On this particular September day in Durham, the skies were a soft overcast grey. Now, some might grumble about clouds on their wedding day, but photographers like me secretly love them. Cloud cover means even, diffused light — no harsh shadows, no squinting, just beautifully soft skin tones. And while it wasn’t blazing sunshine, the air was warm enough to be comfortable. Perfect conditions, really.

When I arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule, I expected the usual scene: maybe a couple of keen guests hanging around, the odd usher trying to look busy, and the groom pacing quietly inside. What I got instead was a crowd. Not just a few, but nearly the entire wedding party already there — chatting, laughing, and filling the courtyard like it was a pre-match gathering at St James’ Park.

If you like your wedding days with a pinch of history, a generous pour of Yorkshire charm, and a Leeds United reference (or two), Olivia & Daniel’s celebration at The Engine Shed, Wetherby was your sort of perfect. From a serene start at The Crown Inn in the postcard-pretty village of Roecliffe to a joyfully raucous confetti run and a sublime wedding breakfast, this was a day that hit all the right notes — and then some.

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing every smile, squeeze, and happy tear. Here’s the story.

If you’ve ever wanted a wedding day that’s full of warmth, laughter, and a few surprises, Nicole & Josh’s celebration at the newly refurbished Hallgarth Hall, just outside Darlington, is the perfect example. This wasn’t just another wedding in my diary — it was a day packed with personality, heart, and those little moments that stick in your memory long after the last dance.

There are some weddings that just hit differently.

You know the kind I mean — where the stars align, the weather behaves, the guests are on sparkling form, and everything just flows. No drama, no mishaps, just wall-to-wall joy, sunshine, and enough laughter to lift the roof.

Aimee and Ryan’s big day at West Auckland Manor House Hotel was exactly that. If I could bottle the mood, sell it, and live off the royalties, I’d never have to lift a camera again.

But lucky for me — and them — I had my camera firmly in hand and got to document this unforgettable day from start to finish. And what a day it was…

At first glance, wedding photography might appear to be just a day's work — someone turning up, taking photos, and heading home. But the truth is very different. Wedding photography is a highly skilled profession that requires significant investment in time, training, and equipment. It’s not a quick side hustle or a weekend hobby — it’s a serious career path.

Mastering the craft takes years. In fact, I have been shooting weddings for 33 years. That’s no coincidence — it takes time to hone the skill, develop an artistic eye, and build the experience to consistently deliver under pressure. And here’s the part that’s rarely talked about: wedding photography is physically and mentally demanding. It’s not a job most people can do.. It’s intense, it’s fast-paced, and it takes a toll — which is why experienced photographers can charge a premium.

Durham: a city of history, charm, and ancient stone that glows gold in the sun. Home to one of the UK’s most breathtaking cathedrals, cobbled streets steeped in centuries of story, and — as of now — one of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.

Natalie and Richie’s wedding at St Chad’s College was my first visit to this incredible venue, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Nestled quietly in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, this tucked-away gem has the elegance of a fairytale location without any of the pretentiousness. Think Harry Potter architecture meets heartfelt modern love story, and you’re halfway there.

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.

Welcome to Bowburn Hall: Where Rain Meets Romance

First, a little about the venue. ‘Bowburn Hall’, located just a few miles from Durham city centre, is a charming country house hotel that’s become a firm favourite for North East weddings — and for good reason. Built in the early 20th century and originally a private house, it now boasts:

* 20 stylish bedrooms

* Stunning landscaped gardens (yes, they’re even gorgeous in the rain!)

* A dedicated Garden Room for ceremonies and receptions

* A fab bar with comfy seating (which came in handy for our group shots!)

It’s a hidden gem for couples looking for something elegant yet relaxed — and it was the perfect setting for Rebecca and Dan’s big day, even if the weather wasn’t playing nice.

As a wedding photographer, you get to witness a lot of special days—but some weddings just have that little extra sparkle. Simone and Anthony’s wedding at The Story in Durham was absolutely one of those magical days. With the sun shining, emotions flowing, and even a special guest on four legs, this wedding had everything I love about what I do: fun, family, and a fair bit of fabulousness.

Let me take you through the story (pun intended!) of this warm, love-filled day at one of my favourite venues in the North East.

Saturday 21st June was one of those glorious North East summer days where the sun blazed down from a cloudless sky and the world just felt that little bit more magical. It was the perfect setting for Georgina and Daniel’s wedding at the luxurious Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park – a day that turned out to be intimate, full of love, laughter, and more than a little bit of sunshine (and Prosecco!).

