Ian Rolfe, Author at Ian Rolfe: Lancashire Wedding Photography

A wedding couple kiss while stood in front of a rustic wall during a winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom

A Christmas Wedding at the Out Barn, Clough Bottom

I love shooting Winter Weddings... short days, unpredictable weather and low light means you have to be at your best. But cosy fires, gorgeous decor and festive moods always make it a pleasure for me to shoot so I was delighted to be asked to photograph Etienne and Dominic's Christmas themed wedding at the beautiful Out Barn at Clough Bottom near Clitheroe.

It was a very wet and windy day with a rather large storm forecast for later on and I found Etienne and her bridal party happily hunkered down in one of The Out Barn's cosy cottages while having final touches to hair and make up.

It was then a quick dash across the puddles to photograph Dom welcoming guests as they arrived for the ceremony. The staff at The Out Barn had done a wonderful job in decorating the impressive ceremony room with lots of festive touches including Christmas Trees, baubles and candles which really got everyone in the festive spirit.

It was a beautiful ceremony with lots of personal touches and you could really see the joy on Etienne and Dom's faces once they'd tied the knot. So much so that both of them were happy to brave the elements for some super quick couple portraits. Luckily the farm at the Out Barn provided lots of photo spots to show off its rural charm.

Drinks and canapés followed in the bar along with a surprise visit from Santa himself much to the delight of the children. Every emotion was on show too during the speeches before everyone got down to some serious dance moves while the storm howled outside.

Here are a few highlights from the day...

Venue: https://www.cloughbottom.co.uk/weddings

If you're looking to have a winter wedding and are looking for natural, relaxed wedding photography I'd love to hear your plans. You can get in touch here.

A bride to be having her dress adjusted before her winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom

A bride smiles in the mirror before her winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride smiles before her wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride's Christmas themes shoes before her winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A ceremony room decorated with Christmas trees before a winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A winter floral display at wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A groom smiles before his winter wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom The mother of the bride hugs the groom before his wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Guests arriving at a festive decorated winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bridegroom waits patiently during his winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Paige boys walk down the aisle at a winter wedding in The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A smiling bride walks down the aisle during her winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Newlyweds smiling during their wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride laughs at her groom during their wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A close up of a bride placing a ring on the finger of her groom during a wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride and groom kiss during their wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Newlyweds kiss during their wedding ceremony at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Newlyweds laugh as they walk down the aisle at their winter wedding in The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Newlyweds take a stroll during their winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Newlyweds snuggle noses at their winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A newlywed couple share a joke during their winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Santa and an Elf talk to two paige boys at a Christmas wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Children looking on in wonder at Santa at a winter wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom Tables set for a winter wedding breakfast at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride looks shocked during her father's speech at her wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride laughs during speeches at her wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bridegroom smiles while giving his speech during his wedding at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A groom addresses his bride during his wedding speech at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A bride covers her face in embarrassment while her groom laughs during speeches at The Out Barn in Clough Bottom A best man giving his speech at a wedding reception at the Out Barn in Clough Bottom The Out Barn wedding venue in Clitheroe lit up at night A bride laughs as she hugs her husband during their first dance Black and white image of a bride laughing as she dances with her husband A bride embraces her husband surrounded by guest during their first dance at a wedding wedding guests laughing while dancing at the reception A bride dances at her wedding reception holding a glass of wine A bride and groom during their first dance surrounded by guests

by Ian Rolfe

Midland Hotel, Morecambe Wedding Photography

I'd always wanted to photograph a wedding at The Midland Hotel in Morecambe. Its Art Deco design and beautiful architecture along with it's imposing position overlooking Morecambe Bay make it a wonderful venue. So I was delighted when Anna & Elgan asked me to photograph their amazing wedding there.

Anna's bridal party had decamped at her parents' house for the morning and I found a hive of activity when I arrived. I love this part of the day... there are so many different angles to explore and the organised chaos gives me a chance to grab some great candid moments of all the excitement building.

Onto St Marie's Church in Haslingden where Elgan was looking relaxed welcoming guests as they arrived for the ceremony. Anna arrived looking beautiful in her dress and it was a lovely, intimate ceremony followed by a few informal photos of friends and family outside.

