Capturing Dave and Kelly’s Alternative Wedding At Gisburne Park
As a Lancashire wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing wedding celebrations at countless venues, but few can match the charm and natural beauty of Gisburne Park Estates. Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, this venue offers the perfect blend of elegance and rustic charm, making it a dream location for any wedding photographer. And when I was invited to document Dave and Kelly’s big day at Gisburne Park, I knew it was going to be a day full of interesting and unforgettable moments.
Kelly & Dave’s Setting: Gisburne Park Estates
Gisburne Park Estates is a venue that stands out not just for its breathtaking scenery but also for its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a grand indoor ceremony or a laid-back outdoor celebration, Gisburne Park has something to offer. For Dave and Kelly, the estate’s lush greenery and lovely outdoor spaces were the perfect backdrop for their wedding day.
The couple chose to have their ceremony and reception in the estate’s eye-catching tipis, bringing together the natural beauty of the outdoors with the intimate and cosy atmosphere of the tipis. As a Gisburne Park wedding photographer, I was thrilled to see how this setting allowed for such a relaxed yet elegant celebration.
Getting Ready: Gisburne Park Estate House
The day began with Dave and Kelly getting ready in separate rooms within the elegant venue house at Gisburne Park. Kelly, surrounded by her closest friends and family, looked incredible in her dress from Elite Bridal. Her hair, styled to perfection by the talented team at The Bridal Artist Company, was an elegant half-up-half-down do that complemented her perfectly and also allowed her to still show off some of her awesome tattoos.
In another room, Dave was preparing for the day ahead with his groomsmen. The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation, with the guys looking dapper in their suits from Next. It was a joy to capture these moments of as both Dave and Kelly prepared for one of the most exciting days ahead.
The Tipi Ceremony: A Touch of Tradition and Personalisation
The ceremony took place in a smaller, intimate tipi on the estate. The space was beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly reflected Dave and Kelly’s personalities. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the wine box and ring warming ritual. For those unfamiliar, this tradition involves placing letters or keepsakes in a box to be opened on a future anniversary, while the rings are passed among the guests to be warmed with love and well-wishes. It was a deeply personal touch that added a layer of meaning to the ceremony.
Dave’s Mum also delivered a heartfelt reading, bringing a tear to more than a few eyes. As the couple exchanged vows, the tipi was filled with love, laughter, and a few happy tears – the perfect ingredients for a memorable wedding ceremony. After the “I dos,” guests were treated to a joyful confetti tunnel, one of my favourite moments to capture as a Gisburne Park wedding photographer. The lovely neutral tones of the confetti against the backdrop of the estate’s greenery created stunning, exciting images.
An Alternative Wedding Reception: A Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach
Following the ceremony, the celebration moved outside for the afternoon reception. Guests were greeted by the delicious smells wafting from Betty’s Pizzas – a quirky pizza van that was a huge hit with everyone. There’s something incredibly special about sharing good food in a relaxed setting, and it made for some wonderful candid photos as guests chatted, laughed, and enjoyed their pizza.
The reception area was a true reflection of Dave and Kelly’s style. Alternative decor filled the space, with bride and groom gonks and cool vinyl records as centrepieces, adding a unique and personal touch to the wedding breakfast. It’s these little details that make a wedding truly unique, and they were a joy to capture on camera.
Music played a significant role throughout the day, with DJ Pat Mulligan keeping the atmosphere lively. He not only performed during the wedding breakfast but also kept the dance floor buzzing late into the night. The combination of great music, good food, and stunning surroundings made for a reception that was both relaxed and full of energy.
An Alternative Twist: Live Tattooing
One of the most unique aspects of Dave and Kelly’s wedding was the live tattooing station set up for guests. This was a first for me as a Gisburne Park wedding photographer, and it was an incredible experience to capture. The idea of offering guests the chance to get a tattoo as a permanent memory of the day was both bold and brilliant. The tattoo artist was busy throughout the day, adding another layer of fun and excitement to an already amazing celebration.
The Evening Reception at Gisburne Park: A Night to Remember
As the sun began to set, the evening reception kicked off, and the energy was electric. The dance floor, adorned with stunning lighting from Love Lights The Way, was a kaleidoscope of reflections from the disco balls inside the tipi. Dave and Kelly’s first dance was to “I Choose You” by Forrest Blakk, a moment that was both intimate and filled with love. The soft, romantic lighting combined with the couple’s obvious love for each other made for some truly beautiful photographs.
Outside, guests gathered around a cosy fire pit, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky. The contrast between the wild energy of the dance floor and the calm, warmth of the fire pit made for a wonderful dynamic. It was clear that Dave and Kelly had thought of everything, ensuring that their guests could enjoy the evening in whichever way suited them best.
Capturing Every Moment: From Airstream Photo Booth to Last Dance
No modern wedding is complete without a photo booth, and Dave and Kelly’s choice of the Airstream Photo Booth was a hit. The vintage-style booth was set up outside the tipi, and it was constantly busy with guests donning props and striking poses. These fun, light-hearted moments were a great contrast to the more formal portraits and added a playful element to the day’s photography.
As the night drew to a close, the dance floor remained packed, with DJ Pat Mulligan ensuring that the energy never dipped. Every moment was filled with joy, love, and a sense of celebration that I was honoured to capture.
A Day to Remember at Gisburne Park
Dave and Kelly’s wedding at Gisburne Park Estates was a true celebration of love, individuality, and joy. As a Gisburne Park wedding photographer, it’s days like these that remind me why I love what I do. The combination of a stunning venue, a relaxed atmosphere, and a couple who truly did things their way made for a wedding that was as unique as it was beautiful.
If you’re planning a wedding at Gisburne Park or any other venue, remember that your day is a reflection of you. Whether it’s alternative decor, live tattooing, or simply the joy of sharing your special day with loved ones, every moment is worth capturing.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Gisburne Park Estates, and if you’re in need of a wedding photographer who understands the beauty of this venue, I’d love to help you capture your dream day. You can get in touch with me here
