Welcome to the journal, a place where I share my wedding, lifestyle and personal photography.

Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

Jesmond Dene House Wedding Photography | Vicki & Marc

Vicki & Marc’s Jesmond Dene House wedding photography gives an insightful view of a wedding day at this sought after venue in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Vicki & Marc’s Jesmond Dene House wedding photography gives an insightful view of a wedding day at this sought after venue in Newcastle upon Tyne.

As it happens Marc is from Glasgow, and was working at the time so was unable to make it. I must have made a suitable impression I guess or I wouldn't be writing about their wedding story! The first time I met with Marc was at their Pre Wedding Photo Shoot in Jesmond Dene, a sound bloke I could see how well they worked together.

Kudos to both of them for what was at the time a "long distance relationship."The wedding day started at Vicki's Mum's house for bridal preparations where the amazingly talented girls from ND Makeup Artists were working their magic, not that it must have taken much as Vicki as you'll gather from her photos is already pretty stunning.

From there we headed to the church in Cramlington where Marc's father who's a serving pastor over in the US, conducted part of their ceremony. Due to the rules set by the vicar of that particular church, I wasn't given permission to photograph their ceremony which was a shame.

From the church we made the short journey into Newcastle and to Jesmond Dene House. I enjoy Jesmond Dene House wedding photography very much. It's a stunning wedding venue, and the staff and overall atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. From a photographer's perspective Jesmond Dene House is a joy to photograph. Especially so when you family and friends such as Vicki and Marc's.

Are you looking for your own Jesmond Dene House Wedding Photography?

If you're looking for a Newcastle wedding photographer to cover your own wedding either here or anywhere else in the UK then feel free to get in touch.

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Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

Matfen Hall Wedding Photography | Jo & Chris

For couples looking for Matfen Hall wedding photography then Jo and Chris's wedding may be worth checking out?

Jo & Chris's Matfen Hall wedding photography is a nice source of inspiration for couples planning a wedding here. Matfen Hall is  located west of Newcastle and easily found just a few miles off the A69 near Corbridge. I've been lucky enough to photograph many weddings at Matfen Hall and it's a venue I look forward to working at. Having had the lovely experience of being a guest here I can personally recommend it. There's good reason for most to want to stay here. Be it fine dining, country walks, golfing or simply a weekend of luxury health & beauty, Matfen Hall has you covered. At just a stone's throw from the hotel, you can also choose to swing through trees at Go Ape if you're feeling brave!

Matfen Hall Wedding Photography

Walking into the Great hall for the first time will take your breath away. You're literally walking into a fairytale medieval ceremony room with it's huge sweeping staircase and wonderfully painted ceilings. Coats of Arms drape the walls and beautiful natural light pours in from the huge window. Once you've managed to take in the marvel of the interior, the exterior grounds are equally impressive. For Matfen Hall wedding photographers, this place really is a dream to work at. I'd photographed Jo's friend's wedding a few years previous. Being recommended by a former client is the greatest accolade a wedding photographer can receive. There's always the added pressure to perform but anything that motivates you to do better can only be a good thing. Jo & Chris, and their friends and family welcomed me with open arms. As a result, it allowed me to get closer to the action without stepping on toes or annoying people.Golfing fans are going to love their wedding photos! Seeing the wedding party pour onto the putting green for a golf lesson was a first for me at a wedding! It certainly made for some interesting photographs. With the exception of a few family formal photographs and details, this wedding was photographed in my documentary style.

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Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

Durham Castle Wedding Photography | Melissa & Gavin

Melissa & Gavin’s Durham Castle wedding photography came with blue skies and sunshine on this gorgeous day during the summer.

Durham Castle wedding photos with Melissa & Gavin..

Melissa & Gavin’s Durham Castle wedding photography came with blue skies and sunshine on this gorgeous summer day. After meeting them to discuss their plans I was thrilled when they hired me. We opted for Blyth Beach in Northumberland for their wedding planning meeting and pre wedding photo shoot. It was a few months before their wedding and I remember we had a great shoot on the beach. We also utilised Blyth beach huts which have become a bit of an attraction in their own right.

Melissa and Gavin live in London and originate from the North East. Their ceremony took place in Whickham, followed by the wedding breakfast and reception at the castle. I remember the day very well as it was scorching hot and not a cloud in the sky. I remember drinking my bodyweight in water just to stay hydrated. It's tough enough carrying your equipment around for 10 hours but in 25 degrees summer heat it was a challenge to say the least.

Luckily after years of carrying everything but the kitchen sink on my back, I'm down to 2 cameras, and a few lenses. Now, running around all day ensuring I capture the best wedding photos at Durham Castle that I can, is far easier now that I’m lighter on my feet.

A brief history of Durham Castle

Durham Castle is a historic Norman castle situated in Durham, England. It dates back to the 11th century and was originally built as a fortress to protect the city and the surrounding area from invasion. Later on, it became a residence for the Bishop of Durham. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a unique and very special venue for couples to exchange their vows. Getting married at Durham Castle is a majestic experience, with the ancient stone walls and grand interiors providing a sense of elegance and timelessness to the occasion. Couples who are fortunate enough to get married here are surrounded by centuries of history, adding a special and romantic atmosphere to their big day.

