https://haltongrove.co.uk/

@haltongroveweddings

When Flossie and Graham tied the knot, it was nothing short of magical. Their wedding took place at Halton Grove, a stunning new venue nestled in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, near Hexham. As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture many beautiful weddings, but Halton Grove stood out for its charm, elegance, and picture-perfect setting. This venue has quickly become one of the most sought-after locations for weddings in the region, and it’s easy to see why.

A Hidden Gem in Northumberland

Halton Grove, though a new wedding venue, already has the feeling of a place with deep roots. The venue offers a serene countryside escape, combining rustic charm with modern elegance. Its beautifully restored cottages provided the perfect space for the bride, groom, and their respective parties to relax and prepare for the big day. As I walked around the grounds before the wedding, I couldn’t help but notice the attention to detail that had gone into every aspect of the venue—from the manicured gardens to the carefully chosen interior furnishings. The venue balances intimacy with grandeur, making it the ideal spot for weddings of any size.

The Perfect Start to the Day

The day started in the charming cottages, where Flossie, her bridesmaids, and close family stayed the night before. These cottages are not only gorgeous but also incredibly convenient for wedding prep. As a photographer, it’s always a pleasure to capture bridal prep in such a relaxed and beautiful environment. The atmosphere was lively yet peaceful, a perfect balance of fun and relaxation as Flossie and her bridal party laughed and shared stories while getting their hair and makeup done.

The bridesmaids, all wearing matching pyjamas, looked fabulous, and there was a tangible buzz in the air as Flossie prepared to reveal her dress. The moment she revealed her gown, the room fell silent. She looked absolutely stunning, a moment that was truly magical to photograph. There’s always something special about that first reveal, and Flossie’s radiance made it all the more memorable.

On the other side of Halton Grove, Graham and his groomsmen were also getting ready. The relaxed vibe extended over there as well, with jokes, beers, some last-minute suit adjustments and a crocodile!?! The proximity of the cottages made it easy to hop between the bride and groom, ensuring I captured all the moments as they unfolded.

The Ceremony: Love, Laughter, and Emotion

Flossie and Graham’s ceremony took place in Halton Grove’s quaint little ceremony room, which was filled with an intimate group of their closest family and friends. The room, with its charming décor made for a beautiful setting.

The ceremony was a heartfelt mixture of love, emotion, and humour. I’ve been to many weddings, but the readings by Gemma and Amy, two of Flossie’s closest friends, were particularly memorable. They brought a perfect blend of sentimentality and light-heartedness that had everyone either tearing up or laughing out loud. It’s moments like these that make each wedding unique, and capturing these emotions on camera is always a joy.

As they exchanged vows, the love between Flossie and Graham was palpable. The joy and emotion in the room were contagious, and it was one of those ceremonies where everyone felt truly present. The low amber light made every photograph glow with warmth and love.

The Confetti Run: A Burst of Colour and Fun

After the ceremony, we stepped outside for the confetti run—and what confetti run it was! I’ve photographed many confetti moments, but this one was something else. There was so much confetti that it felt like a colourful explosion of celebration. Flossie and Graham were showered in petals as they walked hand-in-hand, laughing and smiling. It was a moment of pure joy, and I was right there in the midst of it, capturing every laugh, every kiss, and every confetti-filled moment.

Canapés, Drinks, and Quirky Fun in the Garden

Once the confetti had settled, guests were treated to canapés and drinks in the garden, where Halton Grove’s quirky potting shed had been transformed into a bar. This little detail was a huge hit with the guests—there’s something undeniably charming about sipping a cocktail in a garden while a potting shed bar serves you. It’s these kinds of touches that make Halton Grove stand out from other venues. The garden itself was the perfect place for guests to mingle, enjoy the late afternoon sun, and celebrate the newlyweds.

Guests were treated to the incredible music of the talented singer and guitarist Joe Miller . His live performance added a perfect layer of ambiance to the garden party, with soft, melodic tunes that complemented the relaxed yet celebratory mood. Joe’s acoustic renditions provided the ideal soundtrack for guests as they mingled, sipped cocktails from the quirky potting shed bar, and enjoyed the beautiful Northumberland countryside. His presence added a personal and intimate touch to the day, making the canapés moment even more memorable.

www.facebook.com/JoeMillerAcoustic

Formal Photos and Speeches

After some time to relax, it was time for the formal group photos. These can sometimes be a bit tricky to organize, but at Halton Grove, everything went smoothly. The stunning backdrop of the countryside made for beautiful group shots, and the cooperative bridal party made my job a breeze.

Following the photos, we moved into the grand Wedding Breakfast room, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This room is truly breathtaking. The natural light that fills the space during the day gives way to a more intimate, cozy feel as evening approaches, making it perfect for both the meal and the speeches that followed.

The speeches were, as expected, a highlight of the day. Simon, the bride’s dad, gave a heartfelt speech that had everyone tearing up. Graham’s speech was filled with love and gratitude, while the two best men, Chris and Chris, had everyone in stitches with their stories about the groom. There’s something about a well-delivered speech that adds so much to the atmosphere of the day, and this wedding had some of the best I’ve heard.

A Delicious Feast

The meal itself was nothing short of amazing. The starter was a ham hock terrine, followed by a mouthwatering steak and vegetable main, and finished with a decadent chocolate brownie for dessert. As a photographer, I get to witness many meals, but this one was truly exceptional. Every dish was beautifully presented, and from the reaction of the guests, it was clear that the food was a major hit.

Portraits and Champagne Showers

After the meal, it was time for some more intimate Bride and Groom portraits around the grounds of Halton Grove. The golden hour light was perfect, and Flossie and Graham were a dream to work with. Their love for each other shone through in every photo, and the grounds provided endless opportunities for stunning shots. From the rolling fields to the charming stone walls, every corner of Halton Grove is photogenic.

Then came one of the most fun parts of the day: the champagne shower. As expected, I got absolutely drenched, but it was worth it for the incredible shots I captured. The sheer joy and excitement on Flossie and Graham’s faces made it all worth it, and it’s one of those moments that I’ll always remember.

The Party Begins: Cake Cutting and First Dance

The day was drawing to a close, but not before the traditional cake cutting and the first dance. The ceremony room had been transformed into a party room, and it was here that Flossie and Graham had their first dance as a married couple. There’s something intimate about the first dance, and this one was no exception. As they swayed together, surrounded by their loved ones, it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Working with Megan, the Wedding Digital Media Creator

Lastly, I can’t finish without giving a shoutout to Megan, the wedding digital media creator I had the pleasure of working alongside. She was amazing throughout the day, capturing video footage while seamlessly coordinating with me to ensure we got every important moment. Megan was a true professional, and I hope to work with her more in the future—her talent and dedication were clear from the start.

@loveunfiltered

https://www.instagram.com/loveunfiltered_content?igsh=aHRsaHRsOWFhODJn&utm_source=qr

Conclusion: A Day to Remember

As I left Halton Grove, soaked but incredibly happy, I reflected on what a fantastic day it had been. Flossie and Graham’s wedding was filled with love, laughter, and joy, and Halton Grove provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. It’s a venue I’d highly recommend to any couple looking for a picturesque, elegant, and memorable setting for their wedding.