A pilgramage

Oh, an old friend is the Gilsland Spa and where I shot one of my first weddings so going back is always a treat. Jayne is one of the most down to earth people that I have ever met. She is a farm girl through and through but is training in midwifery under the guidance of my auntie Christine (small world Cumbria) who works at the Cumberland Infirmary. Gary is a busy man and I hadn’t actually met him until the wedding day itself, but was just as lovely as Jayne. Nice doing nice weddings for nice people.

I started photographing at the farm where Jayne grew up in Alston, after a quick stop off to catch everyone at the hairdressers, TLC in the middle of town.

Wedding photographers in Alston
I loved the sign in this image and it was really too much to resist a shot with it.
Summer wedding in Alston, Cumbria
Back at the farm it was makeup central and that gave me time to have a little mess around.

I wanted to photograph something that was relevant to Jayne and her links to the farm, so after the wedding I set about creating a sort of collage for her of the buildings and familiar places around the farm. One of these locations was to prove decisive and another was to pop up whilst Jayne and I went for a quick wander.

Wedding photographers in the Alston region, pennine.
This was a series of images taken as I looked for locations for photographs around the farm. Looking back later on I saw them as a little body of work in themselves.
Wedding dress images from Cumbria
This image was a little soft as it was shot on an f2 Lensbaby with no manipulation but I loved the look on the girls faces behind and Jayne had such a great smile.
location bridal portraits pre-wedding
We went for a wander around the farm and I loved photographing here. There was so much to do and I felt that I didn’t have enough time, so went for the best angles and lots of variation.

 

Farm girl bridal portrait.
I will agree that this may look a little risky but I assure that Jayne was quite far away from the hungry sheep and It really was too good to pass up. I adore this image. Definitely one to show the grandkids and say Hey! I took that.
weddings-in-alston-cumbria-international
Like I said, lots of angles and variations on the images so we could really make the most of each location that we selected.
Wedding-photographers-for-gilsland-spa-recomended
At the Gilsland Spa, guests had started arriving for the civil ceremony in the beautiful orangery.

After the rather lairy drive down from Alston to Gilsland I set about photographing the guests who were milling about and taking their seats in the Orangery. I think that this is an awesome addition to the Gilsland Spa and a great alternative to the older ballroom. Weddings here are now a real pleasure. I think one on a stormy day in there would be very dramatic as there are views right across the valley from inside.

bride arriving at a venue near brampton and greenhead, cumbria.
Jayne arrived at the venue in bright sunshine and I spotted this out of the corner of my eye.
Wedding photography at the gilsland spa and reccomended photographers.
Shooting from a side entrance means that I can go from front to back of the room at the Gilsland Spa without disturbing the ceremony. This is only usually possible in big churches.
Gilsland spa group shots
Don’t usually post group shots on my blog but with great cover from the trees and also the view to the valley behind and Gilsland, I found a recipe for some great groups.
wedding images of the Gilsland spa in greenhead and gilsland.
Love shots of kids at weddings. This low tree branch obviously prooved too tempting.
The front of the wedding images from the Gilsland spa
The front of the Gilsland Spa is like a massive windowed wall. Strangely I love the way all of the gutters and drainpipes intertwine….. Takes all sorts.
great wedding photographers who work internationally
Love this hotel. Having a photogenic bride and groom really helps too. What a great couple.
not local wedding photographers in Cumbria.
I was always going to get arty at some point. At least I didn’t use a Polaroid… I did think about it though.
setting sun wedding images
Knowing that the sun would set whilst everyone was in for the meal, I decided to take 5 mins out with Jayne and do a sunflared image. Time stands still in all photographs but this is one I remember taking like it was yesterday. The flare was so bright I couldn’t even see the image on the back of the camera.
Smiling bride in Cumbria
Jaynes brother and sister were there to lend a hand when I needed a smile.

Not all of my favourite venues and locations are in the Lakes and Gilsland Spa can hold its head high amongs some of the best Lake District Hotels. This is due to its incredible location and beautiful renovations which have made shooting there a pleasure. Jayne and Gary were really charming on their wedding day, after some emotional and heartfelt speeches, everyone retired to freshen up and I siezed the opportunity for one last image. I like to finish posts on an image!

Wedding photographers in the autumn in Cumbria.
I love the Britishness of this image and the flow of Jaynes veil and dress in the breeze. Thanks both for a great day and being up for crazy ideas involving hungry sheep and beautiful delicate wedding dresses. Next time you are shearing one of them!