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A little teaser from the last wedding of 2017. The amazing Hannah and Alex, married at our favourite Hellaby Hall Hotel & Leisure Wishing you every kindness and for a prosperous and very Happy New Year as Mr and Mrs from us all here at Altered Images Photography  #hellabyhall #engaged

I caught up with Elizabeth at her home to see Kim Law and Janine Clarke preparing the bridal party's hair and Katie Daley, Beth Carney and Sam Law doing the make-up. It was nice and relaxed and the beauticians seemed very well organised and of course the bride and her bridesmaids were already looking amazing. The bride's dress was hung up and looked good supplied by Cupid Connections of Barnsley. The six bridesmaid's dresses and the flower girl's in pink were ordered off the internet. The flowers arrived from Petite Fleurs. I am no flower expert but these looked really good, pink and white carnations in a cloud of gypsophila and pink throngs. I just had time to grab a couple of photos with the girls all dressed and of course with mum - she looked stunning. In fact the entire bridal party looked amazing with Elizabeth being the focus. The dress really was the icing on the cake, it really showed Elizabeth off, she had picked the perfect dress for her. Cartwright's Cars with my good friends Kevin and Philip were waiting outside and the car was gleaming. Dad arrived and he was stunned when he saw his daughter. She knew she was pulling at his heart strings and a few tears started to come through.

No time to loose, I had to get to the church. Julius was there with his chaps, all looking very smart and in good shape just like myself. Another first class supplier, Top Mark had supplied the suits. Three piece, modern style in bright blue contrasting nicely with the flowers and pink colour scheme. The best man had the rings from James Hadley's Find Diamonds. A plain white band for Julius and a delicate half eternity, diamond studded ring for Elizabeth.

Our vicar was Carol. She told me that she normally does not allow any photographs in the church but very kindly she said she would allow me to get a photo of Elizabeth walking up the aisle with her father and from the gallery at the back of the church. I am always respectful of the clergie's wishes in church. It is a religious ceremony and that should be the focus. It is not a performance but I also feel it is an occasion that couples will wish to remember and relive those moments by looking at photos. Personally I have all but lost the memories of my own wedding and I would have loved to have seen some of the highlights in print but it was not to be. Anyway the bride arrived and the service was beautiful. We had a guard of honour at the front of the church and some family photos in the grounds. Christ Church is a splendid church and it looked beautiful with flowers bathed in warm afternoon sunshine.

On to Rogerthorpe. Elizabeth asked me to do one of our special heart-shaped group photos so that was my priority on arrival then a few group photos. It was sweltering! It was a case of using the shade as much as possible with the use of some fill in flash for most photos. I asked the couple if they would leave their intimate photos until after the wedding breakfast when the Sun would be lower and the light a little kinder. Wedding breakfast was good as it always is at Rogerthorpe, with Karen looking after the wedding details for the hotel. Speeches followed. It seemed such a shame to cut the cake. It was very unusual and magnificent made by Lindsay Marie Cake Designs.The piano was played during the wedding breakfast by David Robertshaw.

We grabbed a few more photos in the grounds later. The gardens at Rogerthorpe are some of the best in the area and more than enough to keep any photographer happy. We even managed to get a few photos in the farmer's field next door as the Sun went down. The couple were radiant.

Later in the evening the wedding party made good use of our photo booth. This ended the day with quite a few laughs! The first dance was to Nathan Sykes - Over and Over Again followed by Elizabeth dancing with her dad to I Loved Her First by Heartland to be joined by Julius and his mum.

DJ was Pro Sounds Discos. I asked the couple how they met and it seems they knew each other for most of their lives right from playgroup and on to school. Really becoming close friends during the past 15 years. Julius proposed using a special jigsaw puzzle - very unusual! Elizabeth said the special part of the day was for her being escorted by her father up the church aisle to see Julius peering back at her and the whole church ceremony. She loved it. Carol had become a good friend and her service was beautiful.

It truly was one of the most amazing days of our lives, everything went smoothly. The weather was great and everything and everyone looked beautiful. A day we will never forget.

So what advice can the couple offer others? "Go with your instincts and enjoy every moment. The dress was important. I knew it was the one from the first moment I saw it. Once I was in it I felt like a princess; beautiful and confident. It made my Maid of Honour cry. I was worried how I would feel being photographed but I felt so at ease and so natural. The food at Rogerthorpe was amazing and there was plenty - but I knew it would be as we are regulars at Rogerthorpe! Looking forward now to spending our honeymoon in Lanzarote for the third time with our 3 year old daughter, Sydney".

