Yesterday I joined Hayley & Tom for their wintery wedding at Woodlands Hotel in Leeds
I hope you enjoy our the story of this special day!
I joined the bridal party at Hayley’s mum’s house in a flury of activity, where Jo from Architect Hair was working the hair and Hayley’s pal Laura applied makeup magic
The blushing bride in her onesey!
[ Thinking about it, the onesey might be the perfect wedding morning outfit, when it comes to getting out and into the dress without messing up hair! ]
… which was hanging next door!
Look at those sparkly heels!
And I loved how the day had a Christmasy red and white theme, in the flowers, the bridesmaids dressed and cravats.
It was also Hayley’s sister’s 30th birthday on the wedding day, so she had two reasons to celebrate!
Meanwhile, Clare joined Tom and his brothers for their morning preparations in Fetherstone
When I first met Tom I didn’t realise he was a Rugby League star, playing for Leeds Rhino’s & England Rugby League!
I was quite star struck after googling him, but he’s the nicest, most mild-mannered guy and was lovely to be around.
Meanwhile back at the girls, the car had arrived and it was time to get into the dresses!
Stunning
The finished look!
Love this moment.
I like this little reaction between Hayley & her lifelong step-dad Mark.
The wedding ceremony and reception was hosted at the wonderful Woodlands Hotel on the outskirts of Leeds.
I’ve photographed there many times before and it’s always fun to shoot there.
A full teamshot of the groom, best men & his ushers
The bling!
A few portraits and family shots were taken as guests arrived.
One nervous groom awaiting his bride…
Hayley joined her dad at the hotel, to chaperone her down the aisle.
Love this shot of the excited flower girls running to the aisle
Here comes the bride!
The weather outside wasn’t behaving so guests hung out in the bar and lounge with drinks and canapes & wished Hayley & Tom well
Hayley & Tom decided to take a 20minute drive in their wedding car, which is a lovely way to get a bit of one-on-one time with one another on an otherwise hectic day.
So in spite of the drizzle, we took the opportunity to shoot off a few relaxed portraits
I really like this one too
This is one of my faves of the day.
When they returned we whistled through the family shots.
As we got to the wedding party pics, the weather seemed to clear, so I took the gang outside for a few quick teamshots
Then before getting everyone in for the meal, we did a quick shot of everyone
Including a spot of bubble confetti!
Meanwhile, the marquee was dressed in red and white for the wedding breakfast meal
Speeches were short and sweet
Including a round of toasts from Dad
The evening reception is a great time to catch some more informal groups of pals (and great grandad smooching the ladies!)
Their first dance, to Jason Mraz’s ‘I won’t give up’, looked lovely on the LED dancefloor!
Aww
Then their Huddersfield-based rock band, Storm, played a literally storming set.
Party time!
Plenty smoochin’!
Hayley & Tom’s perfect day was wrapped up beautifully with a huge firework display!
Here’s hoping Hayley & Tom have a fab life together – and a great Rugby League career! – and have a wonderful Honeymoon exploring the islands of Thailand!
x ‘Barney’ & Clare x
