I'm always excited about upcoming weddings, but Dot and Jack’s at The Coniston Hotel in the lovely Yorkshire Dales was even more special following the lifting of some lockdown restrictions a couple of weeks earlier. This was the largest wedding we had covered since the time before Covid and so we were totally buzzing for it and couldn't wait to get the camera's rolling!
The day started with bridal preparations at The Coniston Hotel and the room was already full of chatter and laughter as I arrived. There were loads of fab moments including hair and make-up, dress strap dilemmas, the odd bottle of fizz popping and the lovely and thoughtful gift for Dot from her close friends and bridesmaids. James popped in a couple of times to film for the wedding video whilst also capturing shots of the venue and the lake from above on the drone. Florists and parents also came and went and there was a lot of laughing as we neared the end of preparations and it was time for beautiful Dot to put on her stunning dress from Ava Rose Hamilton while I captured all the 'ooow’s and wows' when the bridal party saw her for the first time. All that was needed was the final touches including Dots incredible shoes. All amazing scenes to capture on camera!
We quickly jumped into our car to travel the 5 minutes down the road to St Andrew’s Church in Gargrave. Jack and his team of best men and groomsmen met us outside the church as did another big star of the day - Doggo Ray - who looked very handsome in his tuxedo and bow tie and was enjoying being looked after by fabulous Bow Wow Vow for the day. James set to work getting the videography cameras ready and setting up the live web stream while I focused on Jack and Doggo Ray taking their seats!
It wasn’t long before Dot and the bridal party arrived in gorgeous vintage cars. I captured some lovely photographs as Dot, her Dad and bridesmaids made their way into the church. The bridesmaids pink dresses looked fantastic against the natural greens and greys of the church and grounds. Jack looked happy and a little nervous in his dark blue suit as the vicar and bridal party made their way down the aisle and I got some great photographs of his various facial expressions as Dot made her way towards him!
James filmed the wedding from the front of the church, whilst 2nd video camera Ray (not a doggo) covered the view from the back. I made the most of being able to move around during the wedding ceremony (having previously only being able to stay in one position throughout the coronavirus crisis) and took some fantastic shots of the wedding party from the back of the church. There were some hilarious photo moments when Dot and Jack had each other in stitches whilst they exchanged rings, with Doggo Ray proudly watching over them from the front paw, I mean pew.
Dot and Jack made their way back up the aisle to be met by a team of confetti throwers and Doggo Ray outside the church. We then headed back to The Coniston Hotel where the newly weds were met with a glass of champagne and a quick cuddle with Doggo Ray. There were 10 minutes to spare before the wedding reception got underway so we took the opportunity to have a quick drive around the corner to the lake. The lovely couple grabbed a few moments alone whilst I captured some photographs of them together and James put the drone through its paces.
The wedding drinks reception was well under way on our return and the wedding party enjoyed drinks by the lake with the sun shining with excellent music from Joe Doonan to entertain them. The wedding breakfast followed in one of the hotel event rooms, which had been totally transformed by The Creative Events Company. Dot's Dad Ian started off the speeches followed by Father of the groom Barry and I captured even more laughter on camera. The best men Adam and Ben also did a fantastic job of keeping the guests entertained and embarrassing Jack in front of his parents with tales of what really happened to his mum's car - All great stories that feature on the wedding photographs and video! After dinner thoughtful gifts were given to close family members and the bridesmaids from Dot and Jack, which caused some happy tears and then the cake was cut.
The first dance took place in the conservatory and the bridesmaids created a great juncture by letting off confetti canons which looked fantastic on camera with some great reactions!
As the sun began to set James and I took the opportunity to go and find some perfect locations for some golden hour photography and videography whilst Dot and Jack enjoyed their evening reception. We found some brilliant spots very close to the hotel so we only needed to take the couple away from the party for 10-15 minutes to get some stunning sunset photos and video footage.
We had a fantastic day with Dot and Jack and their lovely friends and family - thank you to you all but especially Dot and Jack for having us! Xx
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