Lisa & Andy’s Stylish & Sunny Midweek Wedding at The Story Durham
Because who says you need a weekend to have a fairytale wedding?
There’s something magical about a midweek wedding. Maybe it’s the laid-back vibe. Maybe it’s the surprise sunshine on a Thursday. Or maybe it’s just Lisa and Andy — two people so obviously in love that they turned a simple day into something utterly unforgettable.
From The Story in Durham to the grand backdrop of Lumley Castle, this wedding had everything — elegance, emotion, bubbles, black dress brilliance, and even a tiny touch of royalty.
The Story Begins… At The Story
Now, let’s talk about one of my favourite venues — The Story in Durham. If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you’ll know how often I shoot here and just how much I love it. The elegant interiors, the choice of ceremony rooms, the grand staircase, and — perhaps most importantly — the incredible team who always go above and beyond to make each wedding feel personal, warm, and full of love.
And Thursday? They knocked it out of the park again.
Enter: A Groom Without a Best Man (But Never Alone)
Andy turned up looking like a GQ model in a sharp blue checked suit — effortlessly cool, but with just enough nerves to show how much the day meant to him. He wasn’t accompanied by a traditional best man, but he didn’t need one. His son Will, his dad, and his grandad stepped in to provide the support, laughter, and gentlemanly flair that made the pre-ceremony vibe feel truly special.
Together, they posed for photos on the sun-drenched steps outside The Story. Three generations of love and legacy supporting Andy on one of the biggest days of his life. That’s the kind of stuff you just can’t script.
Then Came Lisa…
You want entrance? Lisa delivered.
She arrived looking absolutely radiant in a show-stopping black wedding dress — elegant, dramatic, and unapologetically her. Who says brides have to wear white? Lisa’s bold choice turned heads for all the right reasons and set the tone for a wedding that was both deeply personal and beautifully non-traditional.
Accompanied by her mum, dad, and best friend, Lisa was nervous — who wouldn’t be? — but she was also glowing. There were no bridesmaids, no huge entourage. Just a handful of people who truly mattered.
And after a few relaxed portraits on the entrance steps and a calming breather in the bridal room, it was time for her big moment.
The Ceremony: Small, Beautiful, Perfect
As always, The Story delivered a perfect ceremony.
Set in the light-filled, immaculately styled ceremony room, the mood was warm and intimate.
The ceremony was full of love, quiet tears, and soft laughter. The team at The Story really know how to set the tone — relaxed, respectful, and always focused on the couple. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this place is a dream to shoot at.
There are wedding moments that are pretty. There are moments that are joyful. And then… there are moments like this. Real. Raw. Emotional. Powerful.
Lisa’s journey down the aisle wasn’t just a walk — it was a statement of love, strength, and deep family connection. She didn’t arrive on the arm of just one special man in her life — she was flanked by two: her beloved son, Will, and her dad.
Now, let me set the scene.
The ceremony room at The Story was hushed. Guests stood. Andy waited, eyes locked on the entrance, heart thumping. The soft music began. The doors opened. And there she was — Lisa, radiant in that unforgettable black dress, framed between two generations of unwavering love and support.
On her right, her dad — the man who had guided her through life, supported her through the years, and proudly stood by her side on the most important day of her adult life.
On her left, Will — her son, her rock, the young man she’s raised and watched grow. He wasn’t just there for a photo. He wasn’t just filling in a role. He was part of the story, and the pride on his face said it all.
Together, they walked her down the aisle. Not rushed. Not staged. Just steady, meaningful steps forward — a family moving as one.
It was one of those moments where the entire room seemed to exhale all at once. A few sniffles. A few tears. And a whole lot of emotion. You could feel it ripple through the air.
For me, as a photographer — it’s why I do what I do. Those few seconds told the story of a lifetime. The story of a daughter who still treasures her dad. The story of a mum who shares a deep, respectful bond with her son. The story of a woman loved fiercely by the men in her life.
Lisa’s expression was a perfect mix of nerves and pride. You could see the butterflies, but you could also see the excitement. And when she finally reached Andy at the top of the aisle, the look they exchanged needed no words.
They were home.
This, folks, is the kind of moment no staged photo can recreate. It's not about poses. It's about people. Relationships. Emotion. Real life. And it was truly an honour to witness and capture it.
Saying “I Do” in Style: The Ceremony at The Story, Durham
With Lisa now standing hand-in-hand with Andy, the room felt completely still — as if time hit pause just for them. The moment was intimate, sacred, and glowing with that unmistakable energy that only true love gives off. Everyone in the room could feel it.
The registrar did a beautiful job, as always at The Story — calm, clear, kind, and quietly aware of the significance of every word. No rushing, no fuss, just a perfectly paced ceremony that let Lisa and Andy have their moment — and own it.
There were tears. There were quiet chuckles. There were knowing glances between the couple that said, “We’ve made it.”
And then, just like that, rings were exchanged, a first kiss was shared, and the room burst into applause. The newlyweds were official.
The Grand Staircase Portraits: A Durham Classic
After the ceremony, while guests drifted out to enjoy the sunny day and bubble guns were being secretly prepped, I took Lisa and Andy aside for a few quiet moments — and some of my favourite portraits of the day.
