Wedding at Hackness Grange, Scarborough. Capturing the Ultimate Party!
Ah, Hackness Grange, a wedding venue I absolutely loved photographing in every way, it's tucked away in the stunning North Yorkshire, this gem of a venue and it is something else in all the right ways. I quickly found out that this wasn’t just any wedding. This was the party wedding. And let me tell you, it was a bash for the ages.
Zoe & Luke are not keen Rugby players, they are professional and they are amazing at what they do and a huge congratulations to Zoe, for her recent wins, but today its all about the wedding.
Now, before we dive into the juicy bits of the celebration, let’s set the scene. Hackness Grange is an elegant country house with sprawling grounds, complete with a lake and lush gardens. But on this particular weekend, it was all about the fun between Zoe & Luke. I have much more to say but first, the photos, here are their extended highlights!
The Pre-Wedding Buzz
As a wedding photographer, the vibe and energy of anything I photograph plays a massive role in how I approach the shoot and how it all can turn out. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement buzzing. Friends and family were milling about, laughing and chattering at Zoe's childhood home in Scarborough 10 minutes away from Hackness Grange.
My day began with the usual prep shots – Zoe getting her hair done, having a during doing a TikTok dance video which was gold to photograph.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a beautiful and full of laughter which you can tell from all the photos, held outdoors under a canopy of trees. The sun peeked through the leaves just enough to give everything a golden glow. They exchanged vows with a perfect mix of sincerity and humour, setting the tone for what was to come.
But once the rings were exchanged and the kiss sealed the deal, it was as if a switch had been flipped. The formalities were out of the way, and it was time to let loose.
Let the Party Begin
As soon as the ceremony was over and they all throw their confetti, well the party kicked into high gear. Lots of singing and dancing from everyone, we had dancing on shoulders the lot this was before the wedding breakfast!
One of many standout moments for me was from the dance floor when Zoe Surf crowded. The dance floor was packed, from the offset. I switched to my wide-angle lens to get the full scope of the scene so I could capture some already showing off their best (or worst) moves.
Photographing the Chaos
Photographing a wedding that’s all about the party requires a different approach, but this is what I love doing. For starters, you’ve got to be on your toes – quite literally. There’s so much movement, so many spontaneous moments that you need to be ready to capture at a second’s notice.
One trick I rely on is a mix of candid and semi-posed shots. While I love catching people in their natural state of revelry, there’s also something to be said for those moments when people notice the camera and play up for it. It’s all about balance. And with a crowd this lively, there was no shortage of both types of opportunities.
I spent a good portion of the evening weaving through the throngs, snapping shots of laughter, hugs, and more than a few impressive dance-offs. The key is to be unobtrusive but always alert. You want to blend in just enough that people feel comfortable being themselves, yet be present enough to catch those split-second moments of pure joy.
The Heart of the Celebration
As the night wore on, the energy only seemed to amplify. There was a point – around the time the band took their first break when most went outside for a few minute to show their skill on the bucking bronco, and YES I had a go too, and loved it. Capturing these "quieter moments" just adds to this awesome day
Thank You Again
Weddings like Zoe & Luke's are a reminder of why I love what I do. Every event has its own unique rhythm and story, and as a photographer, I get the privilege of not just witnessing it but capturing it to re-live the day and show the next generations of children in their lives. Hackness Grange, in North Yorkshire, proved to be the perfect backdrop for a party that will be talked about for years to come, from not just me and the couple but from their guest too.
So, here’s to more weddings that throw tradition to the wind in favour of unforgettable, joyous celebrations. If you ever find yourself at Hackness Grange for such an event, make sure to bring your dancing shoes – and maybe an extra memory card or two. Cheers!
