Ally & Clem held their ceremony at one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Northumberland, Brinkburn Priory. The priory is a stunning 12th-century church tucked away in lush woodland, it really is a hidden gem. You can not see the priory from the road but you can see it from Clem’s parents back garden which is what made it the perfect venue for this wonderful couple. You can hold your entire wedding day at Brinkburn Priory, they have several settings for your perfect day.  

As Clem’s family home was just around the corner they decided to hold their wedding reception in the back garden overlooking the priory in which they just said their vows.

They hired a giant tipi from The Unique Tent Company for the entire weekend, along with 20 or so bell tents for their guests to stay in, which gave me all the festival vibes.

I was second shooting on behalf of Keown Photos so while he was off photographing the boys on a morning trip to the beach I was photographing the girls who had a very chill morning complete with champagne and pastries. Ally’s parents hired an amazing old VW campervan to take her to the ceremony as a surprise, she run outside so quickly to go look at the van that I didn’t have time to put my shoes back on but that didn’t stop me running outside with her to capture her reaction (that’s dedication for you!)

I also got to ride in the campervan on the way to the ceremony with Ally and her dad. I love capturing the anticipation and build-up to a ceremony, Ally remained composed right up till she saw her groom waiting for her at the top of the aisle, the moment her eyes met Clem’s is one of my favourite photos from the day. 

After the very moving ceremony we spent about 30 minutes taking portraits of the newly weds amongst the beautiful buildings and ruins at Brinkburn Priory. This gave their guests enough time to go to the reception venue and get ready for the confetti! Confetti is always one of my favourite photo opportunities and this one did not disappoint! 

As far as garden weddings go this one was pretty impressive. Seen as they had the tipi for the full weekend (they got married on a Friday) it felt more like a wedding weekend rather than a wedding day. After an amazing wedding day where the partying went on till the early hours of the morning, everyone was invited back the next day to chill with an amazing DJ, finish up the leftover beer and wine, and eat from a tasty food truck which served amazing pizzas and kebabs. The party continued late into Sunday morning which was about as much as I can handle these days so that’s when we decided to head home. I will not be forgetting this experience anytime soon that’s for sure!

If you are planning a wedding and would like us to capture your special day then please get in touch

Ceremony - Brinkburn Priory Northumberland

Bridal Dress - Emma Dee Sewing Bristol

Reception - The Unique Tent Company

Cake - Mhairi Rooted by Nature

Flowers - Picked from the garden by the Bride and Groom’s mums

Caterer - Coal Kadai

Beer - Bristol Beer Factory

Photographed assisting Keown Photo

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