Hazel and John's Wedding at the stunning Bowburn Hall Hotel

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.

A Little Bit About Bowburn Hall - A Venue With Real History

I photograph at Bowburn Hall a lot, and it's one of those venues that just gets better every time I go back. But what I love is that it's not a purpose-built wedding factory - it has a real story to it.

Bowburn Hall was originally built in the early 1920's as Bowburn Grange. It was built as a large country house for the first colliery agent at the local coal mine - back when Bowburn was a thriving colliery village and this house would have been the grandest house around. You can still see that heritage in the building itself, that solid, handsome country house feel.

It was bought by Ramside Estates in the mid 1960's and converted into a hotel, and it is still very much a family-run hotel today and part of the Ramside Estates Group which includes Ramside Hall, Hardwick Hall and The Impeccable Pig. It's set within five acres of landscaped gardens including woodland and garden areas, just two miles from Durham City.

What I love for weddings is that they only ever host one wedding per day. That means the whole place is yours. It's exclusive use, it's intimate, it's relaxed. With 19 bedrooms, a conservatory restaurant and that beautiful garden room with the panoramic windows, it has everything you need without ever feeling overwhelming. It's one of the most friendly and intimate wedding venues in Durham.

And on a day like Hazel and John's day, with that late summer sun, it was absolutely perfect.

Hazel had told me in advance - "John, I don't want any of those getting ready photographs." No bridal preparations. That wasn't her. She wanted real. She wanted people. And I love that. So many brides feel the pressure to have the full morning routine photographed, but Hazel knew exactly what she wanted, and what she didn't want. Which meant I could get straight into what I love most - documenting the day as it unfolds.

When I arrived at Bowburn Hall the sun was out, that perfect late August light that makes everything look golden, and guests were already starting to arrive for the 2pm ceremony. Bowburn Hall was looking absolutely stunning. The grounds were immaculate, the garden room bright and airy, and the little cottages tucked away give you the most beautiful private spots for portraits.

I started as I always do, just mingling. Camera in hand, saying hello, capturing those little moments of arrival. Hugs at the car park. Old friends seeing each other for the first time in years.

And there in the middle of it all was John. Chatting to friends outside the main entrance, smart suit on, looking every inch the groom, but I could see it straight away - he was nervous. That lovely, genuine nervous energy you get when it actually matters. He was laughing, shaking hands, doing his best to look calm and collected, but his eyes kept flicking towards the car park, towards the cottage, towards the clock. I grabbed him for a quick word and a couple of relaxed photographs.

At 1.30pm I made my way over to the cottage where Hazel was getting ready. Now, Hazel didn't want bridal preparations, but she had asked me to pop over to get a few portraits of her with her girls before the ceremony. I expected a calm, serene scene. What I walked into was... well, organised panic.

I opened the door to the cottage and walked straight into a scene of absolute panic! Hazel stood in the middle of the room in her beautiful wedding dress, and the dress would not zip up. Not even close. You know that moment - everyone is trying to stay calm, but you can feel the tension rising. Hazel was laughing but I could see that look in her eyes that every bride knows.

Thankfully, Hazel has an army. And what an army it is.

In that little cottage we had 2 sons, 3 bridesmaids and one wedding photographer all on dress duty. Her Maid of Honour, Susan, was at the front holding Hazel's hand and keeping her calm. Bridesmaids Lindsay and Samantha were at the back of the dress, working that zip like their lives depended on it. The lads were offering moral support and strategic advice, which was mostly ignored, quite rightly. And I was drafted in - "John, can you hold this bit here?" - holding the dress in place, trying not to get in the way, and making everyone laugh while we figured it out.

And you know what, this is why I love photographing real weddings. It's not the perfect, styled, everything-goes-to-plan days that you remember. It's this. It's the team effort. It's the laughter when the stress breaks. Nothing that 2 sons, 3 bridesmaids and a photographer couldn't handle. A little adjustment, a deep breath, a bit of a wiggle, and - up it went. Zip fixed. Dress perfect. Hazel looked absolutely stunning.

The relief in that room was palpable. And then, as quickly as the panic had started, it turned into excitement.

