The Black Swan Helmsley Wedding

Kay & Jonathan’s wedding in North Yorkshire


Kay and Jonathan got married in March at the lovely Black Swan Hotel, which is an old pub full of character in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. They chose The Black Swan, Helmsley because it’s welcoming, cosy and a dog friendly venue! I love shooting The Black Swan, Helmsley weddings because the surroundings are so pretty! I loved being able to wander around the streets of Helmsley with Jonathan, Kay and their dog Zack – it’s such a pretty Yorkshire village with plenty of great photo opportunities!

The wedding itself was an intimate affair in the beautiful ceremony room at The Black Swan, Helmsley. During the ceremony Jonathan & Kay’s dog, Zack delivered the rings which was utterly adorable! Kay walked down the aisle to the theme song from Howl’s Moving Castle which is one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films! It was a beautiful ceremony and very difficult to hold back the tears.

After the ceremony, we headed out to the pretty gardens at The Black Swan for a few family photographs. Afterwards, I took Jonathan & Kay around the village which was the perfect backdrop for some couple’s portraits. Of course, Zack came along too and stole the show a little! We headed up to Helmsley Castle for a few photographs and Jonthan & Kay got plenty of compliments from passers by. 

We returned just in time for a speeches and some lovely food before the evening celebrations began! Once it was dark, I snuck Jonathan & Kay out for a couple more night-time photographs which turned out beautifully.

Thanks again for letting me a part of your wonderful day Jonathan, Kay & Zack! 

A few words from Jonathan & Kay:

“Maddie is amazing, her quality and talent is breathtaking. We are in love with the images she has produced of our wedding day. We felt like we were film stars for the day and the images produced evoke an amazing story of the day. She truly has captured not just our emotions she also captured that of our guests and family…Maddie really took the time to get to know us. We had our dog as a main part of our wedding day and we wanted to maximise the images as he wasn’t there all day. So we were whisked away for a shoot around the village this gave us some time alone as newlyweds and a real feel of the setting. What we didn’t realise is the quality and scope she was able to create…We were given full details throughout the process and communication was second to none. We didn’t want the typical style and needed a photographer with their own creative flair and this is what we found however I believe Maddie will be able to tackle any scenario.

You have surpassed our expectations and gone beyond, you truly helped make our wedding day extra special. We will cherish the images and be forever grateful to have met you.

Thanks very much to Maddie.
Jonathan and Kay. X”

Wedding Team:

Venue: The Black Swan Hotel Helmsley

Bride’s Outfit: Ava Rose Hamilton

Groom’s Outfit: Paul Costelloe 

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Outfits: Adrianna Pappell/Paul Costelloe 

Makeup/Hair : Anna Stephenson

Cake: White Rose Cake Design

Flowers: Campbells Flowers



The Black Swan Hotel Helmsley Wedding Photography

Are you planning your wedding at The Black Swan, Helmsley? Get in touch.

More weddings

Lord of the Rings Wedding

Lord of the Rings Wedding

A Lord of the Rings Wedding Inspired by Middle-earth As a huge Lord of the Rings fan, photographing this Lord of the Rings wedding was an absolute dream. From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping straight into Middle-earth, with so much care and creativity...

Fairfield Social Club

Fairfield Social Club

Fairfield Social Club Manchester Wedding If you’re looking for an alternative wedding venue in the city, Fairfield Social Club Manchester is an absolute dream. Tucked away just off the city centre, it has that rare combination of feeling central while still being...

The River Mill Wedding

The River Mill Wedding

Amy & Sam, The River Mill Wedding Amy & Sam's River Mill wedding was such a joy to photograph and marked my first visit to this beautiful venue near Derby. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Amy & Sam’s day was going to be colourful and full of...