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Writer's pictureFiona Bielby

A Blush Pink Summer Wedding: Dean and Tora’s Traditional Celebration at St Gregory's Minster

Capturing Love: Dean and Tora’s Blush Pink Summer Wedding at St Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale.

In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, nestled in a serene valley, stands St Gregory’s Minster—an ancient treasure dating back to around 1060. With its tranquil churchyard and lush woodland backdrop, the minster’s storied history and rustic charm make it the perfect setting for a wedding.


Couple in the meadow behind St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale.

This summer, Dean and Tora chose to exchange their vows in this beautiful and historical location. For Tora, the minster was more than just a picturesque venue; it was a place of deep family significance. Many of her family members, including her grandparents, had tied the knot there, creating a family tradition that she and Dean wanted to continue.



St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale the guests are walking in to the church.

The groom waiting of his brides enterance to St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale

The donation plate at the back of St Gregory's Minster in Kirkdale.

Father of the bride walking his daighter down to her groom at St Gregory's Minster in Kirkdale.

St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale Dad passes his daughter's hand over to her husband to be.

Maid of honour doing a read during the service at St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale.

The couple holding hands as they say their vows  in St Gregory's Minster at Kirkdale.

The first kiss as Mr and Mrs at St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale.

The couple receive their marriage blessing at St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale.

St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale the couple exit the building as Mr and Mrs.

St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale with the couple leaving the beautiful Oak enterance.


A Yorkshire Love Story Rooted in Passion

Dean and Tora’s love story began four years ago, shortly after Tora returned home from the Midlands. It was Tora's determination, passion, and unique obsession with cats that captivated Dean and made him fall head over heels. Their connection only deepened over the years, leading to a romantic proposal in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. Now, they share their love of cats with their adorable feline companion, Giddy, who joined their household just over a year ago.



St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale meadow to the rear of the building, the bride is holding her bouquet to the sky as her husband spins her araound.

The back of St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale, the couple walk hand in hand away from the camera.


Couple stood with their wedding car in front of St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale.

The Wedding Day

Dean and Tora’s wedding day was a celebration of love, family, and tradition.


Despite the hour-long journey from the Minster to Aldwark Manor for their reception, their carefully planned schedule ensured a seamless and joyful day. Starting the day early allowed them to savour each moment with their guests, many of whom had travelled great distances to share in their joy.


The couple’s excitement was palpable, especially at the thought of everyone enjoying the live band and letting their hair down on the dance floor.


A Perfect Wedding Setting: Aldwark Manor

Aldwark Manor, with its 200 acres of picturesque grounds and historical charm, was the ideal location for Dean and Tora’s reception. Originally commissioned by Lord Walsingham in 1865 as a wedding present for his eldest grandaughter, the red-brick, fairy-tale manor house now serves as a quintessential Yorkshire wedding venue. It was here that Dean and Tora fell in love with the expansive grounds and the ample accommodation options for their guests, making it the perfect setting to continue their celebration.


Drone shot of Aldwark Manor

Photo of the front of Aldwark Manor the fountain is shimmering in the sunlight.

Enterance to the Walsingham Suite at Aldwark Manor

The Walsingham Suite at Aldwark Manor all ready for the Wedding breakfast.

Impressive ceiling rose in the Walsingham Suite at Aldwark Manor

Top table in The Walsingham Suite at Aldwark Manor

Aldwark Manor's grounds as the sun lowers in the sky, the light catches the veil as they walk over the bridge.

Groomsmen on the bridge at Aldwark Manor

Groomsmen walking over the bridge at Aldwark Manor

The bride and groom on the Bridge at Aldwark Manor

Time for a cigar with the groomsmen at Aldwark Manor

The couple are silohetted as they walk under the trees at Aldwark Manor

The Details for a Traditional Wedding

Tora and Dean’s blush pink theme was beautifully woven throughout their wedding, from the floral arrangements, and the groomsmen's ties to the bridesmaids’ dresses. The soft, romantic hue added a touch of elegance and whimsy to their day, perfectly complementing the historical backdrop of St Gregory’s Minster and the timeless charm of Aldwark Manor.


All of the wedding party at Aldwark Manor


A Celebration to Remember at Aldwark Manor

As the sun set over the Yorkshire countryside, Dean and Tora danced the night away, surrounded by their loved ones. Their wedding day was a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, of history and romance. It was a day that celebrated not only their love for each other but also their love for family and the shared memories that brought them to this moment.



Aldwark Manor at sunset.

Golden hour portaits with the couple at Aldwark Manor

Sunset under a tree at Aldwark Manor with the bride and groom

For those seeking a wedding venue steeped in history, natural beauty, and family tradition, Dean and Tora’s wedding at St Gregory’s Minster and Aldwark Manor is a perfect inspiration. Their day was a reminder that the most beautiful celebrations are those filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.




 


If you’re planning a relaxed and traditional wedding day like Tora and Dean, and you love the idea of natural- candid wedding photos with no fuss you should get in touch. Fun-loving couples like Tora and Dean, who do things how they want are at the top of my list to capture.



P.S. Did you know I'd love to do some destination wedding photography, so get in touch if you're planning a destination wedding or elopement I'll be offering a good deal for the first booking.







Would you like natural and fun photos that show you in your best light along with capturing the atmosphere of your day? You can have these even if the idea of being in front of the camera freak you out slighty. The best bit is, they can be quick, fun and easy going. We can do short natural sessions that highlight the different parts of your day.


I do it like this so you spend as much time with your guests, without comprimising your end goal to have beautiful memories to look back on, year after year.


This is how I wanted my day capturing back in 2014 when natural and candid wedding photography was less of a thing. That’s why I work as I do. To find out more about me, how I photograph weddings, click the links provided. I also offer relaxed family photos, horsey photo shoots and photography for local businesses and entrepreneurs too so why not take a look?





Not ready to get in touch, sure, no problem. Why not sign up for my email list so you can be the first to hear about offers and promotions I’m running.


 


 

 

 

North Yorkshire and UK Wedding Suppliers I recommend








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