The Principle Hotel York Wedding
Another new wedding venue to shoot for us! When we first had the enquiry for The Principle in York, we saw the interior and we fell in love. Since a visit a few years ago, I had wanted to photograph the famous York train station, and it just so happened this was attached to the venue – we couldn’t wait!
On the wedding morning we joined Jacki in the bridal suite to catch her preparations with her mum and bridesmaids. We love to keep things casual at this point, often blending into the background while the makeup artist and hair stylist get the girls ready. Meanwhile, the groom was captured downstairs dressed and ready for the day, and greeting guests. Jacki gifted Stewart a personalised pin badge in memory of his mum, which was a nice little touch. Just before the ceremony, the Bride’s Dad came into the room to see his daughter ready for her wedding day. It was a poignant moment! He gave her a massive hug and words of encouragement, then walked her down the aisle to her husband-to-be.
The ceremony was lovely and intimate, with readings just emotional enough to tip a few people over the edge. Luckily bridesmaid Fiona came prepared with tissues!! The ceremony was rounded off nicely with a confetti shower for the newlyweds from their excited guests as they made their exit.
As always with winter weddings, the light can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there isn’t a great deal of time for outdoor portraits. On the other, if it’s not cloudy and we can catch that low winter sun at the right time (for this November wedding that meant 3.30pm) then we can get some amazing golden hour light!! The sunset we got for the couple here lit the train station up – it was gorgeous. The trains and some of the train station features also made some awesome backdrops for us, and something very unique when it comes to wedding photography.
Back at the hotel and it was time for the wedding breakfast and speeches. I love capturing the speakers and the reactions during these heartfelt moments. They create some awesome memories, and as a photographer, it’s amazing to be invited to capture these.
As wedding favours the Bride and Groom gave out Cancer Research pins to the guests in memory of Stewarts mum- myself, assistant photographer Wayne, and videographers Josh and Jake of Sky Weddings were also given pin badges to wear on the day. It was lovely to be included with the family and friends to honour someone so special to our couple.
The incredible Blue Lion Band introduced the evening with the first dance, and played the guests right into the night. This part of the night is where the friends and family really let loose, and give us photographers some amazing candid shots!
Thank you Jacki and Stewart for an amazing day! We’re so glad that we got to capture it for you! Congratulations!
Suppliers
Venue:
The Principal York
Dress:
Ronald Joyce
Suits:
Next
Bridesmaids Dress:
Susan Craig Bridalwear, Chorley
Makeup:
Makeup by Steffi
Hair:
Emily Josephs
Flowers:
Dutch Nurseries
Ambience York
Blue Lion Band
Debbie Gillespie
Sky Weddings
Neil Bradley-Smith
