Crook Hall Wedding Durham: John & Claire

John & Claire got married in August at St Michaels & All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring, near Durham.

They had a morning ceremony, followed by an afternoon reception at Crook Hall & Gardens, a beautiful old quirky venue, tucked away just near the city centre of Durham. It has SO many photography opportunities, that despite the rain we still went to take various photographs around the grounds. I had my eye on this venue for many months so was most excited at the opportunity to photograph this wedding.

Claire & John chose a plum/deep purple colour scheme for their wedding and had lots of calla lillies feature in their day too.

 All photographs copyright Katie Byram Photography 2013 and must not be used without written permission.  

Newcastle Christening Photographer: Peter William's Big Day!

I love to photograph christenings and this special day at the beginning of October was no exception! 

Little boy Peter, at 22 months was full of energy and excitement for his christening day. The ceremony took place at St Helens Church at Low Fell, which is a beautiful church with a stunning spire, I have recently photographed a wedding there and was looking forward to returning. 

Parents Julia & Simon welcomed their guests of close family & friends outside in the lovely autumn weather. After the short service there was time for some group photographs outside, and then everyone moved onto to the fabulous Eslington Villa, just down the road for a slap up Sunday dinner and a relaxed afternoon.

 Eslington Villa is a gorgeous little venue, tucked away in leafy grounds with some quirky features such as a colourful collection of bird boxes on the tree, hanging lanterns and even a smoking shack with various decorations. The staff were brilliant and I'd thoroughly recommend it as a venue for functions and weddings. I hope to return to photograph a wedding there sometime.

 A family member had created a beautiful cake for the occasion and the children were kept entertained with presents from the family. After lunch, I had the opportunity to take some more portraits of Peter & the guests.

It was rather challenging capturing a shot of 6 wriggly toddlers & babies in one photograph, but with the help of a bit of crazy face pulling and putting some random toys on my head to keep the children interested, I managed it. 

I am available to photograph christenings and naming ceremonies, and offer a range of packages including albums and canvases. Please contact me via my website Katie Byram Photography for more information. 

All photography copyright Katie Byram Photography 2013 and must not be used without permission. 

Chateau De Lacoste Wedding, Sarlat (Emma & Dermot)

Just catching up on some blogging, starting with this gorgeous French wedding at Chateau De Lacoste which is near to the gorgeous town of Sarlat, in the Dordogne region of Southern France. 

This was my first time photographing a wedding abroad, and it was a pleasure to spend all weekend with the bride & groom Emma & Dermot, their family and friends and I was joined by Vanessa Adams  who is a great photographer and friend. 

Chateau De Lacoste is an amazing private chateau with beautiful grounds, and it's own little chapel as well.

The weather was sunny and a scorching 30+ degrees all weekend. The couple chose to have their afternoon wedding ceremony on an amazing look out point on a cliff, where you could see for miles. They had close family members as celebrants, who did a marvellous job, and also lots of personal readings and vows. Bride Emma actually walked through a cave to reach the aisle, which was rather unique!!!

After the ceremony the couple relaxed with guests in the rose garden with drinks and canapes, followed be a paella wedding breakfast on the lawns. A local performer entertained guests and there were some also some very moving speeches.

We caught the last of the sunset for the photographs with the bride & groom and they all danced the night away to a brilliant English & French band.


The next day, myself and Vanessa had a chance to relax in the infinity pool, which is not an everyday occurrence for the day after a wedding! In the afternoon, everyone was invited back for a relaxed BBQ and pool party. It was great to catch up with the couple for a few more photographs of the two of them as well.

Photographing Emma & Dermot's wedding in France was a definite highlight of the year for me. The light was beautiful, the wedding was so personal,  and it was such a unique atmosphere and location. 

Congratulations to the couple and all the best to them for the future!

If you are looking for relaxed and fun wedding photography for your wedding in the UK, in France or further afield, please do drop me a line through my website Katie Byram Photography, I have limited dates available for 2014 and am also taking bookings for 2015 & beyond.

All images copyright Katie Byram Photography and must not be used without written permission.