Gabby and Matty’s Tickton Grange wedding was a proper summer day, full of family, friends and a dance floor that never stopped. As their wedding photographer, I spent the day at this beautiful Georgian country house hotel just outside Beverley. My second shooter Natalie was with Matty for his morning, so we didn’t miss a thing!

The morning at Tickton Grange

Gabby got ready in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids, with plenty of gifts to open and lots of laughs. Her dress hung by the window and her bouquet was full of soft whites and greens.

Meanwhile Natalie was with Matty and his groomsmen in Hull, where they got ready in black tie. Once they arrived at the venue, the groomsmen lined up in front of the house for a photo.

Then came the special moments. Gabby’s dad saw her in her dress for the first time and her bridesmaids in blush pink were all smiles. There were a few happy tears all round.

A Rose Room ceremony

Tickton Grange is a Georgian country house hotel near Beverley in East Yorkshire. It has been run by the same family for around 40 years. There are formal gardens, a walled garden, a Garden Pavilion and fields all around, so there’s lots of variety without leaving the grounds.

The ceremony was in the Rose Room, filled with white flowers and lovely natural light. Gabby walked in with her dad and Matty was beaming. After the vows and rings they walked out to confetti under the oak pergola.

The Rose Room is a stunning space and as a wedding photographer I love it, because it works perfectly if the weather turns. It also means everyone stays relaxed and comfortable.

Confetti, drinks and group shots

The pergola is a brilliant spot for confetti, as it’s sheltered from sun or showers. Then the drinks flowed in the gardens while everyone caught up.

We kept the group shots simple, with Matty’s groomsmen on the lawn and Gabby with her bridesmaids. That meant more time for everyone to relax and enjoy the day. I’d much rather capture real moments than spend an hour lining people up.

It’s how I love to work, keeping things natural so the photos feel like the two of them on the day.

Tickton Grange, a Georgian country house hotel near Beverley in East Yorkshire, on the wedding day

The Rose Room at Tickton Grange set with white flowers and chairs for the wedding ceremony

Close up of white flower arrangements in the ceremony room, ready for the vows

Wedding dress hanging in the bridal suite at Tickton Grange Hotel next to a close up of the wedding rings in their box

Wedding stationery, perfume and jewellery laid out on the morning of the wedding day

Bridal bouquet of soft white flowers and green foliage waiting in the bridal suite

Bride Gabby pouring glasses of bucks fizz by the window on the morning of her wedding

The bride having her makeup done on the morning of her wedding beside a portrait of groom Matty in black tie at Tickton Grange

The bride’s dad reading a card in black tie next to a groomsman having his bow tie straightened before the ceremony

Groomsmen in black tie lined up in front of Tickton Grange near Beverley

Bride Gabby standing by the window in her wedding dress, reflected in the mirror beside her at Tickton Grange

The old barns at Tickton Grange framed by summer trees as guests gather outside before the ceremony

Bridesmaids gasping with their hands over their faces as they see the bride in her wedding dress at Tickton Grange

Bride hugging her dad in a special moment after he sees her in her dress

Bride walking through the gardens with her bridesmaids holding her dress, then waiting with her dad at the Rose Room door

Bride walking down the aisle with her dad towards the groom in the Rose Room at Tickton Grange

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their vows in the light filled ceremony room

Close up of the exchange of rings during the wedding ceremony near Beverley

Guests throwing confetti under the oak pergola at Tickton Grange after the ceremony

Bride and groom walking through the confetti together with big smiles under the pergola

Bride and groom kissing in a shower of confetti beside a relaxed couple portrait of them smiling together

Bride and groom with their bridesmaids and flower girls under the trees in the gardens at Tickton Grange

Golden hour, speeches and a packed dance floor

Later in the day it was time for the two of them. We used the red brick walls, the blue door and the old barns, then headed out to the long grass for golden hour. We finished at the Garden Pavilion, one of my favourite spots here.

The reception room was set with round tables, white flowers and soft pink linen. It looked beautiful. The speeches had plenty of laughs and a few happy tears.

After the first dance the dance floor filled up fast and stayed that way all night. There were bridesmaids singing, dads dancing and Matty celebrating with his arms in the air!

Photographer’s tips

Tips for a Tickton Grange wedding

Allow 15 to 30 minutes for couple photos.The walled garden, the barns and the Garden Pavilion are all close by.
Head out for golden hour.The long grass behind the house glows in the evening light.
Use the pergola for confetti.It’s sheltered and the oak frame makes a lovely backdrop.
Get ready on site.The bridal suite has plenty of space and beautiful light.

The team behind the day