Lucy & Adam’s Early Afternoon Wedding at The Story, Durham

There’s something undeniably magical about a wedding on a calm, sunny day, and Lucy and Adam’s early afternoon celebration at The Story in Durham was nothing short of perfection. The kind of day where the sun bathes everything in a golden glow, where laughter floats on the breeze, and where every moment feels like it’s been plucked from a dream. As a wedding photographer, I live for days like these—when the light is soft, the love is palpable, and the story unfolds effortlessly in front of my lens.

Guests Arrive Early, Soaking Up the Sun

The day began with a gentle hum of excitement at The Story, one of Durham’s most charming wedding venues. The sun was already high in the sky, casting a warm, inviting light over the grounds. Guests began arriving early, clearly eager to make the most of the beautiful weather. They gathered on the patio area, basking in the sunshine, catching up with old friends and family. The air was filled with chatter, laughter, and the kind of easy joy that only a wedding can bring.

I love these pre-ceremony moments—they’re a photographer’s playground. The candid smiles, the clinking glasses, the children running around with boundless energy (Nephew Isaac to be precise!)—it’s all so real, so human. I wandered around the patio, snapping shots of guests in their element: a group of friends sharing a hearty laugh, an older couple holding hands as they reminisced, and Isaac running around with a football, showing his Ronaloesque skills. These are the moments that set the tone for the day, and I made sure to capture every bit of that warmth and connection.

Lucy’s Arrival: A Moment of Anticipation

Lucy, ever the organised bride, arrived very early—perhaps a little too early! With guests still filtering into The Story, she had to wait in her car for a bit, stealing a quiet moment before the whirlwind of the day began. I could imagine her in there, taking a deep breath, maybe sneaking a glance at herself in the rearview mirror, her excitement building as the minutes ticked closer to the ceremony.

Once the guests were seated, Lucy emerged, radiant and poised, ready to make her grand entrance. She was joined by her two bridesmaids, Layla and Louise, and her Uncle Dave, who had the honour of walking her down the aisle. The four of them paused on the steps of The Story for some pre-ceremony photos, and let me tell you, they were a vision. Lucy’s dress caught the sunlight perfectly, its delicate details shimmering as she laughed with her bridesmaids. Layla and Louise were all smiles, their matching blue dresses complementing Lucy’s elegance, while Uncle Dave stood proudly by her side, beaming with pride. These moments on the steps were a beautiful blend of nerves, excitement, and love—a perfect prelude to the ceremony.

After the quick photo session, Lucy and her crew slipped into the Bridal Preparation room for a moment of calm before the storm. This is always one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph. There’s something so intimate about capturing the bride as she takes a moment to herself, surrounded by her closest confidantes. In the soft light of the room, I snapped shots of Lucy adjusting her veil, Layla fixing a stray curl, and Louise sharing a quiet word of encouragement. Uncle Dave, ever the gentleman, stood by the door, ready to escort his niece into her next chapter. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and filled with anticipation, and I made sure to capture every fleeting glance and gentle smile.

The Ceremony: A Perfect Moment at The Story

The ceremony at The Story is always a highlight, and Lucy and Adam’s was no exception. The venue’s ceremony room is a stunner—elegant yet intimate, with soft light streaming through the windows, creating a warm, almost ethereal glow. As the guests settled into their seats, the air buzzed with excitement. And then there was Isaac, the unofficial star of the show. This little boy, with his boundless energy and infectious grin, stole the spotlight every time my camera pointed his way, shouting “CHEESE!” with the kind of enthusiasm that only a child can muster. The room erupted in laughter every time he did it, and I couldn’t help but chuckle behind the lens. Those candid, joyful moments are what make weddings so special, and Isaac was the perfect reminder of that.

Lucy’s entrance was breathtaking. As Uncle Dave walked her down the aisle, all eyes were on her. Her smile was radiant, her eyes locked on Adam, who stood at the front, looking like he’d just seen the sun for the first time. The ceremony itself was heartfelt and flawless, with vows that brought tears to more than a few eyes (mine included, though I’ll never admit it). The officiant’s words were warm and personal, and the love between Lucy and Adam was palpable, filling the room with a quiet, beautiful energy.