Before we headed out to the garden, we grabbed some quick bride portraits on the stairs in the cottage. The light coming down that stairwell is just gorgeous - soft, directional, perfect for a few classic bridal portraits. Hazel on the stairs, looking radiant, taking a moment to breathe. Those little in-between moments are often my favourites.

Then we made our way out into the cottage's private garden. This is one of my favourite spots at Bowburn Hall. It's enclosed, private, quiet away from the main guests, and the light in there in the afternoon is just beautiful. Soft, even, flattering. Perfect for portraits.

We started with Hazel on her own in the garden. She looked amazing. That moment when a bride finally sees herself, fully ready, in her dress - it never gets old.

Then we brought everyone in. First up, her Maid of Honour, Susan. Then her Bridesmaids, Lindsay and Samantha, both looking gorgeous and both so happy for their friend.

Then the boys. Hazel's sons - Jack, Cameron, Connor, Thomas and Euan. What a proud moment. Five sons, all suited and booted, standing with their mum on her wedding day. There were some proper emotional moments there, and some proper banter too.

And then, the star of the show. Grandson Carter. If you know Hazel, you know Carter is her absolute world. A little lad in a little suit, taking his role incredibly seriously, holding his Gran's hand like he was the most important person there. Which, of course, he was.

We also grabbed some photographs with her mum, Hazel, - yes, another Hazel! - and with John's Mam, Jackie. It was a big, blended, beautiful family group and I wanted to make sure everyone felt included before we headed to the ceremony.

We didn't spend too long - maybe 15-20 minutes in that garden. I never want to keep a bride hidden away for too long on a sunny day. So after we'd got a lovely set of relaxed portraits in the cottage garden, we started to make our way back.

By now it was almost 2pm. You could hear the chatter from the ceremony room getting louder. The guests were seated. The registrar was ready. It was time.

I took my place next to the registrar at the front of the ceremony room. This is always my favourite place to be. At Bowburn Hall, the ceremony room is fantastic for this - those huge panoramic windows were fully open today, letting that late summer breeze filter right through the room. It made the whole ceremony feel so bright, so fresh, so open. You could hear the birds outside, you could smell the flowers from the garden. It was perfect.

John and his best man Steven stood at the front patiently. John had lost that nervous look now. He just looked focused. Ready.

Then the music started.

Bridesmaids first - Lindsay and Samantha. Then Maid of Honour Susan, confident, giving John a big smile as she took her place.

And then Hazel. Looking amazing with her grandson Carter walking beside her. The room just melted. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

They reached the front, Hazel handed her bouquet to Susan, and Carter went to sit on his dad's knee. And this is my favourite moment of the entire day.

As soon as Carter sat on his dad's knee, he fell asleep! Just like that. Out like a light. The importance of his role, the excitement, the early start, the warm room with the breeze coming through - it had all taken its toll. And he slept through the whole ceremony. Absolutely spark out, head back, mouth open, completely at peace while his Gran and his Grandad got married just feet away. It was just perfect.

The ceremony itself was beautiful. Full of love, full of laughter. And Hazel and John had included a lovely Sand Ceremony. For those who haven't seen one, it's where the couple each have a container of different coloured sand and they pour them together into one vessel, symbolising two lives becoming one. It's such a visual, beautiful moment to photograph - the sands swirling together, never to be separated again. It was a perfect touch for them.

And then, just like that, they were married. Hazel and John left as man and wife into the afternoon celebration to the biggest cheer and applause. Carter, still asleep, missed the whole thing!

After the ceremony, everyone spilled out into the garden room and into the venue's beautiful gardens. This is my favourite part of any Bowburn Hall wedding. The way the venue flows from inside to outside is brilliant. People were seated in the garden room, some were out on the terrace, some had wandered down onto the lawns. There was chatter, there was laughter, there was that lovely post-ceremony buzz. I just mingled and took loads of photographs.

