durham wedding photography
Matfen Hall - Natalie and Russell
Romantic through and through, genuinely beautiful, inside and out and completely in love are words that I could easily use to describe Natalie and Russell and it was simply a joy to get to know them both. Russell's fairytale proposal on top of the Eiffel tower in Paris along with Natalie's favourite disney film 'Beauty and the Beast' together became the inspiration for their truly magical wedding day at Matfen Hall.
Natalie and Russell told me that Matfen Hall's gothic great hall with it's towering stained glass window, grand staircase and architectural stone arches reminded them of the ballroom in disney's classic 'Beauty and the Beast' and as soon as they stepped inside, they knew it would be the perfect place for their wedding.
Natalie's stunning engagement ring.
Natalie chose tones of beautiful cornflower blue for her bouquet and bridesmaids dresses keeping within the theme of the day.
It was wonderful to work with our old friend Julie Pattinson once again, using her makeup skills to ensure that all of the girls were looking perfect for the day.
Nigel met the lads downstairs as they finished getting ready for the ceremony.
Each of the men were given a pair of cufflinks, each with a different super hero emblem on. As pretty good look alike, Russell of course had Captain America.
Natalies lovely bridesmaids helped her into her stunning wedding gown in Matfen Hall's bridal suite.
Natalie looked stunning in her ballgown style wedding dress, long veil and a delicate tiara headband.
A priceless moment and one of my favourites on a wedding day - the moment the bride's father sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day.
Undoubtedly the adrenaline is kicking in for Russell now as the guests stand to greet the bride. I love this shot as his Mum steps forward to give her son a loving gesture and a little reassurance and that look on Russell's face tells us everything he is thinking, a little nervous but like he is living a dream.
Beautiful Natalie walks slowly down the great hall staircase. Such a proud moment for her and her father, I carefully positioned myself so we can see her clearly ascend the staircase while we can also see their guest looking up watching her with Russell up at the back - sticking to tradition and not turning. Viewing these images allows Natalie to relive the moment and Russell to witness something that he did not with his own eyes.
Natalie made such an elegant bride.
The gothic great hall at Matfen offers so many interesting and creative view points to photograph from.
Gorgeous light for Natalie and Russell as they pose for their family and friends.
Natalie and Russell were lucky enough to have stunning weather for their wedding day and so everyone headed straight outside to enjoy it.
Russell's parents had bought these fun french signs for Natalie and Russell.
Matfen Hall's lavender was perfectly in bloom for their mid August wedding.
The terrace room perfectly set for the wedding breakfast. I noticed that the candelabra's gave a nod in the direction to the character Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast and the lace detailing and fresh colour theme to the french.
A miniature Eiffel tower set on a table filled with jars of home made macarons, a traditional french dessert. I was invited to try one and so I can say they were out of this world gorgeous.
Natalie and Russell's wedding guests were invited on to the grand staircase to welcome Natalie and Russell to take to the dance floor. Natalie and Russell looked incredible as they waltzed across the vast open floor space in the beautiful hall looking like a scene from a fairytale.
As the sun lowers in the sky, we head outside for one to two last romantic portraits.
Natalie and Russell, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us to attend your beautiful wedding day. Your love for one another, your romantic souls and your sincere kindness is inspirational, and everyone who will see these images it will be plain to see that you two were simply made for one other. We both wish you love, happiness and an amazing future together.
Doxford Hall - Laura and Simon
We have always loved Doxford Hall, for it's beautiful mature gardens, character features and wonderful interior light and it was an honour to return once again to photograph Laura and Simons big day last summer. We met the both of them at their family homes as they prepared for their wedding day ahead.
I started my day with Laura at her parents home in West Moor.
Laura chose the gorgeous Tigris by 'White One'. A stunning asymmetrical wedding gown with pleated detail and a puddle train with suited her petite frame perfectly.
Laura asked her own hairdresser to come to their home to style her hair. Her little flowergirl sat so beautifully as he worked his magic, creating possibly her first ever professionally styled 'do'.
I loved Laura's choice of contemporary bouquet, created using a variety of broaches wired together.
Words can't describe this moment, the moment Laura's parents see her for the first time on the day that she will be married. A moment that they will always share and that they should be allowed to remember for a lifetime.
Nigel joined the lads as they got ready.
Off to North Gosforth for the ceremony at the Sacred Heart Church, tucked away behind high stone walls and surrounded by trees, a gorgeous setting for a wedding.
