Oakwell Hall Wedding Photography
Oakwell Hall is an Elizabethan Manor House and an absolutely beautiful wedding venue. It is nestled within a 100-acre country park in Birstall just outside of Leeds. The landscape surrounding Oakwell is a popular walking spot, for the two-legged and four-legged alike. The stunning Hall and gardens are open to the public from 12 pm every day. I love visiting Oakwell Hall and so I was thrilled when this couple booked me for their Oakwell Hall Wedding Photography!
The hall is also famed for its connection to Charlotte Bronte. It was the inspiration for ‘Fieldhead’ in the novel Shirley so if you’re a Bronte fan, you’ll love these wedding photos!
Adjacent to the Elizabethan Manor House is a lovingly restored 19th century stone barn. The barn has a warm and cosy feel, whilst still being light and having lots of space to entertain guests. Oakwell Barn is also licensed for ceremonies which makes it the perfect venue to host a wedding.
Getting Ready – Gomersal Park Hotel
Preparations took place at Gomersal Park Hotel which is right around the corner from their wedding venue, Oakwell Hall. I got to spend time photographing both the bride and groom at opposite ends of the hotel. At least with their rooms being so far apart, I knew they wouldn’t bump into each other before the wedding!
Everyone was very relaxed whilst getting ready and that made for a great atmosphere. The Prosecco and orange juice were in full flow too. The bride opted for a classy ‘up-do’, natural glowing makeup and gold jewellery to match her stunning engagement ring. Once ready, she was helped into her wedding dress by her mum and bridesmaids before heading over to Oakwell Hall.
Oakwell Hall Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Great Hall. The ceremony room is full of character with a stone floor, original oak panelling and feature window spanning its length. The groom’s face lit up the second his bride entered the room – it was lovely to photograph. As they exchanged their vows in front of family and friends, the bride had to compose herself from a fit of the giggles!
After the wedding ceremony and the amazing confetti throw, all the guests gathered on the grounds to the rear of the house for their drinks reception. Guests enjoyed a few canapés and drinks in the unexpectedly hot summer sun whilst I did some ninja-like photography.
This beautiful Oakwell Hall wedding celebration was amazing!
Oakwell Barn Wedding Reception
The bride and groom made their own stunning table centrepieces which were named after places close to their hearts. As you can see, Fountains Abbey took pride-of-place on the top table.
When everyone had had their fill of food it was time for the happy couple and best man to give their speeches. Photographing the reactions to the groom’s homemade knitted nose warmer for his bride was brilliant!
Dinner and speeches were followed by an evening with a classic pub quiz and lots of outdoor games – because what is a wedding without giant Jenga, beer pong and game of cards against humanity?!
The couple took to the floor for their first dance surrounded by family and friends. As the dance was coming to an end, the groom started playing the trumpet much to everyone’s surprise and joy. He was then joined on the dance floor by Back Chat Brass as they kicked off the evening party with an epic brass band set.
Couple Portrait Photography
Whilst everyone else was being kept busy after the meal, I whisked the couple away for a stroll around the gardens. It’s lovely to step away from all the excitement for a moment because you get to be alone together and reflect on your day so far.
It is so important to set aside 15 minutes from your day, whenever it may be, for private portrait photos with your wedding photographer. I promise you won’t regret it, you’ll get some stunning photos and you’ll more than likely be thankful for the brief moment of peace!
We had already met a few months earlier for their pre-wedding photoshoot so they were more than comfortable in front of the camera. Getting to know them more made me excited because I knew the wedding would be amazing. I have so many favourite photos from their Oakwell Hall wedding.
KIND WORDS FROM THE COUPLE
“Jenna is unobtrusive and easy going, which when you’re a busy and stressed bride trying to plan and execute a DIY wedding, helps so much. Whilst she asks for a list of required (family group) shots, she also uses creative freedom to capture shots that you might not have asked for, but are so pleased she did. The result is a beautifully collated set of photos which incorporates staged/group shots, candids and other documentary photos that help to capture the details you spent so long deciding.”
If you’re looking for Oakwell Hall wedding photography, then get in touch!
Here are more wedding photos from their day:
See their wedding featured on the Whimsical Wonderland Wedding blog!
FLOWERS // Daisy Hoban Florist
CATERING // The Outside Kitchen
