Sarah and Matthew, Gisborough Hall Hotel wedding.
I first met Sarah and Matthew long before their wedding day. Not at a venue visit. Not over coffee but on a ballroom dance floor.
They were that couple, always laughing, half a step behind the music, and somehow making every wrong move look intentional. So when they asked me to photograph their November wedding at Gisborough Hall, I already knew this one was going to be good.
Spoiler alert.....it really was.
Gisborough Hall in November (cosy done right)
If you’re planning an autumn or winter wedding at Gisborough Hall, November is a perfect choice. The last of the golden and red leaves were still hanging on, the air was crisp, and the hall had that warm, welcoming glow it does so well this time of year.
Upstairs, Sarah was getting ready in one of the beautiful bedrooms, her dress hanging on the four-poster bed, and that lovely pre-wedding buzz in the room. Downstairs, Matthew was already suited and booted, wandering the grounds, greeting guests and pretending he wasn’t nervous. (He was. In the best way.)
It was one of those mornings that just felt right. Calm. Happy. No rushing. No drama. Exactly how a wedding morning should be.
The ceremony (this is why I love my job)
The ceremony room looked stunning and had that intimate, cosy feel that November weddings do so well.
The moment Sarah walked in, Matthew’s face said everything. No posing. No prompting. Just pure, unfiltered emotion, the kind you can’t plan and shouldn’t mess with. You just capture it and get out of the way.
Their vows were full of smiles, meaningful glances and that unmistakable feeling of two people who’ve grown together and probably still occasionally argue about who missed a step in dance class.
Autumn light, brave guests and relaxed portraits
Despite the November chill, everyone piled outside for a full group photo (absolute legends). We took a few relaxed group shots before sneaking off for Sarah and Matthew’s couple portraits around the Gisborough Hallgrounds.
These two were a dream, Just laughing, chatting, cuddling and being completely themselves. The soft autumn light, fallen leaves and the glow from the hall did most of the heavy lifting, I just pressed the button.
A first dance they’d clearly rehearsed (a bit)
Given how we met, I was very much looking forward to their first dance.
They didn’t break into a full ballroom routine, but they didn’t need to. What they had was far better: connection, timing, confidence… and a couple of cheeky spins for good measure. Big smiles, lots of applause and I loved it.
It was a first dance that felt them, relaxed, fun and full of personality.
Ending the day on a high (and a bit of fresh air)
We finished the night with a few portraits outside under the oak tree at Gisborough Hall, catching that just-married glow that somehow shines brighter than the venue lights. Those final moments always have something special about them, excitement, relief and the realisation that you’re officially married now.
Photographing Sarah and Matthew’s Gisborough Hall wedding felt like spending the day with old friends. From meeting on a dance floor to documenting their wedding day in one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful venues, it was an absolute joy.
If you’re planning a Gisborough Hallwedding and want relaxed, natural photography, with someone who’s always happy to capture a dodgy dance move or two, feel free to get in touch and have a look at my Gisborough Hall wedding photography portfolio.If you’re planning a November wedding and want relaxed, warm and natural photography, with a photographer who’s always up for capturing a dance move or two Click here to view my packages. I’d love to hear from you.
