Zoe & Mark - A relaxed, micro-wedding in York.

Zoe & Mark were married ay York Register Office with immediate family and closest friends present. Ceremonies at York Register Office are always made to feel meaningful by the team who work there - they give their all to every couple, no matter how big or small the wedding is.

Even if I’m only photographing a wedding for a few short hours I always arrive ahead of the wedding party to capture their arrival. More and more couples are choosing to get ready and arrive together for their wedding ceremonies now - if this is something you’re considering then it’s a wonderful way to calm nerves as you’ll be with the person who feels like your safe place. It also works really well for couples who have a busy wedding day as it means there’s time for some photographs before your guests arrive and the day runs away from you.

After the wedding ceremony we walked through the city gates and headed towards a pub so that everyone could warm up. It was a cold day despite it being officially spring and the wind was a bit wild. The walk took about five minutes and provided loads of opportunities to take documentary images as well as some creative portraits of Zoe and Mark. This balance between a documentary approach and artistic portraits is what really defines who I am as a wedding photographer. Cities like York bring an energy to photographs with their busy streets and beautiful architecture and I could have asked Zoe and Mark to stop so many times for photographs, but I always remember that this day is about people being present with each other and their loved ones and that the most beautiful photographs usually happen when people don’t know they’re being taken.

A slow shutter photograph to capture movement on York’s busy streets.

Everyone went for a drink at The Guy Fawkes Inn and just took time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The kids were kept happy with activity packs and hot chocolate. Once everyone had warmed up we headed into the gardens by York Minster to take photographs.

Zoe and Mark had booked a table at La Vecchia Scuola which is a stunning restaurant in the heart of York. Things were kept intimate with one long table where everyone could be seated together.

Zoe and Mark had booked me for four hours which felt like just the right amount of time to tell the story of their wedding day. Not everyone needs me and my camera to be there for a full day and I genuinely love micro weddings just as much as the bigger ones. Your wedding day should feel like you. Your photographs should feel like you. So, if you’re planning a micro wedding I would love the honour of telling the story of your day.

Love,

Laura