Lowri & Tim — A July Wedding at the Temple of Apollo and Memorial Hall, Stourton (2010)

Lowri & Tim’s wedding day unfolded beneath the warm July sun, beginning under the timeless columns of the Temple of Apollo in Stourton. With its ancient stone path and quiet grace, the ceremony felt like a moment outside of time — followed by shared glances, music, and laughter just nearby at Memorial Hall.

Photographed in 2010, this day remains a cherished early chapter in my journey. Calm, unposed, and full of natural light — just the way I love to capture weddings across West Yorkshire and beyond.

Bride’s sister and young son reading together before the ceremony at Stourton's Temple of Apollo — A quiet story shared —
A gentle moment in this West Yorkshire setting

Sweet and Natural Preparation Moments at Home

Lowri’s morning began with gentle joy — soft laughter and quiet focus as everyone got ready. Her sister kept their young son entertained with a picture book, while Lowri sat calmly for her makeup, smiling with closed eyes as the day began to take shape.

There’s one frame I love especially: Lowri surrounded by her father and sister, a warm moment full of affection and calm. No staging, no instructions — just a family in their own rhythm. These are the kind of moments I always look for, because they never go out of style.

Bridesmaid on the bed with the bride’s dress behind at the Temple of Apollo, Stourton — Stillness before the steps begin —
Natural light and soft West Yorkshire calm

Bride Lowri smiling with eyes closed during makeup before her West Yorkshire wedding — A calm breath and closed eyes —
Natural beauty before a Stourton ceremony

Bride Lowri holding a mirror and smiling during wedding prep at the Temple of Apollo — A quiet glow in her reflection —
Getting ready in the heart of Yorkshire

Natural moment with Lowri, her sister, and father sharing smiles during the wedding prep — Real warmth and no posing —
Natural wedding photography at its best

Bride’s mother and daughter walking up the path to the Temple of Apollo in Stourton — Steps to the vows,
In the soft green grounds of Stourton, West Yorkshire

Arrival at the Historic National Trust Venue

Next, the wedding moved to a stunning National Trust venue — a circular stone building with striking red-painted walls. Natural light streamed softly through the open door, bathing the space in warmth.

The groom welcomed guests both inside and outside this charming setting, their anticipation growing as everyone awaited Lowri’s arrival. The historic charm and vibrant colors made for rich photographic opportunities that perfectly complement my style as a Leeds, West wedding photographer.

The couple’s son with grandpa before the ceremony at this Stourton wedding venue — All dressed up,
In one of West Yorkshire’s most peaceful corners

Groom admiring a baby held by a guest before the ceremony at the Temple of Apollo — Soft smiles exchanged —
A quiet moment before this Yorkshire wedding begins

Guests seated inside the Temple of Apollo, red walls and sunlight from the open doorway — Rich tones and gentle light —
Wedding guests gather in Stourton

Flower girls on the stone steps and columns outside the Temple of Apollo in West Yorkshire — Two little flower girls,
Dancing shadows on the stone of this Yorkshire venue

Little flower girl resting on the stone steps, surrounded by summer greenery — A quiet pause on the temple steps —
Stillness before the ceremony begins

Groom greets arriving guests with warm smiles before the wedding ceremony — A warm welcome in the summer air —
The joy of familiar faces arriving

Wedding guests seated and chatting inside the Temple of Apollo before the ceremony — Gentle chatter and anticipation —
Moments before vows in this historic space

Guests seated on white chairs chatting inside the red-walled ceremony space — Contrast and colour —
A vibrant scene of friends gathering

Bride walks with her father along the stone path to the Temple of Apollo, looking back for a photo — A quiet pause on the way to the vows —
Lowri and her father glance back, the temple behind them

Bride wipes a tear and smiles at her groom upon arriving inside the red-walled ceremony space — A tear, a smile —
That first look speaks louder than words

A Heartfelt Ceremony in a Unique Setting

Lowri and her father made their way along the winding stone path, the backdrop full of charm and history. I asked them to pause and turn — a shared smile captured, one of those quiet moments that means everything. Inside the circular stone venue, Lowri joined her groom, greeted by a look of pure warmth. She passed her bouquet to her sister, ready to begin.

A reading from the best man helped set the tone, but it was the emotion between Lowri and Tim that truly filled the space. Holding hands, their connection was unmistakable. The ring exchange, their first kiss, and signing the register all flowed beautifully in the dusky light — soft reds, warm shadows, and authentic smiles, all captured in natural colour and black and white.

