Wedding photography at the Priests House, Barden Tower
The Priests House at Barden Tower is definitely one of my absolute favourite wedding venues. The Priests House is incredibly beautiful, the chapel features impressive high stone walls and the huge window that floods the room with natural light. It’s truly a photographer’s dream come true. The ruins of Barden Tower is equally impressive, offering fantastic photo opportunities both around the ruin and the surrounding grounds. The stunning North Yorkshire countryside provides a breathtaking backdrop to every view, adding to the romantic and picturesque setting. I was absolutely delighted when Nikki enquired and mentioned The Priests House as her chosen wedding venue. She also spoke with great excitement about her unique wedding reception plan held in a Teepee, making this wedding even more special. This was a wedding I was genuinely thrilled to shoot. Now, I can’t wait to share some highlight photos along with an insightful Q&A with Alex and Nikki.
Here are the highlights to Nikki & Alex’s wedding at the Priest House near Skipton.
Tell us about the proposal
So special, the ring was chosen together, and it is dreamy. Alex then kept it for a formal proposal and that came in Majorca a very special place to us both. We climbed a mountain near to Alex’s sisters house and at the peak he proposed. I cried ecstatic tears said yes, called family and then - the weather turned! We had a precarious descent battling low cloud and zero visibility and a few wrong cliff edge turns (courtesy of Alex!) but we had an experience to laugh about once we survived!!! Oh and despite all this fairly terrifying turn of events it was still very very much a yes!!!
Why did you choose the Priests House as your wedding venue?
We chose our wedding ceremony at The Priests House at Barden Tower - very simply because Alex’s parents are no longer with us and their ashes are scattered in the river wharfe just below. We knew they’d be with us. The venue has the location, history, beauty and simplicity. Plus it is very very romantic. From the outset we knew we’d hold our ceremony at the Priests House.
The suit
Alex had a fantastic experience travelling to a tailor Andrew Brooks of Edinburgh He wanted to give a nod to his Scottish heritage and as such requested all gentlemen to wear Black Tie so he could wear Munro Tarten Trews. He had them made with a beautiful tailored shirt to compliment- he looked spectacular and his theme added to the love and fun and colour of the day.
The wedding dress
The dress! I had no fixed idea of what I would wear. I was fairly uninspired by the normal wedding dresses I had seen. But my Eliza Jane Howell gown changed that! On visiting Wild Bride boutique to try another designer my dress caught my Mums eye and she suggested I try it and it was the first dress I put on- I cried, everyone cried and I fell in love with it instantly. It’s slightly bohemian, beautiful ornate hand embroidery, it moved freely, and Alex adored it!
How did you feel as you walked down the aisle/ waited for your bride?
Alex- Very emotional. I was just trying to hold it together. I didn’t want to be a blubbering idiot!
Nikki- after all the emotion of the morning and build up to the day, I felt amazingly calm. I took one look at Alex and didn’t take my eyes off him until I reached him at the end of the aisle. I’ll never forget how he looked at me when he first turned around.
Often the aspect that makes a wedding original to the couple is the detail – tell us about the details of the day.
We started with the ceremony venue we had both really wanted our ceremony to be held at The Priests House. We wanted simplicity and light and fragrance. We chose candles, ivory, fragrant simple flowers, gentle blue thistle and Yorkshire roses for Alex. The flowers were utterly beautiful created by Debbie at The Priests House. The music was incredible. We selected the songs that Becky and Josh performed my entrance song. It was a surprise for Alex …it was utterly romantic and ensured his parents were present. The words are really moving and poignant for so many reasons. Our ceremony was perfect, our friends reported not a dry eye in the house- tissues handed out by the handful … a touch of humour, beautifully delivered poignant readings, sublime songs, all additions to the promises made.
Why did you choose your photographer?
I had seen Gemma’s work online. She seemed natural, unfussy, friendly and I thought her work beautiful- I was not wrong!
Where did you choose for your reception venue
For our party afterwards we decided on Nikki’s fathers, Paul and Cathy’s home We were both so happy that they shared this idea and both of us appreciated the time we got to spend at Brooklands and the obvious joy they also shared on hearing our plans evolve and filling their outhouses with wine, candles and vases!! Treasured memories! And of course the practise runs of flying the Munro Flag!
We wanted a true celebration for our family and friends to enjoy, a way to express our sense of joy and it turned out to be the colourful, love filled celebration we were planning! As Alex said a fairytale wedding .
How did you allocate your budget?
We didn’t. I kept on saying to Alex I think we’ve come within budget- this was met with a laugh!!!
Did everything go as planned
The party in the tepees was a dream come true, we wanted to create a space that screamed our personality and the fun and love that is our relationship. We went for an abundance of colour, bright flowers, lovingly arranged by our great friend Sarah and all of our tables were named after the places we have travelled to together. Our Love Tour, affectionately entitled by friends. We picked long sociable tables, convivial relaxed Mexican themed dining, a true party atmosphere. Our vision came to life and it was perfect. I’ll never forget creating this magic and the labour of love during the entire process.
What was the most important investments for you and why?
Every detail mattered but we are very pleased that we invested in a photographer and videographer. We can relive our memories for ever.
Do you have any advice for couples in the planning stages?
Enjoy the planning, do it your way, and do what makes you both happy. The build up is such a fun time to enjoy for you both as a couple.
Shout out to the suppliers.
Gemma Suckley Photography - Yorkshire wedding photographer
The Priests House- perfect wedding venue
Bar Events, Laura Dan and the team all incredible, helpful great attention to detail. Laura so supportive through the entire process.
Wild Bride Boutique The Dress! Heidi and her team just wonderful!
Love Lights The Way - tepee decor Charlotte brought the vision to life.
Jules- Your story videographer - we can’t wait to see the videos, he was a great guy on the day, discreet friendly and attentive to the details.
Sarah Churchman- Tepee floristry and helper extraordinaire prior to the wedding day.
The cheeseboard Harrogate Wedding cake
Bettys - wedding fondant fancies
Tacoporium - the wedding breakfast - Tom and Emma provided the most amazing food- our guests loved it.
Becky and Josh Acoustic Duo- their music was sublime and being able to select our special songs and hear them at this moment in our lives was uniquely special
Whisky Wood Band / saxophonist Entertainment Nation- these boys got the party rocking, we could not recommend more. They sang the first dance brilliantly and got the whole crowd dancing through your the evening.
Niamh Foley - wedding day coordinator. A family friend and an angel on the day! Helping to greet suppliers and manage timings. We could not have managed without her!
Yorkshire wedding cars provided a beautiful car on the day for the bridesmaid. Arrived on time, early in fact and the car was stunning.