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