Hedgehogs and Sunsets – Simon and Kate’s May Wedding

Just over a year ago I was introduced to Simon and Kate through a mutual friend.  We had a great first meeting and it was such a pleasure to photograph their special day on Saturday 8th May.  We met up at The Moorside Grange Hotel, up in the High Peak in March, and it was very clear that the surroundings would be beautiful for their wedding photos.  I was instantly thinking “Wuthering Heights”.  Whilst having a look at the reception venue Simon and Kate took me to see the church where they would be getting married.  We drove down this little one track lane and at the end of it was a really quaint church where Kate’s grandmother had been married.  I love it when there are such special parts of a couple’s day.

Having done a great engagement shoot with Simon and Kate in Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens I was really looking forward to taking photos on their special day.  On Saturday morning I packed up the car (including the wedding brollies which once again didn’t need to be used!) and headed out to Kate’s parent’s home in Macclesfield.  I arrived to a very serene bride and mother of the bride.  Kate’s bridesmaids lived down the same street so they came round about an hour before the ceremony to get their dresses on and add the final touches.

The beautiful dress

The beautiful bride

After taking photos of the final preparations I headed to the church to meet the groom and his groom’s men.  Both Kate and Simon and very happy and relaxed people which really showed throughout the day.  They are quite possibly one of my smiliest couples yet!

Simon and his bestmen at St James' Church in Taxal.

Waiting for the bride to arrive.

Here comes the bride.

I do...

After the ceremony I took Simon and Kate away for a couple of photos at the side of the church whilst all the guests lined the lane to throw confetti on the newly married Mr & Mrs Ross.  Not everyone had confetti so I was really impressed with the use of cherry blossom.  I don’t think I’ve seen quite so much confetti at a wedding!

Cherry Blossom...the improvised confetti!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Ross

After heading up to the Moorside Grange Hotel the guests enjoyed a glass of pimms with strawberries.  Having taken a few photos of Simon and Kate with strawberries in their engagement shoot I had to do the same on their wedding day.  Unfortunately Simon isn’t a fan of strawberries so Kate obliged before we headed out onto the moor for some blustery and very cold photos with their immediate family and bridal party.  We were so lucky to have such stunning scenery which complimented Simon and Kate’s love for the great outdoors.

Another strawberry wedding

Heading out to the peaks..

Simon carries his bride over...the cattle grid!

Kate and her beautiful bridesmaids.

Simon and his groomsmen

"Heathcliffe and Kathy"

After braving the very cold winds out on the moors we headed back indoors for warm cups of tea, speeches and the evening meal.  To top off the amazing day Kate and Simon got the most stunning sunset so I took them out for a few more shots to capture it for them.  It was the perfect end to a truly wonderful day.

Kate and Hedgy. (Hedgehogs were a running theme throughout the day due to her love for Hedgy.)

Lots of laughs during the speeches.

A stunning end to a truly beautiful day.

Couldn't resist another sunset shot of the happy couple.

The evening finished with Simon & Kate’s first dance and then all the guests were issued with silly hats.  It was a brilliant way to get everyone involved and keep the celebrating spirit going.  As I left the venue it was clear everyone had had an amazing day celebrating with a lovely couple.  I wish Simon and Kate all the best as they start their married life together. Feel free to add any comments for them here.

First dance gives way to silly hats!

Happy Guests at the end of a Happy Day.