Fun and Candid Rudding Park Wedding Videography
Emily (the Bride’s) Mum stopped by to chat at a Little White Books wedding fair and the next moment I’m crouched down in the middle of a dancefloor trying to be ready to capture the confetti canons…and this wasn’t even their first dance!
Emily and Alex’s wedding day at Rudding Park Hotel and Spa in Harrogate Yorkshire was none stop fun and partying. From the moment they booked me as their wedding videographer to the day itself, it really did fly by as there was so much build up to all their exciting wedding plans.
They were after someone to capture their jam-packed wedding in a really candid way, to ensure it was all about capturing everyone having a great time more than the details and that’s why my more relaxed approach was perfect for them and their day!
Why This Wedding Was a Videographer’s Dream Day
The nicest couple, the most welcoming friends and family and something to capture at every turn…add that on top of a stunning Yorkshire venue, dreamy styling and so much entertainment, it really was a dream day as a wedding videographer!
If you love the idea of your wedding video capturing the ‘vibe’ and party atmosphere of your day, along with the emotional tears and big bear hugs, then this Rudding Park wedding is the inspiration you need…
Rudding Park Wedding Highlights Video
Capturing the Real, Unscripted Moments
The morning started with me sneaking in a look at the on site chapel at Rudding Park. It was hard not to as I was greeted by a stunning white floral arrangement around the old wooden doors, encouraging me to nosy at the stunning historical 19th century chapel within.
Before we got to their wedding ceremony, it was time to capture the morning excitement. Emily and her Bridal party were tucked away in The Russell Room with hair and make-up well underway. Hair Creations by Colette and I Am Bridal Makeup were the chosen team on the morning, with Colette staying for the rest of the day for touch ups and ensuring Emily looked picture perfect the rest of the afternoon.
As per usual, Groomsmen were opting for YouTube to help them with their black bow ties and had far too much fun popping champagne for the cameras! They were soon making their way over to Rudding Park’s chapel to welcome guests ahead of the ceremony.
As a Documentary wedding videographer I love capturing a wedding morning, not only for picking up great make-up tips (I blame weddings for my make-up obsession) but it’s the best part of the day to capture those unscripted moments you’ll love watching back. From Bridesmaid’s skillfully wiggling fitted satin dresses on to hanging out of windows to wave to the boys enjoying drinks, it’s the real moments like this you can’t plan for but I’ll be ready to capture!
Full Videography Approach to capture your day
Capturing each wedding isn’t just about the ‘best bits’. I’m capturing everything ‘just in case’. Just in case you decide you want more than a Highlights Video. Just in case you realise the speeches were better than you could have imagined. Just in case you want to relive more moments from your full day, not just the highlights. That’s what makes being a documentary wedding videographer so unique and something to help you ensure your wedding video becomes a timeless piece, not just a bit of content!
Ensuring a full day approach to capturing your day means it becomes more than just Instagram content. I help you create a collection of wedding videos you’ll actually cherish, Relaxed, candid, real moments that last beyond reels.
A Celebrant Led Ceremony in a 19th Century Chapel
Wedding guests took to their pews inside the stunning 19th Century chapel as Alex waited nervously at the top of the aisle. Their wonderful celebrant (Eleanor the Celebrant) made the introductions before welcoming the Bridal party. Any nerves anyone had were soon lifted when their flower girl let out an excited scream on entering the chapel, I think she felt everyone was waiting for her!
Our Groom fought back the tears as Emily made her way down the aisle with her Dad. It’s always lovely having a camera at the front AND the back of the ceremony as it allows us to film as much as possible so you can relive as much as possible! Not only seeing each other’s reactions but also all the guests smiling and wiping away tears. It’s a moment that goes by in the blink of a teary eye so it’s one moment that needs to be in your video!
A celebrant led ceremony means you get to make it even more personal to you and your story. It was nice to hear more about Emily and Alex as a couple, as well as the usual vows and promises. I also love how it gets guests chatting afterwards, saying how lovely it was! And Eleanor reacted with great poise when the DJ randomly started soundchecking from the venue and it came through on her mic!
