The Old Barn Esholt – Summer Wedding
From the moment I met Jodie and Ben, I knew their wedding was going to be something special. They are such a fun and relaxed couple and their choice of wedding venue at The Old Barn at Esholt suited them perfectly. I was excited to be shooting a wedding for a couple local to me in Wharfedale, Yorkshire and, at a venue new to me. Esholt, if you didn’t know, was the original location for Emmerdale Farm from TV and the area is set in beautiful Yorkshire countryside beside the River Aire.
Wedding Photography – Bridal Prep
Bridal prep was at Jodie’s parent’s house in Burley-In-Wharfedale which was excellent because I also live in the village. I like to capture the final moment of hair and makeup preparation with a mixture of fun and relaxed photos and more formal images. This sets the tone for the day and we had huge fun making these images along with Jodie and Ben’s mums and bridesmaids present, all of whom are Ben’s sisters! Actually, it was one of the bridesmaids, Steph, who did an outstanding job with Jodie’s makeup and even made the amazing wedding cake (see pic below). Jodie’s hair and nails were prepared beautifully by Bellissima Exclusive in Guiseley.
We commandeered a mirrored table in the bedroom and made some stunning and creative detail shots of the wedding rings and bridal details. It’s important to have an uncluttered location to make sure the focus of the images is on the details you are trying to capture. I used a coloured light panel to make the really great image of Jodie’s shoes you see above. We somehow managed to keep dad Paul from seeing Jodie fully prepared for her special day and the look on his face when we did the ‘dad reveal’ says it all. No more words needed! Jodie looked amazing.
The Old Barn Esholt – Wedding Photography
Jodie and Ben’s choice of The Old Barn at Esholt meant that, although being a smaller venue, there was plenty of options when it came to locations for photographs. The venue was prepared beautifully by the staff at The Old Barn and a fine setting for a special wedding day. There were a few giggles as Jodie struggled to place the wedding ring on Ben’s finger but thankfully it all ended well and made for some memorable photos. The wedding went seamlessly and the management and staff at The Old Barn Esholt really pulled out the stops for Ben, Jodie, and their family and friends. The Old Barn at Esholt is an excellent choice for a relaxed and memorable wedding day.
Luckily for the newlyweds, the weather stayed dry, although a bit overcast. I always have a plan ‘B’ though should it rain, thankfully, however, we didn’t need it. Outside we used the beautiful rose garden for wedding party photos and moved into the more intimate and equally lovely terrace at the rear of the venue for the wedding party photos. The venue has added some nice features to make the most of this area with ornate metal seating, lighting, and planting to complement the lovely colours of the cedar panelled backdrop. It worked well for what we needed. I always work with couples to make sure I have a clear understanding of the photo requirements before the wedding day, that way I can work to deliver the images and memories they desire.
Drone Wedding Photography – The Old Barn Esholt
I then moved the newlyweds onto the field beside the venue and we created some special portraits using some off-camera flash to make sure the couple stood out against the background. I also managed to get the drone into the air and we have some fun making some different images which I know they loved and look amazing in their album. Being a qualified and insured drone pilot gives couples and venues the peace of mind they need when using such technology and makes sure I can capture the best quality images.
For the newlyweds, the wedding day can pass by in a flash so being able to capture natural and candid images which they may well have not seen whilst they are mingling with their guests is important. I love capturing these special moments and they look great in wedding albums. My top tip when shooting candid in these situations… follow the sound of laughter and there was plenty of that on this lovely wedding celebration.
After Dark Wedding Photography – The Old Barn Esholt
If you are looking for a photographer who will be with you throughout the day, even at dusk or when the sun has gone down then you need to make sure your photographer can work with the available light. Your photographer needs to be competent in the use of flash and off-camera lighting techniques. I am comfortable shooting in natural light but I also offer the skill to continue shooting when the natural light has disappeared. After all, the party is still going! ‘Natural light only’ photographers mean just that so choose wisely.
Any beautiful wedding needs a beautiful finish, and that’s just what these newlyweds got! I had visited the venue in the days before the wedding, something I always do to make sure I know the layout and can plan the best possible photographs. We ended the night with a stunning brolly shot next to an old humpback bridge near the venue. The flash technique cascades light into the overhanging trees and produces some stunning results. I know Jodie and Ben love this photo and it is now a full-page spread in their album. We ended with some sparklers back on the terrace which is always magical and fun to do.
In summary it was a beautiful wedding day with lovely people. I work closely with the couple after the wedding on image selection, editing and album design. Congratulation to Jodie and Ben. I hope your stunning Graphistudio GoBook Album, with its framed cover image, now has pride of place in your home.
Contact Tony Reed Wedding Photography | Yorkshire Wedding Photography
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