relaxed with each other which is the main thing. We got so many lovely shots of them both just chatting and smiling and being with each other. Then it was back inside ready for everyone to be seated for the speeches and meal.

Wedding breakfast.

Speeches were up first with the usual 3 suspects saying a few words – father of the bride, groom and then best man. Emily & Andy were announced in and the room exploded into cheers and whoops with napkins whirling around as their guests went wild! They even made a lap of the room to keep things going which I don’t see often! The speeches were great (as I had a suspicion they would be!); all three speakers did a fab job of keeping the crowd laughing and then it was food time.

There was a nice long break after dinner whilst the room was made ready for the evening  reception and the band set up. It was a beautiful evening so we took Emily & Andy back outside for some photos in the setting sun – can’t beat golden hour!

Party.

The party kicked off then with Emily & Andy’s first dance, followed by a father-daughter dance with Emily’s dad and then the band really got things going! The dance floor was rammed and this crowd needed no encouragement so I got loads of amazing party photos before heading home.

I bloody love photographing weddings at Rudding Park so if you’re on the hunt for a photographer for your wedding there make sure to check out some of my other Rudding Park weddings and then let’s chat!

Venue: @ruddingparkhotel
Second photographer: @lissaalexandraphoto
Videographer: @yorkshire.videos
Florist: @coletteflorist
Make up: @tina.tempest
Hair: @bridal_hair_by_lauren
Dress: @elyseebridaldesign
Venue styling: @ambienceleeds
Cake: @mcbakes9
Dog sitters: @bow_wow_vow