| Northern Wedding Photographer |

Victoria & Sid

There is something undeniably special about photographing alternative weddings because typically a couple must have a higher level of trust in their wedding supplier. Not just that they are the right style for the couple, but trust that they are coming from a place without judgement and from a place of respect.

So, to get the opportunity to capture both a traditional Pagan Handfasting and then later a more conventional wedding for one couple is very special indeed!

Pagan Handfasting: Embracing Sacred Roots

Personally, I love a Handfasting, and they hold a very special place in my heart. Although they are more common in Scotland, in England they are a lot less popular though interest seems to be building a bit.

So, I thought I’d let you know a little more about Handfasting’s just in case they are new to you. And more specifically a Pagan Handfasting as this was one.

At its core, a Pagan Handfasting is a sacred promise, an affirmation of love, commitment, and mutual growth.

And in the spirit of inclusivity and equality, many Pagan ceremonies embrace non-binary and LGBTQ+ couples, recognising love in all its diverse expressions.

Traditional handfasting ceremonies often take place outdoors like this beautiful one in the Yorkshire countryside.

Why? Because in Pagan belief systems, nature holds immense significance. So even when Handfasting’s take place indoors, there are typically elements of nature, such as the scattering of petals and herbs.

A Handfasting is an incredibly old ritual, where couples declare their love and commitment to one another by binding their hands together with cords or ribbons. Thereby symbolizing their union and the intertwining of their lives. Overall, handfasting’s are full of symbolism which is always profoundly beautiful to witness as a wedding photographer.

Set in a stone circle, Victoria & Sid’s Handfasting was a stunning and intimate celebration of their love which I was honoured to be a part of.

This Handfasting was not considered a marriage in the eyes of the law, which is why my lovely couple decided to do something about that.

“Muggle” Wedding: Embracing Modernity with Traditional Wisdom

To make their union and marriage legal, they decided to also have a more conventional British wedding at Le Petit Château in Northumberland.

And I will declare here that I’m only referring to a more conventional British wedding as a “muggle” wedding, as this is how my gorgeous couple referred to it. And I’ll be honest, I find it strange to call it anything else for them.

Although this may lead you to believe there would be a Harry Potter theme, there wasn’t. Although they did include a bird of prey display, so maybe there was a little nod to Harry Potter. Nevertheless, the display was really entertaining for the couple and all the guests attending the wedding.

However, there was a bit of a Disney theme running through their “muggle” wedding and I was so excited about it. And more importantly suited my couple down to the ground.

The venue, La Petit Château was absolutely perfect for this couple, particularly as the exterior resembled some of the scenery in Beauty & The Beast. Which I know was why it was chosen!

This very special wedding took place in one of the most gorgeous venues, with lots of entertaining elements for the couple and guest to enjoy, plus the weather was on our side which made the day that bit more amazing.