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.

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.

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.

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!