Thornbridge Hall Wedding Reception and a Most Joyous Ceremony at Fulwood Church in Sheffield
I certainly wasn’t the only one who felt moved by Helen and Jon’s wedding at Christ Church, Fulwood in Sheffield. Helen and Jon are very much a part of the Fulwood Church community and the sheer joy felt by everyone present was very special. And who couldn’t love the wedding reception at Thornbridge Hall?
And so once again I find myself choosing one single word to describe a very special wedding. Well, finding that one single word to sum up Helen and and Jon’s wedding was in fact really quite easy: “JOYOUS”!
Getting Ready for the Day
I caught up with Helen, the girls and her mum and dad at the lovely Carriage House in the grounds of Ashford Hall. The photographic story of the day began with laughter and excitement. The girls were sitting around the kitchen table whilst Helen was having her hair expertly attended to by Hannah. And of course there were photographs taken of those all-important details, including the stunning flowers that had already arrived from The Green House in Crookes.
The Wedding at Fulwood Church
This perfect autumn day then made for a colourful drive from the Peak District into the suburbs of Sheffield. Firstly to catch the boys at Fulwood Church. Even before walking into the church I really was taken aback by the amazing autumn colours surrounding the church. The stunning reds of the maples in particular caught the eye. An absolute gift for this particular wedding photographer.
Plenty of photographs were taken of Jon and his groomsmen and the guests arriving. And of course lots of informals to add to the story, as excited guests were welcomed with great warmth.
And then to the church gates, where the vicar and I waited with great anticipation for the arrival of Helen and her bridesmaids. I could have chatted with the vicar for ages. And yes, it was my old friend the blue Vintage VolksWeddings VW camper and even it seemed to be smiling as it approached.
Helen was wearing a beautiful white dress by Cheshire Bridal Wear and the bridesmaids wore a superb deep blue. I won’t try and and describe the dresses in detail as I hope my photographs will do a far better job. But they did look breathtaking!
The Ceremony
Helen walked down the aisle with her father. Capturing the moment when she and Jon first saw each other that day was one of those occasions that are why I so love being a wedding photographer.
The service was a delight. I admit that I couldn’t resist joining in the singing at times, as I “silently” moved around taking photographs. I think I might just have got away with that one. (Singing in a choir when not being a wedding photographer may have something to do with it.) It would be so easy to get carried away with describing the whole service in minute detail, but believe me, it was one to remember.
At the end of the ceremony, tea and cake (those cakes looked amazing) were served for the guests.
And so, with some photographs taken in the church grounds under those stunning red maples and loads of confetti, it was off to Thornbridge. But being such a stunner of a day we stopped off on the tops. We just had to take some photographs in front of the gorgeous Peak District views that Jon and Helen so love.
The Reception at Thornbridge Hall
The reception was held at Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell. This amazing house is just perfect for a wedding or reception. And those gardens are just perfect for a wedding photographer. Guests were welcomed with a drinks reception on the vast lawns. The amazing backdrops of the house and stunning views of the Peak District made it wonderful for a few group photographs and some informals.
Soon the call came for the wedding breakfast. The guests were ushered into the magnificent Carrriage House, ready to welcome their bride and groom and eager for a hearty meal.
Speeches afterwards were enthusiastically received, particularly the joint speech by Helen and Jon. Oh, there was another thing that was almost the highlight of the day. Helen and Jon had bought a barrel of beer from Thornbridge Brewery (who else?) and were learning the art of pulling pints behind the bar. Have to say it looked like they were doing a fine job too.
And then to the dancing. It seemed that pretty well everyone joined in with the absolutely brilliant ceilidh, hosted by The Heist Ceilidh Band.
And Finally…
So there you have an all-too-brief tale of a dream wedding at Thornbridge Hall and ceremony at Fulwood Church. I hope you enjoy the photographs. I wanted to include all of them, but you just can’t do that in a blog post. If you know anyone else who might enjoy them, please do share the link.
Helen and Jon – your joyous day was amazing. Thanks so much for asking me to be your wedding photographer. So many congratulations! I wish you both so much happiness and a wonderful future together.
CHURCH: CHRIST CHURCH, FULWOOD
RECEPTION: THORNBRIDGE HALL
HAIR: HANNAH KATIE
DRESS: CHESHIRE BRIDAL WEAR
FLOWERS: THE GREEN HOUSE FLORIST
DOUGHNUTS (CAKE!): EVE KITCHEN
RINGS: P.A. JEWELLERY
BEER: THORNBRIDGE BREWERY
WINE: HATTERSLEY WINES
CHEESE: PORTER BROOK DELI
MUSIC: THE HEIST CEILIDH BAND
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If you’d like a friendly chat about your wedding photography, whether you’re planning a wedding at Thornbridge Hall or maybe Woodthorpe Hall, The Maynard, Losehill House, Kenwood Hall or any other venue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d really love to hear about what you’re planning!