David Golding Wedding Photography Blog

Sara and James - The Charles Cotton Hotel, Hartington, Derbyshire

2012-01-16T18:46:38Z

Sara and James are th efirst couple to have held their wedding reception at the Charles Cotton Hotel in Hartington under the management of hosts Judy and Alan, and we were very privilaged to have been asked to photograph their wedding day. Sara and James arrived with their party on the day before the wedding and pretty much took over all the accomodation in Hartington. We joined them on the Friday evening for a few photographs in the Charles Cotton Hotel - complete with Sandy Shaw tribute act!

This sequence starts in the rain on the day of the wedding with James and best man walking up the steep path that links the village to the church in Hartington.

On one of their visits to Hartington before the wedding, James got talking to a fellow in the bar who said he could arrange some wedding transport. What better than a hay cart and a beautifully restored David Brown tractor.

A nervous moment for James.

Job done. Round of applause. The vicar looks pretty happy about it too.

For some people a third row seat just isn't close enough.

Another live signing. I much prefer to photograph the live signing if I can get it.

A quick B&G session on the village green.

A working miniature steam traction engine - part of the tractor deal. Sort of a buy one get one free.

Hosts Judy and Alan in the splendidly dressed restaurant at the Charles Cotton Hotel.

One image from each wedding this year . . .

2011-12-31T23:00:00Z

It's the end of 2011 so we thought we'd do a quick round up of the year's weddings, with just one image from each of the 44 weddings. Here goes!

L. Iz and John and Fin the dog got the year off to a start with the first of three weddings in the mighty Devonshire Dome.

R. Rose and Jonathan were married in St John's church by Jon's father John. Rose's freinds and family travelled from the Czech Republic to be there.

L. Our first castle of the year with Cathy and Tim at Lumley Castle in Durham.

R. Mike and Marie at the Maynard. I can still clearly remember their well rehearsed Salsa first dance routine!

L. Emma and Matt at Hollin Hall. Probably the best wedding flowers of the year - well they ought to be as Emma works at "Green Pavilion"!

R. Emma and Richard held their reception at the very unique and grand Alton Towers, where they both work.

L. Alex and Serhat: lovely wedding in the tiny village church at Over Haddon. Serhat's relatives shipped in from Turkey.

R. Ellen and Jonathan. It stopped raining just long enough for their bandstand wedding in the Pavilion Gardens.

L. Clare and Robert. First farm wedding of the year and best first dance of the year - well in the "Strictly" class.

R. Louise and Tim. A beautiful July day at Dovecliffe Hall. Top wedding!

L. Beryl and Norman. Everybody in their extended families had a role to play. A really lovely wedding at Hazlewood Castle.

R. City dwellers Valentina and Sam were married at the very grand Cutlers' Hall in sheffield. Valentina's family and friends came over from Italy.

L. Our first foray of the year to the Vale of Belvoir for Tracy and Paul's wedding. They were married in the very beautiful chapel at Exton Park.

R. Debby and James' wedding took us to Ruthin Castle in Wales. First play with the fisheye lens.

L. Kat and Mike tied the knot at the lovely Parish Church in Pott Shrigley before heading over to Buxton for their reception at the Dome. Mike's family and friends flew over from Canada.

R. Helen and James. Smart Car addicts to the core, the cars featured heavily in the pictures! What do you call a line of Smart Cars? A "tube" of course! (as in a tube of Smarties - get it?)

L. Lissie and Gareth did the deed at East Lodge. Gareth was more than a little nervous about having his picture taken, but it all worked out OK.

R. Bernadette and Gary. A local gig for us with their wedding reception at the Old Hall Hotel.

L. Louise and Royston at Tissington Hall. They got married at the village church, then ambled over the road to the Hall for their reception.

R. Kirsty and Jim. Married in the "Cathedral in the Peak" in Tideswell, then on to their marqee reception at their farm home.

L. Claire and Neil at Losehill House in the Hope Valley - not far from where they both work as outdoor activity instructors.

R. Hannah and Ross. Married at St Peter's Church in Buxton, then down to the Pavvy Gardens for their reception. They put a huge amount of effort in making the day special for everybody.

L. Our first visit of the year to York for Hannah and Ben's wedding at York Baptist Church, then Sandburn Hall. York Baptist church is also where Di's parents were married.

