I was so lucky that Rebecca & Richard invited me to be their Peak District Wedding Photographer. Their venue, Saddleworth Hotel, sits in the middle of breathtaking scenery, rolling hills and deep valleys. It’s surrounded by natural beauty which gives this unique place of marriage such character.

Make Up and Hair by the Beautifully Lit Rooms at Saddleworth Hotel

Laughter and chatting filled the room of bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding. I popped in to see the bride and her guests before the nuptials later that day. Rebecca, the bride-to-be, was nervous but excited, which is to be expected! The rain pelted down outside this hilltop venue. The Pennines were coated with a mist that gave it a magical feel. However perturbed they were, I was certain we would get a break in the weather at some point! Father of the Bride arrived and the bubbly was cracked open. After laughing and celebrating the day to come, we grabbed the umbrellas and dashed across to where the Bridal Dressing Room was.

A Grand Ceremony Location with Extravagant Decor for A Pagan Handfasting

The flowergirls in sequin dresses led the way down the aisle. Their celebrant prepared for their Pagan Handfasting ritual. The original saying to tie-the-not goes back to Pagan traditions of handfasting and the knots that are tied. Bride-to-be Rebecca beamed her perfect smile all the way down the aisle with her dad. With the gorgeous high moorlands in the background, the newlyweds exchanged vows. Handfastings are always such a lovely and sincere way to promise to each other. They jumped the broom and headed upstairs for the drinks reception.

Relaxed Reception Drinks in the Stunning Venue

Rebecca & Richard had their cake cutting, and then group photos. I took these images inside, as it was still raining outside! I nipped around unobtrusively with my Canon DSLR whilst the newlyweds chatted to all their guests. Such a fun, relaxed and informal atmosphere in this National Park venue. Then magically, the clouds parted and we nipped outside to get some incredible couple shots of them together. We had some stunning photographs of them cuddling in the surrounding woodland. Later after their food – they danced with their guests late into the night.

Supplier Shout Outs!

Loretta Challis Hairdressing
Emma Harrison MUA
Saddleworth Hotel
Harpers Florist