If you’ve ever been to The Story, you’ll know about the grand staircase. Sweeping curves, neutral walls, elegant railings — it’s not just a staircase, it’s a backdrop fit for Vogue.
Lisa’s black dress flowed dramatically down the steps as Andy stood beside her, proud and beaming. They were relaxed, at ease, and very much in the moment. It was one of those rare scenes where everything aligns — the couple, the light, the setting — and the photos practically take themselves.
It’s amazing what a few minutes of calm after the whirlwind of the ceremony can do. These portraits weren’t just “posed shots” — they were an exhale. A chance to soak it all in.
Bubbles, Laughter & Group Photos on the Steps
Now, I’ve seen a lot of confetti runs. Some graceful, some chaotic, all fun. But Lisa and Andy put their own spin on it — they went for a Bubble Run.
And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.
Armed with bubble guns and sunny spirits, guests lined the entrance steps and let rip. Bubbles everywhere. Floating, bouncing, catching the light. Lisa and Andy walked through them like a couple in a rom-com montage. Big smiles. Bigger laughter. And the sort of joy you can’t fake.
Kids loved it. Adults loved it. And my camera? Very, very happy.
Afterwards, we did the traditional group shots on the steps, where everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the warmth of the day and the excitement of what was still to come.
And here’s a quick shoutout: Lisa and Andy’s guests were a dream. No awkward shuffling. No “Do I really have to?” Just full participation, loads of laughter, and a real sense of celebration.
Off to Lumley Castle: A Stunning Second Chapter
With the official duties at The Story wrapped up, we made our way to the next destination: Lumley Castle.
A 14th-century gem nestled near Chester-le-Street, Lumley is one of the most atmospheric venues in the North East. With its turrets, winding corridors, archways, and stately rooms, it’s like walking into a romantic novel — minus the drama, of course.
We arrived in the golden afternoon light, which absolutely bathed the castle’s sandstone exterior in warmth. It was perfect — and perfect light makes for perfect portraits.
We started with family group shots at the castle’s famous grand entrance. From candid smiles to formal family frames, the entrance gave us space, texture, and gorgeous greenery to work with.
We wandered from the arched stone entrance to ivy-covered walls, with moments of laughter, stolen kisses, and genuine “just married” glow. There’s something about Lumley Castle that brings out the timeless in a wedding. Even with Lisa’s edgy black dress and Andy’s modern blue suit, the photos have this regal, grounded feeling — like they’ll look just as good 50 years from now.
Sweet Finishes: The Cake and the Wedding Breakfast Room
Before I packed up for the day, we took a quick walk into the Wedding Breakfast Room at Lumley Castle, where the decor had been styled with personal touches and elegance.
The cake — a beautiful centrepiece — was ready and waiting. Lisa and Andy shared a few relaxed photos as they posed beside it for a symbolic cutting of the cake.
No full speeches. No pressure. Just a relaxed nod to tradition and another memory made.
Guests gathered around, glasses were raised, and that warm, fuzzy “we did it” energy filled the room.
And with that, my job for the day was done.
Why This Wedding Worked So Beautifully
Let’s talk for a second about why this wedding was so good.
It wasn’t the weather — although the sun helped.
It wasn’t the dress, or the castle, or even the staircase (as stunning as they were).
It was the people. Lisa and Andy didn’t try to tick every box or follow every tradition. They built a day that reflected them — a day full of laughter, love, and intentional choices.
No bridesmaids? No problem.
Black dress? Absolutely.
Thursday wedding? Why not?
Small guest list? Perfect.
Everything was chosen with meaning and personality. And that’s the real secret to a truly memorable wedding.
Venue Highlights
The Story, Durham
One of the North East’s most in-demand registry venues.
Flexible room sizes for everything from small elopements to larger weddings.
Features a stunning grand staircase and contemporary interiors.
Dedicated, experienced staff who make everything flow effortlessly.
Lumley Castle
Built in 1389.
Offers weddings with a fairytale twist, from small gatherings to full castle takeovers.
Award-winning hospitality and a variety of themed rooms.
Ideal for both portraits and receptions.
Final Words
To Lisa and Andy — thank you. Your wedding was a joy to photograph. Full of warmth, thought, and love. Watching you with your family, laughing with your friends, and simply being you made it one of my favourite weddings of the year so far.
You proved that weddings don’t need huge crowds, six-piece bands or sparkler exits to be unforgettable.
Sometimes, all it takes is a Thursday, a staircase, a castle, some bubbles, and two people completely in love.
Stats & Facts for the Wedding Blog Lovers
Date: Thursday, 25th July 2025
Ceremony Venue: The Story, Durham
Reception Venue: Lumley Castle
Guest Count: 9
Weather: Sunny, warm, light breeze — ideal for photos
Dress: Black, elegant, and jaw-dropping
Bubble Guns Used: 4
Best Man Count: 0 — but Dad, Grandad and Will were a dream team
Portrait Locations: Story Staircase, Lumley Castle Grounds, Castle Entrances
Cake Cut: Brief but beautiful
Favourite Moment (Photographer’s Pick): Lisa walking down the aisle with both her Dad and Will — unforgettable.