It was then off to The Midland Hotel where drinks were served below the impressive spiral staircase. Although there was a hefty sea breeze coming off the bay, Elgan & Anna were both up for a quick stroll along the beach where we got some lovely intimate portraits of the two of them together while they enjoyed a well earned glass of Champagne.

Food, drink and some very emotional speeches followed in the Eric Gill Suite. The views out to sea make this a beautiful location for a wedding breakfast and I was loving the light that streamed through the massive windows.

Once their amazing cake was cut it was time to hit the dance floor to round off the perfect day.

Here are a few highlights...

Thank you so much again for all your hard work on the day, it was lovely having you with us and made it all so easy. - Anna & Elgan

Venue: https://midlandhotelmorecambe.com

Two young bridesmaids waiting in a house before a wedding A black and white shot of a man holding an iPad taking a photo of family in a house Two bridesmaids smile as look up a staircase in a house A bride to be has her dress adjusted by her bridesmaid from under her skirt A bride and bridesmaid give each other the thumbs up before leaving for the church A bride smiles as she gets ready for her wedding A Groom and Best Man enter the church before a wedding A wedding guest laughs at a joke in a church before the ceremony A groom and best man share a joke before a wedding ceremony A bride and her bridesmaids arrive outside a church smiling A groom sits nervously at the alter waiting for his bride A bride arrives down the aisle accompanied by her father A bride and groom smile at each other at the alter of a church A bride smiles at her groom at the church alter Newlyweds walk down the aisle smiling Newlyweds standing in a Church archway A newlywed bride laughs at a joke from a guest as they leave the church Two bridesmaids share a joke outside a church Newlyweds have confetti thrown over them outside a church An elevated shot of wedding guests mixing at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe A bride smiles at the camera whole standing on a spiral staircase at The Midland Hotel in Morecambe Newlyweds laugh while taking a stroll on a beach A newlywed couple take a walk outside The Midland Hotel in Morecambe Newlyweds standing by a wall with the word Fantastic on a mural Newlyweds take a stroll along a jetty by the coast A bride and groom face each other on the end of a jetty by the sea Guests at a wedding reception at The Midland Hotel in Morecambe A groom addresses his bride during his wedding speech A wedding guest sheds a tear during the speeches A bride addresses her groom during her speech at a wedding reception A newlywed couple laugh during the best man speech Newlyweds laugh as they cut the cake at their wedding reception Newlyweds during their first dance at a wedding Newlyweds dancing during their evening reception Guests dancing at a wedding reception A young girl dances during a wedding reception a newlywed couple dancing at their wedding reception A newlywed couple looking at each other with a seaside sunset behind them A newlywed couple enjoy the sunset over the ocean at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe

by Ian Rolfe

A newlywed couple enjoy their first dance as the Clifton Arms Hotel in Lytham as guests look on

Clifton Arms Hotel Wedding Photography in Lytham

It was a short ride up to Lytham for Francesca & Andrew's wedding at the lovely Clifton Arms Hotel. Positioned right on the East Beach, where the Ribble Estuary meets the sea and Lytham's famous windmill on the green all added a lovely seaside setting to their wedding day.

Francesca and her bridal party opted to stay at the Clifton Arms for their bridal prep and so the day began with champagne and laughs while final tweaks were applied to her beautiful wedding dress.

It was then onto St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Lytham Saint Annes to meet up with Andrew and the assembling guests.

I always like to arrive early to catch the build up to the ceremony... the anticipation and excitement always makes for great photographs and there was plenty of buzz as Francesca walked down the aisle. There was plenty of emotion during the ceremony and I just love capturing these moments as part of the story.

More celebrating was to be had however, so it was back to the Clifton Arms for food, drink and hilarious speeches. While the guests were enjoying canapés at the hotel I took the opportunity to give Francesca & Andrew a quiet moment together along the seafront while I took some portraits of the two of them together. This is a perfect time for couples to relax and have a breather after all the excitement and I'm able to get some lovely photos that the couple will cherish.

Time then for dancing as everyone hit the dance floor to round off a perfect ending to Francesca and Andrew's wedding day story.

Here's a taste of some of the photographs from Fran & Andy's Clifton Arms wedding day in Lytham. If you're looking for beautiful, relaxed wedding photography that captures natural, genuine moments of your story, please feel free to contact me for a chat. I'd love to hear what you have planned.

