From a morning of makeup and mishaps to a magical ceremony and full-throttle reception at the races.

Some wedding days start quietly. Gently. Peacefully.
This wasn’t one of them.

From the moment I walked into Bethica’s home on the morning of the wedding, I knew we were in for something special. And by special, I mean a whirlwind of 8 bridesmaids, 1 daughter, several bottles of prosecco, a close shave involving a hairdryer, and a whole lot of love.

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.

As a wedding photographer, I get to witness love in all its forms—from big bold celebrations in castles to heartfelt, intimate registry office weddings by the coast. Jennifer and Ben’s wedding at North Shields Register Office was one of those magical days where everything just felt right. It had sunshine, it had emotion, it had a lot of laughter—and it had Louie and Logan, two proud sons who stole the show more than once.

Let me take you through this unforgettable North East wedding day—from pre wedding nerves to the evening dance floor at King Street Social Club.

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.

West Auckland Manor House, nestled in the heart of the North East of England, stands as one of the region’s most exquisite wedding venues. Combining historical charm with modern luxury, this stunning manor house offers a perfect setting for couples looking to create unforgettable memories on their special day. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, West Auckland Manor House provides an ideal space for every type of wedding.

You might be wondering why someone with award-winning wedding photography credentials would offer such an affordable package when many others in the industry charge significantly more. It comes down to a few key factors that are unique to me, my lifestyle, and my beliefs.

As a wedding photographer, I've always strived to provide exceptional service, creating timeless memories for couples on their special day. However, due to significant changes in the market and personal challenges, I've decided to adjust my pricing structure. The decision to reduce prices wasn’t made lightly but reflects the current realities of the wedding photography industry and my business circumstances. In this piece, I want to outline the key reasons behind this pricing change and how they will impact my clients and business.