A Wedding In The Woods at Camp Katur

Way back at the end of May, Sophie and Sam had their amazing Tipi Wedding in the woodlands at Camp Katur, near Bedale in North Yorkshire. It was a fantastically relaxed day, despite being a bit chilly and breezy, but Sophie & Sam aren’t really the kind of people to let a little chill ruin their big day, besides, it was lovely in the shelter of the trees.

Sophie and her bridesmaids started the day off bright and early, getting ready in the hall at Camp Katur. It’s always one of my favourite parts of the day to shoot as you get a great insight into the people and the friendships that really add to the day. Another reason I enjoy shooting the Bridal preparations is that there’s always Prosecco. This time there were scones too. Prosecco & scones make for the breakfast of champions – that’s a little-known fact.

They had a beautiful Humanist ceremony in the woods as the breeze gently swayed the trees. The ceremony told the story of how they both met and got to this point and it was as enjoyable to listen to as it was to photograph. Something about the setting really added to the relaxed atmosphere and said a lot about the kind of people they are. I think it was probably one of the most personal and intimate ceremonies that I’ve shot. Incidentally, the woodlands also played host to one of the best ‘Bridal Suites’ that I’ve ever seen. A gorgeous pod with perspex dome, so that you can sleep under the stars.

The afternoon was spent either huddling around the fire in one of the Tipi’s, telling stories and talking with friends or, outside enjoying the games. Wellie flinging, a coconut shy, whack the rat and more kept everyone entertained before the afternoon gave way to the evening, speeches and dancing late into the night.

I love being in the outdoors and shooting this wedding was a really relaxing experience, a real, friendly and down to earth wedding. Perhaps next time I might not park so far away though, so that I can avoid the walk through the woods, at 11pm, in the pitch black, on my own. I managed to tell myself every scary story that I’ve ever heard on that walk.