Capturing Your Wedding from Two Angles is a MUST!
Ring exchanged and there was time for a quick aisle dip before dancing out into the confetti line! Confetti is another part I LOVE to film as in the moment it’s about the couple, but watching it back to get to see everyone elses faces and funny reactions!
Their photographer Jules Fortune Photography took over to organise formal family group photos outside the chapel as guests made their way around to the gardens for drinks, canapes and garden games.
Having two videographers means you have someone capturing you whilst the other gets to capture candid moments you didn’t get to see, like guests getting competitive over games or being wowed by the entertainment!
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Wedding Film at Rudding Park
Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate has so many beautiful spaces and natural backdrops that it’s worth planning a little extra breathing room in your timeline to really make the most of them. Try to build in time to mingle with your guests on the terrace before the meal, soak in that golden hour light across the lawns, and let the party run wild later on!
Those unscripted moments in-between the more planned bits often end up being the most memorable on film. Whether it’s a confetti tunnel, a sparkler walk, or a surprise on the dance floor, the more freedom you give your day between these moments allows it to flow naturally, the more genuine and emotional your day (and your videos) will feel.
I always encourage couples to skip rigid shot lists with their photographers and videographers, simply enjoy your day while I quietly capture it all! The laughter, glances, and fleeting moments that tell the real story.
Rudding Park’s mix of elegant interiors, open gardens, and the beautiful chapel means there’s always incredible light and atmosphere to work with, and I love adapting to each space to create a film that feels true to you and your day.
Magic and Entertainment at Rudding Park
Speaking of entertainment, the string trio continued with the music as their magician wowed the crowds. Add to that the drinks, canapes and garden games and there was a lot of guests to enjoy in the sunshine (and random rain shower) before the wedding breakfast.
Time to Enjoy Rudding Parks Stunning Gardens
As Guests made their way into the Radcliffe Room at Rudding Park to take their seats for the wedding breakfast. The room is FILLED with natural light thanks to those huge floor to ceiling windows, a dream for any photographer or videographer!
Whilst guests were seated, Jules and I went for a walk round the grounds of Rudding Park with the couple to capture some moments of just the two of them. Static posing shots don’t really work well for video so I tend to capture those in-between moments of a laugh or a kiss. Much more natural (and less weird to watch yourself back!). You’re spoilt for choice around Rudding Park so sometimes simply taking a walk together can be enough…
A BIG Entrance and Wedding Speeches in The Radcliffe Room
This wasn’t going to be a traditional wedding breakfast as Emily and Alex had wanted to encourage a lively party atmosphere all day so they had a DJ/Host help them make that happen! The couple made their big entrance into the Radcliffe Room to the loudest cheers and then encouraged everyone else to join them on the dancefloor. Best Men were poised and ready with the confetti canons to ensure the reception started with a bang!
Not only that but the Best Men and the Groom then surprised everyone with their attempt at the House of Bamboo dance, much to everyone’s amusement (and made for some great reaction shots in the video!).
It was then on to the speeches, the perfect mix of personal stories, emotional toasts and a few belly laughs.
Keeping The Party Going at Rudding Park
Thanks to the plan of avoiding a room turnaround at the Radcliffe Room, guests got to continue to dance and party between courses and into the night at this epic Rudding Park wedding, Only clearing the dancefloor when it was time to cut that impressive wedding cake and for the couple to enjoy their first dance. The Soul Movement Band then carried the party on well into the night.
Thank you to Emily and Alex for putting your trust in me to capture your wedding day memories, what an honour and a pleasure!
Let’s Talk Weddings in Harrogate, Yorkshire & Rudding Park
If you’re planning a wedding at Rudding Park and love the idea of having it filmed in a more documentary and candid way like Emily and Alex then you’ve come to the right place! I cover weddings all over Harrogate and Yorkshire and love any excuse to cross the border from my home county of Lancashire!
My relaxed approach to filming your wedding at Rudding Park ensures you get to relive all your favourite moments (and even ones you didn’t get to see) without feeling weird about being filmed! Get in touch to get my availability and get a copy of my wedding videography brochure!