JOE & ORNELLA
The Priests House Wedding Photography
Undoubtedly, The Priests House, located at Barden Tower, makes for a perfect, intimate wedding venue. Undeniably, one of the finest venues in the Yorkshire Dales.
Joe & Ornella were the perfect couple to photograph. Furthermore, their family and friends were an absolute pleasure to photograph.

Being asked to photograph Joe & Ornella’s wedding was an absolute pleasure. Obviously, as soon as I arrived it was undoubtedly the most special wedding venue. The Priests House Wedding Photography – The grounds are undeniably breathtaking, regardless of the kind of weather on the day. Whenever I visit I also noticed that the grounds are especially well maintained as you would expect from a venue of this calibre. When talking to the owners and staff, it was straightaway obvious the level of care they put into each wedding.
Unlike other venue’s, it doesn’t actually feel like a wedding venue, whereas the Priests House feels intimate and furthermore, exclusive. Equally the Oakroom provides an overall, truly historic setting with it’s dark oak beams and open fires. Whereas the building has obviously been transformed after being derelict, the owners have undeniably put heart and soul into the refurb.
The House is perfect for a small, intimate occasion particularly for around 30 guests. Furthermore the Chapel is ideal for larger events particularly for up to 76 for a wedding breakfast. Besides the oak beams and open fire, it’s interesting to look at the old photographs of the tower and house. Certainly as a photographer it’s always something that catches my eye in a venue.
Undeniably Ornella indeed looked stunning with her bridesmaids and flower girls as they enjoyed the walk from the main house to the chapel. Furthermore It’s obviously rare to photograph the bridal party making an entrance from so many angles before we even entered the chapel. Meanwhile, the guests were eagerly awaiting the beautiful bride, Ornella.
The Ceremony
Once at the chapel, the flower girls made their way down the aisle and scattered their petals. Straightaway Ornella made the perfect entrance along with her mother while Joe and his best man watched from the front. It was really nice to be able to walk freely around the alter area of the chapel as there was so much space. Furthermore, the Registrars were so helpful and made the whole experience stress free. Once the ceremony was over we generally had some signing of the register photographs. Despite this being a traditional photographs, I don’t spend long doing this, it can be a bit cringy if it goes on too long.
Undoubtably the Confetti shot was especially enjoyable, certainly one of my favourite parts of the day, so much space for all to enjoy. Unquestionably all the guests made it so easy, whenever at this venue the staff are so helpful too. There’s certainly nothing quite like the feeling you get when first married and afterwards running through the tunnel of confetti. Indeed, especially when you’ll never get all those guests in the same place again.
Meanwhile Joe & his best man spoke some lovely words during the reception and had a really informal vibe which worked really well in such a grand and historic setting. French wine was flowing, carefully picked as Ornella and her family are French.
Undeniably one of my favourite weddings with some lovely people yet again. Finally, a big thank you to all the staff for being especially helpful to everyone. Unquestionably whenever I visit The Priests house I particularly feel a sense of exclusiveness.
COUPLE PORTRAITS
The magnificent backdrop of the 15th Century Barden Tower has to be undeniably one of the most historic of Yorkshire civil wedding venues. Steeped in romanticism and charm, this unique venue is perfect for some couple portraits. Despite the rain we certainly made the most of the backdrop. I never make any couple stand there for hours in uncomfortable poses. Joe & Ornella were undoubtedly one of my favourite couples to shoot.
Certainly group shots were made very easy, undoubtedly due to the fun and outgoing nature of the family and guests. During group shots I generally advise to prepare a list of no more than 10 different groups. Nevertheless there are always some off piste essentials that were left off.