Emma & Gregory’s Intimate Wedding at Kirkstall Abbey: A Day of Love and History
- RosieVideographer
- May 23
- 5 min read
In April 2024, I had the privilege of filming Emma and Gregory’s wedding at the iconic Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, and it was truly a day to remember. This stunning historical site, with its dramatic ruins and rich history, provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate celebration. The combination of ancient stone and modern love made for some truly breathtaking moments on camera, and I’m so excited to share how this beautiful day unfolded.
A Breathtaking Setting at Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is one of those places that never fails to impress. Its ruins are awe-inspiring, and the sheer history of the site makes it a magical place for a wedding. Getting married in a location like this is so special – you’re not just tying the knot in a beautiful venue, you’re becoming part of the history that surrounds you. The abbey’s grand stone arches and tranquil setting really create a sense of timelessness, and the serene atmosphere provided the perfect setting for Emma and Gregory to exchange their vows.
One of the things I love about filming weddings in places like Kirkstall Abbey is the opportunity to capture both the intimacy of the ceremony and the grandeur of the location.
The drone footage I was able to get of the ruins from above was absolutely stunning – it really showed off the magnificent backdrop and the scale of the venue. It was a perfect way to highlight the beauty of the venue while also focusing on the couple’s love and connection. The couple shots of Emma and Gregory in front of the abbey’s imposing walls are simply breathtaking – there’s something about the contrast of the modern couple against the centuries-old ruins that makes for such powerful images and video.
Emma’s Green Velvet Dress & Gregory’s Scottish Kilt
Emma looked absolutely stunning in a green velvet dress that was so refreshing and unique! It’s always a joy when couples choose outfits that truly reflect their personalities, and Emma’s choice was elegant, bold, and full of character. The green velvet complemented the natural surroundings of the abbey perfectly, and it’s not often you get to see a bride in such a striking colour, which made it all the more special.
Gregory, staying true to his Scottish roots, wore a traditional kilt, which added a wonderful cultural element to the wedding. It’s always exciting to see couples incorporate their heritage into their big day, and Gregory’s kilt was a perfect way to honour his Scottish background while celebrating this new chapter in his life with Emma. Seeing them both dressed in such personal, meaningful attire made the day even more memorable.
An Intimate Ceremony with Personal Vows
Emma and Gregory had planned a more intimate wedding with a small group of family and friends, which made the day feel so warm and personal. There’s something incredibly special about smaller weddings – the atmosphere is more relaxed, and it allows everyone to really connect and enjoy the moment.
One of my favourite things to film at weddings is when the couple reads their own vows, and Emma and Gregory’s ceremony did not disappoint. They both wrote their own vows, which added such a personal touch to the ceremony. Listening to them speak about their love for each other and how their shared passion for gaming brought them together was genuinely heartwarming. It’s moments like this that remind me why I love my job so much – getting to hear the couple’s personal stories and experiences really helps bring their connection to life on film. And although some couples might be too nervous or shy to read their own vows, it’s always worth the effort. The emotion and sincerity that come through when couples speak from the heart are irreplaceable.
The Statue at Kirkstall Abbey Museum – Toilet Talk
On a more personal note, one of the moments I’ll always remember from the day was when I walked into the ceremony room to set up my cameras and tripods. I was greeted by a statue of a man almost at ceiling level, positioned in a way that made it look like he was about to use the toilet. At first, I was completely caught off guard – it was so realistic that it actually petrified me! But as I stood there, I couldn’t help but start laughing. The unexpected humour added a light-hearted touch to the day, and it was the perfect reminder of how weddings are filled with both serious moments and moments of pure joy and laughter.
Celebrating Love in the Heart of Leeds
It was clear to see the love and respect Emma and Gregory share for each other throughout the day. From their heartfelt vows to the way they interacted with their family and friends, it was a beautiful celebration of their relationship. Despite the small buffet they had planned after the ceremony, it was still such a warm and joyful gathering, filled with laughter, love, and happy memories.
Kirkstall Abbey provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding, combining history, beauty, and tranquillity to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether it was the emotional ceremony or the relaxed moments with family and friends by the ruins, every part of the day felt meaningful. The couple shots with the abbey’s towering ruins behind them are some of my favourite from the day – the juxtaposition of the ancient walls with the couple’s modern love made for images that will stay with me forever.
I also had the pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Claire McClean Photography on Emma and Gregory’s wedding day. Claire is one of those photographers who makes everything look effortless – we work so well together, and it’s always a joy to collaborate with her. Her creativity shines through in every shot, and I love how she captures moments with such a unique perspective. It’s always a breeze working alongside Claire, and I know that with her amazing eye for detail, the couple will have some truly stunning memories to look back on.
A Lovely Couple and a Wonderful Day
Filming Emma and Gregory’s wedding at Kirkstall Abbey was an absolute pleasure. It was a day that combined stunning visuals, heartfelt emotions, and personal moments, all set in one of the most remarkable venues I’ve had the chance to film in. The love and happiness between the couple, combined with the beautiful setting, made it an unforgettable experience. I’m so grateful to have been a part of their special day and I’m thrilled with the final footage that will help them relive these precious memories for years to come.
If you’re looking for a unique wedding venue in Leeds, Kirkstall Abbey should definitely be on your list. The beauty of the ruins, the historic atmosphere, and the tranquil surroundings make it an unforgettable place to say “I do.”
Kirkstall Abbey wedding
Leeds wedding videographer
Wedding video Leeds
Green velvet wedding dress
Scottish kilt wedding
Intimate wedding Leeds
Personal wedding vows
Drone footage wedding Leeds
Wedding videographer UK
Kirkstall Abbey ruins wedding
Wedding inspiration Kirkstall Abbey
Outdoor wedding Leeds
Unique wedding venues Leeds
Love,
Rosie x
Comentarios