The Wedding of Abigail and Cameron at The Story, Durham

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.

Abigail and Cameron are a dream couple to photograph — stylish, down-to-earth, and so clearly in love. Cameron arrived looking seriously sharp in a tailored suit, nerves well hidden behind a calm smile. And when Abigail arrived… wow. She wore a stunning, classic wedding dress — simple, elegant, and utterly timeless. Heads turned. Even the registrar took a moment. It was that kind of entrance.

But as beautiful as the dress and suit were, it was their baby son, Oliver, who became the unexpected star of the show. Dressed in a miniature suit complete with a dickie bow tie, Oliver melted hearts left, right and centre. There’s something undeniably adorable about a baby dressed for a black-tie event, and Oliver carried it off like a pro. Whether he was snoozing peacefully or wriggling around in his dad’s arms, he had everyone wrapped around his tiny fingers.

The ceremony itself was held in the mid-sized room at The Story, with 34 guests creating the perfect balance of intimacy and energy — one of my favourite venues in the North East. There’s something about the atmosphere there that just lends itself to heartfelt moments. And there were tears — of course there were. Tears from proud family members, misty eyes from friends, and even Abigail and Cameron struggled to hold it together during the vows. That kind of raw emotion is exactly why I love doing what I do. Capturing it — freezing it in time — that’s where the magic lives.

After the ceremony, we made our way to the grand staircase — a standout feature at The Story and the perfect backdrop for some classic bride and groom portraits. Abigail and Cameron looked completely at home there, elegant and relaxed, soaking up their first moments as a married couple. The light was beautiful, and we managed to capture some of those special, quiet in-between moments — a glance, a laugh, a forehead touch.

Then came the group photos, which are always a bit like herding cats — but not today. Everyone was full of cheer and more than willing to pose on the front steps for the formal shots. And that’s where I met my unexpected assistant: Harlow. A young guest with more enthusiasm than most adults, Harlow took it upon herself to help get baby Oliver looking at the camera. And she was brilliant! Every time Oliver’s head turned, Harlow would call his name with the kind of volume and gusto that only kids can get away with. And you know what? It worked. Some of my favourite photos from the day are thanks to Harlow’s excellent direction.

With the group shots wrapped up and the nerves of the ceremony behind us, everyone was ready for a change of scene. Abigail and Cameron had chosen The Cellar Door in Durham as their next stop — a beautiful spot overlooking the river, ideal for a quick mock cake-cutting. No toast, no fanfare — just a relaxed moment shared between the two of them. It’s always a lovely way to mark the start of the celebrations without the pressure of a big reception.

Before I left, I managed to capture a quick panoramic shot of the guests seated at The Cellar Door — a lovely visual bookend to the day. Then, as quickly as the day had started, it was time for me to head home — memory cards full, heart full, and face aching from smiling behind the lens all day.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: small weddings are often the most moving. There’s something deeply personal about them. There’s more time, more connection, more real moments that happen naturally. Abigail and Cameron’s wedding was the perfect example of that. No fuss, no over-the-top production — just genuine people, real love, and one very well-dressed baby.

A huge congratulations to Abigail and Cameron. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day. And thank you, Oliver, for being the cutest best-dressed guest I’ve ever photographed. (And Harlow — you’ve got a future in crowd control!)

Another perfect day at The Story. The staff there are truly incredible — professional, friendly, and always a step ahead, helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes. I can’t wait to be back again soon.