THORPE PARK HOTEL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - RUTH and RICHARD

I was chuffed to bits when Ruth and Richard booked me to be their Thorpe Park Hotel wedding photographer. This modern wedding venue is just outside Leeds and caters for all manor of events including conferences and weddings. It’s excellent location means that guests can easily explore all of Yorkshire and the UK North, using the hotel as a hub. Offering a spa, a warm fire, and open, versatile spaces, Thorpe Park Hotel is definitely worth considering for your dream wedding.

Natural Wedding Photography at THorpe PArk Hotel

When I first met Ruth and Richard at a wedding fayre in Yorkshire, Ruth told me she wanted natural photos with zero fuss. She wanted to enjoy her wedding day with her family and friends without anyone taking over and telling people what to do. That was music to my ears. I hate bossing people around, especially newlywed bride and grooms. I much prefer to move around, blending in with guests, and capturing real moments as they happen.

Bridal Prep and a Pillow Fight

Bridal prep was a fun old time involving Ruth, her best friend, and her best friend’s two daughters. The modern layout and décor of the hotel room gave the photos a 1950s look which I really liked. They looked particularly good in black and white. Ruth and her party were already enjoying a few glasses of champagne while they had their hair and make up done. After having her hair done and putting on some make-up, the younger of the two bridesmaids quickly instigated an energetic pillow fight. I was almost sucked in myself but luckily my camera protected me from the worst of it.

Walking down the aisle

I found Richard and his best man having fun in the ceremony room trying (not always successfully) to attach flowers to the lapels of their suits. Lots of help from guests and it was finally done to the sound of laughter from our groom and his best man. Our bride was all smiles as she was led down the aisle by her brother. She shared a meaningful look with one of her guests which I’m really happy I was able to capture. Upon meeting Richard she gave him a wink which was lovely to see. Ruth’s best friend became quite emotional when she read her speech, and then again when the bride and groom said their vows and exchanged rings. They clearly had a very long and close relationship.

Speeches and an unexpected Gift

The wedding ceremony finished and the first kiss committed, we moved outside for plenty of hugs and bubbly. Time was short and everyone was soon ushered inside to begin the wedding breakfast. The speeches were hilarious. Ruth was presented with a gift for her and her husband’s new home, although judging by the look of apprehension – and subsequent relief – on her face, she was expecting something else entirely!

Some romantic photos and a photobooth

Moving outside again, we enjoyed some group photos and some romantic photos of our bride and groom. Always natural though, I don’t like to make my couples go through any awkward or embarrassing posing. As guests relaxed and chatted in the rear garden, our pillow-fighting bridesmaid from earlier entertained herself with several impressive handstands. That was good fun to photograph in a documentary style.

Inside once again, the dancefloor and photobooth were now open for everyone to enjoy. Ruth and Richard decided not to have a first dance. It just wasn’t their style, and that was fine by me. Your wedding is your day to make as you choose. Ruth did enjoy a dance with her guests made great use of the photobooth, having a grand old chuckle at the resulting photos.