Peak District Wedding at Woodthorpe Hall
Wedding in the Peak District
Blazing Heat. The Peak District. Golden Hour. Pizza
The summer sun was something else for Rachel and Danny’s wedding. As someone who loves photographing outdoor weddings and photographs in the heat regularly, the amount of suncream I needed to apply was ungodly - hazard of being fair haired. The summer sun was blistering - perfect for the big day. Not a cloud in sight. The wedding was incredible. A true Peak District wedding. Blazing heat, Prosecco on tap and amazing views. It was was just perfect and the perfect reflection of Rachel and Danny.
If you’re looking for the perfect Peak District wedding venue, Woodthorpe Hall is not one to be missed. Beautiful panoramics of the rolling hills, grounds other venues can only dream of and a stunning set of staff - courteous, attentive and a good laugh. What more do you need from your wedding venue?
Why I love photographing bridal prep
The day started with bridal preparations in Sheffield at Rachel and Danny’s home. It had all the quirky elements a wedding photographer needs and the light to match it too. The vibe really carried to the ceremony - we’ll get to this a bit later.
Photographing Bridal Preparation is an absolute privilege and it is one of my favourite parts of the day. There can be the nerves, the pops of Prosecco and Champagne. MUA’s doing their thing, gift sharing, bouquet deliveries. A tear or a laugh between family members. Of course, pets. I love pets. It is the best time for candids and really unique moments that you just won’t get anywhere else. It really sets the scene for the rest of the day. being a wedding photographer and being able to photograph bridal prep is just breathtaking in everyday. So many unique nuances. I’d always recommend having bridal prep photographed for this very reason. I could go on forever, so if you want more of my two cents, just ask.
Rachel’s prep was as I described above. Amazing florals, cracking light and of course a rabbit! What else do you need? It was great meeting her close friends and family - all of whom have a great story to tell about each other. Made for a very relaxed start to the day which is exactly what you need heading into the ceremony.
The ceremony took place outside, with the couple having fabulous views of the venue whilst many kind words from varying family and friends. A relative of Rachel was the celebrant for the afternoon’s ceremony and it was spot on for Rachel and Danny’s relaxed style for their big day. There were a few personal touches throughout the ceremony, many a laugh to be had and I found myself on occasion having a good chuckle too.
Confetti Shots at Woodthorpe Hall
Ceremony done. Confetti shots straight after and straight into cocktails and nibbles and chats with friends and family. With some keen organisation from the best man, we gathered family for the all important family shots. I’m not usually a group shot fan (they’re not much fun and everyone gets face ache) however, given the stunning backdrops of Woodthorpe Hall, it made for great shots and moments. I briefly employed a ten year old family member to take a few shots on my spare body, too. Kids can get a little bored in this, so Primary School Teacher Ben Barron comes out. A disposable camera for kids is a great way of keeping them entertained during the day; if you want other ideas on how to keep kids entertained during the day, just ask - I’m used to planning for classes of 30.
Couples portraits in the Peak District
The Peak District and Golden Hour. Name a better duo. Best thing about summer weddings is you’ve got plenty of time in front of you. By time, in photographer terms, I mean light. And wow. What a golden hour it was. Hand in hand through golden field, sun slowly receding behind the hills. It was one of those blessed days. We had a very relaxed portrait session. I like to keep couples moving, active - helps with natural photos. Alongside this, a few crap jokes were thrown in for good measure and good laughs. The relationship between photographer and couple is crucial for getting rid of those awkward moments - I’ve got terrible craic, so it’s not an issue there. Seriously, I love people, I’ve got plenty to say to you.
The day ended beautifully. The sun set. Golden then blue. Stars were out above Woodthrope Hall and the chatter rose gently as night took over. Laughter and campfires filled the air. It really was perfect.
If you like what you’ve seen and would like me to capture your wedding day, I’d love to get involved and show you what I’m about. Get in touch and let’s chat.
Wedding at Hobbit Hill
Wedding at Hobbit Hill
Alex + Richard
Hobbit Hill
Suppliers:
Venue: Hobbit Hill
Videographer: @juraweddingfilms
Wedding Host/DJ: Ryan Smith
Magician: Jason Rea
Floristry: The Flower Girls
Decorations: Love Letters 2 hire
Celebrants: @pinkandgingerceremonies
Dog Goddess: @pawfectoccasions
Celebrants: @pinkandgingerceremonies
Make up Artist: @jadeabigailmua
Cake: Cake Corner
Musician: Sax Every Weekend
I was referred to Alex and Rich by a close friend of mine and what a referral that turned out to be! We did the usual Zoom where I found out that Rich is an avid Manchester United fan and Alex has to put up with the emotional turmoil it brings. After a good laugh and a catch up with what felt like long lost mates, you know the kind where you feel you’ve known each other for an age, we were booked in and ready to go.
It was my first time shooting a wedding at Hobbit Hill and departing from Hull, in what was one of the snowiest days of the years, a genuine blizzard over the Peak District, however the treacherous journey was complete and I found myself in the beautiful Ribble Valley for a cracking day of photography.
The day started at a little cottage tucked away a few miles away from the venue. I was grateful to meet the fantastic @juraweddingfilms who was cracking on getting those all important slow-mo bridal preparation shots and whom was a great guy to work alongside. Nothing better than meeting a videographer whom you can seamlessly work with. Dress. Make-Up. Fizz. What weddings are about of course. @jadeabigailmua provided the Make-Up Artist expertise for the day and with the bridal squad had been up from the crack of dawn, all I had to do was walk in with a Lucozade in arms (I tend to send see if anyone needs anything from the shops before arriving - paracetemol is usually forgotten) and get to work.
Why Wedding Photographers Love Hobbit Hill
Hobbit Hill, named aptly due to its proximity to the Tolkien Trail, offers the perfect venue for those who love a backdrop. Rolling hills, countryside and a view of the Forest of Bowland, it’s understandable why many couples choose such a stunning place to get hitched. An area of natural beauty through and through. A stunning location, for two beautiful humans and of course, their wedding photographer.
Ceremony Shots and the Big Day
The ceremony was bloody cracking. Rich and Alex definitely brought their own vibes and a motley crew - the room was filled with family, joy and those genuine moments of laughter. Ruby was chipping in with a few barks too, impeccable timing from our favourite sausage dog.
From the ceremony, it was straight outside for the confetti shots. I love a good confetti shot. We were graced with a smattering of snow on the ground, too just to give the wedding those winter vibes. Straight after, we were into family photos and the all important Ruby shots - please, bring your dog to your big day, it will be the second best decision you’ll make.
Once the family group shots were all wrapped up, it was a quick turn around into the groom and the groomsmen’s photos before whisking Alex and Rich away to different parts of Hobbit Hills amazing grounds.
Into the Evening
Winter comes with a caveat. You lose light quickly. This is one of the reasons I love shooting winter weddings - time to get creative and get the flash cracked out.
With the speeches done and an interesting story involving a pair of knickers - I won’t elaborate too much, we were into the party. Avicii blasted out for the first dance and set the scene for the rest of the evening. Alex and Rich’s gang, my god, they can party and party bloody well. The dance floor was filled with ravers of all abilities, people on shoulders, shuffles on the floor, a freaking awesome saxophonist adding to the melodies - IT WAS UNREAL. Sweat, blood and BPM. No blood, that’s hyperbole, but you get my gist.
Hobbit Hill proved to be the perfect venue for Alex + Rich and I was absolutely privileged to be able capture their wedding in all its glory.
It’s a wedding I won’t forget in a hurry and people who have made a mark on me as a photographer and have set a new bar for wedding raves.
