Kate & Bryn’s timeless Fig House | Middleton Lodge wedding

Kate & Bryn got married at the sensational North Yorkshire wedding venue at Middleton Lodge estate May 2024, and what a gorgeous day it was! The day before the wedding was a bank holiday monday, the sun was beaming, the sky was blue and it all was looking positive for Kate & Bryn. Until the dreaded weather forecast showed, rain, cloud and gloom.. All day long!

The morning was filled with excitement (with a hint of anxiety about the weather). I decided the best way to combat the rain was to embrace it! So off I went to the local pound shops on a hunt for some umbrellas. I found some absolutely unreal brolly’s in silverlink Newcastle Upon Tyne at OneBelow and came out with 6 clear umbrellas for the bridal party and 7 black ones for the groomsmen. 

As soon as we entered into the bridal suite (aka the beautiful cottage number 3 along the fig house) things started to calm. Kate was there looking absolutely stunning. Hair and make up to die for and her stunning Nadine Merabi Pjs were a vision. 

With the doom and gloom only 10ft away from us outside, I decided it was the right day for some old money direct flash detail photography. Joe Malone perfume, Carvella shoes, Van Cleef necklace and bracelet. The perfect combo! I also did some of the same old money flash for the hair and makeup portraits which worked an absolute charm against the stunning fluffy PJs. 

Meanwhile we were having fun with the beautiful Kate and her stunning details, the bridal party of 5 were in the bathroom hiding from the dress. Pouring some champers of course!! They got in their champagne coloured Style cheat bridal dresses and were kept hidden right the way until Kate put on her dress. 

Kate’s dress. Now, this needs a moment. So, Kate’s hunt for a dress actually wasn’t the smoothest. She had originally chosen one and when she went to try it on, she actually no longer liked it! Nightmare!! And i’d imagine it will be very stressful. Kate found Paradise grove bridal. A charming bridal shop based in Batley. Kate designed her dress and had it made only 8 weeks before the big day. WOW. and it was simply stunning. The absolute moment. I can’t get over the details and dedication that went into making this dress. 

Anyway, after the most beautiful bridal prep, it was time for the fig house ceremony. Now, unfortunately Kate didn’t get her dream outdoor ceremony due to the rain pour, BUT, the wonderful coordinator Kerry Anne set up the ceremony to happen inside instead. And it was gorgeous. We had tears from Bryn, tears from Stu, tears from many people actually ! and a whole load of cuteness from the best ring bearer in the world, Louis. The dog. In his little waist coat!!. Truly sensational. In the background, Link lewis music was singing (who BTW sings, DJs, plays the sax and the keys … whaaaa!! All in the same day). 

Their marriage was perfect. Truly and authentically themselves. Lots of laughs, lots of tears and a whole lot of love!! We followed the beautiful ceremony with an indoor reception, canapes to die for and some drinks to get the ball rolling! And due to the weather we were sadly not able to explore the famous fig house gardens just yet. So we did some group shots inside the fit house room against the lovely fig tree wall and pushed the confetti back to right before the wedding breakfast. We did a couple of portraits there but we decided to wait until later to do the majority and hope the rain would clear up!..

The speeches were fabulous, starting with Kate’s brother and step dad, followed by Bryn then his best men. Hilarious and heartfelt, touching lots of hearts around the room. Always a precious moment to be able to capture. 

As time went by, the rain started to calm down and then just as our prayers were answered, 7pm hit and we had a clear sky, no rain !!! so off we went into the gardens. Equipt with bridesmaids, groomsmen and Kate & Bryn we started the photo frenzy! It was pure magic. 

Ending the photo sessions with some all important old money direct flash (my fave) in the bridal suits again is like having a full 360 moment of the day. I just love spending morning to night with the bride and groom and seeing their emotions change throughout the day. This job really is the most special job in the world.