Nicola & Paul's Wedding Blessing at The New Sundial, South Shields: A Sun-Soaked Celebration to Remember!

If you're looking for a wedding that was bursting with sunshine, laughter, love, and some of the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen in my life, then allow me to take you on a whirlwind journey through Nicola and Paul's incredible wedding blessing at The New Sundial in South Shields.

This one had it all: glorious weather, a scenic coastal backdrop, stylish surroundings, a heartfelt ceremony, and a feast to end all feasts. But beyond all that, it was the people who made the day truly magical — a bride and groom so clearly in love, a group of guests brimming with joy, and a venue team that made everything look effortless.

Arrival at The New Sundial: Let the Sunshine In

I arrived just before midday, camera gear in tow and SPF 50 firmly applied (because let me tell you, it was one of those glorious sunny days that make you question whether you’re actually still in the UK). You know the kind — where the sky is cloudless, the sea sparkles like a thousand diamonds, and there’s a salty breeze that lifts your spirits before you've even set foot inside the venue.

South Shields is one of those underrated gems on the North East coast. It has a charm that’s hard to describe until you’ve stood on the promenade and taken it all in: the waves rolling in, the laughter of kids playing in the sand, the scent of fish and chips wafting through the air. The New Sundial, perched perfectly amongst the sand dunes, makes the most of all that natural beauty. The moment I stepped through the doors, I knew it was going to be a special day.

Guests Gather in Style

I made my way to the private lounge area set aside for guests — and wow, what a space! Elegant yet relaxed, with plush seating, cool lighting, and that kind of effortless style that instantly puts everyone at ease. It felt exclusive, yet welcoming — a difficult balance to strike, but they nailed it.

Guests began arriving shortly after I did, and the atmosphere was electric from the get-go. Paul, the groom, was already there, looking incredibly sharp and managing to pull off the perfect mix of relaxed and excited. Not an easy thing to do when you're waiting for the love of your life to arrive in a wedding dress. He greeted guests with handshakes, hugs, and a lot of laughter — clearly someone who knows how to make people feel welcome.

Everyone looked fantastic. From sharp suits to stylish dresses, fascinators to floral ties, it was a parade of happiness, fashion, and beaming smiles. Friends caught up over glasses of fizz, and families reunited for the upcoming celebrations.

Ceremony Time: Breathtaking Views and a Touch of Magic

Before long, the guests were ushered upstairs to the ceremony suite. Now, let me paint a picture for you: imagine a room bathed in golden light, with panoramic windows stretching from wall to wall, offering unobstructed views of the beach, the dunes, and the glittering sea. It was honestly like stepping onto a film set. You could hear people gasping quietly as they walked in and took in the scenery.

Shortly after, the bridesmaids arrived, and with them came a new wave of excitement. They were beaming, bouncing with nervous energy, and looking absolutely fabulous. Their dresses were coordinated beautifully and added a fresh, vibrant pop of colour against the blue of the sea visible through the windows. Cameras clicked, compliments were shared, and the atmosphere reached a lovely peak of anticipation.

And then came Nicola.

Oh my days. She looked stunning. Utterly, completely stunning.

Her traditional dress was the perfect blend of elegance and romance. Her hair was styled flawlessly, makeup immaculate, and the smile on her face said it all. There were a few nerves (understandable!), but mostly, you could tell she was just incredibly happy to be walking into a room full of the people she loved most, with Paul waiting at the end of the aisle.

The ceremony itself was conducted by the brilliant Celebrant Gemma, who struck exactly the right tone from the moment she started. Warm, personal, and with touches of humour that had people laughing through their tears. She spoke of Nicola and Paul's journey, of shared memories and dreams for the future. There was a sincerity to the words that hit home for everyone in the room. I spotted more than a few people subtly dabbing their eyes — and yes, maybe I did too.