At 3.30pm I gathered everyone together for the confetti run on the paved aisle in the main garden. And when Hazel told me there was going to be lots of confetti, she wasn't kidding. There was lots of confetti. Lots and lots of confetti. The paved aisle in the main garden at Bowburn Hall is the perfect spot for it, it gives you that lovely long walk and everyone can line up either side. And as Hazel and John walked through, they absolutely disappeared in a cloud of colour. Everyone got involved - kids throwing it straight up in the air, aunties making sure the bride and groom got properly covered. The noise, the colour, the laughter - it was epic. And Carter? He woke up just in time for this bit!

Straight after the confetti we went into the formal photography in the sunny garden. I keep my formals relaxed and quick - I know no one wants to stand around for an hour. We worked through the family groups efficiently, lots of laughter, lots of chat, and we made use of that gorgeous late summer sunshine.

Straight after the formals, the guests were called through and seated for the wedding breakfast. The room looked stunning.

Then it was time for the entrance. The guests are seated, the room goes quiet, the doors open and the bride and groom entered the room to a huge cheer. Hazel and John walked in hand in hand, to applause and cheers and banging on tables. You could see how much they are loved.

Then it was time for the speeches. Just two speeches today, which I love. Short, meaningful, perfect.

Best Man Steven was first. He cracked some jokes - had the whole room laughing within 30 seconds - but ultimately he spoke from the heart. He spoke about a beautiful love affair he saw blossoming right in front of him. He spoke about watching John and Hazel together, how they fit, how they make each other better. And he spoke about today being the culmination of all of that. It was funny, it was warm, it was heartfelt. A great speech.

Then it was the groom's turn. John's speech was short and sweet, just how it should be. He thanked people - thanked everyone for coming, thanked his best man, thanked Hazel's family for welcoming him, thanked his Mam Jackie, thanked Hazel's boys. And then he spoke about his beautiful wife. He didn't need big words. He just looked at Hazel and told her how beautiful she looked, how happy she makes him, how much he loves her. Sometimes the simplest words are the most powerful.

After the speeches I retired into the bar area to relax, back up my cards, and enjoy a wonderful 3 course wedding breakfast courtesy of the amazing team at Bowburn Hall. The food smelled incredible, the staff were flawless as always, and I had a chance to sit and look through the back of my camera at what we'd captured so far.

After the meal the guests started to make their way into the garden room again.

This is always a little lull in the day. That moment after a wonderful three course wedding breakfast at Bowburn Hall when everyone is full, happy, and just wants to sit for a minute. The chatter gets softer, people are leaning back in their chairs, teas and coffees are being poured, and there's that contented buzz you get when everyone has been properly looked after.

I don't like to hassle people much after the meal. It's not the time for rounding people up for big group photographs or making people stand around. They are full of food, they have had a couple of glasses of wine, and they just want to relax with a tea or coffee and talk about the ceremony and the speeches. So I let them. I let them have that time to breathe. I'll still be in the background, camera in hand, capturing those little moments - the laughs over coffee, the kids starting to get restless, the family catching up - but I won't be organising anyone.

It's at this time that I whisk the Bride and Groom away for their formal portraits. The ones that they will show people in years to come. The ones that will go on the wall.

Hazel and John were perfect for this. They were ready for a little break from being hosts, ready to have five minutes just the two of them. And I know Bowburn Hall very well. I have photographed there so many times in all seasons, in all lights, that I know the best spots for portraits without having to wander around looking.

We didn't go far. We never need to. Bowburn Hall has so much to offer within a two minute walk. We started down by the fountain, where the light was starting to get softer in the afternoon, that beautiful late summer light that makes skin glow. Then we moved on to the Wedding Gazebo and around to the more private corners, the spots where the trees give you that lovely dappled background and the stonework of the Hall frames you perfectly. I keep it relaxed, I keep it quick, and I keep it fun. A bit of direction, a lot of laughter, and lots of time for them to just be together.

It only takes 15 minutes but it's so worth doing. Fifteen minutes away from the crowd, just after you have eaten, just when you are feeling most relaxed and most married, gives you photographs that you simply can't get at any other time of day. You are glowing, you are happy, you are still taking it all in. Hazel looked stunning, John looked so proud, and you could see how comfortable they are together. No stiff posing, no awkward smiles - just them, laughing, holding hands, enjoying being husband and wife.