After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside to celebrate together under gentle skies. These are the moments I love to photograph — emotional, natural, and real — as a Leeds, West Yorkshire wedding photographer.

The bride’s bouquet is gently passed to her mum at the start of the ceremony — A simple gesture —
Passing flowers, passing love

Best man and family members seated in the front row during the wedding ceremony — The front row —
Filled with stories, support, and soft smiles

Best man reads a heartfelt passage during the ceremony at the Temple of Apollo — A voice steady and full of meaning —
A reading shared among close friends

Bride and groom share an emotional moment in black and white during their wedding vows — A still moment in black and white —
eyes locked, emotions rising quietly between them

Groom places the wedding ring on the bride’s finger as best man holds the ring box — Hands meet, promises made —
A moment held forever in soft black and white

Bride and groom share their first kiss in colour as guests applaud during the ceremony — A kiss, a cheer, a rush of joy —
the moment they became married

Couple at the signing table with their son, framed by red walls of the Temple of Apollo — Signed, sealed — with their little one by their side
a quiet family moment amid all the colour

Guests seated in the front row smiling during the ceremony — Front row smiles —
watching the story unfold, one moment at a time

Bride and groom share a kiss at the signing table during the ceremony — A kiss tucked between pages —
their names now side by side

Bride and groom close together, gazing into each other’s eyes in black and white — Just the two of them —
everything else fades away

Wedding guests mingle outside in the sunshine after the ceremony — Outside in the light —
laughter, handshakes, soft beginnings

Natural group photos taking place casually among wedding guests — No formal posing —
just real connections, caught between conversations

Young boy smiles while eating, enjoying the wedding food — Big moments for grownups —
but little joys like this make a wedding complete

Groom shares a casual moment with three friends at the reception — Relaxed and surrounded —
old friends, new memories

Flower girl offers her sippy cup to the couple’s young son in the garden — A quiet act of kindness —
shared beneath the trees between tiny friends

Guests taking photos by the lakeside at a West Yorkshire wedding garden venue — Cameras rise under a bright sky —
the lake and laughter reflecting back

Flower girl walks with the couple’s son along a garden path, basket in hand — Little footsteps on a gravel path —
petals in one hand, mischief in the other

Bride and her father pause for a casual photo outdoors before the reception — Not every moment needs words —
just sunlight and a quiet look

Natural Moments and Group Photos Among the Scenery

Outside the ceremony, guests chatted and mingled in the relaxed summer air. Little ones snacked on the grass, the groom caught up with old friends, and I caught a lovely moment as a tiny bridesmaid offered the couple’s son a sip from her sippy cup — pure documentary wedding photography, just as it happened.

We took a few natural group photos: the bride with her father, a big group shot with everyone smiling, and more portraits surrounded by the stunning scenery. No matter which way you looked, the backdrop was breathtaking — a dream setting for this intimate destination wedding.

We found time for a few quiet couple photos too. The groom was a little shy at first, but those real smiles started to shine through as the day unfolded. No awkward poses, just honest moments — my style through and through as a Leeds and Yorkshire wedding photographer who’s always happy to travel.

Full wedding party waves in the sun with the Temple of Apollo behind them — Hands in the air, hearts full —
all gathered under the West Yorkshire sky

Black and white photo of a relaxed family group by the columns of the Temple of Apollo — Stone, light, and laughter —
a quiet moment in timeless tones

Couple with the best man and his girlfriend outdoors at the wedding — Just the four of them —
easy smiles and old stories

Bride and her brother share a photo outside before the reception — A calm photo on soft grass —
siblings caught in golden hour light

Flower girl sits on her dad’s shoulders in the gardens — Little legs, big smiles —
the kind of joy that lifts everyone

Bride and groom kiss outdoors with the Temple of Apollo in the background at their Leeds wedding — A kiss with stone and sky behind —
a Leeds love story told without words

Bride and groom kiss beneath stone arches with trees behind them — Framed by arches, kissed by light —
a moment gently held in the trees

Bride and groom kiss beside a garden statue, bouquet placed playfully on the sculpture’s shoulder — A kiss and a little mischief —
even the statue joined the story

Tim kisses Lowri’s cheek, close-up with soft expressions — A quiet kiss,
just for her — and the camera

Candid shot of Tim smiling toward the camera in reportage style — One of those in-between smiles —
unposed, and perfectly Tim

