Kay & Gareth’s Bubble-tastic Wedding at The Story, Durham – With Dogs, Balloons and Non-stop Laughter

Weddings don’t come much more joyous, unique, or bubbly (literally) than Kay and Gareth’s! If you're ready for a story filled with sunshine, three dogs in formalwear, a surprise ring bearer, bubble guns, balloons, and some truly beautiful moments of love and laughter—then buckle up. You’re in for a good one.

I photograph a lot of weddings at The Story in Durham—it’s one of my absolute favourite venues for a reason. The staff are always incredible, the building is stunning, and the couples I meet there always bring their own unique twist to the day. But Kay and Gareth’s celebration? This one had more twists than a balloon animal convention. And more bubbles than a champagne tasting. I still think I’m sneezing bubbles.

Let’s go back to the start…

A Sunny Start and High Spirits All Around

As I arrived at The Story, the sun was shining and there was already a buzz of excitement in the air. Family and friends milled about, beaming with anticipation. Gareth looked incredibly sharp in a custom handmade suit that wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of GQ. Meanwhile, Kay’s entrance absolutely stunned us all—her dress had been hand-tailored in Vietnam during one of the couple’s recent adventures abroad. It was elegant, graceful, and totally “her.” They’re a pair who clearly value uniqueness, travel, and creating memories—and today was no exception.

While most guests were smiling, one little chap wasn’t quite ready for the action. Baby Freddie was completely zonked out, fast asleep amidst the hustle and bustle. A tiny bubble of calm amid the rising tide of excitement.

But the true scene stealers? The dogs.

Meet the VIPs: Little Ted, Roxy, and Big Ted

Yes, this wedding had three four-legged guests of honour, and let me tell you, they were dressed to impress. Little Ted, Roxy, and Big Ted arrived looking smarter than most humans, complete with coordinated outfits. But the real showstopper moment came during the ceremony when—plot twist—Ted trotted down the aisle carrying the rings under his collar. Cue gasps, laughter, and probably a few happy tears. Absolutely genius.

As always, the team at The Story were flawless—professional, kind, and incredibly helpful. It really does make all the difference. As a wedding photographer, when you’re working with staff who know their stuff, it allows the day to flow effortlessly. So, big shoutout again to the team—you made my job a breeze, as always.

The Ceremony: Intimate, Perfect, and Full of Love

The ceremony itself took place in one of the stunning suites at The Story. Light streamed through the windows, adding a golden warmth to the space, and the energy in the room was infectious. There were smiles, there were laughs, and there may have been a few tissues discreetly dabbed at the eyes.

It was heartfelt and full of character, just like Kay and Gareth themselves.

After the “I dos,” it was time to kick off the official photos—starting, as has become my custom at The Story, with the obligatory grand staircase portraits. The sweeping curve of that staircase never fails to provide the perfect backdrop. From there, it was out onto the lawn for some candid shots, before heading to the front steps for the group formals.

But just when I thought I’d seen everything at this venue—out came the bubble guns.

No Confetti, Just Bubbles – So Many Bubbles

Instead of the traditional confetti shot, Kay and Gareth had another idea: bubble guns. Armed and ready, guests lined up like some kind of joyful army and fired streams of bubbles into the air as the newlyweds emerged. It was magical. Ethereal. Slightly chaotic. And totally unforgettable.

Have you ever tried photographing two people through a sea of shimmering, drifting bubbles? It’s as dreamy as it sounds. It also turns out bubbles and dogs are a fun mix—Little Ted spent most of the time trying to chomp them mid-air, which just made everyone laugh harder.

I was still brushing bubbles off my camera an hour later.

Back to the Bride and Groom’s for… You Guessed It – More Bubbles!

After wrapping things up at The Story, we headed to Kay and Gareth’s house for the next leg of the journey. Now, if I thought there were a lot of bubbles before, I was sorely mistaken.

We were greeted by Alfie and Louie, the younger members of the family, who were both armed with bubble guns and had clearly been practising. They weren’t just making bubbles—they were on a bubble-blasting mission. Bubbles filled the living room, drifted through the house, and gathered like mist across the lawn. Add to that an equally impressive number of balloons, and the whole scene took on a surreal, joyful, carnival-like feel.

There was a moment of comic suspense when Little Ted (the dog, not the person!) made it his life’s mission to pop a balloon. He tried. He lunged. He stalked them like prey. But thankfully, the balloons lived to float another day. Just.

Off to the Fell – Views for Days

After the bubbly interlude, we drove out to the fell near their home—a spot with breathtaking panoramic views of Sunderland, Durham, and even the iconic Penshaw Monument silhouetted in the distance. It was a truly stunning location for some relaxed, windswept group shots and a few intimate bride and groom portraits with nature as the backdrop.

One of the things I love most about these “on location” shoots is how they bring out another side of the couple. Away from the structure of the day, there’s time to breathe, laugh, and just be themselves. And that’s where the real magic happens.

The Final Stop – Woodlands Bistro for the Wedding Breakfast

Our final stop was the stylish and relaxed Woodlands Bistro, where the couple had chosen to celebrate with their nearest and dearest. As guests enjoyed a delicious wedding breakfast and clinked glasses, I moved around the tables grabbing candid moments, big smiles, and a few cheeky grins from little Alfie and Louie.

As I was packing up, Alfie gave me a big wave and Louie sent me off with a solid fist bump—a perfect end to a perfect day.

Reflections: A Wedding That Stands Out in Every Way

As I drove home, I realised that Kay and Gareth’s wedding had left me absolutely buzzing (or bubbling, if you will). It had everything a photographer dreams of—genuine emotion, unique character, wonderful people, impeccable style, and yes… a lot of bubbles.

Every wedding I shoot leaves a mark. Some for the architecture, some for the light, some for the laughter—but this one, this will forever be known as the Bubble Wedding in my books. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Huge Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to Kay and Gareth for trusting me to capture such a unique, personal and downright joyful day. To The Story’s amazing team—thank you once again for your warmth, professionalism and for creating a space that feels so special every single time. And to the dogs… I think you deserve your own thank-you card.

If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for a photographer who’ll embrace your quirks, roll with your ideas, and genuinely love capturing every moment (even if that means dodging bubble guns and balloons!), I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time…

John Alderson – Wedding Photographer, Bubble Dodger, Dog Enthusiast, Balloon Avoider