Helen and Luke are one of those couples who just fit together perfectly. They are both very quirky with their own little traditions and sayings together, and they are completely crazy about their little dog, Ralph.
We first met earlier this year, after some email exchanges, and they came to meet me at a wedding fayre back in February. We got chatting away and by the end were all very excited about their wedding day, and it was so nice that we all seemed to feel an instant connection, We ended our little meeting with hugs and excitement about working together.
Helen is a talented freelance illustrator and Luke works in fashion, and has a strong interest in photography, they are both very arty couples so I was truly honoured to be chosen to photograph their big day. They found their pre-wedding shoot really helpful in getting rid of wedding photography nerves (See it again here).
They chose the fabulous, unique & rustic High House Farm Brewery near Matfen, Northumberland for their special day, with an outdoor barn ceremony.
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From the minute I walked in the door on the morning of their wedding I was so warmly welcomed by the whole family who greeted me with hugs & kisses. I felt immediately at ease and part of the day, so lovely! The bride had ordered gorgeous floral dressing robes for herself, her two sisters (bridesmaids) and her Mum, and every detail had been thought about.
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Helen’s sister Angela (who is, believe it or not, not a professional florist!!!) created some unstructured wildflower arrangements for both the bouquets and buttonholes. The marquee at High House Farm was absolutely bursting with wildflower arrangements from larger vases to smaller collections..absolutely stunning and a joy to photograph.
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After the bridal preparations I turned up to High House Farm to find Luke with his best woman and groomsman, all looking rather nervous and excited for what the day would bring. Luke wore a suit from Reiss with an unusual purply bow tie, it suited him perfectly. He also had some lovely personalised cufflinks.
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The car, a retro American Buick Special was from Valley Retro, based near Hexham. I was so happy that the couple loved the idea of the car I recommended, I know Ann-Marie & Chris who own the car and I was dying to photograph it at a real wedding, so was thrilled when the couple chose it, happiness all around!
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The ceremony was extremely personal and moving, with readings from close friends and Helen’s Grandad, the couple also wrote their own very personal vows. After the ceremony, myself & the bride and groom were whisked off in the Buick Special down to the woods nearby, as they wished to have some rustic woodland photographs in the trees. We had a really funny moment when the bride & groom heard someone shouting the brides name from the treetops, turns out there was a couple of the evening guests at the wedding had chosen to go to Go Ape that afternoon and had spotted the bride and groom below.
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All the wedding stationery, decor and centrepieces were created by the family, with lots of illustrations by Helen herself (See her website here).
The cake, gingerbread & Ralph themed cake pops were made by the bride’s talented cousin!
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Just before the wedding breakfast, Luke’s Mum conducted a religious blessing with the couple, to bless their marriage and say some prayers. It added a really personal touch to the day.
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In the evening, guests were entertained with a Celidh and there was a fair bit of laughter going on whilst guests tried to get the moves right.
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The day was an absolute joy to photograph from start to finish, and it was a pleasure to share in the happiness of the day with this fab couple. They had a truly personal day which was as unconventional as their personalities! I wish you and your family all the best for your future together.
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All photographs copyright Katie Byram Photography and must not be used without permission. Katie is recommended by High House Farm Brewery and other North East venues. If you are looking for fun, quirky & relaxed wedding photography please get in touch to see if your wedding date is available.
