Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining Sally and Jamie for their magical winter wedding at the stunning Middleton Lodge near Richmond, North Yorkshire. This wasn’t my first time photographing a wedding at this beautiful country house venue; I’ve captured countless love stories there, through sun, snow, rain, and the vibrant hues of autumn. You can catch a glimpse of my previous work at Middleton Lodge on my dedicated category page.
Despite a slight drizzle, Sally and Jamie’s wedding was a magical way to end my year of wedding photography. The combination of a fun-loving couple, a picturesque venue, and a lively crowd created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Middleton Lodge: A Picture-Perfect Setting
Middleton Lodge is a charming, family-owned Georgian country mansion nestled near Richmond, easily accessible from the A1. This venue offers a picturesque backdrop in every season, and the owners have meticulously restored it to its former glory. They’ve managed to maintain an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, making guests feel like they’re spending the weekend at their own private country estate.
The Big Day Unfolds
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the cutest little faces peering down from upstairs windows – always a delightful sight at weddings! As a self-proclaimed Downton Abbey fan, I couldn’t help but admire the original service bells in the servants’ hall near the back stairs.
Upstairs, Sally, our blushing bride, was relaxing with her flower girls. She received a touching card and flowers from her soon-to-be husband, who was getting ready in another wing of the mansion. Her stunning wedding gown from Limelight Occasions in Huddersfield awaited its grand debut.
Meanwhile, Clare, my second photographer, was capturing Jamie’s preparations. He was clearly excited for the day ahead, especially when his groomsmen arrived. Before heading to the church, they took some relaxed group photos by one of Middleton Lodge’s ancient oak trees.
A Heartfelt Ceremony
Sally looked absolutely radiant in her wedding gown. It’s interesting to note that Sally and Jamie booked me relatively late, reaching out last October. They had attended a wedding fair at Middleton Lodge and fallen head over heels for the venue. Being a popular choice, most weekends in 2014 were already booked. However, a December date was available, and they seized the opportunity, pulling off a stunning wedding in just two months! Proof that you don’t need years to plan a memorable celebration.
The church ceremony was beautiful, made even more special by the priest’s welcoming and accommodating nature. One of the page boys stole hearts with a poem he’d written, while another impressed everyone with an unaccompanied rendition of Aled Jones’ “Walking in the Air.”
Winter Wonderland Reception
Thankfully, the rain held off as we left the church, allowing us to capture a joyous confetti shot of the newlyweds and their guests. While there was a slight drizzle upon our return to Middleton Lodge, Sally and Jamie were absolute troopers and embraced the opportunity for some outdoor photos.
The marquee at Middleton Lodge looked spectacular, adorned with wintery touches that perfectly complemented the season. The speeches were both heartwarming and humorous, with Jamie moving many guests (including Clare!) to tears.
After dinner, everyone retreated to the main house for a break, giving me the perfect opportunity to capture some more intimate portraits of the happy couple. The soft, diffused light of the drizzly doorway created a magical ambiance.
Dancing the Night Away
As the band soundchecked, the guests returned to the marquee for an evening of celebration. Sally and Jamie shared a sweet first dance to Sinatra’s “Somethin’ Stupid.” Quantum Class, the live band, kept the dance floor buzzing all night with a fantastic mix of music spanning from the 60s to today’s hits.
A Winter Wedding to Remember
As the night drew to a close, we bid farewell to Sally and Jamie, leaving them and their guests to continue the festivities. Their wedding was a true testament to their love and the power of good planning (even on a tight schedule!).
Wishing Sally and Jamie a lifetime of happiness together!
If you enjoyed this peek into Sally and Jamie’s winter wedding at Middleton Lodge, you might also enjoy these other beautiful celebrations:
- Rachael & Chris // Pre-Wedding Photography @ Middleton Lodge
- Emma & Harry // Pre-Wedding Photography @ Brimham Rocks, near Harrogate
- Wedding Photography at Middleton Lodge near Richmond in Yorkshire: Emma + Harry
- Liz & Mark // Pre-Wedding Photography @ Middleton Lodge, Near Richmond
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