Sophie and Tom married at Rudding Park in July 2021, one of the first weddings after the covid rules were lifted, and weddings of more than 30 people were allowed to go ahead – with no requirement for face masks indoors – hurrah! The timing was perfect for this happy couple!
Everything in one place
Rudding Park is a privately owned luxury hotel on the outskirts of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. With an impressive 90 bedrooms and suites, a luxury spa, two restaurants, a kitchen garden, private cinema and two golf courses all set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park really is the most beautiful hotel in Harrogate.
The beauty of the hotel being so large was that both Bride and Groom were able to get ready on site, without risking bumping into one another.
Sophie wore an Essence of Australia Dress, chosen from Limelight Occasions. Her bridesmaid wore a blush pink gown and Tom and his two best men wore suits from Moss Bros.
The Ceremony
Sophie and Tom decided to have their ceremony in the beautiful chapel in the hotel grounds. The legal ceremony had taken place the day before, and their bespoke and emotional ceremony was led by Father Ian.
Tonnes of opportunities for candid photographs and facial expressions – two of my very favourite things.
The confetti throw
Confetti canons were the weapon of choice on this occasion. I love a confetti throw for many reasons – they make great photographs and the range of facial expressions / force at which the confetti is thrown is always very documentable.
If you’re unsure where to buy your confetti from I’d highly recommend Proper Confetti – they have an enormous range of fully biodegradable paper or dried flower confetti.
And in case you wanted my opinion, more is definitely more where confetti is concerned – don’t scrimp!
The details
Blush and Bloom event styling were in charge of making the room look beautiful, and what a stunning job they did! Continuing the theme of delicate pastel tones and the prettiest styling.
The cake was by the talented Folia Cake Designs with the most intricate, handcrafted sugar flowers!
Speeeeeech!
Continuing with the theme of loads of emotion, hugs and love, both Dads and the Groom made lots of people cry. And then the two best men brought it home with lots of Rugby themed jokes.
The night do!
Sophie & Tom opted to not have a separate evening do, so their first dance was fairly early in the evening. This did not stop the dancefloor going OFF! This was one of my first experiences of a packed dancefloor in a very long time (thanks, covid) and the candid photographic opportunities just kept coming. Music was provided by Event Music Co – including a fabulous saxophonist.
Who’s next?
The evening ended with one of the most competitive bouquet throws ever witnessed. The pics of the lucky winner look laced with emotion, but actually I think she might have just been whacked in the nose!
Videographer
To Have and to Hold wedding films was filming alongside me all day too. Ash specialises in creating cinematic wedding videos.
Love what you see?
Contact me to discuss your own wedding photography. Dates are very limited for 2022 and the 2023 diary is now open.
