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

Wynyard Hall - Sonia and Craig

I still remember very clearly meeting Sonia at the Qwest Wynyard Hall wedding fayre at the end of 2013.  The wedding fayre was more of a supplier showcase really with a select few of us invited to show our work in a more intimate environment than you would usually expect.  Less couples coming through the door, seated areas to chat and a real opportunity to meet one another properly.  Sonia and I really hit it off straight away, she seem to completely understand our artistic direction and our passion for our craft; she even came back at the end of the show to help me pack down the stand!  I was so happy when she came over with Craig a few days later and booked us for the big day.  

Sonia and Craig were married at the very end of July at the stunning Wynyard Hall in the Tees Valley and they were blessed with the most perfect weather.

So, I asked Sonia - How did you two meet?

"We met like many others, whilst under the disco lights.  A night where I had not planned to be out past 12 o’clock but after being politely asked to dance by a sun kissed RAF Airman, my Cinderella curfew was forgotten.

Like a lovesick puppy, Craig told his Mum the very next day he had met the girl he was going to marry. Six years on he was right.  After returning from a four-month detachment in the Falklands Islands, Craig decided to pop the question on the banks of Lake Windermere in the ‘Temple of Heroes.’ " 

They chose an elegant fairytale theme for their wedding.  I loved their inventive touches like the mirror table plan and the books post box.

Sonia told me:

"I tend to favor the posed shots over natural ones so I wanted photographers that were equally good at both.  We also wanted two photographers as we felt one alone may not capture all the moments of our day." 

"We had seen photographers at wedding fayres and had been given some recommendations from friends and family.  Most of our research was done online, looking through portfolios of peoples work.  I must have looked through thousands of images so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted by the end of it.  We first met Chrissie at one of Wynyard Hall’s wedding showcases.  After sitting with her and seeing 2tones work we knew they were the photographers for us. Not only were their natural shots amazing their posed shots were out of this world. Chrissie was so lovely that it felt like we had known her years."

Nigel met the lads in the Wellington bar as they got ready for the day ahead.

Sonia's stunning wedding gown by Pronovias hanging in Wynyard Hall's Frances Anne suite.  

"Due to nature of Craig’s work in the military, we had to set a date that only gave us eight months to plan our big day. With precious time ticking away and the deadline to purchase a dress fast approaching, I received advice from sisters, friends, magazines and endless internet searching. To my amazement, I found my dream dress on the first day of shopping!  The Pronovias ‘Alcanar’ gown was the dress, with it’s beautiful lace details and a sweetheart neckline, as soon as I looked in the mirror I knew it was the one! When I turned around to find my sisters opening up a box a Kleenex, I could see they echoed my decision."

Sonia chose lace adorned shoes and veil to complete her look.

Sonia's sister was appointed as her makeup artist and did a perfect job.

A creative shot of Sonia's engagement ring, sitting inside the laser cut wedding card that she had been given from Craig.

The suites in Wynyard Hall are all absolutely stunning however I really love working in the Frances Anne suite.  The three large feature windows fill the room with wonderful light and the pale turquoise and camel shades help to bounce the great light all around the room which always makes for great pictures.

It was great to work with Sonia who as a teacher is naturally organised.  She gave me plenty of time to work with her to get some gorgeous bridal portraits before her ceremony.

A simple but creative portrait of our stunning bride Sonia.

The ceremony took place in Wynyard Hall's own chapel.  

Craig and his best man make their way to the chapel

The stunning chapel originally build as a place of personal worship for the Marquesses of Londonderry is decorated in blue, blue marble and gold.  Wonderfully romantic, it makes the perfect setting for a wedding.

Sonia and her dad make their way together through the Hall and outside around to the chapel.

In Sonia's words:

"Obviously we wanted photographers who were capable of great shots in a number of styles and who had experience of the business.  It was also important that they could work alongside our videographers, One Digital Image.  To our delight they had not only worked together but were close friends, this made future meetings easier.  I think above all we wanted someone who is passionate about their work; Chrissie and Nigel are definitely passionate about photography.  It is amazing to watch them bounce ideas of each other whilst working together.  They are consummate professionals co-coordinating the photography over the day, whilst maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 

Sonia as well as being and teacher and also the head of the school choir is a very talented singer.  A few days prior to the wedding day she visited a recording studio and sang, creating the music that she would walk down the aisle to lead by the children from her choir.  It was beautifully romantic and a wonderful suprise for Craig.

The school choir who joined us for the ceremony sang beautifully during the signing of the register and did the both of them very proud.

Their wedding portraits were styled classically with very good light, timeless and elegant to suit their wedding and their tastes.

In Sonia's words:

Wow! 2tones images completely surpassed our expectations. I managed to sneak a peek at a couple of shots on the day, but to see them on a large screen and all together I really appreciated the level of attention to detail that they managed to capture.

A romantic moment with a fresh colourful look showing the beautiful weather our couple were able to enjoy on their wedding day.

Wynyard Hall's stunning statue gallery with it's marble, gold and warm toned pallet, grand piano, huge chandelier and wonderful directional light from the open doors all combine together and become a wonderful portrait opportunity. 

