Victoria + Alasdair

Hidden River Cabins Wedding Photographer

Winter is a time when it starts to slow down for wedding photographers, but not me! I love winter weddings, and I always find my December especially is fairly busy. I think couples that like my moody, darker style, are drawn towards the darker seasons of the year, and I certainly can't complain when the weddings look like this. Vic + Ali got in touch enquiring about their wedding at Hidden River Cabins in Carlisle, a wedding venue I'm very lucky to work at regularly. Vic told me how she wanted a winter wedding, but with brighter colours, incorporating her favourite colour, yellow - with a bit of sparkle and glitz and glamour, and not the traditional red and green festive style. They'd chosen Hidden River as they both love nature and outdoor activities, so getting married somewhere so off grid, that feels like you're truly immersed in nature felt perfect for them. Hidden River is set amongst the forest, with of course, their own river, and even a newly built natural spa. Your ceremony is set against their iconic windows, even feeling that as you say your vows you're in amongst the trees. It's truly an incredible space and never fails to take my breath away every time I arrive, and this day was no exception.

Manchester Wedding Photographer

It was a bit of a mizzly day, with the rain hanging in the air, and my day started with Ali and the guys, in the Farriers cottage at the top of the hill. The guys had opted for dark green tweed suits - perfect for the natural tones and also the wintery feel. We did some quick portraits and cheers, before I head down to the girls in the cabin. Vic had the wonderful Nala and Knot on hair and makeup, who weren't just there for the morning, but all day for touch ups and restyles for the girls hair and makeup - a true luxury and so handy in winter when the weather can quickly undo the beautiful work they've done! All the girls looked amazing in their varying tones of yellow, gold, and sparkle, and Vic looked sensational in her Halfpenny two piece, simple, but structured and beautiful with a corset top and some draping to the skirt. Once the girls were all ready, they were taken down to the ceremony by Vera the Vintage Land Rover, and Vic and Ali had their first look overlooking the river. The rain had stopped for the moment, and they got to have a little time together to take it all in, before everyone else saw them at the ceremony. I love first looks, they really give couples a little extra time and space just to be with each other, and it's really grounding to have that time before the ceremony to recentre and remind each other that it's just about you two.

Richard from Yard flowers had transformed the barn - with bright but chic winter florals, with an organic feel and bringing the outside in. With mossy installations and hanging leaves and foliage, it really looked incredible. Their ceremony was led by one of their bridesmaids and groomsmen, who did a fantastic job of making the ceremony personal and memorable. Sharing anecdotes about Vic + Ali, and stories that their guests could enjoy. It was a beautiful ceremony, and really made the most of it too - often couples want to get the ceremony over and done with, and whilst I completely understand some people shy away from being the centre of attention, I always think it's nice when you make the ceremony it's own event and really make the most of it.

35mm Film Wedding Photographer - Hidden River Cabins

I was photographing this day on a mixture of digital and 35mm film, which is always my favourite combo, and gives me the opportunity to get creative and slow right down with film. Today that was by way of some special double exposures, in camera focusing the couple in between those gorgeous windows. After the ceremony, the rain held off and we got to stay outside for some family photos and portraits, getting right into the trees and using the natural landscape as a backdrop.

Their evening commenced with speeches from the Father of the groom, the bride, the groom, the Mother of the bride, and the two best men, and it felt like a really balanced set of speeches - each the right length and tone, and enough said about each of the families and individuals. They'd also wanted to make each of their guests feel special and appreciated by having a handwritten note on the table for every single guest. After dinner, Vic and the girls went for a makeup touch up and restyle, and Vic changed into her party dress. Another Halfpenny showstopper with an oversized bow on the back - to mark the start of the party! They cut the cake which had been lovingly made by family and friends, had their first dance and a raging dancefloor, fueled by their signature cocktails, as it should be.

They both brought their styles and personalities to the day, and it really felt a joy to be involved and tell their story through the images.