A Beautiful Ham House and York House Wedding for Alison & Derek

The Perfect Summer Wedding Day at York House and Ham House

Alison and Derek’s wedding was a picture-perfect summer celebration, beginning with a perfect ceremony at York House in Twickenham and followed by a stunning wedding reception at Ham House, a National Trust property in Richmond, South West London. The day was perfect - full of love, and hilarious family moments, with every detail thoughtfully planned.

A Warm, Joyful Morning of Preparation

Alison, introduced to me through my daughter’s headmistress and a close family friend of the bride, was surrounded by her bridesmaids, Maid of Honour, and daughter as she prepared for the big day. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as Alison’s daughter got ready alongside her, truly embracing the "princess" vibe.

Since Derek is from Aberdeen, my own home town, Alison chose a beautiful floral arrangement for her bouquet, incorporating thistles as a tribute to his Scottish heritage.

A Memorable Ceremony at York House

The ceremony took place at York House, just across the road from where Alison was preparing. Derek, dressed in a traditional kilt, awaited his bride in the cool of York House, alongside the couple’s son. Katrina Otter Weddings managed the details seamlessly, ensuring everything was perfect as Alison walked down the aisle. The moment the ceremony began, the couple exchanged vows, surrounded by friends and family.

Then Alison arrived and the ceremony commenced.

A Fun-Filled Journey to Ham House with a Route Master Bus

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests hopped aboard a traditional Red Route Master bus to travel onwards to Ham House. However, there was a slight surprise in store - the bus wasn’t allowed to drive up to the entrance of the venue. But this unexpected delay gave everyone the chance to enjoy a short walk in the glorious sunshine, adding to the relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Once at Ham House, Alison and Derek’s children, playing the roles of flower girl and page boy, stole the spotlight with their charm. As the sun shone brightly throughout the day, guests settled in under the cool, open-sided marquee, ready to enjoy a relaxed reception. The cool of the open sided marquee awaited.

Scottish Touches and Family Fun at Ham House

There were subtle Scottish touches throughout the wedding, reflecting Derek’s roots in Aberdeen. As the day continued, the couple’s children delivered memorable speeches, bringing smiles and laughter to all. For the wedding breakfast, guests enjoyed a beautiful bell tent set up for the kids while the adults gathered in the marquee to celebrate the happy couple. Rhubarb Events provided delicious food, with the dessert table being a personal highlight for many guests.

Stunning Wedding Portraits at Ham House

As the sun began to set, we took advantage of the softer light to capture stunning wedding portraits of Alison and Derek in the beautiful grounds of Ham House. The golden light added a magical touch to their photos, showcasing the love and joy they shared on their special day.

A Fun, Lively Reception with a Scottish Ceilidh

As the reception continued, Alison and Derek’s wedding was filled with lively moments, including the highly anticipated ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance. With Derek being Scottish, it was only fitting that their celebration included some spirited dancing! As the photographer, I had to be quick on my feet to keep up with the action, as a ceilidh in full flow can be quite the challenge!

A Sweet Ending and Dancing Into the Night

As the evening air cooled, guests continued to dance and enjoy themselves, shedding their high heels for a more relaxed vibe. The last shot of the night was a heartwarming moment as everyone gathered around the dessert table, catching up with one another before dancing into the night. It was a perfect way to end such a beautiful day.

I loved the personalised cake toppers!

After cutting their fantastic wedding cake, the dancing began. Obviously, with the groom being Scottish, there had to be a ceilidh! Much swinging around - it can be a dangerous occupation being a wedding photographer during a Ceilidh in full flow!

The evening air was a little cooler. The dancing continued without those annoying high heels.

The last shot of the night was just as I left the wedding party. Everyone had discovered the desert table and were busily catching up with one and other. Fuel for more dancing into the night.

Alison said of her wedding photography

“Gill took photos of our wedding in 2016. She caught the joy of the occasion beautifully and made the whole process relaxed and enjoyable. Highly recommended.”

The Perfect Ham House and York House Wedding

Alison and Derek’s wedding was a perfect blend of Scottish tradition, family love, and beautiful venues in Surrey and Twickenham. From the ceremony at York House to the reception at Ham House, every moment was filled with happiness, making this day unforgettable for the couple, their friends, and their family.