Monday 30 May 2011

Nostell Priory Wedding | Gemma & Lee

Groom's Preparations: Village Hotel, Morley, West Yorkshire
Ceremony: Nostell Priory, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Reception: Marquee, Nostell Priory, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Second shooting with Gav Harrison

Wedding number 4 in just over a week!

When I met Lee at the hotel early on Saturday morning, he'd already been down to Nostell Priory to set the cake up so I wasn't surprised that the schedule was getting a bit stretched. We did a few quick shots in the hotel room and reception, despite it being the darkest hotel I've ever been in, and then it was in the cars and off we went!

Nostell Priory is a beautiful location, owned by the National Trust. Normally, weddings are held in the Riding School annex but the ongoing renovation work there meant that the ceremony (during which I managed to noisily kick an antique coal scuttle) was held in the Priory itself and the reception in a marquee in the grounds.

Thankfully, the weather was kinder to us than yesterday and we managed to have a really good wander around the grounds with Gemma and Lee and take some nice intimate shots.

The kitchen staff treated us to some (I hesitate to call them) leftovers while the guests were tucking in to their meals - the tastiest lamb I've ever had and what the chef called a chorizo stew, which was amazing.

The evening entertainment was kicked off by an incredible street musician, Tristan MacKay, who Lee found busking in Leeds. Have a search for him on YouTube. There are plenty of videos of him but, if I were you, I'd go straight to one of him performing Stevie Wonder's "Superstition", you'll be amazed!

Gemma & Lee were very easy to photograph and didn't take much directing to get some great results and, of course, Nostell Priory is a stunning backdrop.

Congratulations to a wonderful couple and a big thank-you for a most enjoyable day. Also, a huge thank-you to Danielle & the staff at Nostell Priory, who were all fantastic (compliments to the chef and sorry about the coal scuttle!).



















































Wednesday 25 May 2011

Oulton Hall Wedding: Caroline & Luke

Ceremony: The Church Of St Peter & All Saints, Morley, West Yorkshire
Reception: Oulton Hall, Oulton, Leeds, West Yorkshire

































I said the weather had to change, didn't I? Well, at least we managed to get all the group shots done at the church before the heavens opened!
During the ceremony I took up position on the high balcony at the rear of the church and got some nice shots from there but the lack of handrail combined with my fear of heights made me a bit nervous and I couldn't wait to get my feet back on terra firma!
Luke was doing his best not to look nervous but he wasn't doing a very good job of hiding it. Thankfully, son Jake was doing his best to distract everyone by being extremely cute. In fact I had to keep reminding myself throughout the day that there was a bride & groom to photograph!
Gemma didn't stop smiling all day and looked as though she was having a ball!
Oulton Hall is a great venue with loads of different areas ideal for photos, both inside and out, so when the rain started, it wasn't a problem. As it was, it cleared up later on and we managed to get out in the gardens for a few shots.
The evening reception was held in the Claret Jug bar and the DJ had the floor filled, right from the first track. Everyone had a great time!

Congratulations to Gemma and Lee and thanks to them for a great day. Thanks also to Vikki and all the staff at Oulton Hall for all their help - much appreciated!