
I feel incredibly privileged to be a Northorpe Hall Barn wedding photographer. This quirky wedding venue is run by Northorpe Hall Child & Family Trust, a registered charity supporting children’s mental and emotional health. The Trust, based in Kirkless, Mirfield, provides counselling, mentors and confidence building activities, supporting hundreds of local children and their parents every year.
Wedding ceremonies and receptions are not held in the Hall itself but rather the 16th century barn next door. Seating 100 guests, this historic venue offers contemporary comforts thanks to a full refurbishment in 2010 which incorporated underfloor heating and up-to-date sound and presentation equipment. Not just weddings but also family occasions and celebrations can also be held here without worry.
During the week, when not hosting weddings, the barn becomes a residence to young people’s support groups, successfully creating a fun atmosphere of creativity and chuckles. It is also sometimes available for Breakfast and Lunchtime Meetings, where delegates can enjoy breakfasts and lunches while ensuring the presentation is a great one.
All profits from weddings and events held at Northorpe Hall Barn are paid back into the charity, helping generate much needed extra income. Children and young people from the surrounding area are benefitting directly from you holding your wedding at this rustic venue with its lovely, warm atmosphere.
Ian and Tracey told me well in advance that their wedding would be a laid back, relaxed family orientated affair. Both our bride and groom had children from previous relationships so this was more than just two people in love, it was the happy union of two families. First to arrive at Northorpe Barn was Ian in his cool yellow car. He had friends in high places who had been kind enough to lend him a couple of vintage cars for the day. One would be picking up Tracey later.
Next to arrive was Grandma and the children, in a gorgeous stretched limo! Ian’s lads were clearly very happy to see their wedding photographer as they got out of the car. Lots of hugging ensued as more friends and family arrived. I was very happy to capture one of the children having an emotional hug with Granddad as he got out of his car.
All the guests arrived, everyone took their seats to wait for the ceremony to begin. The staff at Northorpe Barn had created a lovely, rustic setting in which Ian and Tracey could tie the knot. Tracey soon arrived in the green vintage car and was full of smiles. Proceeded by her daughter as flower girl, Tracey was led up the aisle by her son. The ceremony was full of smiles and laughter from both our happy couple. Everyone was able to enjoy some great singing from Tracey’s niece, who was just a bairn.
Following the first kiss to cheers and applause and the end of the wedding ceremony, had time for some more hugging and chilling in the vintage cars before launching plenty of confetti at a very happy newlywed couple. You can tell by the looks on their faces that they were just loving the moment.
The speeches were some of the most original I have witnessed. Ian had enlisted the help of a professional radio broadcaster to record a special track on his behalf. This was played in place of the groom’s speech and drew plenty of laughter from the crowd, especially the bride! As Ian’s love for Tracey became apparent, it also caused the occasional tear from a few of the wedding guests!
The wedding breakfast finished there was plenty of time for fun and games in the ground of the venue, and Northorpe Barn is a great place to do that! The children (and adults) had great fun on the space hoppers, using them not just modes of transport but also weapons of harmless of destruction! Ian, Tracey and myself moved outside for a few natural, relaxed and unposed couple photos, and then they too couldn’t resist having a go on the spacer hoppers!
The first dance was lovely and soon the entire family was involved. Next to follow were friends and family, who hit the dance floor with enthusiasm! It was a great opportunity for the children to get some piggybacks from their older siblings. Grandma wasn’t scared to let go either!
Once again, congratulations to Ian and Tracey! I was very happy indeed that you picked me as your Northorpe Hall Barn wedding photographer.
Venue: Northorpe Hall Barn