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes – but every now and again, one comes along that’s not just beautiful, but downright magical. Nicola and Philip’s wedding at the magnificent Hardwick Hall Hotel was exactly that. A sun-kissed, joy-filled celebration with a perfect mix of laughter, emotion, and moments that I’ll remember for years. And the best bit? It all took place in one of the North East’s most stunning (and often under-the-radar) wedding venues – the enchanting Floral Chapel at Hardwick.

If Part One of Cassandra and Jim’s wedding was all about quiet romance and an intimate exchange of vows at The Story, then Part Two was... well, a love-soaked, hilarity-packed, whisky-fueled riot at Bradbury Glade. And we mean that in the most beautiful, joyful, completely-on-brand way possible.

Let’s just say, if weddings were Netflix series, this was the high-energy sequel that got all the five-star reviews. Think "The Godfather II", but with more Prosecco, fewer mobsters, and significantly more glitter.

Today was a wedding day I’ll never forget—and not just because I had the privilege of photographing it. This one was different. It was personal. It was the wedding of my cousin Jim to his beautiful bride Casandra, and it was held at one of Durham’s most unique and characterful venues: The Story.

Weddings are often a blend of tradition, sentiment, and creativity—but every so often, one comes along that breaks the mold entirely, and in doing so, becomes something truly unforgettable. Jim and Casandra did just that. Their wedding was unapologetically them: intimate, meaningful, and brimming with authenticity. From the guest list of just 26 close friends and family to the biker-chic dress code, this wedding was a celebration of love on their own terms. And I couldn’t have been prouder to be there, camera in hand, capturing it all.

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.

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.

There’s something incredibly moving about a small wedding — just the people who matter most, a perfect day, and love shining through in every quiet moment. Jamie and James’ wedding at The Story in Durham was a heartfelt reminder that less can absolutely be more. With just the couple, Jamie’s adult daughter Tyler, James’ mam and dad, and his brother and sister-in-law present, this was a relaxed, no-fuss wedding that overflowed with warmth and joy.

As a photographer who works regularly at The Story, I can confidently say it’s one of the finest wedding venues in the North East. From its elegant interiors to its unbeatable Durham city location, this place has everything — and it’s always a pleasure to shoot there. But it’s the people that make each wedding unique, and Jamie and James made this sunny spring day one I won’t forget.

When you’re a wedding photographer, you learn to expect the unexpected — but every now and again, you get a day that runs so perfectly, it feels like the universe lined everything up just right. That was exactly how it felt photographing Abigail and Cameron’s wedding at The Story in Durham — a gorgeous spring day full of sunshine, emotion, laughter, and one baby in a bow tie who stole the show.

The weather? Spot on. Not too hot, not too chilly — just that ideal kind of day where you can feel summer whispering through the air, but without any of the squinting, sweating, or wind-wrecked hairstyles that can send couples into panic. It was one of those days where everything clicked — and that includes the camera.

Some weddings are calm. Some are joyful. Some are emotional. And some — like Stephanie and Jason’s — are all three, wrapped up in one unforgettable day across two of the North East’s most iconic venues: Redworth Hall and The Story in Durham.

From the moment I arrived at Redworth Hall at 1pm, I knew it was going to be a special one. Bridal prep was in full swing, and the vibe was exactly what any photographer hopes for — relaxed, upbeat, and filled with laughter. Stephanie was joined by her three bridesmaids in the grand surroundings of one of Redworth Hall’s beautifully styled rooms. There was a steady flow of prosecco, a soundtrack of calm giggles, and that electric, happy tension that only a wedding day can bring.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I absolutely adore working at The Story. It's not just the stunning decor, the immaculate rooms, or the thoughtful layout. It’s the staff. The wonderful people who run this place are kind, welcoming, professional, and always go the extra mile. It really does feel like home when I walk through those doors. Jean, Darren, and I were welcomed with warm smiles and genuine care, as always — and that tone carried beautifully throughout their no-fuss wedding day.

When I arrived at West Auckland Manor House Hotel on a gloriously warm spring afternoon, I had a feeling this day was going to be something special. And it was. From start to finish, Chrissie and John’s wedding was full of sunshine, laughter, and love – the kind of wedding every photographer hopes to be part of.

As a North East wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture some incredible days – but this one was truly something else. Set against the picturesque backdrop of one of County Durham’s most charming venues, the day was relaxed, elegant, emotional, and brimming with joy. Let me take you through it, one magical moment at a time.