Timmi and Sam tied the knot at one of the most unique venues I’ve ever visited; the Alnwick Gardens Treehouse in Northumberland. A festival of rustic wood interiors, and cosy lighting inside, the ceremony and the reception both took place here, with the guests and wedding party all entering via a bridge to this beautiful wedding venue.
One of the best surprises of the day was the moment an owl swooped down the aisle, bringing the couple their rings. It got quite a reaction, but didn’t for one moment overshadow the emotion of the occasion. The way the newly-weds looked at one another was the true showstopper.
Afterwards, everybody headed outside onto the rather wet terrace and split their time between there and the potting shed, enjoying the drinks and canapés. The owl and its handler hung around for a while to greet guests and pose with them for a few photos.
I took a few bride and groom shots next to the VW camper van, which they’d hired for the day, and a few more in and around the Treehouse itself. With a venue this unusual and picturesque, it would have been a shame to not capture it from every angle, particularly as the sky turned a dramatically dark shade a little later. I also took a few posed family and friend photos.
Back in the reception, everyone enjoyed their meal, the speeches, and the cutting of the first cake. This is a couple who had considered the tastes of all their guests as there was a delicious cream cake for those with a sweet tooth and, a little later, an impressive cheese wheel for those who prefer savoury.
Before the singer came on and it was time for the first dance, we managed to get a few more bride and groom portraits on the bridge outside at sunset, as well as plenty of shots of everyone with their sparklers!
It was a hugely enjoyable wedding, in a beautiful venue, with a thrilling owl-shaped surprise in the middle. Big congratulations to Timmi and Sam for making such great choices. Wishing them all the very best in their married life together.
Thanks to my friend and fellow professional wedding photographer Chris Thornton for second shooting for me!
Timmi's Supplier Shoutout:
Singer - Liam McClair
Cake - Tea House Middlesbrough
All food was provided by Alnwick Gardens Treehouse
Cheese cake - The West Country Cheese Company
VW Campervan - Canny Campers
Owl - Barn Owl Ring Bearer
Mark Tierney is a Yorkshire based Contemporary Wedding Photographer covering the UK and beyond.