Some wedding mornings are beautifully calm, and Vanessa's was exactly that.

I arrived at Vanessa's Mam and Dad's house at 11am to photograph some portraits before heading to the ceremony. I was greeted at the door by two very determined, very yappy little chihuahuas who made sure I was properly announced, followed by a much more dignified greeter - Dolce, Vanessa's own dog. A dark grey miniature poodle with a perfect pom-pom haircut and the friendliest nature, Dolce stuck close to Vanessa all morning.

Inside the house, it was complete calm. No rush, no chaos - just a quiet, happy feeling of everything being exactly where it needed to be. Vanessa looked absolutely stunning and so relaxed. We started with some portraits of Vanessa on her own, taking our time in the lovely natural light at home. I love starting the day like this, before the day speeds up. It gives us a chance to create something really soft and natural.

Some weddings are beautiful.
Some weddings are emotional.
Some weddings are filled with laughter.

And every now and then, a wedding comes along that somehow manages to be all three at once.

Megan and Kurt's wedding at The Story in Durham and Woodham Golf and Country Club was exactly that.

What a day. What a family. What a wedding.

When Hazel and John first got in touch about their wedding at Bowburn Hall Hotel, I knew straight away it was going to be one of those days that stays with you. Warm, full of laughter, a little bit chaotic in the very best way, and absolutely bursting with love. And when I pulled into the car park at Bowburn Hall at 1pm on a beautiful late summer afternoon, I could feel that energy already.

Well, what can I say about Jennie and Jamie's day to start with? If you've been following along for a while you'll know I always check the forecast about 47 times in the week leading up to a wedding. This week, every single check said the same thing - rain. Heavy at times. Bring a brolly, bring waterproofs, bring a towel for your cameras.

I arrived for bridal preparations at Jennie and Jamie's house at 11.30am and it was... glorious. Bright, warm, beautiful late summer sunshine pouring through the car windows. Not what we were promised at all, but absolutely no one was complaining.

And what a lovely calm house to walk into. You know those mornings where you open the front door and you can already hear the music and the hairdryer and the excited chatter from halfway down the path? This wasn't that. Not yet. It was calm. Tea on. A quiet sort of anticipation. I knew, as we all did, that it wouldn't stay like that for long.

Saturday 22nd August and I was heading up the A68 for a first for me - a wedding day at Northside Farm in Northumberland. Not just a wedding day, but Katie and Katherines wedding day.

It's always exciting photographing a new venue, and Northside has been on my list for a while now. I see a lot of venues - after 30 years you've seen most of them in the North East - but this one kept cropping up with couples asking if I'd shot there. So when Katie and Katherine booked me, I was chuffed.

I left plenty of time. I always do when it's a new venue. I took the A68 all the way up - probably my favourite road in the North East when the sun's out. Rolling hills, open moorland, that big Northumberland sky opening up the further north you get. It was a beautiful morning to be driving, air con on, gear packed, two cameras checked and double checked the night before.

I arrived at 11.30am, a full two hours before the 1.30pm ceremony. When it's a venue you've not shot before you need that time. Where's the light falling at midday? Where will the group shots work when the sun has moved? Where can we steal five minutes for portraits later without taking the couple too far from their guests? That recce time is just as important as the photography itself. You can't wing it on a new venue.

I arrived at the Radisson Blu in a light drizzle. The morning was overcast but thankfully not cold, and after gathering my camera equipment I made my way up to the bridal suite on the fourth floor.

When I walked through the door, I was shocked.

It was totally calm!

Now, there was a very good reason for my surprise.

I had met Casey about a week earlier to run through the photography arrangements for the wedding and, at that meeting, she had been in what I can only describe as full panic mode!

Set amongst the wonderful countryside of the Scottish Borders, near Hawick, Branxholme Park is one of those wedding venues that immediately makes an impression when you arrive. Surrounded by woodland, lawns and beautiful grounds, it feels wonderfully secluded — almost as though the whole place has been handed over to you for the day.

The estate has a fascinating history stretching back centuries. The Branxholme area has long been associated with the powerful Scott family, whose influence is woven deeply into the history of the Scottish Borders. The original Branxholme Castle was an important stronghold of the Scotts of Buccleuch, one of the great Border families, in a part of Scotland once famous for its turbulent history and the legendary Border Reivers.

The Branxholme we see today is a rather more peaceful place!

The historic house sits beautifully within its extensive grounds and combines the character and grandeur you would expect from a Scottish country estate with the relaxed atmosphere of an exclusive wedding venue.

