Nicola & Ashley’s Wedding at The Story in Durham

Family, Celebration, and a Day of Pure Joy

A Wedding Day That Began With Anticipation

Every wedding has its own rhythm, its own unique atmosphere that makes it stand apart from the dozens of others I photograph each year. Some are grand and elaborate, others are quiet and understated, but the very best always carry a sense of heart. Nicola and Ashley’s wedding at The Story in Durham was exactly that — a day built on love, family, and laughter.

It was the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do this job. From the very first moments in the courtyard to the final frames at The Thomas Wright House in Byers Green, it was clear this day wasn’t just about a ceremony or a party. It was about bringing people together — parents, friends, siblings, children — and celebrating a couple who are deeply loved.

Arriving Early – My Photographer’s Habit

If you’ve read my blogs before, you’ll know that I have a habit of arriving early. I don’t mean five or ten minutes; I mean properly early. There’s a practical side to it — double-checking batteries, cleaning lenses, formatting memory cards — but the real reason is that it allows me to soak up the atmosphere before the official start.

When I stepped into the courtyard at The Story, I immediately sensed the energy. The place was buzzing already, and it wasn’t even close to ceremony time. Ashley, the groom, was there in a sharp suit, clearly trying to stay calm but showing just a touch of nervous energy that every groom knows all too well.

Right by his side was Wayne, his best man, a steadying influence who knew just when to crack a joke to keep Ashley smiling. The two of them bounced off each other effortlessly, the way only lifelong friends can.

Ashley’s mam, Chris, moved through the crowd with the glowing pride of someone who had been waiting for this day for a long time. She greeted guests warmly, her eyes never straying too far from her son.

As guests arrived, the courtyard filled with hugs, laughter, and conversation. People were genuinely excited — you could feel it in the air. It was more than just small talk and polite greetings; it was the kind of happiness that only comes when a family truly wants to celebrate together. For me, as a photographer, these moments are gold. They’re unscripted, honest, and full of warmth.

Nicola’s Arrival – Grace, Style, and Family Pride

Before long, the buzz shifted as word spread: Nicola had arrived.

She stepped out of the car looking radiant, surrounded by the women who would be her closest supporters throughout the day. Emma, her Maid of Honour, walked with calm assurance, the kind of friend who exudes reliability. By her side, Leah and Lana, the bridesmaids, brought lightness and laughter to the group. Together, they created a bridal party full of confidence and heart.

I paused them briefly on the famous steps of The Story for portraits. These steps never fail to create drama — they frame arrivals with a sense of grandeur and importance. Against the backdrop of Durham’s elegant registry office, Nicola and her party looked stunning.

After those moments, we made our way into the Bridal Preparation Room. This hidden corner of The Story is one of my favourite places. It’s light, calm, and perfect for those last-minute adjustments. Nicola took a moment here with her parents, exchanging looks and smiles that carried years of love and memory. These are the moments that matter most — not posed, not forced, but real.

The Procession – A Walk That Changed Everything

Guests hushed as the music began and the ceremony room doors opened.

First came Emma, Leah, and Lana, walking with poise and elegance, setting the stage perfectly. Then Nicola appeared, her arm linked with her dad, David. His face was a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and tenderness as he walked his daughter towards her future.

Barbara leaned forward, her smile wide and eyes glistening, soaking in every step.

At the front, Ashley stood tall. The nerves that had been flickering across his face all morning disappeared the second he saw Nicola. His expression softened instantly. That look — the first glimpse of his bride — is always one of the most powerful moments of the day. It’s the point where everything else fades, and it’s just two people ready to promise forever.

The Ceremony – Warmth and Genuine Emotion

Ceremonies at The Story always strike me with how personal they feel. The registrars manage to balance professionalism with genuine warmth, and it makes every couple’s vows feel unique.

Nicola and Ashley’s ceremony was full of those little touches that make a wedding unforgettable. The vows were spoken with steady voices, carrying sincerity and love. By the time the rings were exchanged, the whole room was smiling.

I kept glancing around the room between shots. Barbara and David sat beaming with pride, clearly moved by what they were witnessing. Chris, Ashley’s mam, couldn’t contain her joy — her smile never faltered. And Wayne, the ever-reliable best man, watched with the quiet intensity of a friend who would always be there.

