Waaay back in December last year, on a very damp but crisp winters day (just after all the snow finally melted) I was over near Mold, North Wales at Soughton Hall for Helen and Chris’ big day. I love Soughton Hall, it’s such a gorgeous place for a wedding and as a photographer it offers so many opportunities. As the day progresses though, it quickly became clear that the temperatures weren’t going to let us spend any time outside in the beautiful grounds…
But with interiors like this, who cares?! Soughton Hall is overflowing with features, all opulent and sophisticated in a traditional way. And Helen and Chris’ details and styling was a perfect complement to it all.
Helen was so happy and so calm and so looking forward to everything the day had in store for her…
Chris was keeping his nerves calm over in the stables bar – I coaxed him out for some cool relaxed portraits pre-ceremony!
A Christmas wedding ceremony in front of a roaring fire? Yes please.
After the ceremony, we headed outside to use a gap in the weather for a couple of group photos and a couple of late-afternoon winter sunset shots of the extremely happy couple.
I don’t often blog many ‘mingling’ photos, but I want you to feel a little bit of the friendly, family atmosphere of Helen and Chris’ wedding day. It was a real privilege to be in amongst it capturing it for them.
Helen and her B-E-A-UTIFUL neice!
Dinner time…
In between dessert and speeches, we managed to steal a few moments to get some atmospheric and relaxed portraits of Helen and Chris. And more of that roaring fire! Christmastime weddings are so special.
Back upstairs for the speeches. Some of the most heartfelt, emotional speeches I’ve heard. I’m all for humour and lightheartedness, but if I could give advice to anyone writing a wedding speech – grooms, best men, fathers of brides everywhere – just say what you feel. It’s the only way. I won’t lie – these speeches, especially Chris’ Dad’s off the cuff speech at the end, brought a serious lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. Lovely words.
Ladies and Gentlemen – Helen and Chris!
For some first dances you feel like the couple are the only ones in the room, and you can tell they feel that way too.
This final image is everything I remember about this couple and this wedding all rolled into one. Happiness, romance, love, a little bit of cheekiness and all the lovely atmospheric twinkly christmas lights in the background. I love it.
Helen and Chris – I’m so so pleased you chose me as your wedding photographer at Soughton Hall. It was an amazing day and thanks to you, your lovely family and friends for making me feel so welcome. Have an amazing life together and I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world.
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2 comments
Neil Redfern - Beautiful work, Adam. Winter weddings are very difficult but you’ve made it look easy :) Fantastic stuff!
Helen Breese - Ah thanks Adam, this made me feel all teary!! It was a pleasure having you as our photographer, everyone commented on what a nice guy you are and, as everyone can see, we now have some stunning photos to treasure – so thank you again!! Helen