Tags: Clifton Arms Hotel, Lytham, Lancashire Wedding Photography, Lytham Wedding Photography

Venue: https://www.cliftonarmslytham.com

A smiling young bride looking upwards and laughing A young bride having her hair styled before her wedding A bridesmaid having her makeup applied before a wedding A bride laughing in the mirror while having her hair styled Close up of a bride's hands resting on her lap wearing a wedding dress A mono photo of a bride laughing as she waits in her wedding dress A mono image of a bride looking at her reflection in the mirror A brides mother gasps as she sees her daughter in her wedding dress A bride in her veil laughing A bridegroom laughs with his Best Man as they wait at the alter A female wedding guest in a blue hat takes her seat at the church A black and white image of a wedding guest laughing in a church A Groom and Best Man await the bride at the alter of a church A bride laughs as her driver holds an umbrella over her arriving at the church A bride looks pensive as she waits to walk down the aisle A bride arrives to meet her groom at the alter in a church A bride and groom face each other at the alter watched by their guests A black and white image of a groom smiling at the bride at the alter of a church A smiling bride and groom walk down the aisle after getting married A bride and groom get covered in confetti after their wedding A guest jumps for joy outside a church at a wedding A wedding couple walking along the promenade of a seafront, smiling Newlyweds walking together along a seafront promenade Newlyweds laughing in front of Lytham Windmill Newlyweds walking along a jetty A neon wall decoration saying "all you need is love" at a wedding reception A bride arrives for her wedding breakfast A best man giving his speech at a wedding Newlyweds laughing at a best man's speech at a wedding reception A bride and best man cover their faces in embarrassment during the mother of the bride's speech A young boy at a wedding reception laughing at the speeches Guests laughing during a wedding reception Guest laughing at the bar during a wedding reception A wedding couple dancing their first dance on their wedding day A bride dances on the dance floor at her wedding Guests dancing at a wedding reception A child dances with guests at a wedding reception A guest laughs while dancing at a wedding reception A bride dances with her sister at her wedding reception Newlyweds kiss on the dance floor surrounded by guests

by Ian Rolfe

A newlywed couple smile at each other in a garden on their wedding day

Natasha & Patrick's beautiful Hampton Court House wedding

Another trip down the M6 for this one in the lovely setting of Hampton Court House in Surrey.

I loved this wedding! Two beautiful people in the shape of Natasha & Patrick and an 18th century mansion backing out onto the stunning Bushy Park complete with roaring stags... I was in my element!

Now before I get too carried away, there's no denying the weather was bloody awful on the morning of their big day but to their credit Natasha & Patrick weren't phased in the slightest and by the time people settled into their seats in the stunning main hall for the ceremony the clouds had dutifully cleared.

A beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family was followed by a the happy couple running a gauntlet of bubbles and confetti before we had a little stroll around the grounds for some intimate couple portraits. I like to keep this as relaxed and informal as possible so that everyone can have a little breather before serious business of eating and drinking begins. The gardens themselves are fabulous and we were able to get some lovely portraits before dinner.

It was a very international affair with guests and family travelling from as far afield as the USA and beyond to celebrate with Natasha & Patrick and the halls were certainly filled with laughter.

With Patrick rounding off the night with an X Factor performance on the drums there was just time to grab some night time portraits with the beautifully lit Hampton Court House in the background. It was then time for more dancing!

Massive thanks to Natasha & Patrick for letting me be part of their amazing day.

Venue: Hampton Court House

Make-up: Laura Anne Hair & Makeup

Flowers: Honeysuckle Rose Florist

If you'd like more information on my photography or just want to chat about your wedding plans then please get in touch.

