Aldwark Manor Wedding Photography - Ben & Jessica

Wedding Photography at Aldwark Manor in Yorkshire.

Aldwark Manor is a 4 star former-manor-house-turned-golf-club-and-hotel situated between Harrogate and York. It boasts 53 rooms and an 18 hole golf course which provides guests with great views of the surrounding park and countryside. Having shot at a few golf courses before, I particularly liked that a fairly large part of the picturesque grounds had been kept separate from the golfing route, which meant there was plenty of opportunity for couple photos without fear of stray golf balls making near-close contact to one’s noggin (which has happened before!). It’s a great place for Wedding photography at Aldwak Manor.

Bridal Prep

The day started with hair and makeup in the bridal suite. The open plan suite is awesome – the first I have worked at that has two floors in one room, with a spiral staircase leading up to the bed on the second floor. This presented a great place to hang the dress.

Jessica was feeling really relaxed, although her lovely mum was flapping a little bit, as mothers of brides are prone to doing! Regardless everyone, Jess, her two bridesmaids and her mum, were having a great time getting ready. Enjoying each other’s company. I noticed that they were doing her own makeup. I was impressed!

The guests began to arrive and downstairs in the bar, Ben, his best man and their guests prepared themselves for the day ahead. Their son Josh was looking particularly dapper and not shay of the camera! I got some great candid photos of him throughout the day.

A ceremony with laughter

Due to some minor issues with the dress the ceremony started a little late (45mins – eek!) but when it comes to crunch everyone was there and happy. Ben in particular took everything in his stride. I’m sure he’ll make a great husband. The ceremony was short but fun, with plenty of laughter from both Ben and Jessica. The large window behind the registrars’ table meant plenty if natural light bathing over our couple, which makes my job as a photographer just that bit easier J.

Following the ceremony, everyone is in high spirits so we head outside for some drinks, family photos and couple photos. Jess looks beautiful in her dress and I want to show it off with some elegant portraits. With a little help from Ben providing the laughs while stood at my side I was able to shoot some natural reactions and keep things not too posey. During the family photos we had the slight conundrum of getting Ben’s Nan, who was almost completely blind, to look at the camera. We did so by getting some to clap behind me while I shot. I thought it worked pretty well!

Sparklers and Fireworks

Onto the speeches and it was the usual gruelling ordeal for the groom. I thought Ben handled it very well. The evening reception was fun-filled with Ben & Jessica’s son Josh completely owning the dance floor. That boy’s got some moves! Even their first dance was over-shadowed by Josh doing a little grooving.

A few hours later and everyone headed outside. The night was ended with sparklers and fireworks. It was a suitable ending to a great, fun-packed day. Thanks to Ben and Jessica for choosing me as their Aldwark Manor wedding photographer.