Back in 2020 Sophie and Matt were determined to make their wedding day happen, and what a wonderful celebration it was. Their plans evolved a little along the way, but nothing could diminish the joy, laughter, and love that filled the day.
A Perfectly Intimate Celebration
We had the pleasure of capturing every moment, from quiet walks through The Shambles to autumn rain, rainbows, and dancing in the streets as a busker played nearby. Below you’ll find a selection of our favourite images from this beautiful York micro wedding, and you can read the full story behind how Sophie and Matt planned their perfectly intimate day.
Photographing a micro wedding in York
‘Micro wedding’ has become a term widely used in our industry. However the word ‘micro’ suggests a wedding somehow lessened. This could not be further from the truth. Sophie and Matt’s day was smaller in scale than they first envisioned but it was immense when you measure by what really makes a wedding special. Love, smiles, happiness and tears of joy filled their day and our York micro wedding photography captures all of these natural moments beautifully.
Capturing an intimate York wedding celebrating
This wedding shows you do not need hundreds of guests to have a memorable day. You just need the most important people to you to be present and that is exactly what Sophie and Matt ensured when drafting their guest list. They then planned something unique in the historic City of York. Thanks to Sophie and Matt for sharing their thoughts for this blog and for being such a joy to photograph. Our wedding photography in York captured every detail and emotion from the day as it naturally unfolded.
Planning and Personalising a Micro Wedding
Sophie and Matt told us: “We began planning our wedding in 2018 and initially had a large barn-style wedding planned in Cheshire. We had organised a menu and attended our tasting, booked a live band and began selecting their set-list, bought table decorations and wedding favours for 120 people. We realised we wanted a more personal and manageable celebration and planned a smaller wedding with 10 guests that would go ahead without compromise.”
A Unique and Personal York Wedding
Matt explained: “We decided to throw away the rule-book for our wedding. We initially felt pressure to have a traditional wedding with big guest numbers, a formal ceremony, a wedding breakfast, the first dance, and the cutting of the cake. Over time our priorities changed entirely. We focused on what mattered most to us, our parents, our best friends, the city we love, and the food we enjoy. The re-planned wedding felt much more ‘us’ and that is exactly what a wedding day should be about.”
Wedding Outfits for the perfect day
Matt told us all about his outfit choices: “I purchased both my suit and the groomsmen’s suits from Suit Direct at York’s McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. I immediately loved the Racing Green suit. The woollen grey suit was understated and classic and looked great with brown brogues. My tie was forest green, matching Sophie’s bridesmaids’ dresses. I bought a rose gold and brown leather watch from Nordgreen Copenhagen which complemented my rose gold wedding ring and shoes.”
Sophie explains how she picked her bridal gown: “My wedding dress was a high-street purchase from Monsoon. It was the first shop I went to and the only one I needed, as I bought a dress on that first visit. It was comfortable and easy to move and dance in, fitting perfectly with the overall look of the wedding. My shoes were sparkly Jenny Packham from Debenhams, and my bag and coat were from ASOS. The bridesmaids chose coordinating dresses from Wed2B but selected their own dress styles, coats, shoes, hair, and makeup. I wanted them to feel comfortable and like themselves.”
Highlights from this beautiful Micro Wedding
“Apart from the ceremony itself, the highlights for me were our first dance in the streets of York and the informal afternoon reception. While walking from York Minster through The Shambles, we came across busker and local musical legend David Ward Maclean. Sophie and I danced together to Sam Cooke’s ‘Wonderful World’ as he played beautifully. It was quite a moment. Our afternoon reception at Enoteca by L’Uva was relaxed, informal, and intimate with our nearest and dearest present.”
Sophie and Matt’s Favourite Photographs
Sophie said: “I would have to say the dance too, but it is hard to pick the best bit of the day. It was all great. It was lovely to walk through the city where we first met and then met again seven years later. It was heart-warming to hear the speeches from our nearest and dearest and I still think about the meal more than I should admit. I could eat that truffle spaghetti every day.”
Matt added: “Small, romantic, and intimate weddings are underrated yet we had the most perfect day together. Make your day your own and do not be afraid to throw away the rule-book.”
Natural and Relaxed Wedding Photography in York
We were thrilled to receive the following feedback from Sophie and Matt: “We love the photos! They capture the day in every way you could want. You see the laughter, the emotion, and the fun we had. The Mateers Wedding Photography have been amazing to work with. Patrick’s easy-going nature made us feel at ease in front of the camera. We cannot stop watching the slideshow on YouTube and looking through each photograph. We are so pleased with every image. This York micro wedding photography is exactly what we hoped for.”
York Wedding Suppliers Who Made the Day Special
“For the incredible food, we have to mention Enoteca by L’Uva. Georgia and Joe created exactly what we wanted, and it was a meal we will remember forever. Vicky M and Kate Howard worked wonders on bridal hair and makeup. Flowers and buttonholes by Ello Flower in York were perfect. And Dave Ward Maclean, our busker, made our first dance unforgettable.”
The Mateers Wedding Photography Experience
Thanks again to Sophie and Matt for answering our questions and for their amazing feedback. Knowing they loved every single image we captured means so much to us. Our wedding photography in York ensures each micro wedding is captured naturally and beautifully.
Award-Winning Micro Wedding Photography in North Yorkshire
We were delighted to win This Is Reportage and Wedding Photojournalists Association awards for images from Sophie and Matt’s day. One image captured Matt and his best man stopping to talk to passers-by just as a dog charged into the River Ouse, sending geese flying — a perfectly natural, funny moment. Another captured Sophie and Matt happily walking through the streets of York. We are so grateful to This Is Reportage and WPJA for recognising these moments, and to Sophie and Matt for trusting The Mateers Wedding Photography to capture their York micro wedding photography day.
Booking us to photograph for your wedding day
If you’re getting married and are looking for a documentary approach to your wedding photography, we’d love to hear from you. Our natural and award-winning photography suits couples who want to forget about their photographer and just have the best day ever. We’re there for you, photographing it all in our trademark style. We photograph weddings all over the UK and abroad so wherever you are getting married, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact us here to check our availability – we look forward to hearing from you!