When the registrar finally announced them as husband and wife, the applause was heartfelt and loud. It wasn’t just polite clapping; it was a wave of genuine celebration, the kind that comes from people who truly love the couple at the centre of it all.

Portraits on the Grand Staircase

After the ceremony, we headed straight for one of my favourite backdrops at The Story: the Grand Staircase.

This sweeping staircase, with its elegant bannisters and tall windows, is iconic. It’s the perfect blend of architecture and atmosphere, giving photographs a timeless quality.

Nicola and Ashley stood together at the top, the soft natural light streaming in behind them. They looked incredible — relaxed now, glowing with the relief of the vows behind them and the excitement of the day ahead.

We captured everything from romantic embraces to fun, laughter-filled poses. Emma, Leah, and Lana joined in for bridal party shots, their dresses adding colour and elegance to the scene. Wayne, of course, brought humour and warmth to the group portraits, keeping everyone smiling naturally.

What I love most about staircase portraits is how they combine grandeur with intimacy. The setting feels dramatic, yet the smiles, laughter, and little glances between loved ones make the photos deeply personal.

Group Photos – Laughter, Legacy, and a Touch of Mischief

Once the ceremony was complete, it was time to gather everyone outside for the group photos. Now, I’ll be the first to admit — group shots can sometimes test even the calmest of nerves. There’s usually a bit of herding involved, the occasional guest wandering off, and the challenge of coaxing smiles from little ones who’ve already had a long morning. But with this crowd? It was a joy from start to finish.

Families came together without fuss, guests were more than willing to play their part, and the atmosphere stayed light-hearted throughout. The children brought plenty of energy, pulling funny faces and refusing to stand still for long, while others lit up every shot with their cheeky smiles. Far from being imperfections, those little quirks are exactly what made the images feel alive and authentic.

Because group photos aren’t just formal records — they’re family history in the making. One day, Nicola and Wayne’s children will look back at these pictures and see themselves as wide-eyed children, standing proudly beside their parents, surrounded by the people who mattered most. These are the photographs that weave generations together.

We wrapped things up with a few elegant portraits beside the wedding car — timeless, polished, and the perfect finishing touch to this chapter of the day. With the formalities complete, it was time to move on to the reception and let the celebrations unfold.

Reception at Thomas Wright House, Byers Green

With the formal portraits complete, we travelled to The Thomas Wright House in Byers Green for the reception.

This charming venue is a gem in County Durham. It has a relaxed, welcoming feel that makes everyone feel instantly at home. For Nicola and Ashley, it was the perfect choice — personal, intimate, and filled with character.

Guests gathered outside with the couple, and it was here that one of the most joyful parts of the day unfolded: the confetti run.

Friends and family lined the path with handfuls of petals, cheering as Nicola and Ashley walked through the colourful shower. Laughter filled the air as confetti caught in hair, stuck to shoulders, and swirled around in the September breeze.

The confetti run at the reception felt particularly fitting — a moment of celebration marking the transition from formal ceremony to relaxed party. It gave everyone a burst of energy and set the perfect tone for the evening ahead.

Inside, the atmosphere was cosy and lively. Guests settled quickly into conversation, glasses clinked, and laughter rolled across the room. Unlike many weddings, Nicola and Ashley chose not to include a traditional cake cutting — and honestly, it didn’t matter one bit. The celebration was already rich with heartfelt moments.

I moved from table to table, capturing candid interactions — people raising toasts, friends sharing stories, children sneaking treats. The Thomas Wright House staff worked seamlessly in the background, keeping everything flowing so the couple could simply soak up the love surrounding them.

Closing Reflections – A Wedding Rooted in Family

By the time I packed away my cameras, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Nicola and Ashley’s wedding wasn’t about grandeur or spectacle — it was about people. It was about Barbara and David’s pride in their daughter, about Chris’s joy in seeing her son so happy, about Emma, Leah, and Lana’s unwavering support, and about Wayne’s loyalty and friendship.

It was about laughter in the courtyard, tears during the vows, confetti bursting into the air at Thomas Wright House, and the warmth of family gathered together.

These are the weddings that stay with me — the ones that remind me photography isn’t just about images, but about stories. Decades from now, Nicola and Ashley’s grandchildren will look back on these photos and see the love that surrounded their grandparents on this day.

For me, it was an honour to be the one to capture it all. Every glance, every smile, every embrace — preserved forever in photographs that tell a story of family, generations, and a love worth celebrating.