Balcony Bliss: Sunlight, Sea, and Celebration

Once the "I do's" were done and sealed with a kiss, it was time to head out onto the stunning balcony. Cue cheers, hugs, and the popping of corks! We gathered everyone for a group photo, with me down below looking up at everyone on the balcony. It was one of those moments you want to bottle up and keep forever.

Everyone was glowing — from the sun and from the emotion of the ceremony. Guests leaned over the balcony excitedly, people posed for selfies, and the newlyweds couldn't stop smiling. It was a glorious scene: warm sea breeze, sunglasses on, champagne flowing, and nothing but happy faces in every direction.

A Feast Fit for Royalty (and Hungry Photographers)

Back inside and I carried on photographing the celebrations and we did a few formal photographs before heading upstairs again, it was time for the meal. And let me just say — I’ve eaten some fancy wedding meals in my time, but this one... this one will live in my memory (and waistline) forever.

A classic roast chicken dinner. That’s it. Nothing pretentious. Nothing with foam or micro herbs. Just good, honest, perfectly cooked food. The chicken was juicy and flavourful, the vegetables still had bite, the mashed potatoes were like creamy clouds, and the Yorkshire puddings... oh, the Yorkies.

They were the size of dinner plates and cooked to golden, crispy perfection. And the best part? They tasted every bit as good as they looked. Add in gravy like molten gold and you’ve got yourself a very happy photographer.

The staff were brilliant too — timing the service perfectly, making sure everyone was happy, and doing it all with the kind of friendliness that makes you feel like you’re part of the family. And then, there was Michael.

Michael was a guest at our table, a smaller chap with a cheeky grin and the appetite of a lumberjack. He polished off his meal, then went on to finish two more Yorkshire puddings and four extra roasties. I was honestly in awe. He became a legend at the table and the subject of much admiration and gentle ribbing.

The Dunes: A Photographer's Dream

After the meal and a bit of a rest (to let our stomachs settle), it was time for my favourite part of any wedding day — the couple portraits. And with the dunes and the beach just a stone’s throw away, we couldn’t have asked for a better location.

The light was golden and dreamy, the kind that makes everyone look like they belong on a magazine cover. We wandered into the sand, shoes filling with sand, and finding little spots where the light, shadows, and love all came together perfectly.

Nicola and Paul were a joy to work with. So natural, so happy, and clearly enjoying every second. Whether it was holding hands and strolling through the dunes or stealing a kiss as the waves crashed in the distance, they made my job incredibly easy. Some of the shots we got out there are among my favourite of the year so far.

Evening Glow and Fond Farewells

As we returned to the venue, the evening guests had started to arrive. More hugs, more drinks, more excitement. The energy ramped up again, with fresh faces bringing fresh stories and renewed celebrations.

I spent the next hour or so doing the rounds — capturing the laughs, the reunions, the kids getting up to mischief. I got shots of toasts, candids of couples looking at the sea, and a few shots that I’m pretty sure will end up framed on family mantelpieces.

Eventually, it was time for me to head off. I packed away my gear, said my goodbyes, and took one last look at that incredible view from the balcony. The sea was turning deep blue, the sun dropping slowly, and the laughter still echoing up from the lounge.

Why I Loved This Wedding So Much

Nicola and Paul’s wedding blessing wasn’t just another booking on the calendar. It was a celebration filled with heart and humour, set in a stunning location with incredible people. It reminded me why I started this journey in wedding photography in the first place — to capture real moments between real people on the happiest days of their lives.

The New Sundial was the perfect venue. Coastal charm, gorgeous views, brilliant service, and a meal that I’m still dreaming about. But more than that, it was the warmth, sincerity, and sheer joy of everyone involved that made this wedding one to remember.

Congratulations again Nicola and Paul! May your life together be filled with as much light, love, and laughter as your incredible wedding day. And if you ever fancy reliving it all again — just give me a shout. I’ll bring the camera. And maybe a fork, in case there are leftovers.