Winter Wedding Luxury at Middleton Lodge

Photographer Faye Wilde chose this beautiful North Yorkshire estate for this stylish editorial; the magical allure of the country house setting the scene for an intimate and luxurious winter celebration.

At Middleton Lodge the food is considered and sensational, and the onsite accommodation provides guests with the ultimate luxury. All of this along with the pared back interiors of their Orangery, The Fig House, mixed with the romantic country house and extensive walled gardens, and we have to agree with Faye – it’s pretty hard to think of a better UK wedding venue.

Faye says…

We hosted this editorial in January which is low season, and chose the Fig House due to the wide floor to ceiling windows that allow the most magical winter light throughout the day. With the winter days being shorter, it’s so important to choose a venue with lots of natural light. You can’t take for granted what a huge positive impact the natural light has on the vibe and energy of the day.

This editorial was an opportunity to focus on two trends; winter weddings (with the backlog from Covid, so many couples have had to choose low season months due to lack of availability and cost during high season) and the day to night transition. I am here for the outfit changes that are going wild on Instagram + Pinterest at the moment and we wanted to do our take on this.

Any photographer will tell you that overcast conditions tend to be the best for photos. Yes, you don’t get as much light in the winter months and the days are shorter, but actually – the softer light makes your skin look incredible. Yes, you don’t have the abundance of fresh blooms and greenery, but actually – the stripped back grounds and winter frost contribute to an all together different vibe that is extra unique.

We chose a neutral base, with delicate lilac accents and charcoal and brass elements – all creating a luxurious winter wedding aesthetic.

Kate wore the 100% sandwash silk bias cut Bay slip dress with the added oversized duchess bow belt for an elegant and stylish ceremony look. This was paired with the cathedral length lace trimmed veil. For the ceremony we decided to show a celebrant-led ceremony as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to have something completely bespoke and personal to you.

Your ceremony is the heart of your day, the whole reason you have gathered your closest people to celebrate yours and your partner’s commitment together and signifies the start of your marriage. It offers you the chance to celebrate your love and to share your story, your way; without compromise, without rules and without templates. When having a day to night wedding and choosing a Humanist Celebrant, it means you aren’t restricted on timings and can choose to have your ceremony at a time that suits you; from dawn when the birds are out singing to dusk and under the nights sky.

Kate’s look was switched up to add an element of fun for the evening; the Ash tulle skirt was worn over the Bay dress and removable tulle sleeve bows were added to the shoulders for that touch of whimsy creating a romantic and soft look ready for dancing the night away.

With hair, make up + accessories we started with a classic Hollywood wave and stripped back details before going for a textured updo and statement jewels for the evening celebrations.

The natural fibres and textures in the table and cake design complement those found within the architecture of the The Fig House. Long lengths of billowing fabric drape over the tables to create a soft romantic feel. Considered placement of dark stone and glassware contrasts against the white fabric creating a modern tablescape design. Lilac tapered candles and figs bring in colour to an otherwise monochrome palette.

We worked with the recently published Frances & Rose who specialises in growing her own flowers and working as eco-consciously as possible. Seasonal fresh flowers were used along with stems of dried florals are spread intermittently across the table to add colour, depth and texture and provide cohesion across the venue.

If you’re thinking of hosting a winter wedding, go for it! there is something so magical and cosy about winter weddings that is unparalleled.