I hovered discreetly in the room, capturing the big moments—the exchange of rings, the first kiss, the applause that erupted as they were pronounced husband and wife—and the small ones, too, like the way Adam’s hand brushed against Lucy’s as they stood side by side, or the way Layla dabbed at her eyes during the vows. These are the details that make a wedding story complete, and I made sure to document every one.

Post-Ceremony Portraits: The Grand Staircase and Beyond

After the ceremony, we took advantage of The Story’s stunning architecture for some classic bride and groom portraits. The Grand Staircase, with its sweeping elegance, was the perfect backdrop. Lucy and Adam were naturals in front of the camera, their love and joy shining through in every frame. We captured a mix of romantic, posed shots—Adam holding Lucy, their laughter echoing through the space—and more candid moments, like the way they stole glances at each other when they thought I wasn’t looking. The sunlight streaming through the windows bathed them in a golden glow, making my job as a photographer almost too easy.

Next, we gathered the wedding party and family for formal photos on the steps of The Story. Isaac, of course, was the star once again, striking poses and shouting “CHEESE!” to the delight of everyone around him. The group shots were a mix of traditional and fun—serious smiles for the family album, followed by silly faces and laughter for the memories. Layla and Louise were the perfect bridesmaids, helping to corral everyone and keeping the mood light, while Uncle Dave stood proudly by Lucy’s side, his smile never fading.

As the guests made their way to the reception, Lucy and Adam and I stayed behind for a few more bride and groom portraits on The Story’s incredible lawn. The sprawling green space, kissed by the afternoon sun, was the perfect setting for some relaxed, romantic shots. We wcaptured Lucy and Adam as they stood hand in hand, shared quiet moments, and laughed together. The light was absolutely perfect—soft, warm, and golden—and it gave the photos a dreamy, timeless quality. These are the images that couples treasure for years to come, and I could tell Lucy and Adam were loving every second of it.

The Reception: A Cosy Celebration in the Village Hall

The reception was held in a local village hall, a charming, intimate space that felt like the perfect fit for Lucy and Adam’s celebration. The hall was beautifully decorated, with thoughtful details that reflected the couple’s personalities. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, tables were adorned with flowers, and the cake—a stunning two-tiered creation—was the centrepiece of the room. I made sure to capture every detail, from the delicate place settings to the handwritten notes at each table, knowing these small touches mean so much to couples when they look back on their day.

As the guests settled in, I moved through the room, snapping candid shots of the laughter and connection that filled the space. There were plenty of moments that made my heart swell behind the lens. Isaac, of course, was still stealing the show, twirling around the dance floor and charming everyone he met (There was no music, just Isaac enjoying life).

The mock cake cutting was a highlight of the afternoon. Lucy and Adam stood together, their hands wrapped around the knife, their smiles wide as they pretended to slice into the cake. It was the perfect way to wrap up my short visit to the reception—a moment of celebration, love, and togetherness.

Wrapping Up the Day

As the photography wound down, I packed up my gear, my heart full from a day spent capturing such a beautiful love story. Lucy and Adam’s wedding was everything a photographer could hope for: a stunning venue, perfect weather, a joyful couple, and a cast of characters (looking at you, Isaac) who made every moment unforgettable. From the sunny pre-ceremony chatter to the heartfelt vows, the romantic portraits on the Grand Staircase, and the cosy celebration in the village hall, every part of the day was a joy to document.

Lucy and Adam, thank you for letting me be a part of your incredible day. Your love for each other is so evident, and it was an honour to capture the moments that will become your memories for years to come. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and maybe a few more “CHEESE!” moments from Nephew Isaac.

With love,
John

If you’re planning your own wedding at The Story or anywhere else in Durham, I’d love to chat about how I can capture your day. Get in touch via my website, and let’s create something beautiful together.