A shot of the porch at Hampton Court House in Surrey A groom & his groomsmen in blue suits getting ready for a wedding A groom adjust the tie of his best man at a wedding A groom welcomes guests before his wedding A bride to be laughs as she has her dress done up in a hotel room on her wedding day A bride smiles while looking out of the window on her wedding day A shot looking through the window of two male wedding guests in a garden A black & white image of a bride hugging a friend A black and white shot of a laughing bride stood in front of patterned wallpaper A wide, low angle shot of wedding guests arriving in the rain holding a black and red umbrella A mono image looking down on empty seats at wedding ceremony with bridesmaid reserved signs on them A Groom and his groomsmen walk along a corridor on the way to his wedding ceremony A black and white shot of wedding guests chatting as they wait for the bride at the ceremony Two women wedding guests dressed in red laugh as they arrive at the ceremony. Looking through a window at a Red deer stag in Bushy Park, Surrey A black and white image from behind the groom as he stands alone at the alter surrounded by seated guests awaiting his bride. A shot from above of a groom waiting at the alter for his bride A low angle shot of the groom waiting to be married showing the ornate ceiling and chandelier in the hall smiling bridesmaids in pink dresses await the bride at the alter A bride and her mother walk down the aisle smiling as the groom looks back to see them A bride & groom smile at the alter surrounded by blurred flowers A wide shot of the wedding ceremony at Hampton Court House An overhead shot of bridesmaids sat during a wedding ceremony at Hampton Court House Newlyweds share a first kiss at their ceremony in Hampton Court House A newlywed couple laugh as their guests clap at their wedding ceremony in Hampton Court House A close up of a bride smiling at her new husband on their wedding day Newlywed couple smile at each other in a garden at Hampton Court House A groom pulls a funny face as newlyweds smile surrounded by their guests at Hampton Court House A newlywed couple smiling in a garden on their wedding day A black and white image of a newlywed couple walking in a garden A black and white image of a bride reflected in a mirror on her wedding day. A low angle shot of high heeled shoes walking down a staircase lit by candles at a wedding A groom giving his wedding speech. A bride laughs and covers her face in embarrassment during the wedding speeches A shot of a young boy laughing at he camera as he has attached a napkin clip to his nose. Newlyweds having their first dance surrounded by onlookers A groom pumps his fist in the air at the end of his first dance with his wife A groom playing drums at his own wedding reception Guests cheer as they watch a groom performing in a band at a wedding A close up of a groom playing drums at his wedding Wedding guests posing with props at a photo booth during a wedding reception A black and white shot of a bride and bridesmaid dancing at her wedding A bride dancing at her wedding disco. A wide shot of newlyweds stood in front of a lit up Hampton Court House at night.

by Ian Rolfe

A young couple embrace white stood in front of a graffiti wall depicting a dragonfly

Liverpool Urban Engagement Shoot

It's always fun to shake things up a bit and so I have to admit I couldn't wait for this engagement shoot with the lovely Kayleigh & Mike. As a Lancashire wedding photographer I'm often shooting in country houses, barns and stately homes so it was great to get down and dirty in the urban streets of Liverpool for a change. With it's funky bars and street art the Baltic area of Liverpool was perfect for an urban engagement shoot and Kayleigh & Mike were an absolute joy. It was also a chance for them to get used to being photographed before their wedding day in a relaxed way free of any time pressures.

Blazing sunshine, great company and a cheeky beer afterwards... I love my job!

If you're thinking about a pre wedding shoot or engagement session before your wedding I can heartily recommend it. My engagement photo sessions are really relaxed and above all fun even if you're a little nervous being in front of camera plus you'll end up with some great photos, perfect for thank you cards or wedding invites!

For more information just get in touch.

Here's a snippet from Kayleigh & Mike's session.

A young couple embrace in front of graffiti depicting a pair of wings in Liverpool

A young woman looks up at her fiancé while standing in front of a graffiti wall in Liverpool A black & white image of an engagement couple laughing while stood in front of a patterned wall A young couple laugh as they lean on railings in Liverpool A silhouette of a young couple embracing in Liverpool A newly engaged couple embrace surrounded by grass and trees in Liverpool A black & white image of newly engaged couple facing each other smiling A young couple embrace while standing under a crooked tree A silhouette of a woman and man facing each other with a ring of sun flare circling them Newly engaged couple embrace with Liverpool Cathedral in the background A silhouette of a newly engaged couple standing in a park

by Ian Rolfe

A newlywed bride and groom stood in a heart shaped alcove among the ruins of Newark Castle

Newark Castle Wedding

Helen & Steve's wedding was a wonderful festive affair in Newark. Although I'm a Lancashire wedding photographer, old pubs, quirky lanes and a historic castle definitely tick all my boxes so I was delighted to travel down to Lincolnshire to photograph their big day. Starting with Steve sinking (a few) pints in The Ram across the road, it was then a quick stroll down to Newark Town Hall to catch up with Helen.

The ceremony was quite an emotional affair with live acoustic music which gave it a warm intimate feel. We then had a brief stroll around the castle grounds where I was able to get some fun, intimate portraits of the happy couple. I love this part of the day as we can try some creative portraits in a relaxed way without cheesy smiles or forced poses.

