Micha & Michael | Runa Farm Wedding, Barnard Castle

Sep 15

Claire Hirst Photography captured Micha & Michael's wedding at Runa Farm, Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Wednesday 29th July 2026.

Honestly, I don't think I've laughed this much at a wedding in a long time. I met Micha and Michael for the first time just the week before their big day, and it was instantly clear these two don't take life too seriously — which, as far as I'm concerned, is exactly the recipe for a brilliant wedding. Turns out I was right, because today delivered an amazing vibe from start to finish.

Getting Ready

The morning started gently, with Micha getting ready in satin pyjamas, curls being pinned into place and that particular kind of nervous, excited energy that only exists on a wedding morning. There's something I love about capturing those quiet in-between moments — the hairstylist working away in the mirror's reflection, the stillness before the day properly kicks off. Michael, meanwhile, was doing his own quiet prep across the way, buttoning up his beige jacket in a shaft of window light that made the whole scene look like something out of a film.

Elsewhere in the getting-ready rooms, the details were coming together beautifully — the invitation suite, Micha's shoes, delicate pearl jewellery, and that ring all laid out ready for the day ahead. And it wouldn't be a proper wedding morning without the smallest members of the bridal party stealing the show. Micha spent a few minutes with one particularly delighted little one in her arms, and a flower girl in a bow-backed dress and pearl headband had her own quiet moment gazing out of the window, clearly just as ready for the day as everyone else.

The Ceremony

Runa Farm's ceremony barn is a proper stunner — all exposed wooden beams, soft draped fabric, and warm walls lit with candles down the aisle. Micha and Michael exchanged rings under that beautiful timber ceiling in front of family and friends, and the moment Michael slid the ring onto Micha's finger, her whole face lit up. Then came my favourite bit of any wedding: that first kiss as a married couple, confetti and petals raining down around them under a huge glass chandelier while the whole room cheered them on. Pure joy, no notes.

Portraits, Petals & Two Very Good Spaniels

After the ceremony we headed out to make the most of the grounds at Runa Farm, and I have to say, that big rust-orange silo building makes for one of the most striking backdrops I've photographed in a while — it looks incredible against the stone barns and green countryside surrounding it. Micha's bouquet, all blush roses, white dahlias and warm rust tones from Harriet Jane Flowers, was an absolute dream to shoot against it.

There was a proper family moment too, with Micha's dad wrapping her up in a hug before the ceremony, her veil catching the breeze — the kind of photo that gets me every time. And then, of course, there were the dogs. Micha and Michael's two spaniels joined the portraits looking suitably regal (if a little unbothered) sat beside the wedding dress, before happily trotting alongside the newlyweds down a country lane for one of my favourite shots of the day. Add in a big, giggly bridal party huddled together by that orange silo, all warm rust-coloured bridesmaid dresses and beige suits, and honestly, it's hard to pick just one favourite frame from this wedding.

The Reception

Inside, the reception carried on exactly the way the day had started — with laughter. Micha and Michael were still cracking up at each other over drinks and gifts long after the ceremony had ended, surrounded by family who were clearly delighted to be there. That's the thing about this wedding: every single photo I've picked out has someone properly laughing in it, and that's not by accident. These two just have that effect on a room.

A huge thank you to Micha and Michael for having me, and to everyone who made the day feel so special — I properly felt like one of the family by the end of it. Congratulations, Mr & Mrs Egan.

If you're planning a wedding in County Durham and fancy a photographer who'll be every bit as obsessed with your dogs as you are, get in touch — I'd love to hear about your plans.

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