Ian & Nikki, The Treehouse, 26th November

Ian & Nikki had their close family round them for their wedding in The Treehouse at The Alnwick Garden. We spent time photographing in the afternoon (before the ceremony) while we had daylight as it would be dark by 4:30pm when the ceremony was scheduled.

Ben was to the ring bearer and he was great fun keeping everyone relaxed and smiling.

If you time it right, fountains of The Great Cascade will perform for you...

It was quiet around the gardens and we were able to visit several locations without any bystanders.

Ian wanted a shot with the stone lion on Lion Bridge so we headed off to the river below The Castle...and then we waited for the sun to set and the wedding to begin.

Nikki had hand-embroidered this cushion for the rings and it was lovely delicate work. The flowers were by "Flowers by Julie" in Alnwick

Ben seemed to think I was taking too many photos of him but he was such a star!

The wedding itself was in The Roost which is room off the main treehouse and it's supported entirely by a beech tree which rises through the middle!

The ring cushion and ring-bearer did their job perfectly

At the moment there is a spectacular lighting display in The Gardens so we went back up for a few more shots with the cascade and trees beautifully lit.

The Treehouse is surely a unique venue and at this time of year, with the early darkness, you get even longer to appreciate it when it's lit up.

Ian & Nikki - It was a great day and I really enjoyed being there for you. Your full collection will be ready soon. Best wishes Andy x

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Best of October

October was the usual very mixed bag of fine blue-sky days, miserable greyness and beautiful autumn colours inland. Here (a month late) are my favourite photos from October 2011. All images have previously appeared on my other blog Northumberland360.com

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Terry Docherty's Hand-Made Guitars

Terry Docherty is a Northumbrian luthier who makes guitars and citterns which are sold throughout the world. I met Terry through the local folk scene and he was generous enough to set up my vastly inferior instruments making them sound and play so much better.

The two instruments featured below are brand new and one is already on its way to America.

The woods seemed like a natural place to take a pair of hand-made instruments and the autumn colours were too good to ignore.

Terry's website is at TerryDochertyGuitars.com

and here's the man himself giving me a tune.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Boo & Brooks revisited

Back to Glasgow for a few more photos with Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams.

I was able to help out with the video as well as doing some stills for publicity when the new album is released in January.

As ever it was great to hang out with these guys and with John and Mark - all masters of their art.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Kyle & Rebecca - 12th November 2011

It was unfortunate that Rebecca & Kyle's photographer had to go into hospital just before their wedding and I had 24 hours notice to stand in. It's funny stepping in at the last moment as I normally get to know my couples before their wedding.

Kyle and Rebecca and their families were all lovely and friendly and I soon settled into the atmosphere of the day. To have the sun shining for a November wedding is a rare treat and the historic church in Felton looked great.

Kyle & one of his Best Men are serving in the RAF and their uniforms looked splendid.

Everywhere I looked there were smiling faces...

A very special moment when our Groom sees his Bride for the first time...

The ceremony was really nice. I always enjoy a blend of humour and gravitas.

The church was packed with families and friends and they all lined the path for Kyle & Rebecca who were well covered in confetti!

We had a bit of quiet time for a few photos away from the guests in the beautiful surroundings of the church.

Then it was off to Linden Hall for the reception. The staff there had laid on a great party as ever.

Kyle & Rebecca - Despite the last minute plans, I really enjoyed being there for you. I'll have the rest of the collection ready for you soon. Best wishes Andy x

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life