R. Our second trip of the year to Hollin Hall for Carla and David's wedding. Another great family wedding celebration.

L. Kayleigh and Jonathan photographed underneath the arches at Cafe No.6 in front of the Opera House poster window. One of our trademark Buxton shots.

R. Back up to York for Stella and David's wedding at the Treasurer's House. Got totally soaked walking to their reception at Bar 1331!

L. Rebecca and Richard held their wedding at the Martin's Arms in the Vale of Belvoir. Another wedding featuring a tractor and a field of cows!!

R. Camilla and Tom took a break from their crazy London working life to get married at Hassop Hall on a blazing hot summer day in October.

L. Another London couple, Eva and Steve got married at Callow Hall, then moved house to the Peak District. Good move guys! Eva's family travelled over from Austria for the wedding.

R. Susie and John were hitched at the Dome in Buxton. Pretty sure this was our biggest wedding of the year with 170 guests. Thanks to Sacha for helping us out on this one.

L. Jemma and Darren were married at the splendid Mottram Hall near Prestbury in Cheshire.

R. Katie and Rob were lucky enough with the weather to get married outside at Cressbrook Hall - though it was cold. It would be remiss not to mention their dog "Bounce" who played a starring role.

L. Sara and James came up from the Smoke and booked out Hartington for the first ever wedding at the Charles Cotton Hotel, and very good it was too.

R. Emma and Bill got married at the Ashes at Endon on bonfire night. Sadly no fireworks allowed, but we did get synchronised sparklers!

L. Emma and Mike had a fabulous wedding at Shottle Hall. With winter starting to grip we just managed to get a few pictures in the gardens.

R. Tiah and Ian are both soldiers in REME. Tiah looked beautiful and Ian looked pretty cool in his No.1s. Thanks to Lauren for helping us as our No.3!

L. Our smallest wedding of the year. Leanne and Ian, the vicar, two witnesses and US!!!

R. Laura and Jack. Braved the cold for pictures in the gardens at Breadsall Priory. Another really lovely family wedding.

L. Hugh and Scott held their Civil Parnership at the Palace Hotel Buxton, but braved the weather for pictures in the Pavilion Gardens. It was snowing while we taking their pictures. Thanks to Lauren for helping us with this one.

R. Emily and Robin's wedding at Catthorpe Manor. They won't mind me saying it was probably our toughest challange of the year with torrential rain and very poor light. Another soaking for the photographer!

Susie and John - Devonshire Dome, Buxton

2011-12-28T23:00:00Z

Devonshire Dome Wedding Photography

Susie and John were married at the Devonshire Dome and held their evening reception there too. In between, we jumped in the car together and had a quick outing to the Pavilion Gardens for a bride and groom session in the park.

These photos start with John and the guys in the grounds of the Devonshire Dome.

Susie, Dad and the girls walked the short distance down from the Lee Wood Hotel, where they had been staying overnight.

A thoughtful moment for John before the ceremony.

A glimpse of Susie as she walks towards the ceremony room.

The ceremony got quite emotional in places. Kleenex all round.

There can't be many indoor venues where you can photograph a group of this size with so much spare space!

After the groups it was down to the Pavilion Gardens for some B&G wedding photography.

So, we were standing on the steps getting our shots and who should walk by but Christine, the business development manager at the Dome. Was it her day off, or was she secretly checking we were going to get Susie and John back in time for their meal??

I love this light.

John poses in front of the Opera House poster window for our trademark groom shot.

These pictures included to show just what an awsome venue the Dome is.

During his speech, John performs a song for Susie. I wish I could remeber the name of the song, but it was VERY good.

A standing ovation for the Groom.

Orange Dome. Blue Dome.

Damn. Looks like we're in trouble again.

Katie and Rob - Cressbrook Hall, Derbyshire

2011-12-27T23:00:00Z

Katie and Rob chose a beautiful autumn day for their wedding at Cressbrook Hall. Yet another day this year with wall to wall sunshine and clear blue skies in a gorgeous Peak District setting. It had been their wish to get married outdoors, and even though there was a slight chill in the air, they got their wish.

The day started with us arriving at Cressbrook Hall to photograph the bridal preparations at one of the outlying cottages, a short walk from the hall itself.

Make-up by Angie at Bliss Professional Bridal Beauty, who does a great job.

