Fiona Bielby

5 days ago3 min read

Capturing Your Big Day: A North Yorkshire Photographer’s Perspective

Updated: 6 hours ago

Your story, your day and a North Yorkshire Photographer

Your wedding day is your story, and your photos should reflect just that; showcasing your unique connection, celebrating the incredible time you had, highlighting the personalities of your loved ones, and embracing the atmosphere you create.

A group of people celebrating outdoors at Howsham Hall with drummers in blue attire. Guests in colourful dresses and suits dance on a gravel path, trees in the background.

One of the most common things I hear from couples is, “We’re not comfortable in front of the camera.” That’s absolutely okay! My best advice? Be yourself. Forget about the camera, ignore me entirely, and enjoy your day as it unfolds.

Bride and groom laughing joyfully at a wedding table with floral decor. Bright light filters through, creating a warm, celebratory mood.

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North Yorkshire Photographer, A Story Worth Telling

When I photograph a wedding, I approach it like a story—with a beginning, a middle, and an end. That’s why I love being there from the early morning preparations to well into the evening dancing.

Even if you’re unsure about capturing the “getting ready” moments, I encourage couples to consider it.

Those quiet, behind-the-scenes moments can be unexpectedly beautiful. Plus, having me there early helps you get used to my presence, so by the time the ceremony arrives, I’m just another part of the scenery. If possible, I like to visit both of you during the morning preparations—it’s a great way to get comfortable and for me to get a sense of your dynamic.

The Bridal Party in green pyjamas and white robe cheer with champagne on a brick house porch. Happy and festive mood.

Mum adjusting her son's bow tie in a cosy room. Groom in white shirt and suspenders, smiling. Warm light and floral patterns add a joyful mood.

Reflection of a bride in a white robe getting her hair done indoors, with a field and grazing horses visible through the window.

Groom and his grooms men in tuxedos play billiards in a dim room with blue floral wallpaper. Red balls are scattered on a green table. They appear amused.

Bride adjusting hair, wearing lace dress and jeweled headband. Soft, natural light with blurred background creates a serene atmosphere.

A sapphire ring in an open box on green paper with date 06.05.23, tied with a frayed white ribbon. Elegant and celebratory mood.

A man holds a baby in a cosy living room. the bride and her bridesmaid watch, smiling near a window. The room features striped walls and patterned cushions.

Groom in a suit combs his hair in front of a mirror, focused expression white wall background, suit's dark color contrasts with light setting.

Bride in a white dress adjusts veil with help from two women in a bedroom. Black and white image evokes a calm, intimate mood.

Groom and his groomsmen in suits outdoors; one swings a golf club while others watch, holding drinks. Lush, green landscape in the background, cloudy sky.

Wedding rings on a mirrored surface with a card saying "To my husband to be." A light blue fabric adds a soft touch.

Woman holds mirror, reflecting bride in white dress. Black and white room, framed photos on table, curtain and window in background.

Capturing the Ceremony as a North Yorkshire Photographer

During the ceremony, my goal is to capture the magic discreetly. While my focus is on you, I’ll also keep an eye on your guests’ reactions, especially those key people we’ve talked about beforehand. I work closely with registrars, vicars, celebrants, or officiants to ensure we stay out of each other’s way, so your ceremony flows smoothly.

Stone church with a wooden entrance surrounded by gravestones in a graveyard. People in suits enter the church. Overcast sky, lush trees.

Groom and his bestman in suits, smiling and looking up in a church. Guests seated in the background. Bright window light adds a cheerful mood.

Bride holding bouquet walks down church aisle with her dad. Guests watch; scene is solemn. Sunlight filters through window, illuminating her.

Bride in white blows on a card, standing with groom in a dark suit before a stone fireplace. Warm, intimate setting with floral accents.

Bride and groom exchange vows in a candlelit church with stained glass windows. The officiant holds a red book. Romantic atmosphere.

Groom in blue suit holds a child while placing ring on bride's finger. Bride in white dress; flowers and smiling faces in soft background.

Guests in formal attire sit in a warmly lit room with white drapes. Women in red dresses smile, creating a joyful, festive mood.

A couple getting married in a dimly lit church with stained glass windows. Guests are seated along the aisle, and chandeliers hang above.

People sit smiling at a wedding. A woman in lavender holds a boy with roses. A girl in a white and blue dress sits beside them. Rustic brick wall.

Bride and groom kiss in a church with stained glass windows. Bride in white dress and veil; groom in suit. Romantic and solemn mood.

Bride and groom in elegant attire signing a document outdoors, surrounded by white and pink flowers. Both are smiling warmly.

Bride and groom walk under falling confetti in a rustic venue with twinkling lights. Guests cheer, creating a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.

I hear a lot of horror stories about photographers, from vicars especially, yet I'm pleased to say I've never had a complaint afterwards, just compliments.