By the time we wandered back to the garden room, the atmosphere had changed again.

By now the Magic Mirror was up and running in the corner of the garden room and people were dressing up in wigs, hats and inflatable props. The music was a little louder, the laughter was a little bigger, and that evening party feeling was starting to build. I love a Magic Mirror at a wedding - it gets everyone involved, from the youngest to the oldest. There were feather boas, oversized sunglasses, silly hats, inflatable guitars, and everyone was piling in for photographs. It is always chaos, in the best possible way, and it is a fantastic ice breaker after the formal part of the day is over.

At 7.30pm the Evening Reception started and the room quickly filled.

This is always such a shift in energy. The garden room in the afternoon is all about that soft, natural light, the panoramic windows open, the late summer breeze. By 7.30pm, it's a completely different place. The room was dark with the flashing disco lights providing the lightshow, the DJ's rig lighting up the walls, and you could feel that anticipation you get when the evening guests start to arrive and everyone knows the party is about to start properly.

Bowburn Hall does this really well. The turnaround from wedding breakfast to evening reception is seamless. The tables are cleared to the edges, the dance floor is revealed, and suddenly you have this big, open, atmospheric space ready for the night.

The first formality of the evening was the cutting of the cake.

Hazel and John's cake was beautiful - simple, elegant, classic - but it had the most lovely personal touch hidden on it. Because Hazel and John met on Bumble, they had a tiny glass Bumble Bee hidden on their cake. It was so small you could easily miss it if you didn't know it was there, tucked in amongst the flowers, but once you spotted it, it made you smile. I love details like that. It's not just a cake, it's their story. From a swipe on Bumble to cutting their wedding cake at Bowburn Hall. It doesn't get much better than that.

We gathered everyone around, made a little space on of the dance floor, and the DJ took over. He counted down with the guests - 3, 2, 1 - the couple cut the cake and a huge cheer went up. It's such a small moment but it always gets everyone involved. Phones up, cameras flashing, everyone clapping. Hazel and John were laughing, trying to do that polite little cut together while everyone is shouting encouragement, making sure that little glass Bumble Bee stayed safe. It's one of those traditions that never gets old.

Then straight into the first dance.

This is my favourite moment of the evening to photograph. The lights go down, the disco lights take over, and it's just the two of them on the floor. Hazel and John had chosen a lovely, romantic song and you could see straight away it was just about them. Loving, close to each other, romantic. Foreheads touching, arms around each other, dancing like no one else was in the room. After the craziness of the day - the dress panic, the ceremony, Carter falling asleep, the confetti on the paved aisle in the main garden, the speeches, the portraits - this was their moment to just hold each other and breathe.

I moved around them quietly, capturing that lightshow on their faces, the flashing disco lights providing the most beautiful, dynamic light. No posing needed, no direction - just documenting what was happening.

Then the DJ asked the guests to take to the floor and within seconds the floor was full. That's the sign of a good first dance and a great crowd. No hesitation, no awkward standing around the edges. As soon as that invitation went out, everyone was up - Bridesmaids Lindsay and Samantha, sons Jack, Cameron, Connor, Thomas and Euan, Carter showing off some moves now he was wide awake, John's Mam Jackie, Best Man Steven - everyone. The dance floor at Bowburn Hall was packed. I have to say, John was an absolute DEMON on the dancefloor! The effort he put into the dancing was 10/10, he did not stop. Proper dancefloor legend.

After a couple more songs, with the floor still full and the Magic Mirror still doing a roaring trade in the corner with people in wigs and hats and inflatable props, it was time for me to leave.

This is always the hardest and easiest part of the day. Hard because you don't want to leave a party that is in full swing, easy because you know you have captured everything you needed to.

I said my goodbyes to Hazel and John - a big hug from Hazel, a firm handshake from John - thanked them for having me along to document their day, and slipped out through the main entrance.

I walked back to the car, gear on my back, tired but very happy. That lovely tired you get after a full wedding day, when you know you have worked hard, you have laughed a lot, and you have been part of something really special.

Hazel and John - thank you so much. What a wedding.

All my love,

John x