I had the chance to meet Harriet and Rob in London for a cheeky after-work IPA ahead of their wedding up north. I always love meeting couples in person before the wedding if possible as it helps me to find out what’s important to people and collect a bit of background knowledge. For me, getting to know my couples is vital in being able to make images that they can relate to and that will be important to them in years to come. It also helps to reassure my couples that I’m not a weirdo! So when the wedding comes around, I can start shooting from the off, and people will be comfortable with me being around.

Harriet and Rob were married just after Christmas in Ribchester, near Harriet’s family home. It was a bright and beautiful winter day. In fact, the weather could not have been better for that time of year. Their reception was at the Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey near Skipton in North Yorkshire, which is a top venue for many reasons. I’m due to shoot there again in the near future and really looking forward to it.

We made the most of the light, getting out into the surrounding countryside for a few portraits before settling down to the wedding breakfast and a rendition of ‘the 12 days of Christmas’. Not to mention some cracking speeches, a spectacular first dance, limbo dancing and sparklers!

I would like to say a massive thank you to Harriet and Rob for being so brilliant to photograph. And thanks also to Dan Wimble Photography for second shooting.

If you liked this wedding check out Sian and Dave’s wedding at the Ashes Barns.