A Brass Band, Sword Arch, and a Massive Parmesan Wheel for S&R at The Tithe Barn
Tithe Barn Wedding Photography Bolton Abbey. The Tithe Barn only opened it’s doors last summer but it’s popularity seems to have absolutely exploded! I’ve got a bunch of weddings booked in here in 2019 and more in 2020 and I cannot wait! It’s the most beautiful building, with amazing views down to the abbey. Plus it’s owned by the legendary Cripps & Co who are an absolute dream to work with! Amazing food and lovely staff and everything runs like clockwork -can’t beat that!
Steph & Robin’s wedding was my first at The Tithe Barn and what a way to start! This pair were so much fun to be around, and I thoroughly enjoyed disproving their claim that they’re not very photogenic (HOW many times do I hear that lie?!)!
I started my day with Steph and her bridesmaids and family at her parents home in Ilkley. Lottie Light was in charge of make up and Louise from Yorkshire Bridal Hair was the hair stylist, and all preparations were in full swing when I arrived. I set about capturing a few details of Steph’s beautiful gown and bouquets by Vanessa Wellock of Wildflowers (so many beautiful flowers at this wedding!), and then began stalking the bridesmaids who were hiding away from me upstairs (as always!).
Once Steph’s hair and make up were almost there I got a few shots of the final touches and then waited to capture the bridesmaids opening their gifts – I love it when they save this bit for me to see, it’s always such a lovely moment!
Meanwhile my lovely assistant Eleanor met up with Robin and the guys over at The Priory Church at Bolton Abbey to get some shots of the church before the ceremony, and some great candid shots of Robin and co greeting all the guests as they arrived.
Then it was time for Steph to get dressed – serious team effort from her mum, chief bridesmaid, and Louise! We then let the rest of the bridesmaids in, followed by Steph’s dad who treated me to one of my favourite “dad reactions” for 2018! He was blown away! I made my way to Bolton Abbey to meet up with Eleanor and wait for Steph’s arrival. Wedding ceremonious at The Priory Church are always amazing – you just can’t fault a building like that!
After the rings were exchanged and the register signed, Steph and Robin made their way back up the aisle and out into the sunshine. Everyone else poured out and after a few hello’s we I nabbed the happy couple for some photos in the ruins whilst the guests were entertained by the incredible Back Chat Brass. If you’re looking for wedding day entertainment then I thoroughly recommend these guys – they’re super talented and they really get everyone involved!
After about 10 minutes we rejoined the wedding party at the front of the church where the Guard of Honour was in position, and then Back Chat Brass led the way up the road to the barn for the drinks reception. We had plenty of time then so we left Steph and Robin to grab a drink and have a proper chat with their guests whilst we snapped some candid shots of everyone and (of course!) some details of the barn set up for dinner. And it looked incredible! Steph and Robin had opted for three long tables running the length of the barn and they were covered in incredible displays of flowers, moss and herbs again by Vanessa Wildflowers. make sure to check out the fab table plan she made too.
Instead of a cake cutting these guys “Cut” a Parmesan wheel. With a sword. And a freaking MASSIVE Parmesan wheel that was to be served with the wedding breakfast and given away as favours. Suffice to say it took some “cutting” (insert immature cut-the-cheese joke here :-D) but eventually it gave in and we headed back outside for a few group photos and some confetti before dinner.
The speeches were split up between the courses, and I also managed to quickly grabbed Steph and Robin for a few more shots outside as the sun was setting before the final toasts.
We had a bit of a break after dinner and then it was first dance time. I always like to stay for a few more songs to grab some of the crazy dance floor action, and then leave everyone to dance in peace!
Hugest of huge thank you’s to Steph and Robin for trusting me to capture their amazing wedding, and to my fab second shooter Eleanor! If you’re looking for a photographer for your wedding at The Tithe Barn Bolton Abbey, click here to can see more weddings I’ve shot there. And then send me an enquiry, I’d love to hear more about your wedding plans!
Supplier shout outs:
Venue: The Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey
Florist: Vanessa Wellock, Wildflowers
Make Up: Lottie Light, Charlotte Jayne Beauty
Hair: Yorkshire Bridal Hair
Catering: Cripps & Co
Brass band: Back Chat Brass
Dress: Suzanne Neville, from The Bridal Boutique in Baildon
Parmesan Wheel: The Courtyard Dairy
Stationery: Ellie Cadier