Classic styling while still keeping with the elegant fairytale theme for the wedding breakfast and table details.  The roses suspended in water filled glass vases become a subtle reference to the classic story of Beauty and the Beast.

The top table even had it's own Cinderella castle, created by the talented girls at Celebration wedding cakes in Peterlee.

Still loving the gorgeous light, back lit champagne glasses and shooting speeches through those rose filled glass table centres.

Sonia said:

We have received the images and the proof of the wedding album. After viewing hundreds of images, 2tone have managed to do the impossible.  They have created a timeless album encapsulating our wedding memories and telling our story of our day seamlessly.  Chrissie and Nigel offer honest feedback and there experience is highly valued by us.

Sonia's RAF Airman changes outfit to become her man in uniform once again, and Craig takes to the dance floor with his very own Cinderella on his arm to dance the night away.

"I have always had an interest in photography and I understand the time and effort that goes into each shot. My perception has changed since working with the professionals. 2tone’s passion and expertise have made me see things in another light. I now view photography as an art and I hope there will be another opportunity to work with Chrissie and Nigel again."

To our new friends, Sonia and Craig, thank you to you both from the bottom of our hearts for inviting us into your lives, for allowing us to witness your beautiful wedding day, and for your friendship.  It has been truly wonderful working with you both, right from our first meeting at the Qwest Wynyard Hall wedding fayre right up to delivering your wedding albums.  We both wish you the very very best for the future - be insanely happy together! x

See Sonia and Craig's gorgeous Wynyard Hall wedding day in the current issue of the luxury wedding magazine Unveiled

Photography: 2Tone Photography
Venue: Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley
Bride’s Dress: 'Alcanar' gown by Pronovia purchased at Laura Day (Middlesbrough)
Bridesmaids: Custom made by Tina Allenby
Hair : Sarah and Leanne at Deep Hair Salon, Marton 
Flowers : Ivory Roses by Silk Wedding designs 
Cake: No longer trading due to retirement Celebration wedding cakes 
Stationery: Homemade
Entertainment: The Ultimate Wedding DJ
Wedding Videographers: One Digital Image

Linden Hall - Nicola and Andy

Word of mouth is so often the very best referral's you can receive and when it comes down to something as precious as choosing who to trust to capture your wedding day in the way you want to remember it, it becomes essential to find a perfect fit.  Our first contact from Nicola and Andy was from a direct recommendation from a friend and very well established local wedding photographer.  Nicola and Andy got in touch, popped over for a chat and quickly booked us for their wedding at St Aidan's Catholic Church in Ashington and their reception at Linden Hall in Northumberland.

Linden Hall on Nicola and Andy's beautiful mid July wedding day.

I started my day as usual with the girls in the bridal suite as they prepared for the wedding.

It was great to work along side the super talented Lisa Cameron styling the girls hair.

A great father and daughter moment.  Nicola's dad is beaming with pride for his daughter as she helps him with his cuff links.

Nigel meanwhile is downstairs with the lads as their prepare in Linden Hall's entrance hall

Until you are a mother to a daughter yourself, I don't think you can ever understand the true strength of the bond that naturally exists between you both.   A precious unforgettable moment for both girls, Nicola's mum lovingly helps her into the gown that she has carefully chosen to wear on her wedding day.  One day I hope that I will also be given the opportunity to share in this special moment with my own little girl.  

I love this pretty portrait of Nicola standing in the window of the bridal suite of Linden Hall.  The natural light catches her hair as it gently falls over her face, and with a thoughtful smile she is ready for the rest of the day to begin.

Nicola's dad escorted her gown Linden Hall's grand staircase.

The wedding ceremony took place in the stunning St Aidan's Catholic Church in Ashington.  

I love this moment, this gesture from the vicar to a member of the family clearly shows how everyone was welcomed open arms into the church.  The atmosphere was warm, inviting and one of love and humility.  

Andy's brother Daniel is a vicar himself and was overjoyed to be given the honour of marrying them.  He made the ceremony very personal for the both of them, added a little humor and fun and made it an unforgettable experience for them.  

Daniel, Andy and an usher make time for a quick last minute selfie before Nicola arrives. 

Nicola photographed in her wedding car looks completely stunning.  

Andy is prepped for the brides arrival and the procession begins.

Sticking to tradition, Andy doesn't turn to meet his bride's gaze...

...but when he does turn, he can't take his eyes off of her.

We love to find unusual angle to take photographs from, and this is a great example, setting the scene of this wedding ceremony and allowing us to see really how beautiful St Aidan's church in Ashington really is.

Daniel lovingly compares his brother and sister in law with Mr Potato Head and Ariel the little mermaid!

Daniel passes Nicola's ring to his brother Andy.

He pronounces them man and wife and they are married.

I love this shot.  It is a photograph with a double meaning.  The little girl is being comforted by the vicar.  The image sends us a message of welcoming and love from the church to the community.  This little girl happens to be Daniel the vicar's daughter.  She hadn't seen her daddy much that day and was missing him terribly.  She watched him perform his duties throughout the ceremony and could wait no longer to be with him.  

