Winter wedding at Rudding Park

Wedding Photographer | Harrogate

Elizabeth and Ali

I recently had the honour of photographing the wedding of Elizabeth and Ali. Their wonderful day took place on a crisp winters morning at the beautifully elegant venue, Rudding Park Hotel. The bride, Elizabeth spent the morning with her bridesmaids and lovely daughter Mya getting pampered at the hotel's spa. Meanwhile, Ali was enjoying the trip of a lifetime. Elizabeth had arranged a surprise for her groom. She had him flown to the venue by helicopter. Ali was visibly buzzing with excitement when I greeted him and his groomsmen off the helicopter. On returning to the girls activity stepped up a gear. Champaign corks were popped and dresses were on. Elizabeth looked stunning in her Essence of Australia gown as she stood in the golden light entering the window. Mya went to fetch her Grandad who was patiently waiting outside ready to see his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. As he walked in being led by Mya the emotion could be seen and felt by everyone in the room.

The ceremony room was beautifully decorated and just as elegant as the couple themselves. As the big moment approached Ali got himself in position. The congregation stood and Elizabeth walked in holding her father's arm. As Ali turned to see his bride the excitement and joy on Elizabeth's face was clear for everyone to see.

In front of their friends and family Elizabeth and Ali said their vows and declared their love for each other. This was followed by a traditional blessing in the stunning church within the grounds of Rudding Park.

Whilst the guests enjoyed a few drinks and the beautiful surroundings the couple and I took a walk around the grounds. Against a back drop of the setting sun, lovely countryside and frost tipped grass we captured some wonderful portraits together.

During the wedding breakfast there was another surprise for the couple. During dessert two singing waiters entered and began a medley of operatic classics. The quality of their singing was amazing and had the whole room mesmerised. The wedding breakfast was concluded with a collection of heartfelt and funny speeches. Once the groom had been suitably ridiculed by his bestman and groomsmen the final toast was raised and the evening festivities began.

The couple performed their first dance surrounded by their guests amongst a magical winter wonderland that had been constructed for them. The bridesmaids and groomsmen joined the couple on the dance floor to perform a choreographed routine for their guests. The band then kicked in and got everyone on the dance floor. After taking a couple of night time portraits of the newlyweds I then left the wedding party to enjoy the rest of their night.

It truly was a pleasure to photograph this wonderful day. I hope that the memories I have captured will help Elizabeth and Ali re-live their big day for the rest of their lives.

Suppliers:

The Venue - Rudding Park Hotel
Hair and Make Up - Rudding Park
Wedding Dress Designer - Essense of Australia
Bridal Boutique - Cheryl Chambers Bridal Boutique
Shoes - Rainbow Club
Bride's Nails - The Village Hotel Spa, Hessle
Bridesmaids Shoes - Next
Bridesmaids Cover ups - John Lewis
Bridesmaids Dresses - Sorella Vita
Bride's Earrings - Ted Baker
Bride's Head Piece - Deborah Moore, Hessle
Bride's Belt - Maggie Soterro
Bride's wedding ring - Goldsmiths
Flowers - Flowers by Colette at Rudding Park
Venue Styling - Ambience Wedding Styling
Music and Evening Room Styling - Event Music Company
Videographer - YSD Cinematography
Toast Master - Mike Smith
Dance Teacher - Helen Brown, Kinesis Dance
Photobooth - Photo Booth Hire UK
Stationary - PawPrintz Designs
Groom's Ring - Blue Nile
Men's Shoes - Moss Bros
Groom's men Suits - Yorkshire Menswear
Helicopter - HeliJet Aviation
Vicar - Rev. David Startup