Flooded with light, with it's high ceilings and classic but elegant decor, stunning mature gardens and spacious marquee, it was a pleasure to be back at Middleton Hall for Sarah and Christian's wedding day.
Living in Dubai and working as a pilot and air stewardess for Ematates airline, all of our communications with these high flyers had had to be over the phone or by email. It was a joy however to get to know Sarah and her mum a few days before the wedding, sitting in our garden, the trees in full blossom on a beautiful day, drinking lots of tea and planning for the day ahead. The day arrived and with it, the chance to get to know them both as a couple. Dispite our not having had the opportunity to get to know one another properly and in person before the wedding, the four of us got on famously and Sarah and Christian were a joy to work with.
I started my day with Sarah and the girls in her bridal suite in the Royal County Marriott Hotel in Durham.
Sarah's wedding shoes by Rainbow hanging in the windows of the Royal County Marriott Hotel in Durham.
Sarah prepares for the wedding day ahead with her gorgeous Ian Stewart wedding gown hanging on the bed in the reflection of the mirror.
Sarah chose low heeled Rainbow wedding shoes and a beautiful combination of Peonie Roses and Gypsophila for her wedding bouquet.
Sarah looking stunning in her asymmetrical Ian Stewart wedding gown with large rose detail on the side.
Sarah wore a classic wedding veil complimenting the intricate detail of her wedding gown.
Nigel met Christian in the Honest Lawyer in Durham for a few last getting ready shots.
The ambient lighting in the Honest Lawyer pub and the extra space compared to a hotel room really helped Nigel to get some great shots of the lads getting ready.
The wedding ceremony took place in St Brandon's Church in Brancepeth, a few miles from Durham.
The groom waits patiently for his bride to arrive.
Sarah arrived in style to her wedding in St Brandon's church.
Despite the St Brandon's saxon origins and mediaeval structure, the interior is light, bright and modern.
They left the church to a shower of confetti from Sarah's bridesmaids.
The joy of the moment is so clear to see within their expressions.
Capturing a moment in time is what makes our job so special and rewarding. A split second of emotion caught to look back on over and over again.
Happy faces all around celebrate as they welcome the new Mr and Mrs Baker.
The bride and groom are whisked off to their wedding reception at Middleton Lodge.
Middleton Lodge is a gorgeous Georgian mansion set in 200 acres of open countryside, just a few miles from Scotch Corner.
The wisteria in full bloom covered the facade of the house an looked stunning.
Before disappearing inside to their bridal suite to prepare to be announced into their wedding reception, Sarah and Christian stop for a photograph.
Sarah and Christian asked us both to share a few quiet moments with them in their bridal suite to capture them both relaxing in the beautiful room.
The soft delicate light of the day gave us the opportunity to capture this beautiful image of Sarah standing in the window of the bridal suite in Middleton Hall
Wedding guests enjoyed drinks and canapés whilst being entertained by saxophonist Harry Mears.
Not long later, Sarah and Christian descend the winding staircase to join their wedding guests.
The soft pastel light of the day helped us to create for wonderfully romantic images of Sarah and Christian.
The wisteria in full bloom growing on the front facade of Middleton Lodge made for a gorgeous photograph opportunity.
The wedding breakfast was held in the spacious and light Marquee.
Sarah and Christian chose hessian and gypsophila table decorations and hessian chair sashes with cute carved wooden hearts. Their table names were based upon the county's that they have visited together and their menu's were created to look like an airline menu - Baker airlines.
One last portrait of our happy couple as the day turns into evening.
Sarah and Christian take to the dance floor for their first dance together as man and wife.
I love this shot, great light and great atmosphere. I love how the bride and groom have their own space with what could be a sky full of stars above them with their family and friends standing by watching and enjoying their first dance.
A family friend and wedding guest took to the mic and gave renditions of classic frank Sinatra songs as the guests danced the night away.
Middleton Lodge looking beautiful as the day turns to night, and the sky fills with a variety of pastel shades as the sun sets in the distance.
Thank you to you both for a wonderful day, it was a joy to get to know you both and we both wish you every happiness for the future.