So the weather forecast all week had been for heavy rain all day at Charlotte and Alastair’s wedding. On the wedding day itself we were blessed with good weather (or at least not heavy heavy rain) when we needed it most, and also that other special ingredient which comes with intermittent heavy showers – some gorgeous light to work with.

Charlotte began her day at The Marriott Hotel in York, where she met up with her mum and dad, and her bridesmaids, for their journey to St Andrews Church in Bishopthorpe. She wore a lace covered Suzanne Neville wedding dress and full length veil, and her three bridesmaids – Nikki, Maddy and Charlotte – wore gorgeous ‘Cadbury purple’ dresses. They were driven to church in a classic 1952 Bentley Freestone and Webb by Niki from Superior Motor Cars.

The girls braved the drizzle for the short walk to St Andrews Church door, and after the service, it was time to dodge the rain again for a quick dash to the car, some confetti, and away from church. The wedding guests were then taken by coach to Castle Howard for a grand wedding reception in the Great Hall.

In the meantime, we went with Alastair, Charlotte and their parents to take a few pics at Charlotte’s parent’s home, and also a few bonus photos at Bishop’s Palace in Bishopthorpe, before heading to join the guests at Castle Howard.

The approach to Castle Howard was amazing – a heavy storm cloud hung in the distance to the North, but we drove through strong sunlight highlighting the spring colours on the tree-lined drive with the famous obelisk in the distance. I just had to stop and grab a photograph before driving through to the venue. Jane Nordli from Castle Howard greeted Charlotte and Alastair with champagne when they arrived, and welcomed them to Castle Howard. At this point, the sun was still breaking through and lighting up the bride and groom against a heavy storm cloud backdrop, with the lake and Castle Howard estate in the background, there are some fabulous photographs of this in the main set of wedding photographs.

The Great Hall is such a splendid place to hold a wedding reception. The whole ambiance of the venue was enhanced even more by a pianist who played for the couple, both in the Great Hall during the champagne and canapés reception, and also in The Long Gallery during the wedding breakfast.

Rain then stopped play outside, so we spent a short while with Alastair and Charlotte in the corridors at Castle Howard taking some photos of just them together, before dinner.

The Long Gallery at Castle Howard has no equivalent that I know of, there is nothing to match it. In a word it is magnificent, and a perfect setting for a wedding breakfast. The staff are really friendly and accommodating, and the whole day was overseen by Jane and Penny, who were thanked by Alastair during his speech for such a wonderful day.

The first dance was downstairs to a live band, and as we left the newlyweds were rocking away with their friends.

Friends and relatives will be able to see the full set of images from the wedding here once Charlotte and Alastair are back form honeymoon. I have added a few ‘teasers’ below in the meantime.

If you love the pics, please feel free share with friends and family using the Tweet, Facebook and Email links above and below.

Charlotte excitedly getting ready on the morning of the wedding

Charlotte arriving at St Andrew’s Church, Bishopthorpe

Charlotte’s two lovely bridesmaids, Maddy and Nikki, protecting the dress in the rain

During the wedding service at St Andrews Church

Does anyone here present know of any reason………..

Outside Bishop’s Palace, Bishopthorpe

The magnificent approach to Castle Howard, with the obelisk in the distance

Charlotte and Alastair arriving at Castle Howard

Guests enjoying drinks and canapes in The Great Hall, Castle Howard

Charlotte and Alastair’s guests soak up their surroundings

Charlotte and Alastair’s wedding guests enjoying dinner in The Long Gallery, Castle Howard

Charlotte and Alastair’s guests in the Long Gallery, Castle Howard

Charlotte and Alastair at the head table during their Castle Howard wedding reception

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Post written by Yorkshire wedding photographers Steve Ramsden, York

Louise and Matthew were married at St John The Baptist Church, Leeds and afterwards at Harewood House, Leeds. The weather forecast all week was for heavy rain, so we fully expected a drenching. As luck would have it, Louise had some lovely weather for much of the day, including the all important arriving at church and leaving church shots. The bride and groom were also able to enjoy some time on the terrace at Harewood House with their wedding guests, before rain stopped play and they all ducked for cover in the cafe.

After a short shower, we managed to take a few more of the group shots before heading to the Courtyard for more champagne.

The day started at home for Louise, who wore a gorgeous dress she designed herself and made by Limited Editions, which included a teal coloured velvet cloak and hood. Her hair was in wringlettes, which totally suited the overall look and style. For the ladies, Louise treated herself to shoes from Benjamin Adams. She and her mum travelled to church in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, which also drove Louise and Matthew to Harewood House after the service.

Harewood’s terrace and gardens were immaculate despite the rain, a superb back drop for an afternoon wedding reception. Nothing was too much trouble for wedding host Lorraine, who was thanked with a lovely bouquet of flowers by the couple during the wedding breakfast. After their meal in The Courtyard, guests enjoyed ‘coffee with the penguins’ – really, live penguins just outside the main building. Lorraine then drove Matthew and Louise to the lake, where we spent a short while taking photographs around the lake and on the bridge, before returning to The Courtyard for the first dance and a party!!

What a fantastic day. Guests and friends who would like to see the full set of photographs can view them here , as soon as the couple have viewed them at our studio.

Louise at home having final touches of make up applied

Louise at home before setting off for St John The Baptist church

Louise getting ready

The young bridesmaids and ushers entering church

During the service at St John The Baptist

You may now kiss the bride……..

Louise and Matthew greet their guests outside church

Guests leaving St John The Baptist for Harewood House

Louise and Matthew at Harewood House, Leeds

The guests enjoy drinks and canapés on the terrace, before the rain…..

Louise on the bridge by the lake, in the evening after dinner at Harewood House, Leeds

If you love these images, please share the love by using the Facebook, Twitter and email links on this site to tell your friends and relatives!!

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Post written by Yorkshire wedding photographers Steve Ramsden, York