It was an absolute pleasure to photograph this fabulous wedding at Woodstock Weddings and Events. Ellie and Nick had an unforgettable day full of sunshine, smiles and laughter. They exchanged their vows in front of a lovely group of family and friends, in a stunning countryside location. If you are planning a wedding at Woodstock Weddings or The principal, York check out some of my favourite images from Ellie and Nick’s day below. For more information about my photography style please see the Approach page and the Portfolios page or feel free to get in touch below. I’d love to talk to you about your plans for your upcoming wedding day and see if I could be the photographer for you.
We started off in the morning with bridal preparations at The Principal Hotel. A stunning Grade II listed hotel with victorian architecture, situated in the middle of York. I arrived to find the girls in fabulous spirits, excited for the day ahead.
Wedding Preparations at The Principal, York
After a slight struggle to open the champagne, much to everyones’ amusement, the drinks were flowing. All the ladies were getting pampered by the talented hair and makeup artists. The room was filled with excitement and laughter as the bride tribe chatted about the day ahead. Once preparations were completed, Ellie’s Mum helped her in to her stunning white bridal gown.
Once Ellie was ready they decided to do a bridal reveal to the bridesmaids and then to Ellie’s Dad. I love the reactions on the girls faces as they see Ellie in her dress for the first time. The dress was a timeless romantic design with beautiful, delicate white lace. Ellie’s Dad was also really proud to see Ellie looking so glamorous and gave her a heartfelt hug. The bridesmaids equally looked so elegant in their pink dresses. I took the opportunity to take some shots of them all together with their beautiful bouquets which were created by the talented Wild Floral Couture.
A Blessing at Woodstock Barn
After the girls were in their dresses, I jumped in the car and headed off to Woodstock Weddings and Events to meet the boys. Nick and the groomsmen were in great spirits and really looking forward to the day ahead. Nick also had a lovely grooms-woman who was one of his best friends since childhood. They were busy welcoming friends and family into the venue. The groom looked very dashing in his classic grey suit with a light pink tie and a cream buttonhole.
The couple had decided to have a blessing at this point in the day, which they celebrated with their whole wedding party. Later in the day they would have a small wedding ceremony with just close family which would include the official signing of their marriage certificate.
As the music started the bridesmaids began to make their way down the aisle in the Woodstock barn. Each one was smiling and looking very excited to be part of Ellie’s day. Ellie’s father soon appeared and escorted his daughter down the aisle. Ellie looked absolutely stunning and the couple looked so happy to see each other at the top of the aisle. The wedding blessing was filled with love, laughter, and joy, as the couple listened to some lovely readings and exchanged their vows. Friends and family looked on, smiling and wiping away a few tears of happiness as the couple had their first kiss. They walked down the aisle too much applause with Ellie waving her bouquet in the air in celebration.
A Beautiful Wedding Reception at Woodstock Barn
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their bridal party moved out into the sunshine, ready to celebrate their marriage with family and friends. There were lots of smiles and laughter, hugs and kisses, mixed in with canapés and champagne! This was a fabulously fun and friendly atmosphere and I enjoyed photographing all the interactions. In particular, I loved some of Ellies’s friends exuberant reactions to seeing her ring.
A Woodstock Confetti Tunnel
One of the most memorable moments of a wedding at Woodstock is when the bride and groom walk through a confetti tunnel after exchanging their vows. This adds an extra element of fun to the day and creates a wonderful photo opportunity for the couple and their guests. We created a long tunnel of guests in a field next to the barn. Ellie and Nick then walked hand in hand through the tunnel, surrounded by the cheers and applause from their loved ones. There was certainly a very enthusiastic crowd of confetti throwers and I loved the guy that popped out of the line and lobbed a big handful right in Nicks face. There’s always one! Nick did find this quite hilarious.
After the confetti tunnel, guests took the opportunity to relax and play some of the many lawn games that the couple had made available.
Wedding Photos at Woodstock Weddings and Events
Woodstock Weddings and Events is a stunning barn venue that offers a beautiful backdrop for wedding photography. One of the most special moments of the day is when the bride and groom take some time to walk around the location and have some portrait photos taken. This allows me to capture the venue surroundings and create lasting memories of the couple together. Having some time out is also a great opportunity for the newlyweds to enjoy some time alone, away from the hustle and bustle of the reception. I always encourage my couples to just be themselves so I can capture authentic interactions and natural expressions. Nick and Ellie had a lovely time wandering around the venue chatting to each other. We were also blessed with some lovely light which really added to the photographs.
A Wedding Ceremony at Woodstock Weddings and Events
Soon it was time for the actual wedding ceremony which had just close family members in attendance. I love the little wooden hut that they perform these ceremonies in at Woodstock. The horse box type opening in the font of the hut was great for peeking through with my camera to capture an unusual angle on a ceremony. The couple exchanged rings and were applauded by family who were all clearly so happy for them both.
Wedding Speeches
After the ceremony it was time for the wedding breakfast. Nick and Ellie walked into the big barn to raucous applause with Ellie brandishing her bouquet in the air in celebration. There were some lovely moments during the speeches which were all both very heartfelt and funny. The audience was in hysterics at various points throughout the speeches!
Sunset Photographs at Woodstock Weddings and Events
After the wedding breakfast I noticed the light outside was lower in the sky and quite beautiful. Ellie and Nick wanted some extra photos in this golden hour so we went out into the countryside for five minutes to take some photographs as the sun went down. The rustic charm of the countryside with the grass swaying gently in the wind provided the perfect setting for the portraits.
Evening Festivities at Woodstock Barn
Finally it was time for the evening festivities. Ellie and Nick stepped up in front of their audience to cut their wedding cake together. The barn’s spacious dance floor, high ceilings, and rustic charm created the perfect setting for the couple’s first dance. The warm lighting, music and enthusiastic audience added to an intimate and romantic atmosphere that was a perfect end to their day. Everyone cheered as the couple danced and friends and family quickly joined them on the dance floor to rock the night away.
It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Ellie and Nick’s wedding at Woodstock Weddings and Events. From the moment I arrived at the wedding venue, I knew that this was going to be a special day. They had fantastic weather with beautiful light and there was such a fun and warm atmosphere. It always makes my day extra enjoyable when the couple and guests are so friendly and I had a really great time with this crowd! Congratulations Ellie and Nick and all the best for a wonderful future together ! x
Other Suppliers involved in this Wedding
Makeup: Clair Flink Make-up
Hair: Rachel Murphy, Yorkshire Bridal Hair
Flowers: Wild Floral Couture
Band :Electric Soul Club
Catering: F4D Events
Celebrant: Fiona Brown
Woodstock Weddings and Events – Photography
Do you need a Woodstock Weddings and Events photographer or a photographer for any other venue? I’d love to hear more about your day. I photograph all sorts of weddings from the most lavish events to intimate home weddings and would be very happy to offer you a no-obligation chat by phone or Zoom to talk about your requirements. I also arrange appointments to meet in person at my studio in Pudsey if you would like to look at sample albums. Please get in touch below if you’d like to be sent further information or arrange to have a chat about your day.
You can also email kirstyds@gmail.com or call 07564 953262.
