Crayke Village at The Durham Ox - Ashleigh and Luke
First off a huge congratulations to Ashleigh and Luke! It was a pleasure to photograph and be a part of what was an amazing day.
Ashleigh and Luke contacted me off a recommendation from a wedding couple who I photographed earlier this year. It’s lovely to know word spreads and looking back at their day, I am so pleased it did.
Inside of Ashleigh and Luke’s home, the bride preparations were beginning. Makeup styling by the brilliant Claire Flint. Not far next door, their beloved cat was lounging away from the buzz of the busy goings-on and I simply had to have a mini pet shoot with him!
St Cuthbert’s Church in Crayke is a definite favourite of mine for shooting in. As soon as you walk in you can really feel it’s a church with history. The gothic architecture is very striking and provided the perfect setting for the day’s events.
Ashleigh was walked down the aisle by her father to meet Luke and what followed was a very touching ceremony filled with smiles, laughter and loving gazes.
The vows came to an end and the guests poured out of the church readying themselves to shower the newlyweds with confetti - They did a brilliant job! As the guests continued to the next venue, Ashleigh, Luke and I hopped in a car to visit Byland Abbey for a special couple portrait shoot.
Despite the couple saying they're not the posey sort, we certainly left the ruins with some fantastic images. I loved their carefree attitude to the shoot and I am really grateful to them for trusting in my direction and for relaxing into the fun of the shoot. Big grins, arm swings, and all of the above made for a great time.
Returning to Crayke, the Durham Ox sits at the foot of the hill and was the destination for the wedding breakfast. The guests were mingling away but on the return, the bride and groom gathered at the front of the pub to greet the newly married couple. I took this moment to capture a full group photo of every guest attending the day.
A big cheer was had, a few hoorahs, and then back to business; drinking, chatting, and greeting their beloved family, friends, and guests.
The newlyweds took a trip to the bar to pull a pint of Guinness, a task they took much joy in and made for a great image.
Outside the guests could be found soaking in the last of the evening sun. Wood-burning stoves scattered the patio of the beer garden making for snug company as old friends reunited. Just as the sun began to slip away, I captured some final images of the couple with the beautiful Yorkshire rolling fields then let them follow their guests into the dining room for their speeches and meals.
Many kind words were shared and also some truly funny anecdotes from the best man - bravo. After the meals were finished and tables cleared, dancing commenced and the partying rocked on. I think everyone can agree from the pictures all the guests had a blast and there were some killer moves on the dancefloor!
Venue
The Durham Ox
https://thedurhamox.com/
Rings
Bradleys the Jeweller
https://bradleysthejewellers.com/
Dried flowers, buttonholes, and décor incl. table centrepieces
Helston Street
Bride’s bouquet
Belles blooms
Hair
Evolve hairdressing
https://www.evolvehairdressing.co.uk/
Makeup
Clare Flint MUA
https://www.clareflintmakeupyork.co.uk
Dress
Halfpenny London
Cars
Ross Potter
