Jean & Darren’s Springtime Story: A Wedding, The Moors, and a Very Excited Photographer
A beautiful Curlew on the moors above Stanhope
In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be photographing the wedding of Jean and Darren—and yes, it’s happening at my absolute favourite venue, The Story in Durham. Now, if you know me at all (and if you follow my work, you probably do), you’ll know how much I love shooting weddings at The Story. It’s one of those rare venues that combines elegance, charm, and architectural beauty in one pristine package.
But as much as I adore The Story, it’s not the part of Jean and Darren’s wedding that has me practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.
For their official portraits, we’re not staying in the city.
We’re heading to the moors.
Yes, the moors. As in the breathtaking, windswept, springtime splendour of the hills above Stanhope in Weardale—right in the heart of the Durham Dales. You know, heather, curlews, skylarks, and all that glorious big-sky drama.
For a nature lover and bird photographer like me, this is the dream.
The Story Starts at The Story
First things first, Jean and Darren are tying the knot at the wonderful Story venue in Durham. It’s quickly become one of the North East’s most loved registry offices—and for good reason. Beautiful rooms with neutral, elegant decor, a dramatic staircase that photographs like something from a stately home, and the warm professionalism of the staff make every ceremony feel personal and special. I’ve photographed many weddings there now, and each one still brings something new.
But this one is different. After the emotional vows, joyful confetti, and some group photos on those famous steps, we’re jumping in the car and heading out into the countryside.
Because Jean and Darren? They’re outdoorsy. They’re in love with the wild. And they’ve chosen to mark their wedding day with a photoshoot among the moorland hills, where nature is the backdrop and the springtime wind will likely be in our hair (and their veil).
I. Can’t. Wait.
Nature Meets Romance: The Magic of the Moors
The North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is just a stone’s throw from Stanhope, and it’s one of the most peaceful, unspoiled parts of the UK. When you climb above the village and look out over the rolling moorland, it’s hard to believe that Durham is only a 45-minute drive away.
In spring, the moors start to shake off winter. Early wildflowers peek through the grasses, cotton-grass starts swaying in the breeze, and if you’re lucky, you might hear the bubbling call of a curlew or the descending trill of a skylark.
Jean and Darren’s photoshoot will take place in this magical landscape, just as the seasons change and the hills begin to blush with life again.
There’s something incredibly symbolic about that, isn’t there? A new marriage, a new season, and the vast, wild beauty of nature unfolding around them.
Why I’m So Excited (In Case You Couldn’t Tell)
You see, I’m not just a wedding photographer. I’m a bird and nature photographer too. I run a little side project selling bird prints (shameless plug, sorry not sorry), and some of my happiest days are spent outdoors with my camera, photographing red kites in flight or watching the light dance on a still lake.
So to combine both my passions—wedding photography and wild landscapes—feels like being handed a golden ticket.
Most wedding days involve navigating unpredictable lighting, busy venues, tight timelines, and often a lot of people. I love that challenge. But this shoot? This shoot is pure creative freedom. The moors offer open space, shifting skies, and endless opportunities for something poetic, cinematic, and totally unique.
A Bit of Fun: Five Fascinating Moors Facts
To keep this blog fun, and because I can’t help myself, here are five little facts about the moorland that Jean and Darren will be standing on in their wedding finery:
Home to Rarest Birds – The North Pennines moors are one of the few places in England where you can still find black grouse, a beautiful and rare bird that does a dramatic “lek” (mating dance) in spring.
Blanket Bogs – These uplands contain some of Europe’s most important peat bogs, which are not only unique habitats but also vital carbon sinks—helping to combat climate change.
Stone Circles and History – The hills above Stanhope are full of archaeological interest. Some stone structures date back to the Bronze Age, making the land steeped in ancient human stories.
It’s a Dark Sky Zone – The Durham Dales are designated Dark Sky areas. On a clear night, the stargazing is phenomenal (though I don’t think we’ll be there that late after the wedding!).
Wind-Swept Drama – The wind across the moors may be brisk, but it creates wonderful movement in photos—dresses, hair, grass, veils, even the occasional hat getting carried off down the hill!
Planning the Shoot: What’s Coming With Me
For this special shoot, I’ll be packing my usual gear—two camera bodies, fast primes for that delicious bokeh, and a versatile zoom for wider landscape frames—but I’ll also be throwing in a few extras.
A warm blanket for the couple (because spring on the moors is no joke).
A change of shoes for Jean (heels and heather don’t mix).
Snacks and water (because adrenaline and fresh air are dehydrating).
And maybe, just maybe, my long lens in case a curious curlew or lapwing pops by to photobomb.
The Final Frame
Jean and Darren’s wedding is shaping up to be something truly special. A blend of modern romance in one of Durham’s most loved venues, followed by a windswept adventure in one of the UK’s wildest and most beautiful places.
I’m grateful they’ve trusted me to capture it. I’m grateful to do what I love, where I love. And I really can’t wait to share some of the images after the day.
So here’s to Jean and Darren, to spring, to love, to wild places—and to the kind of wedding that fills both your heart and your lungs.
Stay tuned.
