Natalie & Rick – Elegant Black Tie Wedding at Ringwood Hall

Natalie & Rick Couple Portrait at Ringwood Hall

Ringwood Hall Wedding Photographer

As most of you know, I’m a big fan of travel and exploring the world so you can imagine my delight when Natalie and Rick told me they’d chosen a rustic travel theme for their day!

Before they met Natalie had been planning her travels in Australia. As she and Rick grew closer they realised they didn’t want to be apart so Rick decided to throw caution to the wind and join her. They originally planned on backpacking for three months and 9 years later they still haven’t returned!

I love their engagement story. They’d been enjoying a meal at Natalie’s favourite restaurant, overlooking the Sydney Opera House. Rick was a bundle of nerves and couldn’t sit still and a very confused Natalie requested a table change as she was convinced there was something wrong with his chair. Of course, the reason for his fidgeting became apparent when he proposed!

And that question – and Natalie’s subsequent, very excited “yes!” – led them to Ringwood Hall, to get married surrounded by their friends and family.

Weddings at Ringwood Hall

Ringwood Hall is a beautiful 19th-century manor house near Chesterfield. Set on the edge of the Peak District the views of the surrounding rugged countryside are awe-inspiring and a great contrast to the hotel’s beautifully landscaped grounds. I was spoilt for choice when it came to Rick and Natalie’s wedding portraits!

The Grade II listed building is as stunning on the inside as it is outside. There’s a reason this place is one of Derbyshire’s most luxurious wedding venues. Ahead of the ceremony, a rather nervous Rick posed for photos on the steps of the grand entrance. I have to say, this was such an emotional day. There were a lot of happy tears! The moment Natalie’s Dad saw her in her wedding dress was a particular favourite of mine. They both just burst into tears and were laughing and crying at the same time. Her Dad had to take a swig from his hip flask to calm himself down!

Relaxed Marquee Wedding Reception in Derbyshire

Natalie and Rick’s wedding reception took place in the beautiful gardens at Ringwood Hall. Their guests were able to relax on the terrace and enjoy the sunshine and it was the perfect spot for a few family formal photos.

The huge marquee at Ringwood was all set up for their wedding breakfast. It looked fab and I love the little nods to travel that were dotted about, especially the old trunk they were using for wedding cards and gifts. The blush pink roses and floral garlands completed the look.

After the meal, Natalie, Rick, and I went for a stroll around the grounds to take some lovely, relaxed pictures before we made our way back to the marquee to cut the cake and take to the dancefloor for their first dance.

As a Ringwood Hall Wedding Photographer, I absolutely loved being part of Rick and Natalie’s beautiful day and can’t wait to return to this stunning venue.