The Stone Trough Inn
A styled wedding photoshoot is a great way to showcase the beauty, creativity, and uniqueness of wedding suppliers. Unlike traditional weddings, a styled photoshoot is a meticulously planned and curated event where every detail is intentionally chosen to reflect a specific theme or aesthetic. From the location to the flowers, the dresses, the decor, and even the lighting, everything comes together to create a cohesive and hopefully visually stunning set of images.
In a styled shoot wedding suppliers such as photographers, florists, hair and makeup artists, and venue decorators collaborate to bring the concept to life. The purpose is not only to create beautiful images for the wedding suppliers to use in their portfolio but also to inspire future brides and grooms.
I have known Philippa for quite some time due to her many years in the wedding industry and after bumping into her in Asda one evening she told me about her new role as wedding co-ordinator at The Stone Trough Inn. I was thrilled when she messaged me a few weeks later to say she was putting together a team to do a styled shoot with an Autumn Theme and would like me to photograph it.
A styled wedding photoshoot allows for bold, creative ideas to flourish. I love turning up with no idea of what is waiting for me and no brief. It allows for freedom of expression and creativity, we can all get involved in the process, bounce ideas off each other and come up with something amazing at the end.
Philippa had gathered some of my favourite wedding suppliers together for the shoot and I arrived early doors to find Ellie Fenwick our fabulous makeup artist had already began with the prepping the very beautiful Maisie, our model for the day.
Our grooms attire for the day was supplied by Alec W G Hall of Driffield. This wonderfully traditional shop has decades of experience helping grooms select their wedding day outfit. Mark brought along a huge choice of suits from a traditional tweed to a formal morning suit. I had a fabulous time using the Stone Troughs quirky decor as a backdrop for photographing ties, shoes and cufflinks. The Stone Trough, being the perfect host also kept us all well supplied with the most gorgeous coffee ! (a styled shoot day must have).
With our bride nearly ready I had time to take the wedding dress outside for some dress photos. Sophie from The Little White Dress Company is based in Driffield Market Place inside Alec Hall, so ideal for both bride and groom appointments. Sophie chooses her gowns & designers specifically to offer brides luxury and quality bridalwear for the modern bride.
I do feel a sense of freedom when I get a dress to play with that isn’t being worn by a bride that day so do have to check myself as I’m very aware they are to clean after I’ve finished. It’s not the first time I’ve been told off, and probably won’t be the last 😉
Sophie also brought some of the accessories that she has available and the all important veil. Have to admit to loving the open stone work inside this wedding venue.
With our groom Hector suited and booted it was time to head outside to a grey sky and a little bit of drizzle. We carry on, not all wedding days are dry so no stopping for the weather. The Stone Trough has some great features for photographs on the doorstep so it was good to make use of these for the groom portraits.
The arrival of Kirsty from Minnie-Bees put the icing on the cake and the team was complete. Several trips backwards and forwards from van to venue saw the concept become reality so whilst Kirsty was busy setting up the ceremony room I decided to head to Kirkham Abbey with our couple. A winter shoot is always very much guided by the light, just like a winter wedding and if it’s there you down spoons and run and grab it.
Kirkham Abbey sits beside the River Derwent. This historical site that offers a glimpse into the medieval past of the region. It is also the most amazing backdrop for wedding photos. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was originally a Cistercian monastery, however, like many other monasteries, it fell into decline during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century under King Henry VIII. The abbey was subsequently abandoned, leaving behind the beautiful but weathered ruins that stand today.
The ruins of the abbey are set against the scenic backdrop of the River Derwent. Imagine, if you will, the ruins, the stone bridge, the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Yorkshire countryside and you are standing in the middle of a wedding photographers dream location.
Back to the Stone Trough for a warm up and the most amazing lunch. I’ve heard many people rave about the food and I can understand why, I ate too much and would have happily hunkered down next to the roaring fire but Kirsty had spent much of the morning cutting flowers and putting them together in a way that remains to baffle me every time I see them, she really is a talent like no other. So back to work.
The Stone Trough Inn is a charming venue that has long been a staple of the local community. Dating back several centuries, the inn is full of character, blending traditional stone architecture with modern touches that creates a cosy yet stylish atmosphere. Kirkham Abbey itself adds a layer of historical grandeur to any celebration, making it an ideal location for couples who are drawn to history and rustic charm.
The combination of the Abbey’s timeless beauty and the warm, inviting ambiance of The Stone Trough Inn creates a seamless blend of the old and the new, offering a wedding experience like no other. The ceremony spaces’ open stone work gives a rustic charm yet has a modern twist of a retractable roof so letting the outside in. Panoramic views of the countryside adding a romance to your wedding vows. The Stone Trough have grown a reputation for delivering freshly cooked, locally sourced food, they stock a superb range of Yorkshire beers and ales, and of course, the warm Yorkshire welcome is always on the menu.
Real weddings are full of smiling happy faces so I encourage this from the models too, I try to re-enact a wedding day as much as possible so that potential couples will be able to picture themselves in the setting and imagine how their wedding day would be. Also, how amazing is that retractable roof !
A quick photo of Sophie’s next dress hung on Kirsty’s gorgeous arch before we get our model and the room changed around for wedding breakfast setting.
We had the room set up for seating 30 which left a lot of room for more, a sweetheart table at the top with burnt orange and green. Candles were lit and the fading light outside left a lovely warm ambience as they flickered. I can only imagine how wonderful this would feel should the chairs be filled with your family and friends.
It was nice to finish the day off taking the couple off around the venue and it’s grounds for some portraits. There are a plethora of places for wedding photographs and endless opportunities.
Weddings at The Stone Trough Inn, Kirkham Abbey, offer a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, the historic charm of the nearby abbey, and the exceptional service and elegance of the venue itself. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, The Stone Trough Inn offers the perfect setting for your special day.
The venue provides a unique blend of rustic elegance and modern convenience, ensuring that your wedding day will be unforgettable for both you and your guests. With its outstanding food, personalised service, and historical setting, The Stone Trough Inn is the perfect place to begin your new life together. If you would like further details or would like to visit the venue to begin your wedding journey you can make contact with Philippa at philippa@thestonetroughinn.com or give her a call on 01653 618713.
