INTIMATE SECOND WEDDING ON HOLY ISLAND AT LINDISFARNE CASTLE

LINDISFARNE CASTLE ON HOLY ISLAND - BATHED IN THE SUNRISE ON WINTER SOLSTICE

MARK AND LYNN'S WEDDING WAS ON THE DATE OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE, DECEMBER 21ST, SO I WAS UP AND OUT ON THE BEACH EARLY ON

THE BUS TO TAKE GUESTS TO THE CASTLE ARRIVES ON HOLY ISLAND FOR THE WEDDING

AND THE WEDDING CAR ARRIVES TOO!

LYNN AND HER DAUGHTER STEPHANIE READY FOR THE BIG DAY!

MARK AND GUESTS HAVE A FEW REFRESHING DRINKS BEFORE THE WEDDING  IN LINDISFARNE CASTLE

TIME FOR A WEE SMALL SDRAM TOO!

THE SHIP INN MEETING PLACE BEFORE MARK AND HIS SON AND ATTENDANTS DECIDED TO WALK TO THE CASTLE FOR THE WEDDING!

MARK HEADS OFF ACROSS THE FORESHORE FOR HIS OWN WEDDING - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

READY FOR THE WEDDING?

THE WEDDING PARTY SILHOUETTED AGAINST THE SKYLINE AS THEY HEAD TO LINDISFARNE CASTLE - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

READY FOR THE OFF .. THE BUS FOR GUESTS

THE DOUBLE DECKER BUS HEADS TO THE CASTLE

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER WREATH ON THE DOOR OF LINDISFARNE CASTLE AWAITING THE WEDDING PARTY

LYNN'S DAUGHTER ALL DRESSED UP FOR THE WEDDING - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

LYNN AND MARK TAKING THEIR VOWS IN THE TINY CHAPEL

FRIENDS IN ONE OF THE ROOM AT LINDISFARNE CASTLE ENJOYING A FEW DRINKS

MARK AND HIS BEST MAN PETE HAVING SOME FUN AT LINDISFARNE CASTLE AFTER THE WEDDING CEREMONY

MARK IS A LONG STANDING SUPPORTER OF HARTLEPOOL UNITED FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS AND WANTED TO MARK HIS WEDDING WITH A GOUP PHOTOGRAPH ON TOP OF THE CASTLE IN THE WINTER SUN

JUST ABOUT TIME FOR A QUICK PHOTOGRAPH IN THE FREEZING COLD ON 21ST DECEMBER

CUPCAKES ALL WITH NAMES OF PAST FAVOURITE PLAYERS FROM MARK'S FAVOURITE FOOTBALL TEAM!

THE CAKE TOPPING ... AGAIN A REFERENCE TO HIS BELOVED  HARTLEPOOL UNITED AND THEIR MONKEY MASCOT!