All of our best wishes for a long and happy life together.

I hung Erin's dress above the window in the bridal suite next door. The curtain pole must have been ten feet up! It was a gorgeous period room with oodles of finery and a very contemporary en-suite. The dress was a very elegant T-length with a lacy skirt. Maggie from Finery Bridal in Sherburn in Elmet showed Erin the dress and that was it, it had to be that one. She also had a full range of Dessy bridesmaids dresses with a full choice of styles and colours to match the blue colour scheme. "The service was personal, friendly and all round superb service", says Erin. The bridal flowers came from Melanie's Flowers in Tadcaster. "I've had flowers from there before and they've always been fresh and kept fantastically. The girls at the shop took my ideas and worked with them to provide really informal flowers that suited the look and feel of the wedding I wanted".
 

It was quite a journey to All Saints Church in Sherburn in Elmet. I always seem to be rushing and it wasn't getting any cooler even with the air con on full blast. Lee was having a pensive five minutes alone at the back church sat on a small bench admiring the vista to York and beyond. He was happy to let me join him for a while. He looked really dapper in his Tweed and Chinos bought at Moss Bros. That was a great choice as the chaps could wear them again after the wedding. Colour was right. I thought the tweed would be too hot but the jackets were deceivingly light weight. So where were the rings? Lee 2; aka Best Man, had them. A white gold band with a single stone for Lee and a diamond encrusted band for Erin. They had been totally personalised to the couple's specification by Forever Wedding Rings. The jeweller made a home visit making the choice very relaxed and an exciting part of the wedding planning.
 

The bride was on her way. The bride and groom had been to a few festivals with friends and their beloved 'Edgar'. 'Edgar' was a VW Combi and that had to be the choice of transport. However poor Edgar coughed and spluttered for the last time the day before the wedding and was no more. So Erin made her way in a blue and white Comer van quickly seconded for the job.

The church was idyllic. It was Lee's family church. The service was really personal and thankfully cooler inside the church. After the necessary confetti and hugs and kisses it was off to Hawkhills for the Wedding Breakfast and reception. After visiting a few venues Lee told me this had to be the one. It had a mix of tradition and modern and the couple had it exclusively to themselves for all weekend. There were lots of kids at the wedding and this was a lovely, safe environment for them to run around in. After speaking with Maria, the coordinator, and the staff, Erin found them all so friendly and accommodating that it was an easy choice to make for her also.
 

Speeches outside on the lawn! Followed by an amazing wedding breakfast and of course the wine flowed! Not to mention the cocktail bar on the lawn to keep the guests in the party mood. And the cake of course. It had to be Colin the Caterpillar from Marks and Spencers. All family celebrations had Colin as a central part so it was only right he should appear again, except this time he was joined by his new girlfriend, Connie! And if that was not enough a sweetie cart from Yorkshire Confectionery was stood for those with a sweet tooth. To round the day off the couple opened the dance floor early dancing to 'Shut Up and Dance with me' being sung by Duvet, the ultimate covers band. Lee and Erin - a bit lively - well there's an understatement. To be followed by heaps of vibes from DJ Chris Marsden.
 

Erin told me that she met Lee about 6 years ago in a local pub, at a random evening just having a friendly pint. Lee was an electrician so it wasn't long before there was a spark between these two. Then at Christmas in the morning, just before their little girl woke up, Lee presented a gift bag with the big question there on its gift tag. Advice for others? "Just do what you want to do and only then start to consider your guests". What about shopping for the wedding? "I thought I'd found the perfect dress, but when I went to a local bridal shop Maggie persuaded me to try on a dress whilst I was there. She brought one out and that was it! I changed the dress to suit my style, which was no problem at all".

Is there to be a honeymoon? (Honeymoon btw was a period of 1 month that a fellow would abduct a girl for and hide her away, trapped, feeding her on honey. If she hadn't been found during that month then he could claim the right to marry her - she had no say in the matter - this was man's stuff.) No honeymoon though for Erin and Lee. They have just started a new business to keep on top of. However one of the fabulous friends booked them in a two nights getaway as a surprise and no doubt a couple of days relaxation won't go amiss.

Best wishes from us all here for a long and prosperous life and let the sparks keep flying!

Photographed by Robert from Altered Images.
 

