March 2014 | DIRK VAN DER WERFF - WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Crathorne Hall Wedding Photography for Kath and Louis

CRATHORNE HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:  2ND TIME LOVE WEDDINGS
KATH COMES DOWN THE AISLE AT CRATHORNE HALL WITH HER TWO PROUD SONS TO MEET LOUIS


CRATHORNE HALL HOTEL - A HANDPICKED HOTELS WEDDING VENUE IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING BOUQUET

SISTERS, SISTERS ... 

LOOKING BEAUTIFUL AT CRATHORNE AHLL

DETAIL

WEDDING CAKE DETAIL

LOUIS GETS A LITTLE HELP

MY LOVELY BRIDE-TO-BE ... READY FOR HER DAY

SISTERS TOGETHER .. FOREVER

LOUIS GREETS THE REGISTRAR

FULL OF SMILES ..  LOUIS CALM COOL AND COLLECTED

KATH'S MUM ENTERTAINS HER FRIENDS

MY BRIDE KATH'S WEDDING BOUQUET AT CRATHORNE HALL

THE LADIES DESCEND THE STAIRCASE AT CRATHORNE HALL TO MEET LOUIS

KENDAL STRING QUARTET DO THEIR THING AT CRATHORNE HALL 

WAITING FOR HIS BRIDE

JUST MINUTES AWAY ... 

SMILES ALL THE WAY .. KATH AND HER SONS COME DOWN THE AISLE


THE LOVE IS IN KATH'S EYES AS LOUIS MAKES HIS VOWS

THE MARRIAGE IS SEALED

APPLAUSE ALL ROUND - HOW LOVELY - MAN AND WIFE !!

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY .... 

CRATHORNE HALL STAFF LINE UP TO CONGRATULATE THE HAPPY COUPLE

CONFETTI HAPPINESSS

THE GATHERED THRONG OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

A CUDDLE FOR MUM

FRIENDS HAVE FUN ... 

MY HAPPY COUPLE - KATH AND LOUIS

LOUIS AND HIS BROTHERS TAKE SOME RELAXATION TIME

A QUICK GROUP SHOT WITH KATH'S HUSBAND LOUIS AND HER SONS AND HER SISTERS

THE WEDDING RECEPTION LIT BY CANDLELIGHT AT CRATHORNE HALL

BEAUTIFULLY LIT TABLE DECORATIONS

TAKING THE APPLAUSE AS THEY ENTER THE RECEPTION ROOM AT CRATHORNE HALL

FRIENDS AND RELATIVES - CLAPPING THE HAPPY COUPLE INTO THE ROOM

THE MEAL IS OVER .. TIME TO MINGLE WITH FRIENDS

KATH TAKES IT EASY WITH FRIENDS

LOUIS MAKES HIS SPEECH

OUR MAID OF HONOUR ENJOYS THE SENTIMENTS

LOUIS' BROTHER WAS A LAUGH A MINUTE .... 

HAPPY AND CONTENT

KATH TAKES THE APPLAUSE AND MAKES HER SPEECH

HURRAH!

VERY HAPPY - NEW OUTFIT, AND FIRST DANCE WITH HER HUSBAND


TAKING CENTRE STAGE - KATH ENJOYING THE DANCING

TWO OF KATH'S SISTER ENJOYING THE FUN

EVEN LOUIS GETS INVOLVED IN THE EPIC THAT WAS 'LOVE TRAIN' ... !
Regular readers of my wedding blog know how much I love Crathorne Hall - about my favourite wedding venue in the north of England - and how much I also enjoy 2nd wedding celebrations so it was a delight to enjoy my first 2nd wedding celebration here.
Kath and Louis had such love for each other it was hard not to be emotional when they were saying their vows, but surrounded by their closest friends and relatives they had a great day of celebration.
Kath had rang me a few months previously and asked if I could be a small but important part of their wedding day, and it all sounded so nice that I immediately said that I would love to, the venue for the wedding and the reception changed in the meantime, but when I heard the final destination was to be Crathorne Hall, I had no doubts that it would be a great day!
I normally work on my own, but on this occassion Wendy had engaged the services of a wedding planner, The Chic Wedding Company headed up by Wendy Smulski so it was exciting to be part of an extended team who were working together for their client.

I met with Kath and Louis at Crathorne Hall, and we seemed to get on very well indeed as I outlined what I would be doing on their wedding day, basically being in the background, keeping things relaxed and natural as they just enjoyed their wedding day to the full.
A few weeks later I met with Kath and Wendy and they seemed happy enough to let me get on with the way I normally capture my weddings - all about trust and confidence.
As part of the trust and confidence, I also said I would pop along to The Cleveland Tontine the evening before their wedding at Crathorne Hall where they were having a birthday celebration for Louis attaining the great age of 70, bringing all their family and friends from the north and the south where Louis and his family are from.