A TENDER MOMENT AS MARK REFERS TO LYNN IN HIS SPEECH

MARK AND HIS BEST MAN PETE AT THE WEDDING BREAKFAST

LINDISFARNE CASTLE CATCHING THE LATE AFTERNOON SUN - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

Lynne and Mark's wedding on Holy Island, off the Northumberland coast, in Lindisfarne Castle, the iconic religious retreat in North East England was fun, fun, fun from beginning to end.
I set off early, in fact the day before to make sure that I was on the island in case the dreadful winter snowstorms caused me problems - the last thing I want to do is ring a bride and tell her that I can't make it!
It had taken me a LONG time to drive home through the snow and ice from Louise and Ian's wedding at Jesmond Dene House Hotel the night before .. it was a scary drive and I arrived back at base at 11.30pm after failing to secure a hotel room in Newcastle for the night.
So, with trepidation, I set off for Holy Island 10 hours later to make sure that I made the tide. In case you don't know, Holy Island is cut off from the mainland of the north east coast of England by the tide twice a day - and a causeway is uncovered to allow you to make the journey on and off the island. To my surprise, the A1 northbound was totally free of snow and ice on one lane all the way - so it took just two hours.
My sleeping bag, spade and associated paraphenalia to survive being trapped in my car seemed a little bit over the top .... ! Well, you have to be prepapred!
So, I was on the island with Lynn and Mark by 1pm on Sunday 20th December and they weren't getting married until Monday ... so, it would have been rude not to have accepted their invitation not to have a beer or two ... By evening, all their guests were on the island and we met in the Ship Inn where mark was staying, while I had bunkered down in The Manor House Hotel.
It was great for once to spend more time with a bride and groom than just 10 hours on the day of the wedding - though of course I usually meet with the couple a few times before the wedding anyway - and the pre-wedding shoot makes sure that we bond a little and that we're not strangers on the day!
It was Lynn and Mark's second time around wedding and their teenage children were all there from university as well as their nearest and dearest friends and relatives - 40 in total.
Next morning, I was up with the larks and determined to get a decent shot of Lindisfarne Castle at dawn on the winter equinox ...... it was a beautiful dawn - but freezing!
Not long after I met with Lynn and her daughter Stephanie as they got ready and then headed over the The Crown and Anchor to catch Mark and his best man Pete and their guests gathering before 'The Men' WALKED to the castle .. that was FUN!
After walking with them and capturing some great images there was the great hilke from the foot of the castle to the keep - dangerous in ice cold weather and very slippy underfoot - and no, I wasn't in high heels. In fact, I wore hiking boots and a suit and tie - truly suited and booted. I didn't want to be a casualty of the weather.
Poor Lynn and Steph were FREEZING when they made it to the keep, so I guided them to the nearest radiator to thaw out before they headed to the civil ceremony, where Mark had gone VERY quiet ....
Over almost in an instant, we then chilled out, had a few glasses of fine champagen and headed to the top level of the castle for some photographs as quickly as possible. There was a previous arrangement with The National Trust for mark to fly the flag of his favourite footbal team - Hartlepool United - from the castle, but that was over-ruled from London and we had to make do with a team shot!
The rest of the day followed their reception in The Manor House Hotel - full of fun and laughs, and after I finished about 8.30pm and waited for the tide to turn, the weather forecast didn't look too good, so I made the decision to stay on the island for a second night and enjoy the fun quiz in the Ship Inn with all the guests!
The next evening, they invited many more of their families and friends to a fantastic party!
What a great day or two for everyone and a fantastic wedding celebration for Lynn and Mark - I was exhausted!
If you would like me to be a small but important part of your wedding on Holy Island at Lindisfarne Castle, then I would be delighted to hear about your plans - telephone me in the office until 6pm on 01429 423165 or on my mobile number 0778 7150966 at any time.
With photography options for small intimate weddings midweek from £750, larger gatherings from £1200 and 'The Full Monty' all day and beyond  - perhaps for a two day family and friends gathering on Holy Island to capture the spirit and the fun of your celebration from £1595

READ MY WEDDING REVIEWS HERE

READ ABOUT COST / PRICES / INVESTMENT HERE

DIRK VAN DER WERFF

ELLINGHAM HALL WEDDING FOR AMY AND FRASER

THE SIGN FOR ELLINGHAM HALL REFLECTING THE LATE WINTER SUN BEFORE AMY AND FRASER'S INTIMATE WEDDING  - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER WREATH ON THE FRONT DOOR AT ELLINGHAM HALL

LATE WINTER LIGHT WITH A WARM AND INVITING ELLINGHAM HALL IN NORTHUMBERLAND

A LITTLE HELP TO GET READY AMY?

AMY AND FRASER FLEW ALL THE WAY FROM CALGARY IN CANADA TO THEIR WEDDING IN NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND

JUST TIME FOR A QUICK GROUP SHOT BEFORE THE WINTER SUN DISAPPEARS IN DECEMBER

ONE FOR THE FAMILY - SO IN LOVE AT ELLINGHAM HALL

THE BEAUTIFUL TABLE LAYOUT AT ELLINGHAM HALL IN NORTHUMBERLAND - FOR A BEAUTIFUL WINTER WEDDING

A CLOSE UP ON THE CANDLELIT TABLES

APPLAUSE ALL ROUND FOR THE BEST MAN'S SPEECH - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

PLENTY OF SPACE INSIDE FOR AN INTIMATE FAMILY WEDDING GROUP

FIRST DANCE AND TIME FOR THE STETSON TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE ALL THE WAY FROM CALGARY, CANADA AT FRASER AND AMY'S INTIMATE WINTER WEDDING AT ELLINGHAM HALL IN NORTHUMBERLAND - PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

FRASER AND AMY met at university in Aberdeen and since then have travelled the world from their original family homes in Scotland and Northumberland.

