Poppy & Charlie | The Tithe Barn Wedding, Bolton Abbey
Right, so. Poppy and Charlie told me, very confidently, that they were "terribly awkward people" before their pre-wedding shoot a couple of weeks ago. I did not believe them then, and I believe them even less now, because their wedding day was an absolute masterclass in just being completely, unselfconsciously in love.
The day started at The Devonshire Arms with prep for both the boys and the girls, and there was a brilliant, slightly chaotic energy running through it all — the bridesmaids in matching pyjamas with rosé in hand, a flower girl who was an absolute icon in her own right, and Charlie getting ready in that gorgeous moody window light in his tweed suit and dusky pink tie.
Then we headed to The Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey, which is honestly one of my favourite venues to shoot. Those soaring oak beams, the fairy lights strung through the rafters, the candlelit chandeliers — it's hard to take a bad photo in there, but Poppy and Charlie made it easy anyway.
Now, Charlie. I did see it. The eyes, the wobble, the whole thing, as Poppy walked in holding her stunning polka-dot tulle gown and that incredible feather-and-rose bouquet, all soft blush tones with pheasant feathers worked through it (an unexpected touch and one of my favourite bouquets in a long while). Your secret is safe with me. Mostly.
The ceremony itself, under that huge wrought iron chandelier, was genuinely beautiful — quiet, still, completely focused on each other, while their son did a brilliant job carrying the rings up with Charlie's help. And then straight out into confetti and sunshine, with bridesmaids in dusky pink and the whole barn spilling out into the courtyard.
Poppy and Charlie also had their two dogs there for portraits — a black Labrador and a black spaniel, both impeccably behaved on their leads despite the excitement, and an absolute joy to include in their family photos. After the morning's downpour worries (sorry, force of habit after the last one I shot), the sun actually came out for the couple portraits in the field, sheep grazing in the background and all.
The reception had everything — wood-fired pizza on the evening menu, the most heartfelt first dance lift that had the whole barn cheering, and that gorgeous golden hour light pouring through the barn windows during the speeches.
Poppy and Charlie — "terribly awkward" my foot. You two were an absolute dream to photograph, and I loved every second of being part of your day. Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Bedi. 🤍
If you're planning your wedding at The Tithe Barn, Bolton Abbey, or anywhere in North Yorkshire and want a photographer who'll happily keep your secrets (mostly) — get in touch here, I'd love to hear from you.
