Orange Tree House Wedding Photograph
Orange Tree House Wedding Photography with Ashley and Jake in Greyabbey, including Scottish guests in the modern Church style building. Ashley booked me as the couple’s photographer.
Ashley booked me and we had previously met for their pre-wedding about two weeks ago in Scrabo Country Park. The weather was great on the day, but perhaps a bit cold as it was late February, so still on the winter side. I was booked for the ceremony up to the dances.
Just after lunchtime, I arrived a bit early, like usual, to take photos of the venue space and decor before the guests arrived, and some of the guests when they arrived. Some finishing touches were being made in the ceremony room, which was nothing short of stunning - some beautiful flowers by Anita’s Fabulous Flowers and also Mandalay lighting.
It’s such a unique, award-winning venue. Exclusive with no public wandering in for a pint or some grub. It’s located on the shore of Stranford Lough in Greyabbey. The place is a restored 1820s barn-style church, which still keeps its architectural features modernised. The function room can hold up to 130 guests for a ceremony and dinner, which is ideal.
Scots Wedding Photos in Northern Ireland
Back to the ceremony, as Harris Piping was piping Scottish music, kilted out at the entrance when the groom arrived with the best man in David Andrews, both in Harris Kilts, so we photographed a couple of pictures at the front, as well as a couple with the piper too. The groom and bestman are both from Northern Ireland, and the kilt was due to the bride’s side being from Scotland, I believe. At this point, more guests began to arrive as the ceremony was about to start. Ashley’s mum, dad and some relatives also arrived, so we took some pictures with Harris Piping. The piper was only there for a short time, so it was better to take a few too many at this stage.
Wedding Photographer Newtownards and further afield
If you like my work, please get in touch, as I only take on a few each year and work in Ards and throughout Northern Ireland. I must say I love working here as it offers several unique features. It has a church style to it, and there is plenty of space outside for groups. I didn’t capture any bridal preparations, so I arrived before the ceremony to photograph some of the guests beforehand. There were plenty taken during the ceremony and portraits afterwards of the family and friends. I also took pictures during the speeches in the main room. Afterwards, there were a few casual-type pictures while waiting for the room turnover and before the first dance. Contact Philip for more info. Thank you.
Orange Tree House Wedding Photos
Reverend Gary Haire started the ceremony, and the piper piped Scottish music as he walked down the aisle, followed by the maid of honour and bridal party and next was the bride, accompanied by her father. Darren Day played superb piano throughout the ceremony. There were plenty of hymns sung throughout the ceremony, and I made sure to capture plenty of images of the proceedings. Some of these would be great printed in an album.
After the marriage register signings, we took photos at the table with the new bride and groom and then added in minister Gary Haire, too. We then invited Ashley’s parents up, then the best man and maid of honour too. I grabbed a quick kiss at the end of the aisle when they were walking out, followed by the maid of honour and best man and Ashley’s parents, too. Everyone headed to the lounge, where the bride and groom were casually chatting with the guests.
After some refreshments and a cup of tea or coffee, we made our way out to the entrance for the must-have group. We took a couple of variations in front before the immediate family stayed for some more, and everyone else went back into the lounge. You might get inspired!
We had the perfect setting at this stage, as the cars were still there. Before they left for the day, we took some inside, and one of the drivers even took off the roof. First were the bride and groom's photos, before the immediate family in front and then the bridal party. When they left, we took some more bridal beside the venue, too. We even got some close-ups of the bride and groom with the veil blowing in the wind, as these make for some interesting portraits. It started to get too cold at this stage, so the outside was finished.
At the reception and before dinner, there were a few speeches, including the groom's, the best man's, and the bride’s father's, which were all good fun to capture. Afterwards, we got a couple before the staff and manager needed to turn over (as in change) the room for the dancing and evening reception. Everyone made their way to the lounge for drinks, where I took more casuals of the guests at this point. I asked Ashley at some point throughout the day where the guests stayed overnight, and she told me hotels and B&Bs within driving distance, so close by.
I met Gaz DJ, bringing in his gear and equipment at the entrance before the couple’s first dance. It didn’t take Gareth Ingram long to get set up for the first dance, and he brought some props, a selfie booth and a great selection of music. I was looking forward to capturing the dances.
The first dance commenced as Ashley and Jake took to the dance floor with Gerry Rafferty as their first song as husband and wife, and I made sure I photographed plenty of variations to get different angles and reactions from the guests. When finished, there was a father and daughter dance followed by the bridal party joining in, and then some of the guests, too. I stayed for a little while as a few were getting up for the dance, as the dancing is great, too. A fabulous day, and I wish you all the best with your future together.
Wow, what can I say about the venue that hasn’t already been said before about this perfect setting? The venue is truly amazing. Nestled in Greyabbey, the venue is beside the ocean, so you could get some beside the water if the weather is good. The venue itself is not massive and not too small, and is within driving and possibly within walking distance of some local hotels. The main room can hold 100+ guests and is for the ceremony (if you have it here) and also the reception, including dancing. There is a large area beside the moon where guests can go to let the staff change the room. There are plenty of areas in Grey Abbey too and plenty of local hotels. On the morning, a hairstylist and makeup artist will play an important role in preparing the bride and the bridal party for the big day.