Lucie & Sam | Sandburn Hall Wedding

Lucie and Sam got married at Sandburn Hall near York on a warm, sunny day in July, and it was one of those weddings where everything just felt easy. They’re a laid-back, glass-half-full pair who’ve been together for eight years, and that came through in every part of the day, from a giggly morning in the bridal suite to a dance floor that stayed full right to the end.

Sandburn Hall is a venue I know well. The oak-beamed Grand Hall, the big windows looking out over the golf course and the quiet tree-lined paths around the grounds give you so many options for pictures, and with the sun out we made the most of all of it. Here’s the story of their day.

Meet Lucie & Sam

Lucie and Sam met at university, where they were on the same course. They were good friends for most of their time there and only got together right at the end, and eight years on they’re a proper team. They love dogs (they’re known to borrow Sam’s parents’ dog whenever they can), and neither of them can sit still on holiday.

When I asked what they love most about each other, Lucie said: “What I love most about Sam is how kind and funny he is. His cheeky smile and personality has definitely got him out of trouble over the years.” On their first date they went ice skating, she lost him for a little while, and found him chatting away to an older couple. “I loved and still do love that he takes the time to make everyone feel welcome and included no matter where we are.”

Sam’s answer was just as lovely: “What I love most about Lucie is her kind personality and how she is always willing to go the extra mile. She is also very organised and often ‘whips’ me into shape haha!”

The Proposal

Sam proposed in Sardinia in May 2025. They were on holiday with friends, so Lucie had no idea it was coming, and those friends (a couple I’d photographed at their own wedding) were in on the whole plan. They helped carry the ring through airport security, then staged a last-minute clothing disaster so Lucie and Sam would head off for a walk on the beach. Sam said he wanted a picture of Lucie looking out to sea, and when she turned round he was down on one knee.

In Lucie’s words: “I was so happy and despite forgetting to say yes and asking him ‘are you sure?’ – it was the most perfect and special moment.” They finished the evening with a private meal, Sam’s full debrief of how he’d pulled it off, and calls home to share the news.

Why They Chose Sandburn Hall

It was actually Sam who found Sandburn Hall, and they both loved the feel of the place as soon as they visited: “From the big windows and exposed beams, to the Grand Hall being big enough to have all our loved ones around.” They also loved the outdoor spaces, including the rose garden, and could picture everyone enjoying a drink or two in the sunshine. Happily, the weather played along.

Personal Touches

My favourite personal touch has to be the crisp wall, made by Sam’s mum because Sam loves crisps so much. Music mattered to them too. They love live music, so they booked 24 Live to set the tone for the day and keep the party going all night. The Grand Hall was dressed by Shindig Styling, with soft drapes swooping through the oak beams and blush and white flowers at the top table, and it looked gorgeous in the afternoon light.

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

Bridal Preparations

The morning started early, with The Style Lounge arriving for hair and make-up at around half six. Lucie got ready in the bridal suite with her mum and her bridesmaids, and it was a lovely, relaxed start: pyjamas, bubbles and plenty of laughing on the bed. The suite has good window light, which is perfect for make-up pictures, and I always love a black and white of those final touches with the lipstick.

Once Lucie was in her dress from Elite Bridal with her veil in place, she took a quiet minute in the mirror before it was time to go downstairs.

Groom Preparations

Sam got ready in another room at the hall with his best man. I caught him fastening his cufflinks by the window, looking a lot calmer than most grooms at that point in the morning. Then it was outside with the lads, all in matching suits from Slater, for a stroll along the path and a few pictures under the oak porch. Just before the ceremony there was time for one more laugh together.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was at midday in the Grand Hall. It’s a gorgeous room to get married in, with oak beams overhead, drapes looping between them and a huge window behind the couple that fills the space with soft light. For me it’s a gift of a room, because the light is even and flattering from the front right through to the back row.

Lucie walked down the aisle to Sam, and from there it was held hands, rings and big smiles all round. The first kiss had the whole room grinning, and they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds, beaming from ear to ear.

Drinks Reception at Sandburn Hall

As soon as the ceremony finished, the congratulations began, and this is one of my favourite parts of any wedding. There were hugs from every direction and lots of laughing, and Lucie barely had a free hand for her drink. I stay close for this bit, because the reactions are so genuine.

We then headed out into the gardens for the family groups while the sun was out, keeping them quick so everyone could get back to the drinks.

Couple Portraits at Sandburn Hall

For their couple portraits I took Lucie and Sam away from the crowd and down one of the tree-lined paths in the grounds. It’s a spot I love at Sandburn Hall. The trees soften the light even on a bright summer day, and the long path draws your eye straight to the couple. We wandered, chatted and laughed our way along it, and they were brilliant in front of the camera.

A breeze picked up just as they stopped for a kiss and caught Lucie’s veil perfectly. We finished under the wooden pergola in the gardens, with the willow trees behind them, before heading back to join everyone.

Lucie and Sam’s portraits didn’t stop there. Later on we popped out for twilight pictures in front of the hall.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

The Grand Hall had been turned around for the wedding breakfast, with round tables and the top table set in front of those big oak windows looking out across the golf course. Lucie and Sam made their grand entrance to plenty of noise and napkins waving in the air.

Speeches came before the meal, which I always like, because it means everyone can relax and enjoy their food afterwards. There was plenty of laughter at the top table, and one lovely emotional moment when Lucie held the speaker’s hand as he spoke.

The Evening Celebrations

Evening guests arrived from six, and at seven Lucie and Sam had their first dance in the Grand Hall. With the evening sun pouring through the windows it was lovely to photograph, and I used a couple of off-camera lights to keep everything bright as the room filled up.

Then 24 Live got going and the dance floor filled straight away. Arms in the air, big hugs, a pint or two, and Sam singing along to everything. It was exactly the party they’d hoped for.

Golden Hour and Twilight Portraits

As the sun dropped I borrowed Lucie and Sam for a few minutes of golden hour, then again at twilight. The black and white front of the hall against the evening sky is one of my favourite views at Sandburn Hall, and to finish we drew a light-painted heart around them. A lovely way to end a lovely day.

Sandburn Hall Wedding Suppliers

Lucie and Sam, thank you so much for having me along. It was a joy to photograph, from the first brush of make-up in the bridal suite to that heart glowing at twilight. I hope married life is treating you brilliantly, and I can’t wait for you to see the rest of your pictures.

Planning your own wedding? Let’s see if I’m free on your date.

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

Planning your own wedding near York? Have a look at my York wedding photographer page.