Slaley Hall - Sam and Shaun

For our last wedding of August last year we travelled to the beautiful Northumberland countryside and to elegant Slaley Hall for the wedding of Sam and Shaun.  They set the date and chose to tie the know almost exactly ten years to the day after they first became a couple - their stunning wedding cake was designed to feature these special dates alongside the date that they got engaged.   

The day was interchangeable. Sudden rain showers throughout the day attempted to disrupt the flow but a little forward planning meant that the weather didn't become too much of an issue.  The whiskey snug became a great choice for their family photographs and looked very stylish and the corridors with their mirrors and interesting lighting offered us an opportunity for some creative portraits.  Thankfully the rain came down in short bursts so we were also able to get back outside for a few more relaxed photographs of the two of them together.

Sam's beautiful updo was styled by super talented Lisa Cameron, her wedding shoes featuring a sixpence sunk into the insole of the shoe were from Charlotte Mills, and the bride also chose to personalise a pair converse for the evening.

Hannah and Paul - Slaley Hall

During the months leading up to Hannah and Paul's beautifully sunny wedding day last June we were given the opportunity to really get to know them both not just as one of our wedding couples but as friends.  Right from the start it was clear to see not only how much these two are in love, but also the strength of their friendship and commitment to one another.  We were so honoured to be involved and to witness this fantastic couple's union and I hope that we remain friends for a long time to come.  They initially got in touch with us after a recommendation from their videographers, Joined Heart Wedding videos (thanks guys!), a team of two, Richard and Peter who we have worked with many times over the years.  

I asked Hannah, how did you both meet and how did Paul propose?

"We met at The Plough in Killingworth. I worked there as a barmaid and Paul came in with his friends. He asked me out a few days later and we've been inseparable ever since. 
On Christmas Day, Paul gave me tickets for us to fly out to New York on January 2nd. We spent our first morning around Central Park and Paul got down on one knee and proposed next to the frozen lake by The Plaza Hotel."

The wedding day took place at Q Hotel's Slaley Hall, near Hexham in Northumberland.  In recent years colour trends have been more towards the neutral shades, sages, blush, taupes as well as purples.  It really made a refreshing change to see the room dressed in red and the colour suited the Slaley hall beautifully.

Nigel started the day with the lads as usual for a few getting ready shots.

Paul suits up and looks very smart for his Hannah.

Gypsophila and deep red rose boutonnieres for the boys.

Nigel found a great spot for a classic and very well lit portrait of Paul before the ceremony. 

I met with Hannah and the girls in the bridal suite for a few shots of their preparations and of course some creative detail shots.

Hannah's stunning seven stone diamond engagement ring set with tiny heart heart shaped claws.

Paul chose a beautiful bow pendant and chain from Tiffany's as a gift for his bride on their wedding day.

Hannah looks gorgeous in her classic a-line wedding gown from Whitley Bay based bridal boutique Truly Madly Deeply.

A deep red Rose and Lily shower bouquet was chosen for Hannah,

The nerves are starting to show for Paul, but Hannah doesn't make him wait too long.

Hannah's sister Robyn stands to give a reading during their wedding ceremony as they look out over the northumberland countryside.

I asked Hannah, What was the most memorable or your favorite part of your wedding day?

"For both of us it was being able to marry our best friend after a year and half of planning the wedding."

The weather was perfect, sunny but not scorching hot, warm, no wind and so straight after the ceremony they stepped outside to enjoy their drinks reception on the terrace.   

I always call these shots the meets and greets, but they are so much more than that, they are memories being made, words of love and congratulations from close friends and family, laughter and joy.  For us, shots like this are an essential part of the day and are a privilege to photograph.

A quick shot of everyone attending was follow by a few formals in the grounds.

A classic and traditional shot for our bride and groom, set up not only for us but also to intentionally give their family and friends the opportunity to capture a nice photograph of our couple before we headed off to the covered Japanese gardens. 

I had managed to get a key for one of Slaley Hall's golf buggies from the wedding co ordinator and had it hidden in my pocket throughout much of the drinks reception and so when the time came for the four of us to head down to the garden, the buggy was ready and waiting for Paul to drive his bride to have their photographs taken.  I gave him the key and Paul grinned like a kid in a very large toy shop!!

I asked Hannah, why was photography important to you and why did you choose 2tone Photography ?

"The photography was important to us because photographs of a wedding day capture something you can't repeat and they give you the memories for life. They make time stand still in a moment that you both never want to forget. We chose Nigel and Christina because we thought they would provide us with memories as well as unforgettable photographs and they certainly didn't disappoint. They made our day so special."

Working together for so long, Nigel and I really know how to work a scene creating a variety of shots in one place, each looking very different.

Together we move through the gardens.  The portrait session also gave Hannah and Paul a really great chance to spend a bit of quality time together before returning back to their wedding guests

I love this shot, a romantic oasis for our lovely couple.

The last shot of the session and we go ultra wide for a bit of a wow.

I asked Hannah what was the inspiration behind their wedding? 

"We wanted a classical wedding. We wanted a wedding that meant we could share our special day with all our family and friends."

Hannah and Paul chose a whopping six tier wedding cake trimmed with red ribbon, red sugar paste flowers and a beautiful iced white ribbon winding it's way down.  It was elegant and sophisticated and smelled incredible.

A few speech nerves for Dad perhaps?

I love this, a split moment in time caught, a little motion blur to show the movement - Hannah's parents high five as Dad declares that Hannah is no longer their responsibility!!

The evening reception in opening with the traditional cutting of the wedding cake.

The DJ, John Forbes was also hired to add mood lighting to the evening reception.  Mood lighting is a fantastic way to transform a room - it makes such a difference to the ambience and looks amazing in photographs.  We definitely recommend that you consider adding mood lighting into your wedding budget.

I asked Hannah, Do you have any advice for brides and grooms who are currently in the planning process?

"Talk to each other about all decisions and make mutual agreements. Don't let anyone try and take over. Don't rush into anything and be clear about what you both want and don't settle for anything less."

After and little dancing I took Hannah and Paul off for a little cool down and for a few of our evening portraits before I said my goodbyes.

I asked Hannah, what is your favourite part of being married now?

"It's being married to our best friend and knowing that someone wants to spend their life with you which is the biggest compliment anyone can pay you. We are now planning our lives out together and expecting our first baby."

The last shot of the day, a romantic photograph and a dramatic sky, what a perfect way to end the day.

A few days after the big day, we found this message on our facebook page:

A"Would like to say a huge thank you to Nigel & Christina who just made saturday fantastic! You we're both amazing and we couldn't thank you enough! Can't wait to see the photographs! I'm sure they are going to be phenomenal! Your such an amazing, professional and inspirational couple and I hope our marriage is half as happy and amazing as yours! Love Hannah & Paul xxxxxxx

Thank you to you both for inviting us to join with you on your very special day.  You are both clearly made for one another and you are both going to make phenomenal parents to your little boy due in April.  I hope that we get to meet him!  We have loved the journey of working with you both and wish you all of our best wishes for your future. x

Photography: 2Tone Photography
Venue: Slaley Hall
Bride’s Dress: Truly Madly Deeply, Whitley Bay
Flowers: Slaley Hall
Videographer: Joined Heart
Stationery: Pawprint Designs
Entertainment: John Forbes DJ
Chair Covers: Slaley Hall