Simon and the lads looking smart and ready for the big day ahead.
One of Nigel's arial shots sets the scene for the wedding ceremony at the Sacred Heart church with it's wide aisle and looming pillars.
With his daughter on his arm, Laura's dad lead her down the aisle, a proud moment in any fathers life.
I loved the contemporary stained glass window in the traditional church and wanted to include it in a creative way so using the glass partition at the back of the church I carefully positioned myself to catch it's reflection and waited for the vicar to raise his hands mimicking the figure of Jesus in the window behind me.
I've loved the sound of the acoustic guitar ever since I was little. My parents even put me though lessons to learn to play (sadly not my forte) but I still have such appreciation for the music. The melody from the solo guitarist was stunning and made a wonderful change for the music during the ceremony.
Standing looking from the gallery down into the church as Laura and Simon walk back down the aisle together gives us a different view of the scene that is normally seen. Guests standing watching, capturing the moment on their own cameras, the bridal party processing behind the newlyweds really capturing the mood of the moment.
I love this quick little capture of Laura and Simon as they leave church and step into the sunlight.
Setting the scene once again, Doxford Hall looking stunning in the summer time.
Before the vintage wedding car head's off and the wedding guests arrive, we make a little time for a few pictures.
Laura and Simon looking gorgeous in the stunning mature gardens of Doxford Hall.
Doxford Hall has some great architectural features and so many opportunities for great photography.
The guests have all arrived and se we head back together to enjoy their drinks reception.
A tradition we don't see often anymore, Laura decided to throw her bouquet.
The lovely exterior staircase topped with its carved owl was orchestrated by Lord Runciman in the early twentieth century and is a favourite feature of many of our couples that get married at Doxford Hall.
We take a few more moments with Laura and Simon once their guests has headed inside to capture a few shots on the staircase.
Laura and Simon chose a classic and fresh theme for their wedding breakfast using white hydrangeas in tall glass vases, lace table runners and chair ties and chalk board table names.
Before the evening party kicked off, we took a few more moments to explore the interior of the Hall
The party begins and the guests take to the dance floor.
We found a spot of wonderful light as the building was lit in gold from the dropping sun. One last perfect opportunity for a romantic portrait.
Thank you Laura and Simon for inviting us to be involved with you very special day, and what a cracking day it was! Enjoy your photographs x
Hannah and Paul - Slaley Hall
During the months leading up to Hannah and Paul's beautifully sunny wedding day last June we were given the opportunity to really get to know them both not just as one of our wedding couples but as friends. Right from the start it was clear to see not only how much these two are in love, but also the strength of their friendship and commitment to one another. We were so honoured to be involved and to witness this fantastic couple's union and I hope that we remain friends for a long time to come. They initially got in touch with us after a recommendation from their videographers, Joined Heart Wedding videos (thanks guys!), a team of two, Richard and Peter who we have worked with many times over the years.
I asked Hannah, how did you both meet and how did Paul propose?
"We met at The Plough in Killingworth. I worked there as a barmaid and Paul came in with his friends. He asked me out a few days later and we've been inseparable ever since.
On Christmas Day, Paul gave me tickets for us to fly out to New York on January 2nd. We spent our first morning around Central Park and Paul got down on one knee and proposed next to the frozen lake by The Plaza Hotel."
The wedding day took place at Q Hotel's Slaley Hall, near Hexham in Northumberland. In recent years colour trends have been more towards the neutral shades, sages, blush, taupes as well as purples. It really made a refreshing change to see the room dressed in red and the colour suited the Slaley hall beautifully.
Nigel started the day with the lads as usual for a few getting ready shots.
Paul suits up and looks very smart for his Hannah.
Gypsophila and deep red rose boutonnieres for the boys.
Nigel found a great spot for a classic and very well lit portrait of Paul before the ceremony.
I met with Hannah and the girls in the bridal suite for a few shots of their preparations and of course some creative detail shots.
Hannah's stunning seven stone diamond engagement ring set with tiny heart heart shaped claws.
Paul chose a beautiful bow pendant and chain from Tiffany's as a gift for his bride on their wedding day.
Hannah looks gorgeous in her classic a-line wedding gown from Whitley Bay based bridal boutique Truly Madly Deeply.
A deep red Rose and Lily shower bouquet was chosen for Hannah,
The nerves are starting to show for Paul, but Hannah doesn't make him wait too long.
