Hannah & Mike’s summer wedding at Oaklands

Hannah and her bridesmaids got ready at The Swallow’s Nest, a converted stone barn just down the road from Oaklands. It’s bright and airy, so if you’re an Oaklands couple it’s well worth a look for your morning.

I had some competition too! Their daughter Madison had been given a camera of her own to capture her mum and dad’s big day.

Mike spent the morning with his groomsmen tucking into a traditional breakfast, feeling a little worse for wear after the night before. My second photographer kept me updated on just how hungover he was. I decided Hannah didn’t need to know, certainly not from me.

The pavilion on the lake is the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony. On a summer day like this it’s every wedding photographer’s dream. Stunning flowers and exposed timber blend beautifully into the view, with the Grand Lodge looking on from across the water.

If you’re thinking about Oaklands, the outdoor ceremony is the big draw. When the sun shines, the whole day happens in one beautiful space: vows by the water, drinks beside the lake and the woods for photos, all a few steps apart.

Hardly any guests ventured under cover all day. Everyone preferred the outdoor bar and the lovely spaces around the lake, which is surrounded by woodland that guests are free to explore.

It’s one of the things I love most about an Oaklands wedding. It feels relaxed and personal, like a party in your own private grounds. From behind the camera that’s brilliant. Nobody is stuck indoors, so I can catch the laughs, the hugs and the happy tears as they happen with the water glinting behind.

The wedding breakfast was in the Grand Lodge, with gorgeous food all day. Afterwards we took a walk around the building, where the trees behind make a perfect backdrop for relaxed family photos.

The grounds have a rustic style. The timber cladding blends into the woodland for a real barn feel. I’ve photographed at Oaklands many times and every season gives the venue a new look, so it’s easy to make your photos feel like yours.

If you’re worried about posing, please don’t be. I give a few gentle directions, then let the rest happen naturally. It should feel like a walk with a friend. The photos then look like the two of you on a really good day.

Where is Oaklands?
A hidden gem near Driffield in East Yorkshire, with a lake, woodland and the Grand Lodge all in private grounds.

Can you have an outdoor ceremony at Oaklands?
Yes, the pavilion on the lake is made for it. Hannah and Mike said their vows there with the Grand Lodge looking on from across the water.

Where is the wedding breakfast at Oaklands?
In the Grand Lodge. The trees behind it give shade and greenery for relaxed family photos afterwards.

Do we need a second photographer for an Oaklands wedding?
It helps if you’re getting ready in different places. Hannah got ready at The Swallow’s Nest while my second photographer stayed with Mike and his groomsmen.

Have you photographed at Oaklands before?
Many times. Every season gives the venue a new look, so your photos will still feel like yours.