Next, it was down to Cressbrook Hall to photograph the guys before the wedding guest started to arrive. Note the specially commissioned neck ties that feature Katie and Rob's dog "Bounce".

Katies Dad is sporting a replica "Indiana Jones" hat.

Keeping the Indiana Jones theme alive, Katie, Dad and the bridesmaids made their entrance to the theme from the Indian Jones movie.

In England, civil ceremonies have to be held in a building licenced for weddings to take place. This means there aren't too many venues where you can get married out doors. At Cressbrook, the trick is the bride and groom have to step into the veranda, which is actually part of the building, to say their vows. This makes wedding photography in this situation a little tricky as there is no good place for the photographer except in the bushes. So, in the bushes it was!

It's not every day we get to photography the signing of the register in such a great setting.

Rob's Dad showing off the colourful lining of his jacket - we love the way it goes with the "Bounce" tie!

The beautiful and well maintained gardens at Cressbrook Hall really are ideal for wedding photography.

Katie particularly wanted some of her wedding photographs to include Bounce.

The last word goes to Bounce.

Jemma and Darren - Mottram Hall Cheshire

2011-12-25T23:00:00Z

Jemma and Darren were married in a civil ceremony held at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Jemma had stayed at the hotel overnight so we hooked up with her in her splendidly appointed suite to start our day of wedding photography.

After the ceremony we were able to get outside for the group photos and then a quick stroll in the grounds for some bride and groom photos before dinner. This was our first visit to Mottram Hall and I have to admit to being impressed. It is a splendid venue to get married and has great opportunities for wedding photography.

We loved the custom designer wellies. Ideal footwear for a stroll across the wet grass girls!

Looking good ladies . . .

Yeah - Ok, the guys look pretty good too.

Jemma gave us a card to pass on to Darren ahead of the ceremony. We still don't know what it said, but it brought a smile to his face.

We do like a grand staircase. Can't look at a staircase without thinking about the possibilities for wedding photography!

Jemma and Darren wrote their own vows to read to each other. A great touch.

The wedding certificate traditionally belongs to the bride..

Job done. We always get good smiles at this point.

Music provided by Anthing Accoustic who were brilliant and come highly recommended. These guys played and sung their hearts out and worked SO hard. In the (unlikely) event I were to get married again, I would want them for my reception.

After the drinks reception, outside for photos.

Off with the shoes, on with the wellies.

In 15 minutes it is possible to get a nice set of bride and groom wedding photographs in a variety of settings. Perfect for a wedding album.

The following photograph does not really require any explanation, except to say it set the tone for the remainder of the day. A lot of fun and jesting!

This is the purpose built function room at Mottram Hall. You'll notice there is a bit of a Paris thing going on.

Great speech from Darren.

Eva and Steve - Callow Hall, Nr Asbourne

2011-12-13T19:55:52Z

Eva and Steve had a somewhat unconventional wedding at Callow Hall near Ashbourne. To allow plenty of time for their wedding photography, they opted to have their photos done before the wedding ceremony. They had stayed at Callow Hall the previous evening, so we joined them on the morning of their wedding to photograph the "bride and groom prep". Eve wore a white lace dress by Prada and Steve a very trim "mod" style black suite.

You may have noticed that Eve and Steve have been smiling right since the first photos, and thats how it stayed for the whole day.

Both Eva and Steve are serious mountain biking enthusiasts, and by pure chance they just happened to have their bikes with them. Now, as you know we do like props, so we ventured out into the grounds of Callow Hall, into the murk, for a few photos of them with their bikes.

By now it was threatening to drizzle and they really didn't want to get the bikes wet (kidding) so we dug out our black and white brollies which seemed to fit really well with the colour theme of the day.

The grand entrance to Callow Hall . . . .

Just time for a few more wedding photographs inside the very nicely appointed Callow Hall . . . . .

Dad, meet Dad. Eva's family had made the journey from Austria for the wedding.

More guests arrived and we even managed to get the group photos done before the wedding ceremony. A first for us!

The wedding ceremony at Callow hall takes place in a very small room, so not much space for the photographer. Then, to crown it the Registrar took them to one side and stood right in the way! Neither Di nor I could get a clear shot.

After the wedding, Eva and Steve went to their wedding breakfast - a couple of short speeches and we were finished. A fabulous and very unique wedding.

