Woodborough Hall Wedding Photography — Julie & Pat’s Rainy September Celebration, 2008
Julie & Pat’s wedding was one of those rare days where rain only made everything warmer. Held at Woodborough Hall in September 2008, their celebration felt like a gathering of hearts — full of family closeness, joy, and deep laughter. The skies stayed grey, but inside it was all warmth — hugs, hand squeezes, and quiet, unposed moments that say everything. Looking back, it’s still one of the happiest weddings I’ve photographed. Though this one took place outside Yorkshire, it still carries the same heart and honesty I bring to every Leeds wedding I photograph.
Julie and her daughter getting ready, side by side.
Wedding Morning at Woodborough Hall — Natural Moments in the Bridal Suite
The day began quietly in the red-walled bridal suite at Woodborough Hall, with soft window light and no need for direction. Everything you see here was photographed naturally — just honest moments, beautifully lit, and gently unfolding.
Julie and her young daughter shared time by the mirror in black and white, full of calm affection. Around them, little stories bloomed — a playful leg kicked up by the pastel wall, makeup help from Julie’s sister, a champagne toast, and a twirl caught in the glass. No fuss, just a room full of character and closeness.
This is natural wedding photography at its most personal — simply letting the light and love speak for themselves.
The little bridesmaid, full of personality.
To photograph candid moments that will remain timeless, my personality and approach is calm and professional always.
No rush, just calm hands and laughter.
The day already full of joy.
A moment of quiet concentration.
Poased by the mirror, and then below doing a twirl. Without being too technical, slowing down the shutter speed captured the movement perfectly. Capturing the little ones is an special part of the story — I always find myself so welcome and this makes the job so much fun.
Movement caught like memory.
Soft lace, bold ribbon, waiting for the moment.
Colours and ambience captured using available light. I do wait for the right expressions as you can see in the image next.
A moment of calm before vows.
A small box held with big meaning.
A Ceremony Full of Feeling — Laughter, Vows & a Veil Tease
The ceremony was relaxed, lighthearted, and full of love — just like Julie and Pat.
As I started. Pat’s smile said it all. There were soft glances, a lovely ring exchange, and a kiss that felt completely them. Even signing the register brought laughter — not just a formality, but another moment shared.
After they walked back down the aisle, their daughter reached up for Julie’s veil, just out of reach. A little playful moment, perfectly unposed.
These are the parts I love most as a natural wedding photographer — the honest in-between moments, whether in Leeds or somewhere tucked away like Woodborough Hall.
Caught in the stillness of the vows.
Julie places the ring as if it’s always belonged.
Soft, sincere, and entirely them.
A wonderful couple, I trust you can see their personality in my photographic style.
A celebration wrapped in each other.
Even the formalities felt fun with these two.
A quiet moment between the cheers.
Pure joy in motion.
Calm, Natural Group Photos with Family Upstairs at Woodborough Hall
With the rain still gently falling outside, we moved indoors for the family group shots — upstairs in one of Woodborough Hall’s most beautiful rooms.
Dark wood floors, long draping curtains, a gold-framed mirror and vintage white furniture made the perfect quiet backdrop. Nothing too formal here — just natural smiles, gentle nudges, and little chats to ease everyone into the frame. Their daughter brought a little extra charm too, popping in for hugs and sweet moments that said more than any pose ever could.
It’s always my aim with group photos to keep things relaxed and full of character — the kind of portraits that feel like family, not formality.
Real laughter, real people, all together.
A family photo that still feels real.
A timeless family portrait with character and calm.
A quiet photo of the people who shaped her.
Julie’s dad, brave and present, with her mum by his side.
Still just the two of them in the moment.
Honest Couple Portraits — Just Them, Just Right
No pressure, no posing — just time for the two of them to breathe, laugh, and be together.
We made use of a quiet upstairs room, the soft light through the grand window, and their own easy connection. Julie’s energy, Pat’s warmth — it all came through in the way they looked at each other and laughed between shots. These portraits were about who they are, not just how they looked.
And just before the rain came back again, we stepped outside for one last shot — the grass still bright with colour, Woodborough Hall in the background, and one simple kiss in the soft drizzle. A quiet favourite from the day.
This was them — no posing needed.
Still glowing, still true.
One last kiss with the Hall behind them.
Pure magic from the smallest flame.
Wedding Breakfast Stories — Sparklers, Speeches & a Chocolate Strawberry Cake
The room was glowing — not just from the candles and sparklers, but from the warmth between everyone at the top table.
Their chocolate wedding cake, decorated with fresh strawberries, looked almost too good to cut. There were impromptu family photos, sweet hugs, and a few mischievous moments too (Julie’s dad couldn’t resist a joke or two).
Speeches were heartfelt and full of laughter — moments of pride, a few happy tears, and that perfect hush just before the applause. No pressure, just people speaking from the heart — and everyone leaning in to listen.
A sweet centrepiece for a sweet day.
A little mischief caught mid-laugh.
Pat makes sure everyone feels seen.
Their little one right at the heart of it.
Lovely smiles from the in-laws at the top table.
The bride’s mum glowing in the moment.
Happy guests mid-conversation, no posing needed.
Evenings like this don’t need a script.
His words meant more than he knows.
A kiss full of thanks and love.
Pat’s speech hits every note.
The kind of joy that lights up a room.
A speech delivered side by side.
All ears on what comes next.
Pat’s reaction says it all.
The kind that fills a room.
Even cake cutting felt like a moment.
Evening Reception Moments — Cake, Guests & a Dance Full of Joy
They cut the cake with a kiss — no fuss, just laughter and a moment held close.
As the evening settled in, more guests arrived and the atmosphere shifted into something looser, louder, and full of movement. I wandered with my camera, catching impromptu groups, hugs at the bar, and those quiet mid-conversation smiles that say so much.
And then, the first dance — not rehearsed or choreographed, just real. A little wild, completely joyful, and full of the kind of energy that only comes when two people are exactly where they’re meant to be.
One little whirlwind between moments.
Julie catching up as the evening begins.
Following on, a few evening reception photos, incl. the first dance. I only use available light capturing the ambience, no editing required.
Evening guests mid-chat, mid-pour.
The evening’s just getting started.
A quick group photo that feels alive.
Julie bringing the warmth to every corner.
A friendship felt in the space between words.
The candid photos above and below in Black and White are so full of personality and are loved by the couple
Movement, music, and laughter all at once.
One more kiss before the night unfolds.
👉 See My Full Portfolio — in my Blog
Looking back on Julie & Pat’s wedding from 2008, I’m reminded why I still love doing this all these years later. The laughter, the quiet family moments, the little glances that say everything — none of it posed, all of it real.
Whether I’m photographing a celebration like this in Yorkshire, back home in Leeds, or further afield, my aim is always the same: to capture your day as it felt. Nothing trendy, nothing forced — just honest photographs that still make sense years down the line.
If this gallery spoke to you, I’d love to hear more about your own plans — wherever you’re tying the knot.
🗺️ Venue Location: Woodborough Hall, Nottinghamshire
Though most of my work is rooted in Leeds and across Yorkshire, I’ve always loved photographing weddings further afield.
Julie & Pat’s beautiful day at Woodborough Hall — tucked away in the Nottinghamshire countryside — was full of warmth, laughter, and family.
A timeless setting for one of the happiest weddings I’ve ever captured.