Church Wedding Photography in the Orange Tree House
Church Wedding Photography at Orange Tree House with Ashley and Jake in Greyabbey, Newtownards, featured overseas guests, resulting in a diverse range of wedding photos. Ashley booked me as the couple’s Wedding Photographer. Play Slideshow
Ashley booked me for the couple’s wedding photos, and we had previously met for their pre-wedding photography 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 Weddings’ lighting.
It’s such a unique, award-winning venue. Exclusive for weddings and events 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 for most weddings.
Scottish Style 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 Wedding Cars, 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 wedding 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
As a Wedding Photographer in Newtownards, if you like my work, please get in touch, as I only take on a few weddings each year and work throughout Northern Ireland. I must say I love photographing in the Orange Tree as it offers several unique features. It has a church style to it, and there is plenty of space outside for group photos.
I didn’t capture any bridal preparations, so I arrived for photos before the ceremony to photograph some of the guests beforehand. There were plenty of photos taken during the ceremony and portraits afterwards of the family and friends. I also took photos 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 wedding day 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. He might be ideal for your wedding. There were plenty of hymns sung throughout the wedding ceremony, and I made sure to capture plenty of images of the proceedings. Some of these would be great printed in a wedding 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 kissing-type photo 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 photo. We took a couple of variations in front before the immediate family stayed for some photos, and everyone else went back into the lounge. Why not look at the photos for inspiration for your wedding? 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 photos inside, and one of the drivers even took off the roof. First were the bride and groom's wedding photos, before the immediate family in front and then the bridal party. When they left, we took some more bridal photos beside the wedding 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 portrait wedding photos. 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 of photos 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 casual photos of the guests at this point. I asked Ashley at some point throughout the wedding 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. As the wedding photographer, I stayed for a little while as a few were getting up for the dance, as the dancing is great, too. A fabulous wedding, and I wish you all the best with your future together.
Wow, what can I say about the wedding 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 wedding photos 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 for other photos, too and plenty of local hotels. On the wedding morning, a hairstylist and makeup artist will play an important role in preparing the bride and the bridal party for the big day.