It was lovely to chat and meet with family members for 45 minutes  so before they enjoy a sumptious meal.
Next day I was at Crathorne Hall a few hours before things got underway and checked in with a very excited Kath and one of her three sisters  as she prepared for the wedding - all was calm and cheerul, then bumped into Louis as he wandered smartly around Crathorne checking out last minute details and hugging and kissing anyone who went past - luckily, most of them were his family and friends!
Come the moment, he was cool as a cucumber "I don't do stress Dirk" he told me while Kath was truly glowing as she came down the aisle flanked by her two sons, the Kendal String Quartet playing, with a smile as wide as anything when she saw Louis' face beside her.
A few readings later, it was kissin' time and they both (literally) hopped and skipped out of the room!
There was plenty of time for the happy couple to meet and greet their closest and nearest with a few family photographs thrown in just for measure - especially for Kath's delightful Mum - we were 'sparring' all day!
The wedding breakfast was an absolute delight  (thanks folks!) and the speeches from Kath's sons and Louis and his best-man-brother were first class, then Kath surprised everyone with a few words that brought a lump to the throat, with lots of cheering and whooping and 'a hollering led by the Master of Ceremonies - a personal friend of Louis - Nigel who had come all the way from London as well to be a special part of the day - quite the entertainer and great company!

Kath just had time to get changed into her evening gown before they were led to the dancefloor at 10pm to celebrate their wedding.
I left not long after after a storming version of Love Train from the assembled guests - with laughter and happiness ringing in my ears!
DIRK VAN DER WERFF

WYNYARD HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LISA AND MARC

WYNYARD HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
LISA AND MARC - ALL LOVED UP DURING THEIR WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AT WYNYARD HALL IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND

WYNYARD HALL CHAPEL - PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS

WYNYARD HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL& SPA

THE ORNAMENTAL CEILING - ONE OF MAHY IN WYNYARD HALL

LISA - CHILLING WITH TRACEY OF BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL MAKEOVERS

LISA'S MARK LESLEY WEDDING GOWN - WAITING ... 

MESSAGE AND CARD FROM HER HUSBAND TO BE

I THINK SHE ENJOYED WHAT HE WROTE !

NOT A  SIGN OF NERVES AT ALL .. 

MARK LESLEY DRESS AND HAND PAINTED SHOES FROM LE SOULIER

BOUQUETS READY AND WAITING

BRIDESMAID HAPPINESS .. 

LISA'S LE SOULIER HAND PAINTED SHOES

LISA'S LE SOULIER HAND PAINTED SHOES

LISA'S LE SOULIER HAND PAINTED SHOES

LISA'S LE SOULIER HAND PAINTED SHOES

LISA'S LE SOULIER HAND PAINTED SHOES

FUN WITH PHOTOGRAPHY

HAPPINESS LEFT, NERVOUSNESS RIGHT ... 

PIANIST MICHAEL MULROY TAKES TO THE KEYS

LAST MINUTE DETAILS

LISA AND HER DELIGHTFUL DAUGHTER POPPY

THE LE SOULIER SHOES GO ON ..  WATCHED BY POPPY

THE VEIL GETS PINNED IN BY TRACEY

A WAND ..  A WAND FOR POPPY!

BRIDESMAID .... 

BRIDESMAID ... 

BRIDESMAID .... 

BOUQUETS TOGETHER ... 

JUST MINUTES TO GO TO SEE MARC ....

CAREFULLY DOWN THOSE STEEPS STEPS AT WYNYARD HALL FOR LISA

BLIMEY .. THE BEST MAN AND MARC LOOK A TOUCH NERVOUS .... 

HERE COMES HIS BRIDE .... 

FIRST GLANCE .. AND ALL IS WELL WITH THE WORLD

MARC LOOKS A LOT HAPPIER NOW ... 

MUCH MORE RELAXED .. MARC IS GETTING THE HANG OF THIS GETTING MARRIED LARK ..

FINAL BLESSING IN THE CHAPEL

FINAL PRAYER 


THE BALLROOM AT WYNYARD HALL - LOOKING GOOD!

AMAZING TEA PARTY CAKE FROM KELLY ANNE CAKES

AMAZING TEA PARTY CAKE FROM KELLY ANNE CAKES

AMAZING TEA PARTY CAKE FROM KELLY ANNE CAKES

VINTAGE TEA CUPS AND LOVELY FLOWERS

VINTAGE TEA CUPS AND LOVELY FLOWERS

VINTAGE TEA CUPS AND LOVELY FLOWERS

VINTAGE TEA CUPS AND LOVELY FLOWERS

VINTAGE CAKE STAND AND LOVELY FLOWERS

CHAIR COVER DETAIL

WEDDING BREAKFAST MENU AT WYNYARD HALL

POPPY IS THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION - THANKS TO MU AND DAD - THE BRIDE AND GROOM LISA AND MARC

SISTERS .. SISTERS .... 

