Lauren and Kelan’s wedding at The Woodlands in Leeds was one of those days that felt special long before it even began. Not just because of how beautiful the wedding was but because of the history, the connections, and the sense that I wasn’t just there to photograph a wedding… I was there with them.
I’ve known Lauren for years from working together many moons ago, to photographing her through her motherhood journey, and finally being trusted to capture her wedding day. On top of that, our families had crossed paths long before the day itself, which made finally meeting everyone feel strangely familiar in the best way possible.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed like part of the wedding not just as a supplier, but as someone genuinely included. That warmth ran through the entire day.
morning PREPARATIONS at the woodlands
Lauren chose to get ready in the dedicated bridal prep room at The Woodlands, which is always a dream to photograph. The separation between the prep space and the main bridal suite creates such a calm flow. Plenty of room for hair and makeup, laughter with bridesmaids, and those slower, quieter moments before everything begins.
Once hair and makeup were complete, Lauren moved upstairs to the bridal suite. A clean, serene space that felt like the perfect backdrop for what came next. This is where she stepped fully into her bridal moment: getting into her dress, sharing first looks with her bridesmaids, her dad, and having a quiet moment with her mum before heading down the aisle.
Those moments: unhurried, emotional, full of anticipation are always some of my favourites to capture.
florals, styling & thoughtful details
This wedding was dripping in the most incredible floral design by Kate Rose Floral Design, paired seamlessly with styling by My Pretties UK. From the bouquets to the towering aisle pillars, the statement ceremony florals, the wedding breakfast centrepieces everything felt intentional and beautifully layered.
Soft pastel tones ran throughout the day, from florals to stationery, candles, and table details. Tall floral arrangements mixed with lower centrepieces, candlelight adding warmth, and thoughtful textures everywhere you looked. The Orangery at The Woodlands doesn’t need much dressing but this styling elevated it to another level entirely.
It truly felt like a wedding pulled straight from a dream.
a ceremony full of heart
Their little boy played the most important role of all walking down the aisle on his own. There was a brief pause when he turned the corner and realised everyone was looking at him… but the moment he spotted his dad, he ran the entire way down the aisle straight into his arms. A moment that had everyone smiling (and a few wiping away tears). The ceremony took place in the smaller (but just as beautiful) rooms to the side of the orangery which gave for a much more intimate feels.
He was also part of their early couple portraits, and photographing the three of them together felt incredibly special, genuine and relaxed family moments that perfectly reflected who they are.
speeches, emotion and SURPRISE entertainment
The speeches were heartfelt and emotional, filled with stories, laughter and tears the kind of speeches that make you feel how loved this couple truly are.
And just as guests settled into the post-meal lull, the energy completely shifted…
Enter the undercover waiters.
Disguised as staff throughout the day, they suddenly burst into song and dance after the wedding breakfast, instantly lifting the room. Guests were on their feet, laughing, singing, dancing and the atmosphere carried straight through into the evening celebrations. It was the perfect way to bridge the day into party mode.
golden hour at the woodlands
Despite a rainy start to the day, the sun made the most beautiful appearance just in time for golden hour. Early September had already started to bring hints of autumn, with trees beginning to turn adding a soft, seasonal glow to the portraits.
We headed back outside for more couple portraits, weaving through the trees, soaking up that quiet moment together as the light faded. These are always such grounding moments in a wedding day just the two of them, breathing it all in.
evening celebrations & a dramatic finale
As evening fell, we moved back inside for the cake cut, first dance, and then some truly fun photo opportunities. A champagne spray kicked things up a notch, followed by one of my favourite evening setups of the year.
Working alongside the videography team (who were an absolute joy I don’t think I stopped laughing all day), we created dramatic evening portraits using backlighting and a soft white smoke bomb. The result? Cinematic, moody, unforgettable images to end the night on a high.
And when I left, the dance floor was full. Pink Pony Club, all the feel-good girl anthems, hands in the air, pure joy everywhere you looked.
a wedding i'll never forget
Lauren and Kelan’s wedding at The Woodlands, Leeds wasn’t just beautiful. It was full of heart, personality and connection. A day where family, love, and joy took centre stage, and one I’ll always be grateful to have been part of.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Woodlands and want relaxed, emotional, story-driven wedding photography. I’d love to hear from you.
Dream team;
Venue | @hotelwoodlands
Stylist | @myprettiesuk
Florist | @katerosefloraldesign
Videographer | @thymeandpaperproductions
Violinist | @joeltgrainger
MUA | @lauradickeymua
Hair | @hairbyhannahtaylor
Dress | @scarletpoppybridalboutique
Cake | @kavbakescakes
Photoshoot | @selfiestarphotobooths
Live illustrator | @leelaillustrates
Undercover waiters | @theundercoverwaiters
