HELEN AND ANDREWS WEDDING AT HARDWICK HALL SEDGEFIELD

Helen is my joint youngest bride of the year - in years, but the youngest if we count months, and she was SO excited to get married to Andrew!

I actually photographed Helen's mum Judith's second wedding about five or six years ago, so I'm quite the family photographer once more!

Andrew and Helen work so hard and such different times that it was just one week before the wedding before I finally met with Andrew - though Helen and I talked lots before the day and we knew how things would work out.

Andrew is a shy reserved guy, but he had told me he loved my photography and was so laid back and chilled that I just knew everything would go well on the day!

And so it came to pass .. poor Helen had texted me a few times the previous day to say she was so stressed she felt sick... and despite a little wobble just after I arrived at Hardwick Hall near Sedgefield in County Durham, once she had a ring on Andrew's finger, she sailed through the day and had such good fun!

Helen's attendents almost won the contest for the most bridemaids at my weddings this year too, but they were all great fun and there were two little princesses as well!

It was all a bit chaotic with everyone helping out each other to get ready, and Helen was on time too, which I'm sure she was a little disappointed with! When I arrived on time in the main ceremony room at the hotel, Andrew had expected a late start too!

There were a few tears as Helen swept down the aisle with her father and it was all over too soon, but there was plenty of time for laughter and congratualtions as guests spilled out of the room for celebratory champagne.

With the clocks having just gone back the week before and dark clouds gathering, we managed 15 minutes outside to gather together the essential family photographs - quick and fun with plenty of jokes and laughter, before I borrowed the happy couple for 10 minutes to get a few nice photographs of them together around the impressive lake.

Speeches first were the order of the day at the wedding breakfast, with embarrassment for Andrew as his brother pulled out a rather good photograph of him in less than fashionable attire in his teenage years during his fine speech

As other friends and relatives gathered for the evening fun, I finished off a few important images for family and friends as folk relaxed, then grabbed Helen for 5 minutes for a few quick shots to finish of a great day of wedding celebrations for her and Andrew, their family and friends!

Hope you enjoy this sneak peek of their wedding .... additional images posted to my Facebook profile .
View my Sikh bride Jag's sneak peek photos at her wedding at Hardwick Hall Sedgefield HERE, and if you would like me to photograph your wedding, please ring me on 0778 715 0966 or in the office on 01429 423165 - more details about prices and package outlines HERE

DIRK VAN DER WERFF