Nowadays they live in Calgary in Canada, so organising a wedding from thousands of mles away was never going to be easy - but thanks to the internet and some great organisational skills - they did it - in style!

Amy had seen a wedding that I had photographed for Liz and Steve at Ellingham Hall, a beautiful exclusive use wedding venue in Northumberland last year on my BLOG and e-mailed to to ask some questions. Once I had done that she was determined, on the basis of my wedding blog and my website that she wanted me to be a small but important part of her wedding at Ellingham Hall!

Fraser and Amy visited Northumberland in September - and we met for the first time and got on really well, and I met with her mum too. We e-mailed each other a few more times, and last Saturday, finally was the date for the BIG day at Ellingham Hall.

It was a gray overcast day, drizzling rain and there was fog too on the roads as I made my way though Newcastle and then headed up the A1 past Alnwick, but once I was in the beautiful Ellingham Hall, all decked out with Christmas trees and decorations and open roaring fires, I was transported to a much nicer place!

Amy's mum came to greet me and before long I was watching and photographing all the decorations and detail pieces which come in so handy when I come to designing their wedding album - and Fraser appeard wearing his kilt but he was wandering about in his running shoes! Cool calm and collected!

Amy was tucked away on the third floor having her hair styled and all around the lovely old house, people were appearing in their wedding finery.

The service was short and sweet - with lots of laughs and immediately after the ceremony we headed straight outside as there was only about 10 minutes of daylight left and we knew we wanted to get a good group shot of everyone together.

After that was a relaxing hour or two with canapes and drinks before heading into the main hall, decked out with candles and decorations for our dinner and speeches before chilling out for a while in the reception room and the main lounge as the ceilidh band set up.

Then Fraser and Amy surprised us all by putting on their cowboy boots for their first dance and Fraser donned a wonderful stetson which made him look so handsome for their first dance!

The candles .. the music .. the ambiance and the fun stayed with me as I headed for a long drive down the A1 back home. 

A great day for everyone!

I hope you enjoy a SNEAK PEAK of a few of the images from their great day.
If you would like me to be a small but important part of your day in Northumberland at Ellingham Hall - then ring me ijn the office on 01429 423165 until 6pm or on my mobile 0778 715 0966 and  tell me all about your plans!
NEW !!  READ THEIR  REVIEW OF MY PERFORMANCE ON THE DAY HERE

DIRK VAN DER WERFF

CHRIS AND CATHERINE'S WEDDING AT CRATHORNE HALL HOTEL IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

UPDATED WITH MORE IMAGES!

I was at a GREAT wedding in North Yorkshire recently - at Crathorne Hall in North Yorkshire with Catherine and Chris.

They looked so in love and seemed to have the BEST wedding day with their close family and friends who mainly travelled from Leeds for their wedding. 
I first met with Catherine and her chief bridesmaid and her mum at Crathorne Hall more than 10 months ago, but didn't meet with Chris until later.
He wasn't particulalrly enamoured with the photographers he had already met - but luckily, I turned him around and assured his that I was going to take great photographs of him and Catherine sharing their day with friends and family and that all my best photographs would be of them chilling out and relaxing - with just 10 minutes for family groups shots and some posed images I had in mind!
I was there for more than 10 hours in the end, so there are LOTS of great photographs. I had a ball - so I hope you like some of their early photographs.
Luckily too, Niels and Sylvia from the fantastic Ever After Videos were on hand too - and you can already see their fine efforts in a very much cut-down 5 minute slice of video on their website HERE

If you would like me to capture great images of your fabulous wedding at Crathorne Hall - naturally, with no stress then ring me in the office on 01429 423165 or my mobile on 0778 7150966 .. if we have a meeting, I will travel to you. If you live elsewhere iun the country ior abroad and are planning your wedding at Crathorne Hall or anywhere else in the country, I'm more than happy to speak with you or converse through Facebook or Skype if you wish and meet you when you are in the area next time.

READ MY WEDDING REVIEWS HERE

READ ABOUT COST / PRICES / INVESTMENT HERE

DIRK VAN DER WERFF

WEDDING TESTIMONIAL FROM ANNE AND DAVID AFTER THEIR WEDDING AT BARCO REDWORTH HALL HOTEL

DAVID AND ANNE AND THEIR GUESTS AT REDWORTH HALL

SMILES ALL ROUND AS DAVID AND ANNE SAY "I DO" ...

