A Timeless, Natural Wedding at The Woodlands Hotel Leeds - Vikki and Liam
I love to arrive at a wedding to find everyone's already united under one roof. There's an air of anticipation and lots of stolen looks into rooms to check that the bride and groom aren't about to inadvertently catch sight of one another before the big moment.
Vikki and Liam had a team of friends with them as they got ready and my second shooter and I had a lot of fun spending our morning with both the bride and groom to capture all that was happening behind the closed doors at the Woodlands Hotel.
I spent my time with bride Vikki and her bridesmaids, flower girls and family, the room was sparkling with chatter and bubbles, a perfect way to start your wedding day.
Team Liam were just down the corridor, doing their groom and groomsmen prep together, a quick 10 minutes, done!
I think it goes without saying that Vikki looked breathtaking in her wedding dress, helped into it by her mum and with her bridesmaids watching on.
When Vikki had first been in touch about their wedding, she had mentioned that she and Liam were looking for un-posed and natural photos, fuss-free as neither of them loved having their photos taken, which was perfect fit for what we offer, so our morning, and indeed the whole day, was spent capturing all the emotion, unforgettable moments big and small, while blending in with the guests.
The ceremony room at the hotel was simply and beautifully decorated, delicate wooden chairs with organza sashes, a white aisle led the bride and groom to the front of the long gallery to meet in front of those who love them most. Guests had been supplied with bubbles, armed and ready for a bubble exit from the wedding ceremony, in place of a confetti throw!
Brilliant saxophonist, Tony Daniels, was waiting to play for the guests while they took a glass of champagne, found friends in the bar and toasted the bride and groom.
As the day wound on and the sun dipped on this autumn wedding, guests found their places in the marquee, cosily adorned with twinkling lights and candles, elegant and classic.
We were in for a treat with the wedding speeches! Complete with prop (a giant photo - a surprise to the bride!)
But the fun had only just begun! After a stunning first dance choice Vikki and Liam's guests bust out their best dance moves, my word - there were a LOT! It's a lot of fun to photograph guests dancing with absolute gusto! The photos I'm sure will be evidence of the shenanigans!
As a grand finale, the bride and groom had arranged for a professional firework display to seal their wedding day spectacularly. It was, hands down, the best firework display I have ever seen. Guests gathered on the tiered terrace behind The Woodlands Hotel to watch the finale.
After the last ooooohs and aaaaahs had faded into the night everyone shimmied their way back to the dance floor to enjoy every last minute of the wedding reception.
A big thank you must go to every person who had a hand in making Vikki and Liam's day utterly perfect for them. Here are some, and I'm sure there were many more behind the scenes.
Bouquets and buttonholes – Alina Florist (Thirsk)
Cake – Vikki's parents
Wedding signs/ decor etc – Sue at Bruski and Bunns
Music – Elite sound DJ
and Tony Daniels- Saxophonist for drinks reception
Fireworks – Optimum fireworks
Rings – Ernest jones
Bride's Dress – ‘Janie’ by Victoria Jane at Ronald Joyce
Bride's shoes – ‘Billie’ by Rainbow Club
Bridesmaids' dresses – online retailer ‘sexyher’
Groom and groomsmen's clothes – Slater’s menswear
Ties – Swagger and Swoon
Bride hair and makeup- Rachel (through Kimberly Brook)
Caterers – Woodland Hotel
As always, a huge thanks to my second shooter, helping me to capture everything naturally and staying to photograph alongside me into the small hours.