We all head on over to Linden Hall, a beautiful mansion house set just outside of Longhorsley in Northumberland.

The tree lined road winding up to Linden Hall makes for some gorgeous photograph opportunities.

Spots of shade from the trees give us some dramatic light to play with.

Nicola and Andy dressed the tables in the Bigge suite in Linden Hall with fresh white linen, alternating pink and white organza chair sashes, bird cages filled with pink and white flowers on the tables and fairy lights wound around the pillars. 

Fab photographs of the speeches once again.  We are loving the embarrassed expressions on poor Andy's face as his best man Mike tells everyone his secrets!

Live music and a little mood lighting help create a perfect atmosphere for the evening party in Linden Hall's Bigge suite.

Nicola and Andy take to the floor and share their first dance together as man and wife.

A wonderful message from our happy couple was waiting for us in our inbox just a few days after receiving their wedding images.

“We just wanted to say that we’ve looked at our photos and they are beautiful. Absolutely stunning and perfect. Our friends and family all think they are absolutely amazing too! We can’t wait to get some printed... and of course see the album!! ”

— Nicola and Andy

We are both delighted that you love your photographs and we hope that they bring you many years of happiness and joy.  We were delighted to be invited to be a small part of your day.  Your beautiful Queensberry Duo feature album is getting hand made in New Zealand right now and it's going to be out of this world gorgeous!  I am so looking forward to handing it over to you both for safe keeping!   

A Wynyard Hall wedding - Wedding videographer Jon marries Cassandra

Professionally our paths have not crossed and so it was not until after we had photographed Jon and sweet Cassandra's wedding day in April that we learned that Jon is a very talented wedding videographer working within the North East area, his business - Top Table Films.  Working in the film industry for more than 10 years, he is a rising star in the world of weddings and certainly one to look out for.  They were married in their local church, St Brandon's Church in Brancepeth, four miles outside of Durham, going on to the gorgeous Wynyard Hall for their a Midsummer Night's Dream themed reception which was really brought to life by florist Adam Prest's creative arrangements, table centres and candle displays.

Jon says:

"Although we did not want a 'themed wedding' we did want the day to blend and work together.  To do this we decided that our day would take on a midsummer Night's Dream theme.  We wanted it to be magical, elegant and something a little different (with a little sprinkling of fairy tale for good measure too)" 

I began my day with Cassandra and her family at their home in Low Willington near Crook.

It was great to work with Danni from Danni MUA doing Cassandra's wedding day make up.

Cassandra's stunning gown was a Justin Alexander creation.

Nigel met the lads at Cassandra and Jon's home in Ushaw Moor.

An ivory vintage wedding car took Jon and his best man Mark to St Brandon's before heading back to collect Cassandra and her dad. 

I love this photograph of Cassandra, she is always happy and smiling and has a real positive energy about her, to this to me really sums her up.  She is glowing with excitement and adrenaline, I can hardly remember a happier bride.

Jon's father Eric played the church organ for their processional, recessional and hymns.

An old church with a modern interior, St Brandon's Church suffered a terrible fire in 1998, it has since been completely refurbished and is now spacious, airy and bright.

A little rain kept everyone inside the church after the ceremony however it didn't last long, with much better weather greeting us later at Wynyard Hall.

Cassandra and Jon chose an April wedding day, perfect timing for Wynyard Hall's wonderful daffodils that spread right across the extensive estate. 

A little blustery but no more rain meant we could get a large group show of the whole party.

It's always worth adding a little time into your schedule for portraits of just the two of you alone.  Together we explored the grounds of the Hall and created some wonderfully romantic photographs for our happy couple.  

The ballroom looked wonderful with Adam Prest's impressive table arrangements, collaborating with Posh Chair Covers and Bows in charge of the table and chair linen and the five tired wedding cake created by Kelly Ann's Cakes.

Jon Says:

"Each layer was a different flavour - red velvet, raspberry, lemon, chocolate and Cointreau and carrot cake.  The cake was finished off by Adam, who added the flowers on the morning of the wedding"

The evening entertainment was by The Ultimate Wedding DJ.

 In Jon's words:

"As we are sure every couple says...the whole day was perfect and that is honestly how we feel.  The church ceremony was very special to us specifically the sermon by the Rev'd Rick Simpson and the fact that people had travelled the length and breadth of the country to be with us meant the world."

Thank you to you both for inviting us to photograph your beautiful wedding day.  It was an honour and a pleasure to witness.  See you in two weeks at Lisa and Paul's Matfen Hall wedding when we will work together for the first time!

The Suppliers:

Photography: 2Tone Photography
Venue: Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley
Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander at Just Perfect, Shotton
Bridesmaids: Dessy at Rosina Brown, Stocksfield
Men’s Suits: Woven, Durham (with matching ties and pocket squares by Dessy)
Hair: Hair Haus Hair & Beauty, Bishop Auckland
Make-up: Dani MUA 
Flowers: Adam Prest 
Cake: Kelly Ann’s Cakes
Stationery: Amber Black Wedding Stationery
Entertainment: The Ultimate Wedding DJ
Chair Covers: Posh Chair Covers & Bows