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Sunshine, Tipis & So Much Joy – Emily & Shian’s Wedding in Helmsley
Two weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Emily and Shian’s wedding in the gorgeous North Yorkshire town of Helmsley. It was one of those rare and glorious days where everything just worked – sunshine, joy, laughter, the lot. The kind of wedding that makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world to do this job.
Emily and Shian are total sweethearts along with their little boy Rowan – they had a warm, infectious energy that made me feel instantly welcome. Emily has family roots in Helmsley, and she got ready in the most beautiful little cottage that used to belong to her gran. That detail alone just set the tone for the day – full of heart and meaning, with a lovely sense of nostalgia tucked into every part of it.
When I arrived that morning, the cottage was already buzzing. Sunlight came through the windows as Emily got ready with her closest friends and family, and the whole place had this calm but happy vibe – like everyone knew it was going to be one of those unforgettable days, even the dogs!
The ceremony took place at the local church, which we all walked to – how rare and lovely is that? I think there’s something so grounding about walking to your wedding! It gave everyone time to chat, take in the scenery, and really feelthe moment. Helmsley is a postcard-perfect village, and seeing Emily – radiant and beaming – make her way through the cobbled streets to the church was just magic.
After a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony, we poured out into the sunshine for one of my favourite moments of any wedding – the confetti! Guests didn’t hold back (always appreciated!), and Emily, Shian and little Rowan were absolutely showered in colour and laughter.
From there, it was another short stroll over to Duncombe Park, where the celebrations really kicked off. Emily and Shian had set up a tipi – and not just any tipi – the castle ruins visible on the hill behind made it a super special setting. It was beautifully styled, warm and inviting, and absolutely bursting with flowers and charm. This was relaxed tipi wedding photography in Helmsley at its finest – laid-back, joyful, and completely full of heart.
They invited me to sit with their guests to eat, which is such a special part of my job – I’m so grateful! The tables were laid out with Indian food sharing plates (a brilliant idea – and delicious, by the way), and the conversation and the wine flowed.
What made the day even more special for me was how utterly lovely everyone was. I was welcomed in like one of the guests from the very start and was thoroughly looked after all day long. That warmth and generosity says so much about Emily and Shian and the people they surround themselves with. It really was a joy to be part of.
Then came the party. And wow. The singer and the band? Unreal. I’m not even exaggerating – they raised the roof. The tipi was bouncing and people were on their feet from the first song until the very end (I might even have had a little boogie behind the camera!).
If you’re looking for relaxed tipi wedding photography in Helmsley, let this be your sign – it doesn’t get much better than this. Emily and Shian’s day was one of love, connection, sunshine, and celebration. It felt like a big warm hug of a wedding, and I feel so lucky to have been their photographer. The photos speak volumes about how special it was – full of laughter, emotion, and those unrepeatable moments that make wedding days so magical.
To Emily and Shian – thank you for letting me in and letting me be part of your story, and a huge congratulations. I’ll remember your day for a long time to come.
If you’d like to see more like this relaxed Tipi Wedding Photography in Helmsley, check out my rustic wedding gallery …
