A Joyful Wedding Day: Capturing Francesca and Chris at The Story, Mount Oswald, Durham

As a wedding photographer, each celebration I capture is unique, and the wedding of Francesca and Chris was no exception. The day was filled with laughter, love, and some unexpected but delightful surprises that made their day truly unforgettable. Having the privilege of being part of such a special day is always an honour, but this particular wedding at The Story, Mount Oswald, Durham, followed by a reception at The Sheraton Lounge in Newton Aycliffe’s Big Club, was one for the books.

From the moment I arrived at the venue, I knew it was going to be a day full of character and charm. The Story, nestled within the stunning grounds of Mount Oswald, provided the perfect backdrop for what was to come—a day filled with emotion, family, and a few unexpected twists.

The Groom's Grand Entrance

Now, I’ve seen many creative entrances in my time, but arriving at your wedding in a fire engine definitely takes the cake! Chris decided to make his arrival one to remember, and it certainly set the tone for the day. I was there to capture every moment—the beaming groom, the pride on the faces of his family and friends, and the laughter that followed as everyone gathered around the fire truck for a series of group shots.

The bright red of the engine against the elegant backdrop of Mount Oswald created some truly striking images. There was something about the juxtaposition of the formal attire with the fire engine that just worked—an unexpected blend of tradition and personality that reflected Chris’s fun-loving nature perfectly.

Francesca’s Stunning Entrance

While Chris’s entrance was all about the fun and the unexpected, Francesca’s arrival was the epitome of bridal elegance. She arrived right on time, a vision in white, her dress flowing as she stepped out of the car. The look on Chris’s face as he saw her for the first time was priceless—a mix of awe, love, and a few unshed tears. These are the moments I live for as a photographer, capturing the raw emotion that makes each wedding so unique.

Francesca’s beauty was only matched by the serenity of the setting. The Story’s elegant architecture and lush surroundings framed her perfectly as she made her way to the entrance, her bouquet in hand, a picture of bridal perfection. Her three children looked adorable and clearly excited to be part of such a big day.

The Ceremony: A Family Affair

The ceremony itself was everything you’d expect from a wedding at The Story—intimate, emotional, and filled with love. Francesca and Chris exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends, the room filled with warmth and the kind of joy that only comes from being surrounded by loved ones.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was undoubtedly the presence of their three children. Lily, Jake, and Oliver didn’t just attend their parents’ wedding; they were very much a part of it. From welcoming their mum to offering up the rings during the ceremony, these three stole the show more than once.

I always find something particularly moving about weddings that involve children. There’s a certain innocence and honesty in the way kids react to the day’s events, and Lily, Jake, and Oliver were no exception. They brought a sense of fun and spontaneity to the ceremony, and their presence added another layer of emotion to an already beautiful day.

Group Photographs: Capturing the Joy

After the ceremony, we moved outside for the group photographs. The weather was perfect—not too hot, not too cold, and with just the right amount of cloud cover to create ideal lighting conditions. As we gathered everyone together, there was a palpable sense of excitement and happiness in the air. It’s in these moments, when the formalities of the ceremony have passed and everyone is starting to relax, that I find some of the best opportunities for candid photography.

Francesca and Chris’s families were a joy to work with, full of smiles and laughter as we arranged the various group shots. We started with the traditional family photos—parents, siblings, and extended family—before moving on to some more playful shots with friends and, of course, the fire engine. Chris couldn’t resist one last set of photos with the truck, this time with Francesca by his side. The contrast between the classic elegance of her wedding dress and the rugged fire engine made for some truly memorable images.

The Reception: A Rustic Celebration at The Sheraton Lounge

With the formal photos complete, it was time to head to The Sheraton Lounge in Newton Aycliffe’s Big Club for the reception. This small but charming venue provided a perfect contrast to the grandeur of The Story, with its rustic charm and cozy atmosphere. As soon as I walked in, I could see why Francesca and Chris had chosen this spot for their celebration.

The Sheraton Lounge was beautifully decorated, with a warm, inviting ambiance that made everyone feel instantly at home. The wooden furniture, soft lighting, and carefully chosen décor created a rustic yet elegant vibe that perfectly complemented the day’s earlier events.

As guests began to arrive, the drinks started flowing, and the atmosphere quickly became one of relaxed celebration. People were laughing, chatting, and enjoying the chance to unwind after the formalities of the day. I took the opportunity to move around the room, capturing candid shots of guests as they mingled, posed for photos, and shared in the joy of the occasion.

A Family-Oriented Celebration

One of the things that stood out most to me throughout the day was the strong sense of family that permeated every aspect of the wedding. Francesca and Chris’s children were not just present; they were central to the celebration. Whether it was Lily proudly showing off her dance moves, and Oliver and Jake cheekily photo bombing people.

These moments of family connection were some of my favourites to capture. There’s something incredibly special about seeing families come together, and the bond between Francesca, Chris, and their children was evident in every interaction. The way they laughed together, supported each other, and shared in the joy of the day was truly heartwarming.

Reflections on a Perfect Day

From Chris’s grand entrance in a fire engine to the intimate ceremony at The Story, and the relaxed, rustic reception at The Sheraton Lounge, every part of the day was infused with the couple’s personality and love for each other and their family. It was an honour to be part of their wedding, and I’m thrilled with the images we were able to create together.

For those looking for a wedding venue that combines elegance with a touch of fun, The Story at Mount Oswald is a fantastic choice. It’s beautiful setting provides the perfect backdrop for both formal and candid photography, and the flexibility of the space allows for a truly personalized celebration. And if you’re planning a smaller, more intimate reception, The Sheraton Lounge in Newton Aycliffe’s Big Club offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that will make your guests feel right at home.

In the end, what made this day so special wasn’t just the venues, the décor, or even the stunning dress and the fire engine. It was the love between Francesca and Chris, the joy they shared with their children, and the laughter that echoed throughout the day. These are the moments that make a wedding truly unforgettable.