Hannah's sister Robyn stands to give a reading during their wedding ceremony as they look out over the northumberland countryside.
I asked Hannah, What was the most memorable or your favorite part of your wedding day?
"For both of us it was being able to marry our best friend after a year and half of planning the wedding."
The weather was perfect, sunny but not scorching hot, warm, no wind and so straight after the ceremony they stepped outside to enjoy their drinks reception on the terrace.
I always call these shots the meets and greets, but they are so much more than that, they are memories being made, words of love and congratulations from close friends and family, laughter and joy. For us, shots like this are an essential part of the day and are a privilege to photograph.
A quick shot of everyone attending was follow by a few formals in the grounds.
A classic and traditional shot for our bride and groom, set up not only for us but also to intentionally give their family and friends the opportunity to capture a nice photograph of our couple before we headed off to the covered Japanese gardens.
I had managed to get a key for one of Slaley Hall's golf buggies from the wedding co ordinator and had it hidden in my pocket throughout much of the drinks reception and so when the time came for the four of us to head down to the garden, the buggy was ready and waiting for Paul to drive his bride to have their photographs taken. I gave him the key and Paul grinned like a kid in a very large toy shop!!
I asked Hannah, why was photography important to you and why did you choose 2tone Photography ?
"The photography was important to us because photographs of a wedding day capture something you can't repeat and they give you the memories for life. They make time stand still in a moment that you both never want to forget. We chose Nigel and Christina because we thought they would provide us with memories as well as unforgettable photographs and they certainly didn't disappoint. They made our day so special."
Working together for so long, Nigel and I really know how to work a scene creating a variety of shots in one place, each looking very different.
Together we move through the gardens. The portrait session also gave Hannah and Paul a really great chance to spend a bit of quality time together before returning back to their wedding guests
I love this shot, a romantic oasis for our lovely couple.
The last shot of the session and we go ultra wide for a bit of a wow.
I asked Hannah what was the inspiration behind their wedding?
"We wanted a classical wedding. We wanted a wedding that meant we could share our special day with all our family and friends."
Hannah and Paul chose a whopping six tier wedding cake trimmed with red ribbon, red sugar paste flowers and a beautiful iced white ribbon winding it's way down. It was elegant and sophisticated and smelled incredible.
A few speech nerves for Dad perhaps?
I love this, a split moment in time caught, a little motion blur to show the movement - Hannah's parents high five as Dad declares that Hannah is no longer their responsibility!!
The evening reception in opening with the traditional cutting of the wedding cake.
The DJ, John Forbes was also hired to add mood lighting to the evening reception. Mood lighting is a fantastic way to transform a room - it makes such a difference to the ambience and looks amazing in photographs. We definitely recommend that you consider adding mood lighting into your wedding budget.
I asked Hannah, Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are currently in the planning process?
"Talk to each other about all decisions and make mutual agreements. Don't let anyone try and take over. Don't rush into anything and be clear about what you both want and don't settle for anything less."
After and little dancing I took Hannah and Paul off for a little cool down and for a few of our evening portraits before I said my goodbyes.
I asked Hannah, what is your favourite part of being married now?
"It's being married to our best friend and knowing that someone wants to spend their life with you which is the biggest compliment anyone can pay you. We are now planning our lives out together and expecting our first baby."
The last shot of the day, a romantic photograph and a dramatic sky, what a perfect way to end the day.
A few days after the big day, we found this message on our facebook page:
A"Would like to say a huge thank you to Nigel & Christina who just made saturday fantastic! You we're both amazing and we couldn't thank you enough! Can't wait to see the photographs! I'm sure they are going to be phenomenal! Your such an amazing, professional and inspirational couple and I hope our marriage is half as happy and amazing as yours! Love Hannah & Paul xxxxxxx
Thank you to you both for inviting us to join with you on your very special day. You are both clearly made for one another and you are both going to make phenomenal parents to your little boy due in April. I hope that we get to meet him! We have loved the journey of working with you both and wish you all of our best wishes for your future. x
Photography: 2Tone Photography
Venue: Slaley Hall
Bride’s Dress: Truly Madly Deeply, Whitley Bay
Flowers: Slaley Hall
Videographer: Joined Heart
Stationery: Pawprint Designs
Entertainment: John Forbes DJ
Chair Covers: Slaley Hall