Wedding breakfast detail shot: scones with jam and cream, served at a summer tea — Jam, cream, and golden crumb —
a sweet West Yorkshire wedding breakfast

Bride and groom begin their entrance into the reception room, guests inside — Hands together, steps slow —
a warm welcome from everyone inside

Black and white image of bride and groom walking through the reception tables, smiling — A shared smile between tables —
the quiet joy of being surrounded

Flower girl reaching for snacks from the food table at the reception — Tiny fingers, tiny mischief —
caught mid-cookie raid

Afternoon Tea Wedding and Honest Storytelling

The wedding breakfast was a lovely afternoon tea — complete with fruit scones, cream and jam, and simple rose vases on the tables. The couple entered to warm applause, and I did what I do best — capturing the fun, the moments, and the joy as it naturally happened.

The speeches followed, full of love, laughter, and a little embarrassment too (thanks to the best men). Hugs, kisses, reactions — everything that makes each wedding truly personal. I kept things real and relaxed, using natural light and no flash, preserving the mood just as it was. The hog roast would follow later, but this part of the day already told a perfect story.

Bride and her mum smiling together during a relaxed West Yorkshire wedding reception — Two smiles that mirror each other —
Lowri and her mum in soft light

Flower girl colours her fingers with crayons while her mum watches, smiling — Crayons and cake crumbs —
a little joy, right at the fingertips

Best man and his girlfriend smiling together at the wedding reception — Bright smiles in red —
caught mid-happiness

Father of the bride talking with friends at the reception — A storyteller among friends —
his warmth filling the room

Best man gently holds mother of the bride’s hand as he begins his speech — A touch before the teasing —
moments that say more than words

Best man playfully points at the bride’s mother during his speech — Laughter sparked with just a glance —
the playful charm of a good speech

Close-up of the bride’s mother and best man smiling at each other — Smiles exchanged,
caught in the ease of the moment

The groom laughing during the best man’s speech — Unfiltered joy —
laughter that fills the room and the frame

Groom folds his arms and smiles as the bride looks cautiously amused — Crossed arms and raised eyebrows —
the suspense of what’s next

Bride’s mum laughing openly during speeches — No holding back —
just real joy on a Yorkshire wedding day

Family members cuddling the groom’s son outside the venue — Arms full of little joy —
held close as stories are shared

The groom grins with his eyes closed, caught mid-laughter — Eyes closed, grin wide —
when you can’t help but feel it

Father of the bride stands to begin his speech at the top table — A father’s words begin to unfold —
heartfelt stories from a Leeds wedding day

Father of the bride speaking warmly during his wedding speech — His voice steady,
his words met with knowing smiles

Close-up of the father of the bride smiling with pride — A proud father’s face —
years of love in a single glanc

Father of the bride raises a toast to the couple — A raised glass,
a blessing wrapped in sparkle and silence

Bride Lowri looking up at her father during his speech — Looking up, listening close —
a quiet daughter-father moment

Groom Tim begins his wedding speech at the top table — Tim begins with a smile —
steady words and full heart

Lowri gently touches Tim’s arm during his speech — No words needed —
just the soft comfort of a touch

Lowri hugs Tim after his speech — The kiss that follows a heartfelt speech —
a pause in time

Lowri kisses Tim after his speech — Held tight in the middle of celebration —
this is love, unscripted

Best man using expressive gestures as he begins his speech — Hands in motion,
his words already drawing smiles

Lowri laughs and Tim covers his mouth, amused — Real laughter,
from a best man who knows too much

Best man mid-speech, laughing as he shares a story — The laughter rolls on —
one more tale, perfectly timed in Leeds wedding sunshine

Bride and groom applauding during the best man’s speech — Applause from the top table —
a warm close to stories shared in West Yorkshire

Groom holding back emotion while Lowri remains calm beside him — Tim blinks back the feeling —
Lowri steady beside him, grounding it all

Lowri gazes at Tim with gentle empathy during the speeches — That look only love understands —
quiet empathy in a crowded room

Best man raising a glass beside his girlfriend during the toast — A toast raised with pride and laughter,
two voices sharing one moment

Bride and groom kiss at the top table — A kiss caught between toasts and stories —
one more memory to keep

Groom Tim hugging the best man warmly after the speech — A hug between old friends —
years behind them, joy ahead

Lowri speaking with the best man while others smile around them — Laughter spills across the floor —
stories exchanged in West Yorkshire light

Lowri with her head in her hands mid-laughter at a lively table chat — Too funny to stay composed —
moments that only happen off-script

daughter and her father sitting quietly together on a window ledge — Framed in soft light —
a rare stillness shared between father and daughter

Golden Hour Wedding Photos Full of Personality

As the July sunshine softened into early evening, guests relaxed even more — and that’s when some of the best moments happen. Everyone felt comfortable around me, and it really shows in the photos. Real personalities, real memories.