The day began at Melissa’s parent’s house where they got ready. We then headed to the church for their ceremony, and then to Durham Castle where they spent the rest of the day. Being so central in the city we took the opportunity to go for a little walk during the day which was lovely. Melissa & Gavin’s day was such a lovely occasion and I found them to be a joy to capture. It’s certainly a blessing to meet such nice people, and also their friends and families and share the day with them. Enough of me rambling, and onto their wedding photos.

Looking for Durham Castle Wedding Photography?

Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your Durham Castle wedding photos? Whether you're planning a wedding here or anywhere else within the UK, feel free to reach out to me. You can use my contact form or by simply clicking here.

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Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

St Chads Durham Wedding Photography | Sally & Alistair

An exceptional wedding venue, St Chads Durham Wedding Photography with Sally & Alistair gives a great insight into a wedding here.

An exceptional wedding venue, Sally & Alistair’s St Chads Durham Wedding Photography gives a great insight into a wedding here. Army Captain Alistair ensured this elegant wedding had a military twist to it. There's nothing quite like a Guard of Honour awaiting you immediately after a wedding ceremony.The day started with Sally and her bridesmaids in a lovely apartment where the girls had their hair and makeup applied. The ceremony and reception all took place at St Chads in Durham, a personal favourite of mine. I've photographed several weddings here now and I have such fond memories from them all. The staff are really friendly and approachable. As a result, they're always on hand to make your wedding day go seamlessly and there's a lovely atmosphere to this venue.You can see from the following photographs that my style of wedding photography is documentary. Essentially, this means very little posing or direction from me. I personally feel that this type of photography truly makes your wedding photos sing. There's so much more personality and emotion to be seen in an image where the subjects were unaware of their photograph having been taken.

More on St Chads Wedding Venue in Durham

St. Chad's in Durham holds a rich history when it comes to weddings. This picturesque and historic location has been a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot at their former college. With its striking architecture and beautiful surroundings, St. Chad's provides a romantic backdrop both within the venue and also being so central within Durham itself. Over the years, St. Chad's has witnessed countless love stories unfold within its walls. The venue’s tranquil atmosphere and timeless charm make it a sought-after venue for couples seeking a traditional and elegant wedding. Whether it's a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, St. Chad's offers a versatile space that can accommodate different types of weddings.

The warmth and welcoming ambiance of St. Chad's make it a very pleasant venue for your wedding.

If you're planning your very own St Chads Durham wedding photography and are looking for a wedding photographer of your own then feel free to contact me. I take limited bookings each year so I recommend reserving your date as soon as possible.

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Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

Gibside Wedding Photography | Emma & Owen

Emma & Owen's Gibside Wedding Photography is a beautiful example of a wedding at this once sought after venue.

Emma & Owen's Gibside Wedding Photography is a beautiful example of a wedding at this once sought after venue. Sadly no longer hosting weddings, the National Trust visitor site Gibside is strewn with beautiful country walks and pathways. Set within the grounds it has an extraordinary walled garden the was the setting for Emma & Owen's lovely outdoor marquee wedding.

For a photographer, Gibside wedding photography is a pure joy. The landscape forms a very scenic back drop. One could be mistaken for thinking this wedding was in the south of France. Luckily for me, it was in the UK and the unpredictable weather managed to behave! The sun shone and the champagne flowed, whilst Emma, Owen, their family and friends enjoyed a most memorable day together.

Our day started off in North Tyneside photographing Emma, her bridesmaids and family all getting ready. From there we headed off to Gibside. It was such a gorgeous day in so many ways. The people, the weather, the vibe all played a part in making it such a special one.

The Walled Garden at Gibside was such a beautiful setting for a marquee wedding.

I hope you enjoyed your day guys. It was a pleasure spending it with you, thank you. It's such a shame the venue stopped taking wedding bookings. Hopefully this short post highlights not just Gibside weddings, but my overall style in general. If you'd like to see more wedding photographs feel free to browse the pages of my website or get in touch.

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Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover Phil | Photographer | Storyteller | Coffee Lover

Guyzance Hall Wedding Photography | Liv & Tom

Liv & Tom’s Guyzance Hall Wedding Photography is a lovely example of a wedding day at this once sought after Northumberland wedding venue.

Liv & Tom’s Guyzance Hall Wedding Photography is a lovely example of a wedding day at this once sought after Northumberland wedding venue. I say once sought after, since sadly the venue is a wedding venue no more. I’m happy for Liv & Tom they experienced their magical day here.

As it happened it rained all day, the rain gradually getting heavier as the day went by. But spirits weren't dampened one little bit, and the whole day was a roaring success. We even managed family group shots outside, with the help of a small group of merry groomsmen, multiple umbrellas, and the most lovely and understanding of families who appreciated the importance of recording those who were in attendance as much as I did.

Thankfully, it was all worth it, even the rain couldn't wipe the joy off their faces and as it happened you could barely tell it was raining in the final images. Liv and Tom currently live and work in London, but Liv originally from Northumberland was fetching her man home to be married. They arrived only a week before their wedding, and in that time we even managed to squeeze in a pre wedding photo shoot on Embleton beach, with some lovely dry weather I must add!

Liv and Tom, I wish you a long and healthy life together, thank you for finding me, and putting your trust in me. Best wishes always xxx

Phil

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to cover your own celebrations then feel free to check my availability.

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