Alison & Hamish’s Elegant Winter Wedding at Simonstone Hall Hotel
Alison & Hamish’s wedding was the kind of winter day that feels extra still —
the kind where every moment lingers just a little longer in the quiet.
I arrived that morning as Alison’s sister helped her into a heavy satin dress,
perfect for the February chill,
with a bouquet of cream roses and white feathers resting nearby.
The ceremony took place in a nearby village church — simple, sincere, and full of warmth.
Afterward, we headed back through the Dales to Simonstone Hall Hotel,
tucked into the hills and mist.
Guests wrapped up outside for a few group photos
before retreating into the soft, low light of the hotel.
Their wedding breakfast and speeches filled the space with laughter,
followed by a first dance and a jazz band that brought the evening to life.
It was a quietly elegant winter wedding —
full of gentle glances, shared warmth,
and a sense of calm I won’t forget.
folded with promise and calm.
Satin Dress, Feathered Bouquet & February Light — Candid Moments Before the Ceremony
Morning light poured through the windows at Simonstone Hall Hotel as Alison got ready with her sisters. Her satin dress caught the glow, her bouquet of roses and feathers rested nearby — and outside, the hills held that stillness only winter gives. The calm before the day truly began.
a quiet beauty stitched in stillness.
her shoes rest ready beneath the February light.
resting gently on the stone wall outside Simonstone Hall.
a quiet moment shared between sisters.
moments threaded with ease and love.
glowing, composed, quietly radiant.
with love and laughter in every glance.
a family moment glowing with February warmth.
her dress glowing in the soft northern light.
the quiet magic before it all begins.
A Quiet Yorkshire Church Ceremony
— Joy, Mischief & a Heartfelt “I Do”
The ceremony unfolded in a small Yorkshire church — intimate and full of warmth. The flower girl and page boy led the way, full of character, followed by the bridesmaids, and Alison arm-in-arm with her dad.
There were smiles throughout the vows, soft glances, and a few beautiful, unposed moments in the vestry before signing the register. Then, back out into the soft winter air — to cheers and hugs from their waiting guests.
her hand tucked into her father’s arm.
this time to begin something new.
they smile through every word.
love echoing softly beneath the beams.
congratulations wrapped in joy.
before ink meets paper and names become a story.
her joy gently reflected in blue silk and smiles.
wand raised in the glow of a chapel near Simonstone Hall.
watched with pride and tenderness.
steps softened by ancient stone and stillness.
stone walls and quiet joy.
Group Portraits & Winter Light at Simonstone Hall
— Blue Dresses, Dramatic Skies & Laughter in the Cold
We made the most of the February light just before the cold really set in. Outside Simonstone Hall, the stone steps and sweeping views gave us the perfect backdrop — blue bridesmaid dresses popping against the winter tones.
There were huddles for warmth, quick laughs between group shots, and a few quiet moments with Alison & Hamish before everyone rushed back into the soft glow of the hotel.
beneath heavy clouds and heather hills.
three smiles warming the frame.
laughter echoing in monochrome.
layers of laughter and stories.
stone beneath, winter around.
just the two of them — caught in it.
peering into warmth and laughter.
the gentle hum of stories shared.
February light soft on her smile.
Candid Moments & Mischief Indoors
— Laughter, Little Ones, and Warmth at Simonstone Hall
Back inside, the mood softened into something cosy and full of laughter. Glasses clinked, hugs were shared, and Alison & Hamish made their way around the room with easy smiles.
The little ones stole the spotlight — peeking through chair backs, faces pressed to the glass in the corridor window, lost in their own joyful world. These in-between moments are the ones that always linger.
her joy mirrored in theirs.
a soft presence among smiles.
whatever it was, it worked.
and the comfort of old stone warmth.
childhood curiosity on display.
a gentle blur of glass and laughter.
caught mid-pint and mid-thought.
soft conversations shaping the room.
one frame, many stories.
a moment paused, mid-laughter.
full of quiet wonder.
they take their place in history.
A Joyful Wedding Breakfast
— Cake, Laughter, and Heartfelt Speeches at Simonstone Hall Hotel
As guests found their seats, the couple arrived at the top table — a quiet moment before the warmth of conversation and shared stories unfolded. Before the speeches, I wandered between tables, catching those in-between glances, raised glasses, and bursts of laughter.
Then came the cake-cutting, followed by a trio of heartfelt speeches — the father of the bride’s gentle words, the groom’s quiet emotion, and the best man’s blend of humour and warmth. A golden run of moments I’ll always enjoy capturing.
and today adds another.
like the vows that came before.
once in life, once on screen.
and no retakes needed.
but the heart of it too.
and the comfort of closeness.
shared laughter without a word.
Simonstone Hall cradled by the moors.
held safe in dad’s soft grin.
sweet in every way.
the moment just before the words.
a lifetime of gentle pride.
his words carry years and love.
the kind that don’t need cue cards.
this quiet, grateful hold.
and here we go…
grinning through the spotlight.
glasses topped and stories shared.
eyes drawn to the next moment.
calm before rhythm returns.
in the soft hum of evening.
before dancing into what’s next.
before she walks on as wife.
their own song within the jazz.
lost in their shared tempo.
strings and brass in tune with hearts.
a melody stitched into memory.
Simonstone Hall is such a beautiful choice for a winter wedding — its stone walls, fireplaces, and cosy atmosphere lend themselves to this kind of day perfectly. If you’re planning something similar in the Yorkshire Dales or closer to the city, you can explore more of my real weddings here.
Or head back to the homepage to find out more about how I photograph weddings across Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales, and throughout West Yorkshire — always with a relaxed, honest approach.
Venue: Simonstone Hall Hotel, near Hawes, North Yorkshire
Alison & Hamish’s February wedding was photographed at Simonstone Hall Hotel, a historic country house nestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With sweeping views, candlelit interiors, and warm hospitality, it’s a timeless choice for a relaxed winter wedding.
Documented by Leeds-based wedding photographer Tim Christian Jones, who photographs weddings across the Dales, North Yorkshire, and beyond.