DAVID'S SON AND DAUGHTER PLAY TAG WOITH THE BRIDESMAIDS AT REDWORTH HALL

IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO RECEIVE TESTIMONIALS FROM BRIDES AND GROOMS - I FEEL THAT IT'S A JOB WELL DONE - AND IT ALSO BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES FROM THEIR DAY.
ON SATURDAY THAT I USED SOME IMAGES FROM THEIR WEDDING TO ILLUSTRATE THE FACT THAT I WAS ATTENDING THE WEDDING FAIR AT REDWORTH HALL ON SUNDAY.... AND THEN THIS TURNED UP IN THE POST TODAY!
 ".....From the time we first met Dirk at a wedding fair - his 11 year old daughter Ellie 'bribed' us with sweets to listen to him! - to the time that our CD of our images arrived, he has been a pleasure and a joy to work with.
The pre-wedding shoot helped to put us both at our ease with him and his cameras. Dirk listened carefully to our wishes for how we wanted the day to be covered and then helped us to refine the details. We asked him for a record of the day without the typical posed shots and a picture of as many of the people there as possible. On the day everything went brilliantly.
Dirk arrived early and spent some time taking pictures of the preparations. After the ceremony he mixed effortlessly with our guests shooting constantly yet never, ever, getting in the way. He took one 'organised' shot which included everyone, making sure that in the space of a couple minutes he had a selection of group pictures where everybody's face could be seen clearly. He had a long day, that lasted well into a fairly riotous evening, where he captured the atmosphere perfectly!
From nearly 300 final edited proof photographs Dirk helped us to select a representative number and when the wedding album arrived we were absolutely delighted with the quality of the book; the selection, quality and arrangement of the pictures; the story that is told and the fact that from all our guests there was only one who did not have an individual portrait included.
If you are thinking of using Dirk for your wedding photography, from our experience, you could not wish for a better result, or a more genial man with whom to deal......"

Thanks David, thank you Anne ... appreciated and delighted that the whole day went so well - I was delighted to have been a part of it!
DIRK VAN DER WERFF

THERE'S SOME GREAT WEDDING VENUES AND LOCATIONS IN COUNTY DURHAM FOR YOUR GREAT DAY OF CELEBRATION

RELAXED INFORMAL GROUP ON THE LAWN AT REDWORTH HALL - PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

SEE MY INSPIRATION BOARD ABOUT COUNTY DURHAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, COUNTY DURHAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NATURAL COUNTY DURHAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ON PINTEREST, HERE


If you are planning on getting married in County Durham there's a vast array of wedding venues and destinations to choose from, but for the discerning bride and groom who want something different or a location to remember, you are spoilt for choice.
Rockliffe Hall is a grand new wedding venue, this fantastic new addition to Durham wedding locations offers a contemporary, 5 Star modern wedding venue in grand surroundings surrounded by hundreds of acres of parkland and a golf club at Hurworth, south of Darlington.
See Stephanie's wedding at 5 Star Rockliffe Hall in 2012 HERE
Redworth Hall is a beautiful wedding venue and fantastic for your wedding photography (see Anne and David's wedding above) , with both The Great Hall in high demand as well as larger and smaller more modern rooms located on this first floor. 
See Danielle's 2012 wedding at Redworth Hall HERE 

If you want a castle, then Walworth Castle is close-by, whereas the flavour of the moment in wedding venues, and always towards the top of the list for any County Durham wedding is Headlam Hall.

RHOANNE ON THE LAWN AT HEADLAM HALL IN COUNTY DURHAM - PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

This wedding venue too has also had a recent refurbishment of facilities, with the new Spa and bedrooms complimenting the beautiful country house hotel set in parkland to the west of Darlington - this is quite some backdrop for your wedding photographs (see Rhoanne's wedding above) and one of my favourite County Durham wedding venues.
SEE AMANDA AND NICK'S 2012 HEADLAM HALL WEDDING HERE
Manor House Country House Hotel in West Auckland is also a wedding venue to consider.
Durham City itself is full of great wedding venues - particularly Durham Castle, Van Mildert College and many other universities and colleges.

GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY AT BOWES MUSEUM IN BARNARD CASTLE - PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

 The Radisson SAS Hotel on the waterfront in Durham is another great new wedding venue - well worth a visit when you are planning your wedding celebrations.

