Relaxed Wedding Photography in the Priest House in the Yorkshire Dales
After photographing this couple’s relaxed pre-wedding shoot at The Priests House, Barden Tower, I was especially looking forward to seeing them return for their wedding day. The day had such a relaxed and personal feel, with plenty of beautiful moments, laughter and time spent with the people who mattered most to them. They also made time to visit the Priory at Bolton Abbey for a special blessing. Bolton Abbey holds a particularly special place for Sophie’s mum, so it was really lovely to be able to include this in their wedding day.
After the blessing, we spent some time exploring the abbey ruins and the surrounding Bolton Abbey estate before stopping for ice creams. Sophie may have dropped some on her dress approximately two seconds after I said, “Don’t drop that on your dress.”
Back at The Priests House, the celebrations continued with great music, lots of laughter and all those little moments that made the day completely theirs. It was a brilliant day to photograph, and one that felt every bit as personal and relaxed as the couple themselves.
Here a little Q&A with Sophie and some highlight photos starting with bridal prep in the Bunk Barn next next to Barden Tower
How did you meet, and how long have you been together?
Michael was working at the yard where I kept my horse. One day he was going to check the sheep and I went with him! He kept trying to grab my knee… but swears he was going for the gearstick! We’ve been together for two years.
Tell us about the proposal
I messed this one up!
For my birthday, Michael had booked for us to go riding on the beach with the Cumbrian Heavy Horses. It was about -4°C! I got so cold that, when we got back, I insisted on going home to warm up. Michael kept wanting to go for a walk on the beach and was very insistent… but I won, and we went home!
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Engagement photos at Barden Tower
Later that night, we took a drive to a ford where we had spent a lot of last summer. Michael got down on one knee on the little stone bridge and proposed.
What venue did you choose, and why?
The Priest House. When we walked in, it just felt right. It was intimate, charming and simply stunning. Plus, the staff we met were amazing to deal with.
Would you recommend your venue? What did you love about it on the day?
Oh hell yes!
I had no idea how I wanted the little girl’s dream of a wedding to look, but this place created it all tenfold! I loved the mood and the authenticity. There’s space to catch your breath, but you’re never too far from the crowd.
How did you feel walking down the aisle?
It felt surreal… like a dream. But seeing Michael made me feel like the luckiest girl alive!
What was your favourite moment of the day?
My favourite moment was walking down the aisle with my mum and best friend by my side and joining the love of my life.
Which photographs were you most looking forward to seeing, or which have you loved so far?
All of them! Especially the quiet moments.
Tell us about your dress
Dress: Carols Bridal, Carlisle. The dress chose me!
And the suit?
Suit: Goodfellows, Carlisle. We wanted tweed and green, and it was perfect.
How did you choose your photographer?
Because she is bloody awesome! From day one, Gemma made us feel so special, and it showed on our wedding day.
How did you feel being in front of the camera?
At first, I was really self-conscious – but Gemma definitely changed that!
What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding?
Get everything planned well in time, so you have the weeks before the wedding to fine-tune everything and actually enjoy it. And if you’ve forgotten something, so what! The most important thing is you and your partner.
With thanks to the suppliers
Venue: The Priest House – with a special mention for Conor
Photographer - Gemma Suckley Photography
DJ: Ed Marshall
Pianist: White Notes Music
Dress: Carols bridal
Suit: Goodfellows Menswear
Hair & Makeup: The Bridal Luxe – Charlotte & Lauren
Nails: NailsxbyIz
Wedding Cake: Catherine Barrett (MOB)
Flowers: Nicola Robinson (friend)
Stationery: Charlotte’s Designs
Jewellery: Cross Market Street Jewellers, Skipton
Wedding Favours: Jan
Planning your wedding at The Priests House, Barden Tower? If you're looking for a relaxed, natural Priests House wedding photographer, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to check my availability.