Camilla and Tom - Hassop Hall, Derbyshire

2011-12-04T18:22:21Z

Whilst it might not have been the hottest summer on record, 2011 certainly has had it's share of bright sunny days. October 1st(!) and it was wall to wall sunshine all day and HOT, perfect for Camilla and Tom's wedding at All Saints church at Hassop, then their wedding reception at the fabulous Hassop Hall. Hassop hall is a stunning wedding venue, perfect for wedding photography, and the fabulous weather just gave the day a great lift.

We hooked up with the guys in the beer garden at the Eyre Arms. The pub conveniently almost adjoins Hassop Hall. We got a few photographs in the gardens before setting off for church.

The beautiful and quite grand All Saints church at Hassop Hall.

The rings were just sitting there - itching to be photographed!

Job done!

This is a live signing folks. The priest didn't break for photographs, so it's just as well we got this one when we had the chance!

Due to the harsh autumn sunshine, we worked hard all day to find good light for our photos.

Tom and Camilla took a short spin in the old Rolls Royce.

The rest of us walked down the long drive between All Saints church and Hassop Hall.

What better way to spend this late summer day than drinks on the lawn at Hassop Hall

After groups, there was just enough time for a short bride and groom wedding photography session in the grounds at Hassop Hall.

These photographs are included just to show what a fabulous wedding wenue Hassop Hall really is. The service here is top notch too, and they even look after the photographers well too!!

All the speeches were good, but Tom's deserves a special mention. OK - he had made a few notes, but all the same an absolutely top speech.

Stella and David at the Treasurer's House, York

2011-11-27T13:29:54Z

Stella and David were married at the Treasurer's House in York, a location we had really been looking forward to from a wedding photography point of view, and then went on to their "local", Bar 1331 for their evening celebrations. The girls prepared at the fabulous Dean Court Hotel (directly opposite York Minster - also a new wedding venue we will be photographing in 2012).

We hooked up with the guys at Bar 1331. Yes, I know it looks like an art gallery, but if you go a bit further into the back . . .

Stella made the long journey from the Dean Court Hotel to the Treasurer's House (must be all of 200 meters) in a rather nice Merc.

One of the main attractions of the Treasurer's house is it's beautiful garden. Great for guests, and great for wedding photography.

After the meal, the time arrived for us all to depart the Treasurer's House and make our way on foot (carrying all our gear) to Bar 1331. Bang on cue, the heavens opened, there was the most torrential downpour complete with Hailstones, and guests and photographers all got a good soaking!

Carla and David at Hollin Hall

2011-11-17T11:22:14Z

Carla and David were married at St. James church in Sutton, Cheshire, on a beautiful sunny afternoon in September. St. James is a lovely church, high on a hill and surrounded by the soft countryside of Cheshire. After the ceremony, it was on to Hollin Hall for their wedding reception. Hollin Hall is one of our favourite wedding venues and is great for wedding photography.

Some slight nerves showing here as Carla and her Dad make their way up the long steep hill to the church:

The beautiful interior of St James church.

Check out the expression on the vicar's face!

There is a quiet tree lined lane just near to Hollin Hall - perfect for Bride and Groom wedding photography.

Another Bride and Groom wedding photography session in the evening sun after dinner.

Hannah and Ben at Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, York.

2011-11-16T17:20:32Z

Hannah and Ben were married at the York Baptist Church in York at the end of August. This church also has a special significance to us as it where Di's Mum and Dad were married in 1943! After the ceremony, they took a very cool vintage Bentley for a ride to their wedding ceremony at Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, on the outskirts of York. Before their meal, we took a short walk in the woods for some great wedding photography.

That's Dad holding the bouquet. Funny how often we manage to get this shot:)

This is the very beautiful interior of the York Baptist Church. Hannah and Ben are regulars here and were supported by a very enthusiastic and loving congregation of family and freinds.

After the ceremony, Ben and Hanah and the bridal party exited by the back door and processed round to the side door, which unfortunately was locked! After a brief wait, all were admitted for a welcome tea, cakes and hugs all round.

A very cool vintage Bentley delivered Hannah and Ben to Sandburn Hall which is located in Flaxton on the outskirts of York.

Where are those bridesmaids when you need them? Come on girls!

Before lunch, we took a short stroll into the woods that join onto Sandburn Hall for a little Bride and Groom wedding photography session

This one is my favourite:

Just time for a couple of groups on the balcony before the rain set in. Time for lunch anyway!