This was my first time photographing a Stanley House Elopement, in fact this was my first time photographing an elopement and it was very special.
From the moment Becky contacted us enquiring for a photographer, I knew I had to be a part of this.
The email read like this…
“I’m writing to enquire for you to photograph a sort-of-but-not-quite-proper-wedding.
To explain: My other half and I recently got engaged. However, being the anxious, bookish, and socially inept types, neither of us are really taken with the idea of a big wedding – or a small one, for that matter. So we’ve decided, we’re going to elope. A ceremony at the registry office, no guests, just witnesses. We’ll not be having a wedding breakfast or a meal, but will probably book in a country hotel somewhere reasonably local as a mini-honeymoon.
Despite the lack of fanfare, the day will be very special to us, and we’d like something that will help us remember it. Specifically, we’d be after some very natural photographs of us as a couple – sort of a mish-mash between a couples shoot and lifestyle photography, I suppose? Minimal wooden poses and fake smiles.”
I had to know more. We met Becky and Piotr and discussed everything over a coffee. Becky explained that they wanted to get married the way they wanted to get married, so no traditional wedding dress, speeches, guests, meal etc. They wanted to to declare their love for each other the way that was totally natural to them.
On the day of their elopement Becky did in fact wear a dress, and Piotr was blown away when he saw her walk down the aisle. No guests, two witnesses. (me being one of them) The ceremony was very special.
Stanley House was the choice of country hotel, a beautiful venue set in the Ribble Valley.
I got some shots of the newly weds together around the grounds of the hotel, then Becky got changed out of her dress and they sat down for lunch.
After lunch we made our way up the the bridal suite and got some natural photographs of Becky and Piotr. I think the photos show just how much these two love each other. It was a privilege to be asked to photograph their beautiful story.
“The photos have arrived! We absolutely LOVE them, they look incredible! EXACTLY what we wanted. Thank you so much for everything!”
