Ripley Castle, North Yorkshire Wedding: Sophie & Will

We had the pleasure of travelling to Harrogate a couple of weeks ago for Sophie & Will's wedding at Ripley Castle. Rob & I stayed in a fabulous B&B called Hazel Manor the night before which I would highly recommend. They said they have a lot of bride & grooms staying in this suite after getting married at Ripley Castle so I think Rob & I were slightly spoilt!

Sophie was in her final year when I started the same University so it was quite surreal photographing her wedding as it's something I never imagined all those years ago. But life is very interesting & unpredictable I suppose...

Rob met with the boys in the morning & stayed with them whilst I went to photograph bridal prep at Sophie & Will's gorgeous flat in Harrogate. Sophie should definitely be an interior designer as I was blown away by the stunning decor, some of which was actually created by her.

After a very full & excitable flat of family & friends we made our way to All Saint's Church in Ripley, Harrogate, which is conveniently right next to the castle. It was a gorgeous & emotional ceremony but unfortunately it lead us outside into the rain - but it didn't matter. We embraced the umbrella for the confetti shot & I actually think it looks incredibly British & I really like it in the image.

Once we entered Ripley Castle I started to feel as though I was photographing a 'Downton' wedding & this theme carried through the photos which we were dodging in & out of the rain to do. Luckily there was a gorgeous staircase inside so we made use of that whilst we couldn't spend as much time outside. However I couldn't believe it when just as the guests were being called for the wedding breakfast, the sun started beaming in through the windows. I gave Sophie & Will the look & we dashed outside managing to get some portraits with gorgeous Autumnal light.

One of the highlights for me was during Will's speech to Sophie. It was the most romantic I've ever heard & had everyone in the room crying (including myself & ROB!). It involved how we are made of Stardust & how incredible that the Universe had lead them together for this moment. (I am definitely not as romantic so please don't quote me! But his speech needs to be framed!)

It was an honour being asked to photograph their wedding & it's always that little bit more special when you know each other. We travelled home very happy & also with a new vase filled with wedding flowers.

Wonderful!

“Every time he saw her, he realised the reason why they always said humans are made of stardust.”