Durham is a BIG county, and in the west there are the great wedding venues Bowes Museum which is a wonderful wedding venue and something totally different (see Gill's wedding above) and The Morritt, which are both well established, and itn the case of Bowes Museum VERY different for a civil ceremony! The Royal County Marriott Hotel in Durham is well established.
Hotel Bannatyne is now a popular exclusive use wedding venue in Darlington with an intimate feel for your civil wedding ceremony.
Hallgarth Golf and Country Club also has new owners and a lot of refurbishment work has now been completed, making this a great location to have your wedding.
Beamish Hall is perhaps the most popular location in the north of the county along with Lumley Castle of course, both outstanding locations with a long history and heritage.

Whitworth Hall Hotel is always a surprise to those who first visit, particulalrly the grounds with the herds of deer.

LUCY AND HER BRIDESMAIDS HAVING FUN AT SEAHAM HALL AND SERENITY SPA - PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa is something really special (see Lucy's wedding above) , with numerous awards under it's belt. If it's fine food, grand location and a sense of history you want - then Seaham Hall has everything
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO BE A SMALL BUT IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR WEDDING CELEBRATIONS, I WOULD BE HONOURED TO BE ASKED - JUST RING ME ON 0778 7150966 ANYTIME - DON'T LOSE YOUR DATE. 
RING NOW!
Prices and packages outlined HERE and recent reviews are HERE
Recent news and recent weddings HERE


DIRK VAN DER WERFF

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT GUYZANCE HALL NORTHUMBERLAND

GUYZANCE HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:
NIKKI AND DAVID IN EACH OTHERS ARMS AT GUYZANCE HALL
SEE THE REST OF THEIR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS HERE

GUYZANCE HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS:

GUYZANCE HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY:

GUYZANCE HALL NORTHUMBERLAND WEDDINGS:

VIEW NIKKI AND DAVID'S 2012 GUYZANCE HALL WEDDING HERE
Guyzance Hall is one of the premier wedding venues in Northumberland set in 800 acres of breathtaking scenery  where you can hire the entire magnificent house for a three day weekend for your wedding celebrations with your closest family and friends.
Guyzance Hall Wedding Open Day is on July 1st 2012 between 11pm - 4pm
It's a beautiful location to have the wedding of your dreams in a special place full of romance and history as well as elegant rooms and superb gardens and grounds.
Guyzance Hall have several areas licensed for civil ceremonies - including outdoor weddings too!
Why not say your vows in the pretty gazebo in the Walled Garden or on the top steps of the South Entrance Porch or the Edwardian Ballroom or, for smaller more intimate weddings, the Drawing Room.
The main focus for your wedding day will be on the beautiful Edwardian Ballroom which, not only is licensed for ceremonies, but is also where your wedding breakfast will be served and evening entertainment enjoyed. The Ballroom holds a maximum of 100 guests.

RECENT NORTHUMBERLAND WEDDINGS:

Cate and Andrew at Matfen Hall

Sharon and Martin at Slaley Hall

Amy and Fraser's December wedding at Ellingham Hall

Lynn and Mark's intimate wedding on Holy Island

Kathryn and Richard's wedding at Matfen Hall
Guyzance Hall is  one of a number of wedding venues in Northumberland such as Ellingham Hall, and Woodhill Hall, Middleton Hall and Falstone Barns which you can hire for a long weekend of wedding celebrations with your closest friends and family members.
If you would like me to be a small but important part of your wedding weekend at Guyzance Hall, Ellingham Hall in Northumberland, Falstone Barns or the brand new wedding venue for 2012, Middleton Hall, then please do ring me on my personal phone 0778 7150966 and tell me all about your plans. I offer outstanding customer experience and customer service and some of the best wedding photography in the north of England - all captured naturally ... read my reviews and testimonials on the right hand column of this page.

DIRK VAN DER WERFF

NEED TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - COME AND MEET ME AT THE REDWORTH HALL WEDDING FAIR THIS WEEKEND

Redworth Hall Hotel's wedding fair is this weekend - and you can meet me there between 11am and 4pm.

I will have some great wedding albums to show you with some wonderful photographs from my late 2008 weddings, and of course some Redworth Hall wedding albums too.

One of my favourite weddings last year at Redworth Hall Hotel was Anne and David's intimate family wedding.

We only did one group shot, and it made the front page of their fantastic 40 page coffee table album showing off almost 200 images from their great wedding celebration.

I hope you like these photographs from their day!