Some weddings are beautiful, some are unforgettable, and then there are weddings like Surbhi and Dale's, where two rich traditions come together to create something truly extraordinary. Today I had the absolute privilege of photographing not one, but two spectacular wedding ceremonies at the stunning Blackwell Grange Hotel in Darlington. The day began with a traditional British wedding ceremony before moving into a vibrant and deeply meaningful Hindu Vivaha ceremony, giving family and friends the opportunity to celebrate two cultures, two traditions and one incredible love story.

Blackwell Grange Hotel provided the perfect setting for such a remarkable occasion. Steeped in history, the elegant Grade II* listed country house dates back to the early 18th century and was built for the renowned Darlington industrialist George Allan around 1710. Over the centuries it has been home to influential families before being transformed into the beautiful hotel we know today, blending historic Georgian architecture with modern luxury while retaining its timeless charm. Set within acres of picturesque parkland on the edge of Darlington, it is one of the North East's most prestigious wedding venues and an ideal backdrop for a celebration as special as Surbhi and Dale's.

I absolutely love being a wedding photographer.

Over the years, photography has taken me to some incredible places and allowed me to witness things I never imagined I would experience. I have photographed hundreds of weddings, met thousands of wonderful people and been trusted to capture some of the most important moments in their lives.

Even after all this time, I never take that privilege for granted.

Every wedding is different. Every couple has their own story, every family has its own personality, and every celebration brings something new. That is one of the things I enjoy most about my work. Wedding photography is not simply about taking beautiful photographs. It is about meeting people, building trust, experiencing different traditions and documenting moments that families will treasure for generations.

Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of heading to the beautiful Hallgarth Manor Hotel, near Durham, to photograph the wedding reception of the newly married Jenny and Michael.

Their marriage had already begun in spectacular style, with the couple choosing the incredible city of New York as the setting for their wedding ceremony. There were apparently one or two unexpected hiccups during their American adventure, but I was given only a tantalising glimpse of the story—and that is as much as I am going to say! Whatever may or may not have happened across the Atlantic, Jenny and Michael were safely back in County Durham and ready to celebrate their marriage properly with their closest family and friends.

Hallgarth Manor was the perfect setting for the occasion. The wider Hallgarth site is thought to have ancient origins and may have once formed part of a medieval monastic manor and grange farm belonging to Durham Cathedral Priory. The present manor house is largely an 18th-century building, later altered and extended, and is protected as a Grade II-listed property. Its grand staircase, historic character and attractive gardens make it a wonderful location for wedding photography.

On Tuesday, I will have the enormous pleasure of photographing the wedding of Surbhi and Dale. Their celebrations will include not one, but two wonderful wedding ceremonies: a traditional British ceremony followed by a traditional Hindu ceremony. It promises to be an incredibly colourful, meaningful and emotional occasion, bringing together different traditions, cultures and families in one unforgettable celebration.

The wedding festivities began today when I visited Surbhi and Dale’s family home to photograph their beautiful Mehndi ceremony, often known as the henna ceremony. This was the first of several special occasions taking place across the three days leading up to and including the wedding itself.

As soon as I arrived, there was a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Members of both families had gathered together to enjoy the celebration, talk, laugh and take part in a tradition that has been passed down through generations. It was immediately clear that this was much more than simply having decorative patterns applied to the skin. It was a chance for everyone to spend time together, celebrate the upcoming marriage and share in an important cultural tradition.

There are some wedding venues that never fail to impress, no matter how many times you visit them, and Walworth Castle is certainly one of those places. Standing proudly in the County Durham countryside, just outside Darlington, the castle has centuries of character built into its stone walls. The Grade I-listed building dates mainly from around the beginning of the seventeenth century, although the site has much earlier origins. It also has a wonderful royal connection: King James VI of Scotland stayed there in April 1603 while travelling south to become King James I of England. It is the kind of history that gives a wedding venue a real sense of occasion before the celebrations have even begun.

I have photographed many weddings at Walworth Castle over the years, but this was my first visit since its refurbishment. As I drove through the entrance and saw the castle rising ahead of me beneath a bright blue sky, I was genuinely excited to see what had changed. The answer became obvious very quickly: a great deal has been done, and the results are absolutely superb. The familiar history and grandeur remain, but everything feels fresher, brighter and perfectly suited to a modern wedding celebration.

