Wedding photography at Hornington Manor, North Yorkshire
Nancy and Greg’s wedding at Hornington Manor
A couple of weeks ago I headed over to the fabulous Hornington Manor, Bolton Percy in North Yorkshire to photograph Nancy and Greg’s wedding. To say I was excited was an understatement. I headed over early doors to capture Nancy and the team bride getting ready. I have said it many times before but Hornington Manor is perhaps my favourite wedding venue. I love a venue where everyone can stay over and it makes photographing a wedding so much more special.
Getting to know everyone
Photographing bridal preparation in the morning is more than capturing a makeup artist doing bridal makeup. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get to meet all the main people who will play a part in the wedding. Nancy was in great spirits and the team bride did a fab job of keeping her relaxed whilst everyone had their hair and makeup applied. I could also wander around Hornington Manor and see Greg and the other guests as they had all stayed over. I could tell Greg was a little bit nervous and he did a great job of keeping himself busy. The girls were all getting ready, Greg and family members were making sausage sarnies and there was a lovely feeling of excitement in the air.
It’s time!
Wow, this wedding seemed to run like clockwork, usually, during the morning there is a stage where everyone panics but Nancy and the girls had everything under control and Greg and his boys were also on it. Nancy had not shown anyone her dress so it was lovely to do two reveals, first to her bridesmaids and then to her dad. Dad didn’t disappoint as he burst into tears which is always special to see. After dad has seen his daughter, I suggested that they spend some time without me or the videographers as these are very special times. I walked into the pool room and lots of guests had arrived and then it was straight onto the vintage bus to head to St Robert’s Catholic Church about forty-five minutes away in Harrogate.
Behaving in church
When I am photographing weddings I try my best to behave myself. I spoke to the Reverand and he told me his rules. I was quite happy and didn’t want to push. As an experienced wedding photographer, I know how it works so sticking to the rules is best for everyone. The ceremony was lovely, not too long but still had lots of meaning. Due to covid, there was no signing of the register so it was a quick walk down the aisle and time to exit. As soon as we got outside the heavens had opened and the rain was pouring down. The couple jumped into the back of the camper van which had been supplied by Liberty Campervans and everyone else jumped back onto the vintage bus.
Hornington Manor
Everyone arrived and Team Groom was fantastic, I didn’t even have to say anything, as soon as I jumped off the bus the boys had already started lining the guests up ready for confetti. The bride and groom arrived and they got bombarded by coloured paper, then it was time to relax and enjoy themselves. There were drinks and canapes on arrival and people just started chatting. The rain had stopped and we had been blessed with beautiful sunshine. They had a DJ who was playing Ibiza style tunes and he certainly kept the atmosphere going. The rest of the afternoon I just captured everyone having fun at the wedding.
Afternoon and into the evening
The catering was provided by Smokin Blues and the food was gorgeous, I was even lucky enough to get a plate which is always a bonus. Then it was time for the speeches. Nancy’s dad was up first who did a brilliant speech with a mixture of amusing antidotes and emotion. Then there was a twist, Nancy the bride got up and sang a song (Nancy is an amazing singer) and after her rendition of Ed Sheeran’s The A-Team, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Greg then nailed his speech and finally, the best men (Greg’s brothers) knocked it out of the park with their speeches.
Portrait session can be fun
After the speeches the time was getting on a bit, weddings do always run late but I realised that I had to try and grab the bride and groom for a quick ten minutes to capture some portraits. Most of my couples say to me “I don’t like having my picture taken” so I am always aware of this, so when it comes to capturing portraits I try to do this as quickly and as painless as possible and actually most people actually enjoy it. So, we headed out of the way to a little quiet part for ten minutes of fun. We also managed to get a space hopper race in there where the bride fell over, I don’t have a great track record with space hoppers at Hornington Manor but it certainly makes for great photos.
Evening fun
As soon as we returned from the photos the band TC’s Funky Nuts had set up and were ready to perform their first set. This band was absolutely fantastic and from the second they started people started dancing everywhere. They were one of the best wedding bands I have heard so I will definitely add them to my recommended list.
After the first set, it was time for the first dance, I knew Greg had been dreading this part but I was shocked to see that he was a bit of a mover, I was expecting a ten seconds shuffle but it was so much more than that. In the evening the band played on, people danced, ate burgers from the caterers, had a photo booth and the whole night was amazing. After the band had finished the Dj rocked the night away and they even had a saxophone girl who played along to some of the tunes.
The wedding was absolutely amazing, it really made me realise how much I have missed them and how much I actually LOVE being a wedding photographer. Thank you Nancy and Greg for booking me and allowing me to capture your special day. If anyone else is looking for a multi-award winning documentary wedding photographer then please get in touch at john@johnsteelphotography.com