• Photography: Michele of Altered Images
• Videography: Ken and Carol from Phase 5
• Cake Maker: Cake Booth in Eckington.
• Hair and Beauty: Love Hair (Elizabeth Ventura, Laura Pimperton, Katie Daley)
• Where Dress was Purchased: Georgian House Bridal, Doncaster.
• Bridesmaids dresses: Asos
• Suits: Tailor Made to Measure
• Rings: Goldsmiths (fantastic service)
• Florist: Rita Harrison
• Afternoon music: Simply Strings
• DJ: Shaun Leigh of Abstract Dance
• Singer: Soul Train
• Photo booth: The Smile Cupboard
   

Oh no! Rain. Raining all morning and still raining as I approached the Hall. I had all my fingers and toes crossed hoping it would stop. Nicola had her heart set on getting married on the front lawns in the beautiful new pavilion. Yippee it stopped whilst I was getting some photos as the girls were getting ready. They looked amazing! So it was all on and after getting the photos of the fellas – very dapper I should add – I got set up to capture some photos of Nicola walking up the aisle with her dad. Oh no! Rain. Thank goodness it was just a flurry! Phew. And the Sun shone and shone and shone!

 

I love to find out how the couple met and proposed. Nicola met Andrew six years ago and had a first date. Andrew being a real romantic proposed just as they were finishing opening their Christmas presents in 2014.
 

"I had seen a dress on Pinterest and was describing this dress everywhere I went. Some places had similar dresses but they weren't THE dress. I eventually went to Georgian Bridal House and THE dress was the first one I looked at. I loved it straight away without even trying it on."
 

I asked Nicola what her favourite part of the wedding was, she said:
 

On to meet up with the chaps at St Michael's Church in East Ardsley. The chaps were there looking good being videoed by Ken and Carol from Phase 5. Did the best-man have the rings? Yes, we are off to a good start. Aiden told me he bought Shona's ring from Earnest Jones and his came from Warren James. The chaps all wore grey tails with cravats to match the bridesmaid dresses and a pastel peach rose button hole to compliment the girls' flowers. Suits supplied by the Groom's Room in Ossett. It wasn't long before the first set of bridesmaids arrived. Unfortunately they could not all get in the car so Philip from Cartwrights was forced to make 3 trips instead of the planned two. I let the vicar know that the bride would be quite late because of this slight problem and he entertained the guests in church I am sure whilst we waited for the bride. The car took the bride's father from the church to meet Shona at her friend's home, so I didn't get to see the look on his face but I am sure there would have been a few tears as he was an emotional chap and Shona looked amazing.
 

The service was really lovely and I was kindly allowed to take photographs from the front of the church capturing all of the formalities. After the obligatory confetti and lots of hugs and kisses we toddled off to Bagden Hall in Scissett. A message had come through that the M1 was snarled up so it was a case of taking a long detour via Wakefield. Bagden Hall is a lovely venue  with plenty of grounds for group photos, a lake far enough away from the hall to get great photos with the hall in the background and of course the Folly which reminds me of the witch's house in Hansel and Gretel. The wedding breakfast room was stunning. There were hanging lanterns above the tables supplied by The Hanging Lantern Company, twinkle backdrops by Wedding Venue Lighting and huge martini glasses stuffed with flowers made the table centrepieces by Emma of Unique Wedding Flowers. The cake was emotional - it was in tiers, produced by Celebration Cakes.
 

So on to the evening reception with more guests arriving at 7.30. They loved our Photo Booth with its greenscreen and video. The resident DJ, Gary of Rhythm of your Choice plays cracking music and really make the guests feel welcome and in the party mood. First Danceat 8.30 was "How Long Will I Love You?" by Ellie Goulding. These two were loving it! There was even a fireworks display and oodles of sparklers but we had to wait until about 10.15 at the days are long in June!
 

The couple met during History Lessons at High School and that's where the romance blossomed. Shona was having her 21st birthday at Longleat Safari Park when out of the blue Aiden got down on one knee and said those all important words almost exactly ten years ago. So what next? A honeymoon in Mexico and a long and happy life together to look forward to. All our very best wishes to both of you.
 

 



Bride's dress by Celebrations Bridal of Ossett
 Hair and makeup by Sophie from Loaf of Woodseats.
 Flowers by Amaryllis Floral Design of Ossett
 Venue Dressing by Glamourpuss Weddings of Wombwell
 Cake by Lacey Cakes of Wakefield
 DJ by ADP Events.
 

