This was the first time I’d ever shot a wedding at Oulton Hall. From the moment I arrived there I fell in love with it. I knew straight from the off that I wanted to shoot here as often as possible. A beautiful mid-18th century mansion set in glorious grounds.
I arrived early for Lisa and Jonathan’s pre-wedding shoot to get a feel for the place before we went through the plans for their wedding day.
On meeting them I just couldn’t get over how totally laid back they both were.
Nothing seemed to phase them at all and I knew we’d all get along just fine on the day.
The Pre-Wedding shoot was a lot of fun and gave me a good insight into the grounds and how to possibly use them on their big day. I love the connection between couples on these shoots and it gets over any nerves for the main wedding shoot.
So the wedding day came along and I was lucky to have my good friend Kim shooting with me from Kim Shaw Photography I’ve known Kim about a year or so now from my workshops with Chris Chambers I don’t think you could ever meet a nicer lady, a valued friend and a very experienced wedding photographer too!
(she has been known to kick my arse a few times but it’s all constructive criticism!!)
anyway back to the pictures!
First things first BREAKFAST!! (thanks Kimbo) then we set about with the Bridal Preps
There is always one ‘cheeky’ bridesmaid 😉
And of course the main man himself looking very dapper indeed!
With the Threads by Top Mark
Oulton Hall looked amazing with an impeccably dressed room. Beautiful !!!
The Ceremony room looked truly stunning. I absolutely loved the trees!! Fulford Flowers you did a fantastic job of dressing the venue!
Lisa looked simply stunning too but I would expect that given the fact she is an awesome MUA herself (Lisa Cooper Make Up)
However the make up magic was done by the fantastic Drew-Ashlyn MUA check out her work here on Instagram!!
and how about this…I love this staircase too! (great shot Kimbo!)
Jonathan certainally kept his cool waiting for Lisa but the look on his face when she came in was awesome. A great moment.
I had my own little ‘moment’ too… but that was because I dropped a lens lol.. I don’t think the people at the back or next door heard the crash anyway….
oops.. moving on swiftly!!! 
Next up we were back outside the Hall for the group shots.
I have to say I’ve never seen a rugby ball tossed rather than the bouquet!!
Knowing Jonathan’s links to the Huddersfield Giants it does all make sense now though!!
(but check out the beautiful flowers by Flowerworks of Pontefract.)
Now I’m not one to moan about the sunshine… honestly I’m not… I don’t think lol!! :/
My last two weddings were either rain all day, or -10 with the beast from the east (brrrr) so.. some sunshine was welcomed.. However bright sunshine isn’t always welcome at a wedding due to the harsh shadows!
(and the fact that I tend to sweat.. a lot!!)
One of the beautiful things about Oulton Hall is you can shoot around three sides of the mansion so the Group shots were possible without everyone squinting and hating me!
So the Bridal Portraits were next and we were treated to some amazing blossom on the driveway leading up to the mansion.
A big thank you to Lisa & Jonathan and Jodie (the wedding coordinator) for a lovely meal whilst the bridal party ate. 
I also used the time to get some shots of the wedding rings too..
Btw I DIDN’T drop one of the rings, and it DIDN’T nearly disappear behind a radiator… that never happened….. disaster was avoided and Lisa was none the wiser.. until now! 😉
Sorry Lisa!!
The Speeches were fab and I do believe Jonathan may have had a tear in his eye at one point. Both best men did a cracking job too!
Beautiful stuff indeed.
So then another first. I have NEVER seen a wedding pork pie cake before!!!
I’m not sure I will again either!! But now I have!
Check out Percy Turner for your Pork Pie heaven!!
Very cool and by the looks of it pretty hard to cut too!!
A big shout out to the Band Southwest who stepped in at the last minute!
They are awesome!!!!
So all that was left to do was to grab some twilight pics. Lisa and Jonathan were great sports and were willing to pop out dodging the showers (which had held off all day)
So this was my first experience of Oulton Hall. What a great day! Lisa and Jonathan were the best.. I loved being a part of their day. Being a wedding photographer is a privilege, its hard work but incredibly rewarding when you meet such special people and get to capture a little bit of their story!
Thanks guys and I wish you all the very best!
Ben x
Throughout this blog I’ve been adding pics from a sample album I now have on display at Oulton Hall.
I’m delighted to say I am now one of their recommended suppliers and I will be exhibiting there on the 17th June. Come along! I will have chocolates!!
Just to add the icing to the cake I was also awarded a Bronze bar by the Guild of Photographers for the last shot of the night.
All in all a very successful day!
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Hi, I’m Ben Cumming, your go-to Yorkshire Wedding Photographer. I’ve been honoured with awards like The Photographers Bar from The Guild of Photographers, and I’m one of the few to achieve ‘Qualified’ status in the country. I’m not just about taking pictures; I’m about telling your love story. Whether you’re into soft floral tones or dramatic “wow” images, I’ve got you covered. I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings across Yorkshire—from Huddersfield to my hometown of Batley. Beyond weddings, I also offer portrait shoots and mentor upcoming photographers. I’m a proud member of The Fellowship of Photographers Association and come highly recommended by various wedding venues. Choose me to make your wedding day unforgettable. Looking forward to telling your love story through my lens!
