Way back in the summer, I had the amazing pleasure to capture Alex and Sally's wedding at Grays Court Hotel York. It was my first time capturing a wedding at Grays and what a fabulous wedding it was.

As I sit and think about this wedding, it fills with me with joy. Alex and Sally, were such a relaxed, fun loving couple who really had planned their day to be the same. From the outset it was going to be a day full of laughter. The girls had plenty of giggles in the rooms whilst getting ready, especially when the Japanese tourists on the York bar walls spotted the bride through the window, waved and shouted their congratulations to her. In the courtyard downstairs, the boys were helping each other do their buttonholes, which seemed to go well, but then it should have because amongst them were many Doctors and Surgeons, who made short work of using the pins to attach the flowers!

Originally the ceremony was to take place outside in the stunning gardens at Grays Court, but unfortunately the British weather had other ideas. At the very last minute the ceremony was moved inside and as the guests were being seated ready for the arrival of the bride, the skies darkened and heavens opened! 

Luckily from then on, apart from the very odd shower, it was out into the gardens and many terraces to enjoy the sunshine. The gardens were beautiful and with the added floral displays by Joanna Keely it really did look like a true english garden. Brett and Andrew from 24-Live played some cracking tunes to entertain the wedding party whilst they enjoyed their reception drinks. Alex, Sally and I took this opportunity to take sneak away to capture some pictures of just the two of them. This has to be one of the best locations I have ever seen for a city centre hotel.  With the historic bar walls surrounding the gardens on one side and York Minster on the other, trust me when I say, it doesn't get much better!

Inside the scene was set for the wedding breakfast and as Sally and Alex made their grand entrance, there was just time for them to stop off and down a quick shot of tequila which was met by a very loud round of applause. Both Alex and Sally are medical professionals, as were many of their guests, meaning that there were some particularly embarrassing anecdotes for the best man to share. The speeches were funny, heartfelt and embarrassing in equal measure!

Later into the day, the bride and groom cut the cake, which I believe was handmade by Sally's mum, and then it was time for the first dance. Afterwards, the guest and the band, moved back into the garden where there was a bit more dancing and a lot more drinking. As the day turned into early evening, the guests relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine with Brett and Andrew's acoustic tones filling the gardens and terraces with covers of some great songs that everyone knows.

As I said my goodbyes to the bride and groom, their friends and families, I just knew that Sally and Alex had got exactly the wedding day they wanted. 

 

 

 

It was such a lovely day, everything was amazing! The gardens, the flowers, Sally's dress, her bridesmaids, the venue, I can't begin to tell you just how good it all was. Alex and Sally, their friends and family made my day such a pleasure that sometimes I can't believe how truly lucky I am to do what I do for a living!!

Recently I was nominated and won the Best Customer Service Provider (Photography) in the North of England Wedding Awards. Alex and Sally were kind enough to vote. This is what they wrote;

"Jo was amazing from start to finish. Super organised, managed to put us at ease. She sent us chocolates on Valentines Day, met us many times to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. The excitement in her eyes as she reviewed the shots of us that she was taking on the day, proved we made a great choice. We cannot recommend her highly enough"

 

Thank you too Sarah and the team at Grays Court Hotel for letting me be part of their organisation for the day. If you want to speak to Sarah about having exclusive use of Grays Court for your wedding call her on 01904 612613

If you need a photographer  for your day, please get in touch. I would love meet you for coffee to hear more about your day, I can show you some more of my work and we can see if we get on. Give me a ring on 01904 533476 or drop me a line on [email protected]

Bridal Make up and hair - Alison Martin

Wedding Dress - Emily Bridal Wear, Sheffield

Bridesmaids Dresses - TNFC London

Grooms Suit - Hammond & Co Debenhams

Flowers - Joanna Keely, the Flower Studio

Entertainment - 24 Live