Sarah and Rob’s Summer Wedding at Whinstone View
I remember drinking my usual coconut flat white with Sarah and Rob at an artisan coffee shop in 2019 and hearing all about their plans for their special day. We discussed their photography ideas of course, and chatted through their many different thoughts about favours, and what their dream day might look like. As secondary-school sweethearts, Rob and Sarah had been thinking about the day for a long time, and as a marketing consultant, Sarah’s expert communication skills let her explain exactly what she and architect Rob had in mind to make their wedding day special and unique.
Unfortunately, as with many things, Covid-19 put Sarah and Rob’s dream plans on hold and they had to delay their wedding until August 2021. As unique and special as weddings always are, one that’s been postponed due to a pandemic just gives more cause for celebration when it finally happens.
Sarah and Rob chose a quaint engagement shoot location at a woodland in Lowther on the edge of the Lake District. Sarah’s family had holidayed there for years, and her father owned a log cabin, so it was the perfect backdrop to create more joyful memories. It was a beautiful summers day, full of laughter and sweet moments; chatting away about the impending wedding, capturing their happiness and giving them time to get used to having a photographer around them.
The wedding itself was beautifully warm; both literally and metaphorically. The summer sun only added to an already enjoyable atmosphere of genuine love and laughter. It was also the first time I photographed alongside a videographer - the amazing Jodie from “loveislovely”.
Both the bride and groom got ready in Ingleby Barwick, about 5 minutes drive from each other; allowing me to visit both during the morning and capture special moments of excitement and detail as they prepared for the day ahead. As ever, one of the moments I loved capturing most was when the father of the bride saw his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. Capturing this cherished and intimate moment is always a great privilege.
The marriage ceremony was held at Stainton Church. A quaint village church on the edge of Middlesbrough. Its usual for the bride to be a little late to the ceremony, however, Sarah happened to be even later than planned due to the breakdown of the wedding car. One of the guests had to go and rescue her and her father in their family SUV. Watching Sarah & Rob’s family & friends come together to manage this little hiccup helped cement the tone of the day as relaxed and good-humoured.
After the ceremony, Sarah and Rob’s beloved French bulldog Dex made a guest appearance in his own suit and bow tie, and just time for family photos. What a character - he almost stole the show!
Once the rest of the family photos were taken in the pretty churchyard, it was onwards to Whinstone View in Great Ayton. Sarah and Rob were greeted by a flurry of confetti and elegant champagne and canapés on the lawn. Guests were left well-entertained by Kinder egg favours, a tasty wedding breakfast and long-awaited emotional speeches.
Jodie and I then managed to sneak Sarah and Rob away from the festivities for a brief 15 minutes of quiet to capture some affectionate moments, along with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. After which a spontaneous kick-about ensued with the spare football from the boot of my car.
The music for the evening reception was provided by most excellent “Hip Hop Hooray” who had everyone on their feet dancing the night away to Rob & Sarah’s choice of HipHop classics.
More than anything, I’ll remember Sarah & Rob’s wedding as an expression of long-awaited joy after a difficult time of uncertainty. The warmth and relief of their families finally being able to come together to celebrate this amazing couple was palpable throughout the day, and the couple themselves were so emotionally involved in every aspect that my greatest challenge was recognising which precious moments to immortalise for them to enjoy again later.