What a beautiful day. The first really lovely day of the year and not just the weather. The Sun did shine. It was a bit cool but the nicest day following a winter of wind and rain. I love weddings as you all know but I knew this was going to be an amazing day. I could smell it in the air as I drove through Doncaster and on to Mount Pleasant in Rossington to catch up with our bride and all of her girls. Mount Pleasant is one of my favourite venues. It is a dream location for wedding photos and the rooms are just wonderful. I first bumped into Chloe, from Weddings By Chloe; dressing the function room. She was a busy bee and still had lots to do so I made a swift exit to find our bride for the day. Found her! The rooms were in chaos! Hairdresser and Beautician were well into their stride working on the bridesmaids. The bride was done - yippee! Still in her robes of course. So here we are - with the stunning Leanne and her girls: sister Sophie, Rachel 1, Rachel 2, Hayley, Ellie and our cute princess Harriett who had left her palace for the day. Mum - Liz was enjoying the wine and taking a few photos of her own - hope she got my best side. So a few photos later and we were ready. Dad John arrived with his mandatory Kleenex. The look on this man's face and the beams from his beautiful daughter! So off to the church - in a dash as I always get away too late! The sun is still shining - yippee! Chaps were all at the church greeting the guests. We even had rings and orders of service. These chaps meant business. Andrew looked good - a bit apprehensive - well actually more like a rabbit caught in headlights. Best man, bro Nick: ushers, Colin, Purgo, Michael and Tom all on the ball giving out orders of service and really getting into their duties. Dad David filled his suit well - well it happens to all us chaps. Mum Karen really proud of her son. Of course I paid my respects to Father Andrew at St. Wilfrid's Church (in Cantley by the way, I omitted to say). A real gentleman, there's not many of us about. He would let me do anything he said! So with tripod set up first duty is to get my macros to work on those rings and then get these fellas loosened up for the proceedings. All went like a dream. What a bunch of lads! Service went really well. Father Andrew did slap Andrew at one point when he caught him glowering at Nick when Father Andrew asked the congregation "If anyone here present knows of any reason..." Out of the church to thunderous applause for the new Mr and Mrs Mountain and the required confetti of course and the obligatory kisses! More photos, more laughs, more smiles, more hugs - wow this is what weddings are all about. Michael was chauffeuring. He had polished his Audi (I think it was a white Audi). He even brought a bottle of fizz and two glasses. Before long we were off to Mount Pleasant in Rossington. Only about 15 minutes drive. David was the hotel host and he was there on the red carpet armed with yet another tow glasses of fizz. He really does know how to treat his wedding guests and mostly importantly the bride and groom. Guests were there already waiting. They all looked amazing in their finery. As always I launched into group photos in the fantastic gardens at the back of the hotel. The daffodils were all in their splendour. Swing was newly strung and the bridge had had its spring clean. A bit of fun with the groom's men and bride's maids then for the romantic stuff. This couple looked so happy together. Radiant bride and her handsome groom. Before long the wedding breakfast was underway. I took the bride and groom into the reception room before the guests to get a few photos, check it out and photograph the cake. It all looked amazing. A sort of shabby-chic look to the table décor and chair ties. Guests were welcomed in and before long the speeches were underway. John said plenty of kind words about his daughter - did we really need to know how she liked to dress when she was little? Andrew was a little emotional and expressed his love for his new wife, only to be later ribbed by his brother telling tales of their youth. Not sure how the sunglasses fitted in! We managed a few more photos in the evening. Sophie was going back to Perth, Australia the next day so we need plenty of photos of her with her family. On to the first dance. An unusual choice of song - Once in a lifetime by Landon Austin. Followed by bride dancing with her dad to be joined by the groom with his tearful mum! And all the guests of course. What an amazing day!
 

So now I can confirm we were initially short-listed and finally we became finalists. Our business in a tiny handful selected from the many hundreds of wedding businesses in the UK. Not just photographers but every imaginable business connected with weddings. We are very proud and cannot thank our customers enough for saying such amazing things about us. Each and every single one of you rated us as 5 star and said amazing things about us, not just for quality but for the overall service we provide. Makes me feel so humble.
 

Our first show of the year will be on 3rd February 2013 at Leeds United Football Club. This is a huge event and really is the one not to miss. Then we will be off to Ardsley House in Barnsley on 24th February and Novotel in Sheffield on the same day. These will be followed by the show at Hellaby Hall in Rotherham on 3rd March. We will also be at Elsecar Heritage Centre and at Rogerthorpe Manor at various times through the year. Check for dates.

Make sure you pop along if you can and be sure to say hello. We would love to see you all if we can and help make your day the special one you have been dreaming about!

So there it is. Kirsty and Aaron will have their wedding photographed by us next year. They will have their photographs placed on line and a selection will be installed on a fantastic mirror finished digital viewer. They will also receive a magnificent Wedding Book printed by the world famous Graphistudio of Italy.

Our runners up have been offered 20% discount off any of our wedding packages.