Wedding photography at the Tempest Arms in North Yorkshire

Welcome to Shelley and Adam’s Autumn wedding at the Tempest Arms in Elslack - the highlight blog with an added Q&A with Shelley.

There’s something extra special about an autumn wedding in the Yorkshire countryside—crisp air, colourful leaves, golden sunshine and that cosy fires you only get this time of year. Shelley & Adam chose The Tempest Arms in Elslack for their Autumn wessing, not just for its charm; but for the warm, relaxed atmosphere that made everyone feel instantly at home. No fuss, not strict formality—just good people, great energy, and a day full of laughter.

Photographing the entire wedding day felt effortless and joyful—from morning bridal prep to the kind of speeches that make everyone laugh a little louder and hug a little tighter.

It wasn’t about tradition or perfection. It was about feeling comfortable, having fun, and celebrating love in a place that felt genuinely welcoming. And as autumn settled in outside, Adam and Shelley spent the evening with their family and friends, dancing, sharing stories, and making memories that will last for years.

Shelley & Adam at the their Wedding at the Tempest Arm this Autumn

How did you meet?

We’ve been friends for around 30 years and dated on and off but decided to make a go of it when we turned 30. So we’ve been together 8 years.

Makeup artist applying makeup to the bride

flower girl fixing her hair in the mirror

Tell us about your alternative wedding dress

I ADORE my dress from Ava Rose. It was by All Who Wander Sutton in the colour Bali. I knew I wanted something different andit was a love it or hate it dress, but it just felt right as soon as I saw it.

bridesmaids helping bride into her wedding dress

bridesmaids straightening the brides dress

The suit?

Bridgewater Menswear. Adam loved the suit as it was super comfortable. Its Marc Darcy HM5 with rust accents.

Tell us about your proposal

Adam woke me up in the middle of the night on valentines day… I thought here we go, he thinks he’s getting some, but he had finally just plucked up the courage to ask me. The year before we had been to Vegas and then New York for Christmas but he got himself too nervous to ask.

the bride putting in her freya rose london earrings

What there a wedding investments that felt super important?

Photography - so we can show Alexander when he is older.

Venue, we wanted everyone to have a relaxed fun day and enjoy the food.

The bride and her bridesmaid outside the tempest arms in elslack

the bridal party outside the tempest arms

What wedding venue did you choose and why did you choose it?

The Tempest Arms in Elslack. It was the only venue we visited where we instantly felt comfortable. Plus the added benefit of on site accommodation. Cheeky bonus is the food is lovely.

the fireplace in the ceremony room at the tempest arms

Joel Grainger the Violinist at the tempest arms wedding

the wedding guests seating for the ceremony at the tempest arms

the groom and best man at the tempest arms

How did you feel as you walked down the aisle/ waited for your bride?

I was relieved Alexander finally made it down the aisle and I was papping my pants with everyone staring at me…

Adam was nervous and just wanted to get cracked on.

the groom and the bestman at the front of the ceremony

the grooms toddler running down the aisle

the groom with his son at the tempest arms wedding ceremony

the pageboy walking down the aisle at the tempest arms

The bridesmaid walking down the aisle at the tempest arms

The bride walking down the aisle at the tempest arms

the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony

the bride and groom smiling with their son at the tempest arms

wedding guests at the tempest arms wedding ceremony

the bride and groom kissing at the ceremony

the newly-weds at the tempest arms wedding ceremony

the bride and groom exiting the ceremony room

the newly-weds with champagne at the tempest arms

the newly-weds walking with their son as guests throw confetti

the newly-weds walking with their son as guests blow bubbles

the newly-weds walking with their son through wedding guests

Do you have any advice for couples in the planning stages?

I would say write down all the little things that to you are the most meaningful parts of the day and make sure you focus on getting them booked or plan them into the schedule. Then allthe extra moments/entertainment are a cheeky bonus to your already perfect day.

wedding guest drinking outside the tempest arms

Why did you choose your wedding photographer?

We wanted to use a local photographer and were looking online and Gemma’s images really stood out to us in the natural style we liked.

newly-weds holding hands on elslack moors

the bride and groom tripping up on the moors

the groom helping his wife walk straight on elslack moors

How did you allocate your budget?

Terribly! We did a 3rd of the budget on the venue, 3rd on photography, décor and flowers and violinist and the remaining 3rd on dress and suits and accessories. Still feel like we forgotto include extras.

the bride on elslack moor in her flowing wedding dress

the bride and groom toddlers playing under a sign

Often the aspect that makes a wedding original to the couple is the detail – tell us about the details of the day.

The colour Scheme was dark autumn real flowers with rust accents, fruit and tall candles

Schedule - We are quite easy going. We just knew we wanted to get married at 1pm, so happily went with suggestions from the venue.

the wedding breakfast room at tempest arms

sweetheart top table at the tempest arms

Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d known before your wedding day?

How little time you actually have to process the day, it’s over before you realise you are enjoying it.

married couple with their son outside the tempest arms

bride and groom outside the tempest arms

married couple with autumn leaves behind them

wedding guest waving napkin at the tempest arms wedding

married couple making an entrance to wedding guests

father of the groom making a speech at the tempest arms

best man making at speech at the tempest arms wedding

the groom making a speech at the tempest arms wedding[e

What song did you choose for your first dance, and why?

Adam chose Stargazing by Miles Smith for our first song. The lyrics had meaning and it felt lighthearted, so we could enjoy the moment as a family.

bride and groom dancing their first dance togther

parents for the groom dancing at the tempest arms wedding

wedding guests dancing at the tempest arms wedding

a full dancefloor at the tempest arms wedding

Any wedding supplier you want to give a shout out to?

Nicola Shaw Makeup and lashes –Such an beautiful kind lady who came last minute after another supply cancelled, the makeup was better than I could have imagined and even stayed on after Adam drowned me in Prosecco. It was like having a friend in with me for the morning.

Becky at Ava Rose – She made me feel extremely comfortable and found me the most incredible dress.

And Gemma Suckley Photography Of course, She came in and made herself completely at home, which instantly put us at ease. We are so happy she managed to fit going to the moor into the schedule. It meant we could have 30 mins of us time, and I’m sure they will be the most beautiful images. The rest of the time it was just like she were family enjoying the day with us and we can not thank her enough. We also can’t wait to see some of the fun photos of everyone.