Leanne & Russ | Aston Hall Wedding

Leanne and Russ got married at Aston Hall Hotel near Sheffield on a bright September day, and it was one of those weddings where everything just flowed. They’d told me beforehand that they aren’t fussy people, that they’re easy-going and take everything in their stride, and that’s exactly how the whole day felt.

A smallish group of family and friends for the day, a big crowd for the evening, a sage green and white colour scheme and a magician working the room: there was plenty to photograph and lots of laughter to go with it. Here’s the story of their day.

Meet Leanne & Russ

Leanne and Russ met on eHarmony. They started chatting on a Saturday morning, had their first date the following Tuesday and a second date that Thursday, and as Leanne puts it, “that was it”. Once they got talking they realised they’d actually been to the same school. Small world!

Russ moved in, and these days they share two little boys. When I asked what they love about each other, Leanne told me: “He is thoughtful, he makes me feel beautiful. The way he looks at me makes me know he loves me without him telling me.” And Russ said of Leanne: “I love how she makes me feel anything is possible. I can be my true self around her.” You could see both of those things all day long.

The Proposal

Russ proposed in Tenerife, with a picnic set up on the beach as the sun went down. Leanne remembers him being really quiet all day and only later worked out why: “Now I know he was nervous. It was a very long day for him waiting until sunset, but it was worth it.” She’d also like it on record that the ring is stunning and he did really well. Nice work, Russ.

Why They Chose Aston Hall

Leanne and Russ wanted somewhere intimate for a smaller wedding. They went along to a wedding fayre at Aston Hall and both knew straight away it was the one. They loved the set-up and the grounds, and since they booked, the hotel has moved to just one wedding a day, which Leanne called a bonus they hadn’t known about at the time.

From my side of the camera that makes a real difference. With the house and grounds to yourselves you can wander for portraits without dodging another wedding party, and everything from bridal prep to the ceremony to the evening party happens in one place, with no travelling in between.

Personal Touches

Leanne described their style as simple and elegant, and it really was. Sage green and white ran through everything, from the bridesmaids’ satin dresses to the chair sashes and the white flowers on the floral arch. The tables had centrepieces with photos of the two of them in different places they’ve been together, which guests loved picking up and chatting about.

Planning had gone smoothly, Leanne said, because they just take things as they come. They did have one surprise up their sleeve though: a magician and pickpocket who made his way round every single guest. Don’t worry, he gave everything back.

Getting married at Aston Hall? I’d love to hear about your plans.

Bridal Preparations

Everyone got ready at Aston Hall, and with a big bridal party, hair and make-up started at half five in the morning. By the time I arrived the bridal suite was busy, happy and full of chatter, with Leanne in the middle of it all in her pyjamas, laughing along with everyone.

I love this part of the day. It’s where the quiet, natural pictures happen: the make-up artist’s finishing touches, a reflection in the mirror, little glances between friends. Leanne had planned a dress reveal for her bridesmaids on the main staircase in reception, with the girls waiting at the bottom, and there were big smiles all round once they were together in their sage satin with their white and eucalyptus bouquets.

Russ and the Groomsmen

Russ and his groomsmen were down at the hall from half ten, so we headed out into the grounds for a few pictures before the guests arrived. The long tree-lined drive is perfect for a walking shot, and then we lined them up on the lawn in front of the house and asked for a jump. Some jumped higher than others, but it’s one of my favourite pictures of the day.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was at midday in the hotel’s ceremony room, set up with a white aisle, petals along the edges, sage sashes on the chairs and that floral arch with its “it’s a love story” neon sign at the front. Russ waited at the top of the aisle looking pretty calm, all things considered, right up until Leanne walked in.

It was a warm, relaxed ceremony. The best man handed over the rings, Russ couldn’t stop smiling as he slipped Leanne’s ring on, and when they were pronounced husband and wife the whole room cheered as they shared their first kiss.

Drinks Reception at Aston Hall

After the ceremony everyone spilled out onto the lawn for drinks, hugs and congratulations. This is when I drift about quietly and catch the reactions: the big hugs, the guests who can’t stop grinning, the little ones running about in their smart outfits.

We did the confetti with everyone gathered round the two of them, and it turned into a proper celebration, with arms waving and confetti flying everywhere. Then a few family groups and a bridal party picture in the gardens, kept nice and quick so everyone could get back to their drinks.

Couple Portraits at Aston Hall

Aston Hall has some lovely spots for couple portraits, and we made the most of them. We started by the white gazebo in the gardens, then went over to the Aston Martin that was waiting for them, before heading onto the open lawn where there was a big sky full of clouds to work with.

Leanne and Russ were so easy to photograph. I gave them a few gentle prompts and they did the rest, mostly by making each other laugh. Later on, with jackets off, we slipped out again into the long meadow grass at the edge of the grounds. With the house in the background and the grass softening the foreground it has a lovely natural feel, and we finished on the garden steps with the front of the hall rising up behind them.

Leanne and Russ ended their night with twilight portraits by the gazebo. If you like the idea of a few after-dark pictures on your day, here’s how I photograph them.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

Guests were called through for the wedding breakfast at two, and Leanne and Russ made a proper entrance, arms in the air, with everyone on their feet. The floral arch and neon sign from the ceremony had taken pride of place behind the top table, and giant light-up MR & MRS letters glowed at the side of the room.

The speeches came after the meal, and there was plenty of laughter. A game of yours or mine had the room in stitches, and I spent most of this part of the day watching faces: guests wiping away happy tears from laughing so much, glasses raised and cheers for the top table.

The Evening Celebrations

Evening guests arrived at half seven, and the cake was cut at eight. Ten minutes later Leanne and Russ had their first dance on a cloud of dry ice, which always looks brilliant in pictures. After that the dance floor filled up fast and stayed that way, with Russ taking a turn with one of the bridesmaids and some very enthusiastic moves from the guests.

Before the night got too late I borrowed the two of them for ten minutes of twilight portraits. We lit up the gazebo against the dark sky, and then Russ popped a bottle of champagne and sprayed it into the night air. A brilliant way to finish.

Leanne and Russ, thank you so much for having me as part of your day. It was relaxed, full of laughs and full of love, just like the two of you, and I hope these pictures bring it all back every time you look through them.

Planning your own wedding at Aston Hall, or anywhere else in Yorkshire? I’d love to hear from you.

Getting married at Aston Hall? Have a look at my Aston Hall wedding photographer page for more about photographing a wedding there.

Getting married around Sheffield? My Sheffield wedding photography page has more venues nearby, my prices and answers to the usual questions.