Melissa and Nigel’s fairytale wedding began in the most enchanting of settings—Eden Grange, nestled in the picturesque countryside near Shildon. Surrounded by rolling fields, mature woodland and beautifully landscaped grounds, Eden Grange is one of County Durham’s most breathtaking wedding venues. Combining rustic charm with contemporary elegance, it offers couples a magical backdrop for their special day. From its striking giant teepees to its tranquil lakes, manicured gardens and sweeping countryside views, every corner of the venue feels as though it has been designed with romance in mind.

I arrived at Eden Grange early on the morning of the wedding, giving me plenty of time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere before the excitement of the day unfolded. The morning sun cast a warm glow across the grounds, illuminating the venue's beautiful timber structures and the surrounding greenery. Even before guests began to arrive, the venue had an unmistakable sense of anticipation, quietly waiting to host another unforgettable celebration.

Every wedding has its own unique story, and Samantha and Thomas' wedding day was no exception. Some weddings are full of laughter, others are filled with surprises, but every now and then you photograph a wedding that reminds you exactly why you love doing this job. This was one of those days.

My day began at 11am in the County Durham village of Tow Law, where Samantha was getting ready at her mum and dad's house. From the moment I arrived, there was a wonderful atmosphere. The house was buzzing with excitement, but what struck me most was how relaxed everyone was. There wasn't a hint of panic or rushing around. Instead, there was laughter, conversation and plenty of smiles as everyone enjoyed those precious final moments before the day officially began.

Bridesmaids Anne Marie and Caitlin, who is also Samantha's sister, were already there helping with the preparations alongside Samantha's mum, Joanne. The girls were chatting away as if it were any ordinary morning, sharing stories, laughing and making sure everything was just right. It's these moments that often make some of my favourite photographs because they tell the real story of a wedding day before the ceremony, when everyone is simply enjoying each other's company.

Every wedding has its own unique atmosphere from the very first moments of the day, and as I arrived at Melissa's mam and dad's house just after midday, it was immediately obvious that this was going to be a wonderfully relaxed celebration. There was an unmistakable feeling of excitement, but everything was calm, organised and exactly as it should be. The months of planning had all led to this day, and everyone was simply enjoying every moment as it unfolded.

Melissa was surrounded by her closest family and friends as preparations got underway. Maid of Honour Stacey was on hand to help with anything that was needed, while bridesmaids Alisha, Faye and Leah were all enjoying the morning together. Flower girl Arya was just as excited as everyone else and quickly became my little assistant as I started photographing all of the important details.

Their daughter Emilia was at the heart of the celebrations too. As one of the flower girls, she played an important role in the ceremony and helped make the wedding feel like a celebration of their whole family, as well as the beginning of Kim and Andrew’s married life together.

There are certain wedding days that remind you exactly why you became a wedding photographer.

Days full of laughter. Days when families come together in the sunshine. Days when carefully planned formalities are mixed with wonderfully unexpected moments, a bit of harmless chaos and plenty of people simply enjoying themselves.

Lucy and Chris’s vow renewal at The Caledonian Hotel in Newcastle was one of those days.

Some wedding days naturally fall into chapters, and Sara and Euan's was definitely one of them. Three incredible locations, three very different atmospheres and a day packed full of brilliant people, laughter and unforgettable moments. This is how their wedding day unfolded.

My day started at 11am with a drive to Ramside Hall, just outside Durham. The sun was already high in the sky, the temperature was climbing and it was shaping up to be one of those glorious summer days that every couple hopes for.

Some weddings are beautiful.

Some weddings are emotional.

Some weddings are filled with laughter.

And every now and then, a wedding comes along that somehow manages to be all three at once.

Clare and Mark's wonderful wedding at The Story in Durham was exactly that.

From the moment I arrived on a glorious sunny afternoon, it was clear this was going to be a day packed with personality, love, family and more than a few unforgettable moments. What none of us quite anticipated was that one of the smallest guests in attendance would end up stealing the show completely.

But more on little Ollie later.

There are some wedding days that leave you smiling all the way home, and Janet and Peter’s wedding at Newcastle Civic Centre on the 30th May was absolutely one of those days. A short and sweet celebration filled with sunshine, emotion, laughter, confetti and one very excited dog called Roxy.

As a North East wedding photographer shooting weddings all across the UK, I have photographed celebrations in grand country houses, rustic barns, city centre venues and hidden countryside gems, but Newcastle Civic Centre remains one of my absolute favourites. The architecture, atmosphere and history of the building make it a dream location for wedding photography. And for someone like me, who is a massive fan of Brutalist architecture, it really is photographic heaven.