LISA ENJOYING HER 'DOWN TIME'

BRIDESMAID CAROLINE WITH HER BOYFRIEND - THE SECOND TIME CAROLINE HAS BEEN A BRIDESMAID AT ONE OF MY WEDDINGS!


SISTERS .. SISTERS!

THE SPOTLIGHT FALLS ON LISA ...... YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS SHE HATES HAVING HER PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN!

IT LOOKS LIKE LOVE TO ME ... 

SO HAPPY .... 

DANCING TIME ...  !

THE FIRST DANCE .. AND THOSE SMILES ..  LIFE PARTNERS IF EVER I SAW THEM !
Wynyard Hall weddings are among the nicest I photograph each year.
It's a magnificent wedding venue, with history galore, it looks spectacular and is perfect for an intimate wedding or a grand wedding.
Lisa and Marc's wedding was my 20th wedding to photograph at Wynyard Hall, and like all my others, it was full of fun and happiness, relaxed and allowed my natural photographic style to capture some lovely memories for generations to come.
Lisa and Marc had been a part of another one of my weddings in the north east of England - at Matfen Hall when Lisa was a bridesmaid for Kathryn - and Lisa enjoyed 'the experience' so much, she signed me up almost straight away to photograph her wedding at Wynyard Hall which was almost two years away!
We kept in contact through my Facebook page, messaging each other and helping out with suppliers and advice where I could - I often have four or five future brides chatting away on Facebook or private messaging services and phone calls on an evening.

We met in Newcastle for a walkabout and to share some tea and biscuits - part of the bonding process, with a pre-wedding shoot at the same time.
A few weeks later we met again at their dress rehearsal at Wynyard Hall chapel, and it was nice to meet parents, the best man and other bridesmaids too, as well as the vicar - so none of us would be strangers on the day of the wedding.

Come the day, I was up bright an early to Wynyard Hall and popped in to see Marc in one of the lodges in the amazing estate of Wynyard hall. He was nervous, very nervous about the speech, but very much looking forward to seeing Lisa in her Mark Lesley wedding gown beside him in the chapel.
Lisa and their daughter Poppy were chilled out when I arrived at the Disraeli Suite, with Tracey from Beautiful Bride Makeovers beavering away with Lisa and her bridesmaids.
The atmosphere was one of fun and happiness of the day to come - so like all my brides .. nothing to worry about, just looking forward to a great day of celebration!
Lisa showed what a good mum she is too when Poppy felt a little overwhelmed as the day progressed too, her and Marc taking time out from their day to make sure she was happy and content! Lisa's AMAZING hand-painted shoes from Le Soulier were a delight and she LOVED them too!
Mark was 'bricking it' as Lisa came down the aisle to meet him, but a huge smile from his wife-to-be seemed to put his at ease and we had some light relief when his best man momentarily 'lost' the rings in the recess of his pocket ..  !
Outside, it was a touch chilly, so after some kisses and cuddles from family and friends it was into the statue gallery of Wynyard Hall for drinks. I took a few minutes to photograph the ballroom all decored with beautiful flowers from Funky Flowers and Lisa's AMAZING Tea Pot wedding cake!

I always let my couples and friends and relatives really get into the spirit of a day of celebration capturing lots of relaxed images as they have a few champagnes and chill-out.
20 minutes before they are called to the speeches and wedding breakfast, I borrow the happy couple for 10 minutes for some bridal portraits and then we set aside 10 minutes to keep Mum and Dad and grandparents happy with some images to fill those empty frames they have at home - all nice and quick and relaxed, no problem at all.
The speeches were out of the way first - so Marc could finally enjoy himself and relax, while we enjoyed a sumptious Wynyard hall wedding breakfast (thanks folks!).

The downtime after a wedding is a good time for me to work together withthe parents and grandparents and make sure we can 'mop-up' a few more family photographs as we go along - nothing formal, just gatherings of friends and relatives - with a few of 'the girls' for Lisa and maybe 'the boys' from the stag night for Marc.
Soon enough they were cutting their cake - an amazing cake from Kelly-Ann's Cakes and into the first dance - Poppy got into the spirit too!

As I made my way around the parents annd the bride and groom to thank them for their hospitality, I reflected on what a perfect day for Lisa and Marc it had been .. relaxed, comfortable and happy - and this from a couple who were nervous as kittens about being photographed!
If you would like me to photograph your day naturally, become part of your family celebrations for the day, have me meet up with you a few times beforehand and meet with your family and friends too and even attend your dress rehearsal so you all feel relaxed and confortable on your wedding day - RING ME NOW AND CHECK YOUR DATE on 0778 7150966, contact me by email (dirk AT aquilegiagroup.com) or fill in the form HERE or contact me via my Facebook business page HERE or my Google+ page HERE
DIRK VAN DER WERFF