Kirsten & Mike – A Castle Wedding and Sunflowers at Sunset

Fiona Bielby
Sep 26
3 min read

Updated: Sep 29

Friday’s wedding with Kirsten and Mike was nothing short of unforgettable. These two soulmates designed a day that was unapologetically them — fun, vibrant, and full of personality.

Bride and groom pose by a decorated VW van in front of ancient stone ruins. The grass is green, sky cloudy, and a flag from Sheriff Hutton Castle is visible in the distance.

Saying “I do” at North Yorkshire's Sheriff Hutton Castle

The celebrations began at the incredible Sheriff Hutton Castle. Fairy lights and candles set the most magical atmosphere for their vows, and honestly, it suited them perfectly. As Kirsten said herself: “Could you imagine Mike getting married anywhere else?”

Candles on the window ledge at Sheriff Hutton Castle

Bride in white gown and bridesmaids in green holding bouquets walk down an aisle. Background of twinkling lights in rustic setting. Mood is joyful.

Bride in white dress holds bouquet, smiling in dimly lit venue with string lights; guests in dark attire, one wipes tear, suggesting emotion. Sheriff Hutton Castle

Two men in suits, smiling at each other at a formal event. Others are seated in the dimly lit background at Sheriff Hutton Castle. Warm, joyful atmosphere.

Bride and groom exchanging vows under fairy lights at Sheriff Hutton Castle, North Yorkshire wedding photographer

North Yorkshire wedding photographer. Bride and groom exchanging vows under fairy lights at Sheriff Hutton Castle

A couple exchanging cards in a cozy setting with a warm, rustic brick background. The mood is intimate and sincere at Sheriff Hutton Castle

A couple exchanges vows in a warmly lit room with string lights. The woman in a white dress smiles warmly, surrounded by seated guests at Sheriff Hutton Castle

Bridesmaid in green dress smiles joyfully at a wedding ceremony. Blurred couple exchanging vows at Sheriff Hutton Castle in foreground, warm lights in the background.

A person in a suit reads vows from a paper to another in a white dress. Soft bokeh lights in the blurred background. Romantic setting.

A person in a suit is adjusting his jacket, while another in a gray suit stands beside a smiling woman in white. Warm lights decorate the background at Sheriff Hutton Castle

Candid wedding photo of Kirsten and Mike in the candlelit ceremony room at Sheriff Hutton Castle

The candlelit ceremony room at Sheriff Hutton Castle

Once their guests had left the ceremony room, we snuck back in together to capture some portraits, and I have to say, they’re some of my favourites of the day. The setting, the glow of the lights, and the two of them together — absolute magic.

A North Yorkshire Wedding Reception at White Syke Fields

After the ceremony, guests made their way to White Syke Fields in Sand Hutton — the perfect spot for a relaxed, fun-filled reception. From hog roast feasts to bow and arrows and even axe throwing, there was no shortage of entertainment. It was clear from the start that Kirsten and Mike wanted their guests to enjoy themselves just as much as they did.

A special mention has to go to Stef, the amazing wedding coordinator at White Syke Fields. She’s always so organised and genuinely lovely to work with — even taking it upon herself to rally everyone and sort the sparkler lighting for photos, which is unheard of. She made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

Guests celebrating with sparklers, documentary wedding photography in North Yorkshire

Personal Touches with Atlas in Mind

Kirsten and Mike’s wedding was bursting with unique touches. Kirsten carried a beautiful dried flower bouquet by Amy Hinchliffe at Pampas Box — something she can now keep forever. Their beloved English Bull Terrier, Atlas, couldn’t be there in person, but he was still very much part of the day. From custom-made favours shaped like him (in bright, fun colours, of course!) to napkins printed with his face, their names, and their wedding date — it was such a playful way of including him without the stress of him running riot!

Dried flower bridal bouquet by Amy Hinchliffe at Pampas Box, captured in documentary wedding photography style

Colourful custom wedding favours shaped like English Bull Terrier, personal detail captured candidly

Personalised wedding napkins with dog photo, names, and date at White Syke Fields

Dimly lit banquet hall with hanging bulbs, long wooden table set for a meal, adorned with candles, flowers, and pampas grass decor. White Syke Fields

A lovely gesture to honour Mike's parents, who are sadly no longer with us, was a framed photo and a box of their favourite drink placed at the end of the bar. This was done to commemorate them, just where they would have been, as Mike mentioned.

A double photo frame with a floral design displays a smiling couple. Behind is a "SANDFORD Orchards" box with apples. Cozy atmosphere. White Syke Fields

Golden Hour in the Sunflower Field

As the evening rolled in, we stole a moment away for photos in the sunflower field at dusk. The golden light, the colours, and the way Kirsten and Mike looked at each other made it one of those unforgettable moments. Those portraits are a true favourite of mine — a blend of romance, fun, and everything that made their day so special.

Sunflower field at dusk with bride and groom, golden hour portraits by North Yorkshire wedding photographer

A couple embraces and laughs in a sunflower field at White Syke Fields. The man wears glasses and a vest, the woman a white dress. Sunny, joyful mood.

A couple walks in a sunflower field at White Syke Fields, the woman in a white dress. Cloudy sky, vibrant yellow flowers, and lush greenery create a romantic mood.

True to Themselves

Kirsten once described the two of them as “geeky,” and I just love that about them. They’re unapologetically themselves, happiest in each other’s company, and completely in tune — true soulmates. Their wedding was such a brilliant reflection of that, and it was an absolute joy to capture every moment for them. And I absolutely LOVED these matching ghosty tattoos they wanted to capture, how funky are they!

Couple outdoors in wedding attire showing matching leg tattoos at White Syke Fields. Groom's jacket reads "not everything SUCKS" in heart shape. Grass background.

A Day to Remember

From candlelit vows in a castle to sparklers at White Syke Fields, this was a wedding filled with love, laughter, and personality. Thank you, Kirsten and Mike, for letting me be part of it all.

Planning your own North Yorkshire Wedding? If you’re dreaming of a day filled with fun, love, and personal touches, I’d love to hear from you. As a North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I specialise in candid wedding photos and a documentary approach that captures the story of your day in the most natural way possible.