Ellie & Dan // Sandburn Hall

On the outskirts of York I found Sandburn Hall in 1000 acres of woodland and then found the lovely bride Ellie with 1000 things going on around her while Dan, the groom, was squaring up to his phone with vids on how to do his pocket square. All wonderfully chaotic and perfect for documentary wedding photography at Sandburn Hall.

I’d hooked up with Eric, father of the bride, a while before the big day. We’d put together a lovely surprise video of photos of Ellie growing up so it was no surprise when dad saw Ellie in her dress for the first time. Tears flowed there and into the ceremony room where Dan took his turn with a pat on the back from best man Jim.

After the ceremony in the oak framed Grand Function Room it was out for a few informal family photos. Ellie and Dan loved my natural, candid style but wanted just a few group shots with the ones they love. Eric needed a quick swig of the strong stuff for his but once done it was off to the Rose Garden with the happy couple for a couple more relaxed, natural portraits.

Twenty minutes later it was speech time and more tears until, that is, the singing waiters had people on the tables and twirling their serviettes. It’s the perfect opportunity for a documentary wedding photographer to capture the moments as they happen. Those moments continued onto the dance floor with Ellie and Dad taking the floor before Dan and his new wife did so to a very energetic wedding party.