I caught the bride’s father casually removing his cravat — a moment you can’t plan. I kept capturing the story as it unfolded, blending natural moments with a few relaxed group opportunities when the time felt right. It’s this balance of timing, instinct, and being a dedicated pro that helps tell the full story without interrupting the flow of the day.

Guests gathered in the golden evening light for relaxed, candid photos — Golden hour brings easy smiles —
moments that weren’t planned, but stay forever

Bride’s brother, mum and a close friend standing together outside — A quiet trio, rich in history —
family faces framed by evening light

The same three giving a playful thumbs up to the camera — Thumbs up and hearts full —
the relaxed joy of a Yorkshire evening

Father of the bride taking off his cravat to unwind after speeches — The cravat comes off —
formality fades, the warmth remains

Wedding guests mingling in the warm evening light — Breezes, chatter, and relaxed glances —
the celebration drifts into evening

Guests chatting near The Spread Eagle Inn with hog roast cooking in the background — Laughter rises beside the old inn —
and something delicious in the air

Black and white photo of the couple’s son, looking thoughtful — A quiet moment in monochrome —
childhood caught softly in the lens

Guests chatting with the bride outside The Spread Eagle — The bride weaves through the crowd —
evening settling around her smile

Lowri and a close friend laughing together outdoors — Unscripted laughter, shared glances —
the kind you carry long after the dress is packed away

A relaxed group photo outdoors, dappled light playing across smiles — No posing, just sunshine and connection —
a moment shared beneath the trees

The bride chatting with guests in the golden evening light — Warm words and glowing faces —
the kind of moments that make a day linger

A group of wedding guests gather for an unplanned photo — An off-the-cuff snapshot, full of personality —
friends caught just as they are

A guest makes a cheeky gesture, laughter from his girlfriend — A spark of mischief —
and the laughter it leaves behind

Laughter from the group following a playful moment — The kind of joy you can’t fake —
just good humour and sunshine

Lowri holds her sleepy son in her arms, a quiet moment together — A mother’s arms, the calm after celebration —
the soft close of a long, beautiful day

Lowri smiling as she cuddles her young son near the end of the day — Still smiling, still glowing —
this love runs even deeper

The couple gathered inside with friends and their children — Laughter echoes inside, children underfoot —
the rhythm of real life and love

Lowri and Tim assembling their tiered cheese cake together — No icing needed —
just layers of flavour and fun, built together

Tiered wedding cheese cake beside a beautiful old leaded window — Yorkshire cheese, golden light —
a wedding touch both rustic and elegant

Lowri and Tim kiss while cutting their cheese wedding cake — A kiss, a clink, and a shared slice —
marriage cut with a smile

Close-up of the cheese wedding cake — Creamy layers, tied with love —
as unique and brilliant as the day itself

Guests gathered outside The Spread Eagle pub in evening light — Laughter lingers as the sun dips —
the evening stretches out in stories and smiles

Black and white photo of Grandpa holding the couple’s young so — A timeless embrace —
three generations, quietly held in light

What a beautiful day this was to be part of. Lowri and Tim’s relaxed celebration in such a unique setting was filled with love, laughter, and so many heartfelt moments. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or something a little closer to home, I bring the same calm approach and documentary style to every couple’s day.

For more timeless ceremonies in and around Leeds, take a look at my Leeds wedding gallery collection.

This wedding is part of my 2008–2010 archive of early wedding photography

📍 Wedding Locations — Temple of Apollo & Stourton Memorial Hall, West Yorkshire

Lowri & Tim were married in the unique and beautiful setting of the Temple of Apollo in the Stourton Estate, surrounded by woodland and open sky. Later, they celebrated with friends and family at Stourton Memorial Hall, a warm, welcoming space full of character.

Two meaningful venues, full of West Yorkshire charm — and the perfect backdrop for natural, documentary-style wedding photography.

Lowri & Tim’s Wedding — Temple of Apollo Ceremony & Memorial Hall Reception