Another trip to The Ram allowed me to capture some candid photographs of everyone before it was back to the Town Hall bedecked with Christmas Tree and festive lights for some serious eating, drinking and partying.

Here's the story of their day...

If you're looking for a creative, documentary photographer to tell your story, I'd love to hear your plans.

Get in touch!

A close up black & white shot of a bride looking pensively out of a a window

A groom waits with his guests in a pub before his wedding ceremony

A wedding guest smiles at the groom as they chat in a pub beforehand

A groom smiles at a guest as they chat in a pub before his wedding

A black & white shot of a baby looking over his Dad's shoulder at the camera

A groom checks his watch while talking to a guest in a pub

A wide shot of a registry office as the guests tale their seats for a wedding ceremony

A woman plays an acoustic guitar at a wedding ceremony

A toddler is being entertained by his grandmother while awaiting the start of a wedding ceremony

The groom checks his watch while waiting at the alter on his wedding day surrounded by guests

A low angle black & white shot of a pensive looking groom awaiting his bride at their wedding

A wedding guest peeps from behind a wall while smiling before the ceremony

A close up shot of a Groom looking pensive at his wedding

A little girl acts as ring bearer at a wedding and passes them to the officiant during the ceremony

A black & white close up of a groom smiling at his wedding ceremony

A bride walks alone down the aisle at a registry office ceremony as her guests take pictures

A groom fastens the button on his jacket while looking over his shoulder awaiting his bride

A bride looks at her groom with her parents in the background during her wedding ceremony

A wedding couple smile at each other surrounded by their guests at their wedding ceremony

A low angle shot looking up to a wedding couple standing at the alter smiling

A groom struggles to put a ring on his brides finger as she smiles during their wedding ceremony

A bride & groom smile while holding hands during their wedding ceremony

A bride laughs while facing her groom during the exchange of vows

A bride & groom share a kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony

Newlyweds kiss as their guests applaud at a wedding ceremony

A bride and groom laugh as they face their guests at the end of their wedding ceremony

A bride laughs as she exits the registry office with her husband while their guests applaud

A bride bursts out laughing with a friend during the lineup at her wedding

Newlyweds laugh as they have confetti thrown over them by their wedding guests

A bride & groom take a stroll in the grounds of Newark Castle

A silhouette of a wedding couple standing in front of a castle battlement with a bird flying past a window

A bride & groom face each other and smile while stood amongst the ruins of Newark Castle

Newlyweds kiss while sat on a bench in front of an old castle wall

A wide shot of a bride and groom facing each other in the grounds of Newark Castle with a tree in the foreground

The groom shares a joke over drinks with his friends at his wedding reception

A black & white image of a women standing at the top of a large staircase admiring the old paintings in a grand hall

A wide shot of a grand hall with four pillars and tables set for a wedding reception

A wide shot of a grand hall with pillars and ornate ceiling set for a wedding reception with a christmas tree in the foreground

A lady wedding guest peeps around a door with her camera phone at a wedding

A close up shot of a candle table decoration with pearl fairy lights

Two women looking at pictures on a phone while sat at a table during a wedding breakfast

A bride waves while the groom points during his wedding speech

Newlyweds share a toast with each other at their table during their wedding breakfast

A black & white shot of a young girl scoffing cake while sat on her mothers lap at a wedding breakfast

A group of wedding guests share a joke during a wedding reception

A wide shot of four wedding guests sat underneath three old portrait paintings at a wedding

A young lad head barges his father in play at a wedding reception

A black & white shot of a little girl holding up a silk purse while smiling at a wedding reception

Two men embrace each other while smiling at a wedding reception

A woman strikes a dance pose as her friend laughs at a wedding reception

A baby girl laughs while being held by her dad as she plays with a christmas bauble

A lady wedding guest looks off camera with a portrait of a WW2 soldier in the background

Newlyweds smiling at each other during their first dance while a band play in the background

A bride and groom during their first dance with their guests looking on in the background

A bride facing the camera smiles as her groom dances with her

A bride and groom smile at each other during their first dance

A folk band playing at a wedding reception

A woman holding a little girl spins her around as a bride dances at a wedding reception

Wedding guests show off their dance moves at a wedding reception

A shot of women twirling on the dance floor at a wedding

by Ian Rolfe