The Reception and Speeches

As you enjoy your meal, I take a break—no one wants a camera pointed at them while they’re eating! For the speeches, whether they’re before, after, or between courses, I’ll be ready to capture every heartfelt moment. I’ll also remain available to take candid or requested group photos—just let your guests know I’m happy to help.

Thw Groom gestures while speaking to seated guests in an elegant room with large windows and floral decorations. People appear engaged.

Best Man reads a speech in a tipi, others laughing with heads in hands. Warm light, string lights, and glasses on table set a joyful wedding scene.

Guests seated at a long table listen to the best man giving his speech with a microphone. The decor includes draped fabric and autumn leaves.

Man laughing and clapping during the speeches at a wedding with guests, flowers, and wine bottles on a white table. Joyful atmosphere in a bright marquee.

A woman and girl seated at a table, smiling and laughing at a wedding. Black and white photo, festive setting with wine glasses and guests in the background.

Bridesmaid in a pink dress reads from a phone at a microphone, appearing emotional. She's in a bright, tented setting with trees visible outside.

Wedding reception inside at Sandburn Hall. The father of the bride speaks into a microphone. Bright outdoor scene visible through large windows.

People at a wedding reception table, with father of the bride giving a speech. A bridesmaid in the foreground is laughing. Warm lights and floral decor.

Maid of honour in tears holding a microphone and reading a paper, emotional speech. Black and white image, two people blurred in the background.

Wedding toast with five people at a the top table, the groom standing. "Mr & Mrs" neon sign behind, flower centerpiece, happy expressions.

Three people in a tipi, laughing. Father of the bride delivers his speech, his wife wears a hat with flowers. Warm lighting, festive mood, champagne glasses visible.

Dancing the Night Away

When the evening fun begins, I’ll be there to capture your first dance and those lively, spontaneous moves on the dance floor. Generally, I stay about an hour after the first dance, I know when the story is complete so if it takes a little longer, I'm there.

Bride and groom's first dance under a canopy with colourful confetti falling. Guests cheer around them, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Groom in a party hat sprays Blue Wicked from his mouth amid a colourful, joyful crowd under disco lights. Vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

People in a tipi dance floor under a disco ball. A child sits on the floor, others drink and chat. Warm lighting and festive mood.

A couple dances at a wedding reception, illuminated by spotlights. The bride wears a flowing gown. Band plays in the dimly lit background.

Man in a suit singing with a mic, wearing sunglasses and a colorful tie on his head. Festive setting with fairy lights and speakers.

Wedding celebration in a tent with fairy lights. A joyful bride and groom are lifted by the crowd, holding drinks, as guests take photos.

Woman in floral dress joyfully raises arms at a wedding night do. Others chat in background, creating a festive atmosphere.

The bride drinks from a bottle held by another person, surrounded by dancing people under string lights. Celebratory mood.

Bride in lace dress joyfully dances on a black-and-white checkered floor, surrounded by smiling guests in vibrant attire at a celebration.

Woman in a floral dress dances under starry lights as a band plays instruments. Black and white image with vibrant stage lighting. Energetic mood.

Before I leave, I’ll check in with you to ensure you’re happy and offer a final portrait session—entirely up to you!

Bride, groom, and wedding party in dark setting celebrating with champagne spray. Everyone is smiling, bridesmaids wear red dresses.

The Little Moments

Throughout the day, I keep an eye on the light and the opportunities it presents. If there’s a perfect moment for a portrait, I’ll suggest it, but there’s no pressure—your day is about enjoying every moment, your way. As a North Yorkshire Photographer, I know just how incredible the world can look as the sun goes down. For more golden hour inspiration take a look here.

Silhouette of a bride and groom with their dog playing against a sunset sky. The dog is airborne between the adults. Peaceful and joyful mood.

Couple in wedding attire sits on grass at sunset, gazing at horizon. Bride in white gown, groom in dark suit. Peaceful rural landscape.

Couple in a sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. They embrace, creating a romantic, serene mood.

Couple embracing in sunlight on a forest path, surrounded by trees. Bride in white dress, groom in dark suit, creating a romantic mood.

Silhouetted couple kissing at sunset in a grassy field, evoking romance and tranquility. Sunlight creates a warm glow around them.

A couple kissing at sunset in a field. She wears a lace dress; both are embracing tenderly. Warm, romantic atmosphere.

Silhouetted couple stands close in a forest, with sun setting behind. Romantic mood, soft light on leaves and path.

Bride and groom kissing in a sunlit forest, bride in white with pearl headpiece, groom in black suit, romantic and serene atmosphere.

Your wedding is a celebration of your love story, and my role is to document it authentically, with all its beauty and spontaneity. From the quiet moments to the big celebrations, I’ll be there to ensure your photos tell a story you’ll treasure forever.

Bride and groom stand illuminated in front of a grand, lit-up mansion at night. Warm and blue lights highlight the building's details.