Suppliers:

Venue: Hobbit Hill

Videographer: @juraweddingfilms

Wedding Host/DJ: Ryan Smith

Magician: Jason Rea

Floristry: The Flower Girls

Decorations: Love Letters 2 hire

Celebrants: @pinkandgingerceremonies

Dog Goddess: @pawfectoccasions

Celebrants: @pinkandgingerceremonies

Make up Artist: @jadeabigailmua

Cake: Cake Corner

Musician: Sax Every Weekend

I was referred to Alex and Rich by a close friend of mine and what a referral that turned out to be! We did the usual Zoom where I found out that Rich is an avid Manchester United fan and Alex has to put up with the emotional turmoil it brings. After a good laugh and a catch up with what felt like long lost mates, you know the kind where you feel you’ve known each other for an age, we were booked in and ready to go.

It was my first time shooting a wedding at Hobbit Hill and departing from Hull, in what was one of the snowiest days of the years, a genuine blizzard over the Peak District, however the treacherous journey was complete and I found myself in the beautiful Ribble Valley for a cracking day of photography.

The day started at a little cottage tucked away a few miles away from the venue. I was grateful to meet the fantastic @juraweddingfilms who was cracking on getting those all important slow-mo bridal preparation shots and whom was a great guy to work alongside. Nothing better than meeting a videographer whom you can seamlessly work with. Dress. Make-Up. Fizz. What weddings are about of course. @jadeabigailmua provided the Make-Up Artist expertise for the day and with the bridal squad had been up from the crack of dawn, all I had to do was walk in with a Lucozade in arms (I tend to send see if anyone needs anything from the shops before arriving - paracetemol is usually forgotten) and get to work.

Why Wedding Photographers Love Hobbit Hill

Hobbit Hill, named aptly due to its proximity to the Tolkien Trail, offers the perfect venue for those who love a backdrop. Rolling hills, countryside and a view of the Forest of Bowland, it’s understandable why many couples choose such a stunning place to get hitched. An area of natural beauty through and through. A stunning location, for two beautiful humans and of course, their wedding photographer.

Ceremony Shots and the Big Day

The ceremony was bloody cracking. Rich and Alex definitely brought their own vibes and a motley crew - the room was filled with family, joy and those genuine moments of laughter. Ruby was chipping in with a few barks too, impeccable timing from our favourite sausage dog.

From the ceremony, it was straight outside for the confetti shots. I love a good confetti shot. We were graced with a smattering of snow on the ground, too just to give the wedding those winter vibes. Straight after, we were into family photos and the all important Ruby shots - please, bring your dog to your big day, it will be the second best decision you’ll make.

Once the family group shots were all wrapped up, it was a quick turn around into the groom and the groomsmen’s photos before whisking Alex and Rich away to different parts of Hobbit Hills amazing grounds.

Into the Evening

Winter comes with a caveat. You lose light quickly. This is one of the reasons I love shooting winter weddings - time to get creative and get the flash cracked out.

With the speeches done and an interesting story involving a pair of knickers - I won’t elaborate too much, we were into the party. Avicii blasted out for the first dance and set the scene for the rest of the evening. Alex and Rich’s gang, my god, they can party and party bloody well. The dance floor was filled with ravers of all abilities, people on shoulders, shuffles on the floor, a freaking awesome saxophonist adding to the melodies - IT WAS UNREAL. Sweat, blood and BPM. No blood, that’s hyperbole, but you get my gist.

Hobbit Hill proved to be the perfect venue for Alex + Rich and I was absolutely privileged to be able capture their wedding in all its glory.

It’s a wedding I won’t forget in a hurry and people who have made a mark on me as a photographer and have set a new bar for wedding raves.