I was back at Hidden Oaks again, and this time it was for Holly & Matt’s special day. The weather was on our side, which had me extra excited as it meant I’d finally get the chance to capture my first outdoor wedding at Hidden Oaks.
I had the pleasure of working alongside the lovely Terry from Capture That Films, who was on video. There’s a bit of a myth that photographers and videographers don’t get along, but honestly, I love it. It’s brilliant having someone to bounce ideas off, collaborate with on creative shots, and, if we’re honest, it’s nice to have a bit of company throughout the day too.
The morning with Holly and her bridal party was absolutely lovely. One of the things I adore about shooting at Hidden Oaks is how everything is so close together, which makes it easy to switch between bridal prep, room and detail shots, and even sneak in a few groom prep photos.
Holly had the brilliant team from Pouts & Crowns doing hair and makeup in one of the cottages, while Matt and his best man got ready in one of the nearby lodges. Matt even managed to squeeze in a morning spa session, which is such a great way to relax before tying the knot.
Bridge Row Flowers brought the most beautiful, colourful florals for the ceremony and reception, perfectly complementing the outdoor setting and creating a gorgeous backdrop for the day.
Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony, and there were a couple of personal touches that I absolutely loved and hadn’t seen before. With Matt being a cricketer, Holly arranged for a few of his friends to “inspect the pitch” (the aisle) before the ceremony, which gave everyone a good laugh. Another brilliant idea was how they chose their witnesses. Instead of pre-selecting them, they hid two special coins underneath random benches. Whoever found them became the witnesses, a completely spontaneous and fun touch, with Terry and me randomly placing the coins beforehand.
As always, the couple portraits were my favourite part of the day. Since my last visit to Hidden Oaks, a few new little features had been added, which gave me plenty of inspiration. I love this part of a wedding because it’s not just a chance for me to get creative, but also a rare moment for the couple to step away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy some time together.
I had an absolute blast capturing Holly & Matt’s day. It was full of love, laughter, and such a brilliant energy from everyone. The wedding party was fantastic, and the guests were a joy to be around.
Thank you so much, Holly & Matt, for having me. It truly was an honour to capture your day.
If you’re planning your wedding at Hidden Oaks in the Ribble Valley and are still searching for your photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat about your plans and create something truly special together.
