West Auckland Manor House Hotel is a gem nestled in the heart of County Durham, a stunning venue with a history that spans centuries. Recently refurbished, this beautiful manor now boasts elegant modern touches while preserving its historic charm. It’s the perfect spot for any wedding, offering both grandeur and intimacy. When I was booked to capture the special day of Riese and Josh, I knew this would be a memorable celebration.

On the morning of the wedding, I arrived early to capture the excitement and nerves that are always present before the ceremony. My first stop was Riese's room, where he was getting ready with his mum, aunty, cousin, and his sister Georgia. The atmosphere was buzzing with a mix of anticipation and emotion. Reise, understandably, seemed a little nervous at first. I could see the deep care he had for the day ahead, but as the preparations unfolded and everyone started cracking jokes, his nerves softened. I took a few shots that captured these tender moments—Riese surrounded by the warmth of family, adjusting his suit, and sharing smiles with his mum.

As the moments passed, the mood lifted, and it was clear that Riese was beginning to embrace the day fully. I took some candid shots of the family helping with his finishing touches, and then we gathered for some formal photos of the wedding party. There was a beautiful energy in the room, one of pride and excitement for what was about to unfold.

Josh and his party arrived promptly at noon. They were ushered into one of the manor’s magnificent reception rooms overlooking the main hall, a perfect backdrop for their entrance. The contrast between the old-world charm of the hotel and the contemporary joy of a same-sex wedding gave the space a unique atmosphere. I could see that Josh’s group, too, was brimming with excitement. As they settled into the space, I captured those early moments—excited chatter, exchanging glances, and heartfelt laughter. It’s these candid details that I love to capture, the ones that speak to the authenticity of the day.

The ceremony itself took place in one of the grand, tastefully refurbished rooms that made full use of the hotel's historic charm. Registrars Stuart and Barbara were at the helm, ensuring the ceremony was both relaxed and heartfelt. The ceremony was emotional from start to finish, with moments of laughter mingling seamlessly with tears. Both Riese and Josh were clearly in awe of the moment as they exchanged vows, and I made sure to capture the expressions on their faces as they stood hand-in-hand, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

One of the highlights for me as a photographer was capturing those fleeting, emotional glances between the two grooms, the smiles that held so much meaning, and the joyful tears from their loved ones. It was clear that everyone in the room was fully present, sharing in the joy and love that Riese and Josh so evidently have for one another.

After the ceremony, it was time for the confetti run—a moment that turned out to be as joyful as it was chaotic! Every guest was handed a confetti cannon, and when the two grooms emerged as newlyweds, they were showered in a spectacular explosion of colour. I had positioned myself to catch the moment from multiple angles, and the photos turned out beautifully, with confetti swirling through the air. There was so much love and happiness in that moment, and it was an absolute pleasure to capture it.

As the day unfolded, the celebration moved into the reception, where more laughter followed. The room, beautifully decorated with elegant floral arrangements and soft lighting, provided the perfect atmosphere for an intimate yet joyous gathering. Guests mingled, shared stories, and celebrated the union of two wonderful people. The large hall, with its high ceilings and classic features, allowed the party to feel grand without losing that personal touch.

The evening celebration was a shift from the formalities of the day. As the sun set, more guests began to arrive, filling the large reception hall with an easy, informal vibe. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, with everyone eager to let loose and enjoy the night. There was dancing, laughter, and joyful conversation, and I made sure to capture the energy in my photographs. It’s these candid moments—the spontaneous dance moves, the quiet chats between friends—that tell the real story of a wedding day. The large hall, now brimming with life, was the perfect setting for the evening’s festivities.

One thing that struck me was how well the venue catered to both the daytime and nighttime events. West Auckland Manor House Hotel is truly a hidden gem, and its recent refurbishment has turned it into one of County Durham’s finest wedding venues. The combination of its history, elegance, and modern touches made it an absolute pleasure to photograph there. Every corner seemed to offer another opportunity for a beautiful shot, from the grand staircase to the gardens outside.

By 8 pm, it was time for me to wrap up my coverage of the day. As I packed away my gear, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a special day it had been. Riese and Josh’s wedding was filled with love, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Being able to capture their journey, from the nervousness of the morning to the joy of the evening, was an absolute honour. It’s days like this that remind me why I love what I do—being a part of a couple’s story and ensuring their memories are preserved forever.

West Auckland Manor House Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for Riese and Josh’s Day, and I’m sure it will be a cherished memory for everyone who attended. As I drove away, the memories of the day lingered with me. Riese and Josh’s wedding had been a perfect blend of emotion, joy, and celebration, set against the backdrop of this beautifully restored historic venue. The day started with nerves and anticipation but ended with laughter, love, and a room full of dancing, happy guests. It was everything a wedding should be, and I was privileged to be the one capturing it all.

What stood out the most for me was the unique energy between Riese and Josh. Throughout the day, from the quiet moments before the ceremony to the joyous celebration that followed, their love for each other was palpable. Whether they were wiping away each other’s tears during the vows or sharing a laugh with friends, there was a deep connection that was impossible to miss. It made photographing their day feel effortless because the emotions were so genuine and the love so real.

The staff at West Auckland Manor House Hotel also deserve a mention for their flawless execution of the day. The venue’s recent refurbishment has really brought out its charm, blending its rich history with a fresh, modern touch. Every room, from the grand reception hall to the smaller, more intimate spaces, provided the perfect setting for each part of the day. The attention to detail was impeccable, and the team’s professionalism ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish. It’s a venue I’d highly recommend for any couple looking for a blend of history, elegance, and warmth.

Looking back I knew this would be a wedding to remember. It wasn’t just about the stunning venue or the beautiful décor—it was about the people. The love shared by Riese and Josh, and the warmth and support from their families and friends, made the day what it was. Being part of their journey and capturing their most cherished moments was an absolute honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been chosen to document such a special occasion.

West Auckland Manor House Hotel was the perfect backdrop for this incredible day, and I’ll look forward to returning there for future weddings. But for now, I’ll carry the warmth and love of Riese and Josh’s celebration with me, a reminder of why I love doing what I do—capturing love stories that are as timeless as the venues they unfold in.