Carina & Shane’s Hackness Grange wedding was the perfect blend of romance, laughter, and a few unexpected twists that made the day uniquely theirs. From morning prep in the manor’s cosy suites, to vows on the island over the wooden bridge, to sack races, tug-of-war, and an owl-spotting adventure during their newlywed photos – this was a wedding bursting with personality. The day ended just as beautifully as it began, with sparklers on the same island where they said “I do,” surrounded by family, friends, and the sound of laughter carrying into the night.
The Beginning
Carina and Shane’s story began in the most unexpected of places — the school playground.
“My stepson Eli was best friends with my daughter Leah. They kept asking for play dates, but this was just as the pandemic was winding down. So we suggested a Pokémon walk instead. A few walks later, and after plenty of chats, we started spending time together without the little ones. There were beach dates, nature walks (spotting wildlife), and dinners out — we just loved each other’s company. A few months later, Shane asked me to be his girlfriend. It was so cute.” – Carina
“Shane had planned to propose in London under the whale at the Natural History Museum, but nerves got the better of him. The day before we left, he said he had a surprise for me — and turned up with a PS5! I thought that was it, but when I went to the kitchen to grab a drink and turned around, he was on one knee, fighting back tears. He’d already asked my daughter if he could propose, and they’d chosen the ring together.” – Carina
Top tip from the newlyweds…
“Don’t stress the small things. I wanted everything to be perfect just like every bride I guess. My cake fell over on the way to the venue, the badminton rackets didn’t get put out and my shoe broke just as I walked down the aisle. The day turned out beautifully. No one knew the bits that weren’t there, the cake got a but destroyed but my bridesmaid Luka and I fixed it as much as I could and no one even cared!”
Their Wedding Day
Meet Shane
Shane spent the morning upstairs in the main manor’s honeymoon suite — the perfect spot for a relaxed start to the day. The atmosphere was light and easy-going, with plenty of laughter as the guys got ready.
His navy suit from Wedding Belles was finished off perfectly thanks to Skopes, who helped him and his best men look their best.
If you’ve seen any of my previous Real Wedding Stories; you’ll know I always start with the guys first because they get ready a lot quicker (sorry girls, it’s true!) and it’s much easier for them to take their jacket off again and relax if they want to!
Meet Carina
Carina spent the morning in the bridal suite at the back of the manor, surrounded by a calm but excited buzz as the day began to unfold. Her hair was styled to perfection by her bridesmaid Luka, and her makeup was beautifully done by her other bridesmaid Charlotte at Coe Beauty. (Her now sister-in-law!)
Her stunning dress was from Champagne and Lace Bridal Boutique.
“The ladies there were so kind and helpful. My dress was so pretty.”
The florals were extra special too, Carina made them herself!
The Ceremony
Carina was walked down the aisle by her beautiful daughter. The couple exchanged vows outdoors on Hackness Grange’s little island, reached by a charming wooden bridge. The setting was nothing short of magical! Surrounded by greenery, under the soft canopy of the ceremony structure, with a gentle summer breeze.
Their ceremony was warm, joyful, and emotional, led by a lovely Yorkshire registrar. Guests were welcomed and serenaded by a string quartet, who played through the aisle walks and well into the afternoon.
There were happy tears everywhere I looked!
Cocktail hour
“We’d seen the venue online, but nothing nearby felt quite right. During a weekend away in Yorkshire, we decided to pop in and ‘just have a look.’ We fell instantly in love with the scenery, the house, the incredible staff. But it was the lake that really sold it for us. Getting married in nature was gorgeous.” – Carina
While guests mingled, the gardens came alive with laughter from sack races, tug-of-war, and children playing on the rope swing. The string quartet’s music floated through the air, making the whole afternoon feel timeless.
Family Photos
We made the most of the summer light for family group shots and wedding party photos; a perfect balance between a bit of formality and a lot of fun. Shane and the groomsmen even showed off their sunglasses for a cheeky group shot, holding Carina up for the camera.
Wedding breakfast
The couple opted for classic elegance — black and beige tones that suited Hackness Grange’s timeless charm perfectly.
The celebrations moved indoors for a beautifully styled wedding breakfast. Carina, Charlotte, and Luka had lovingly decorated the space themselves.
The food, all provided by Hackness Grange, was a hit. Speeches were heartfelt and hilarious in equal measure, setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Newlywed Photoshoot
As the day softened into golden hour, we wandered over to the wooden bridge for some romantic portraits. Carina and Shane’s shared love of birdwatching came into play when we spotted a white owl in the distance. They were over the moon, while I was laughing and admitting that wildlife photography might not be my calling!
The stillness of the lake, the trees reflected in the water, and the couple’s easy connection made this part of the day especially memorable. I had a fantastic time working with them both!
Cake cut & first dance
Their cake, lovingly made by Carina, had a small adventure on the way to the venue but still tasted just as good!
“The cake got a bit destroyed, but my bridesmaid Luka and I fixed it as much as I could, and no one even cared!” – Carina
For their first dance, they chose Those Eyes by New West — a song Shane had heard on a reel during Carina’s birthday trip, telling her it would be their first dance song if they ever got married.
“It encapsulates how he feels about me,” Carina said.
Reception
The evening kept its playful spirit alive with a photobooth courtesy of Limelight Hire and a lively dancefloor. As the night drew in, we returned to the island for a sparkling send-off, literally! With guests surrounding the couple under the canopy of fairy lights.
Every love story starts with a hello.
Let’s tell your story—together.
Whether you’ve just said ‘yes’ or already picked your date, I’d love to hear about your plans and see if we’re a great fit.
Why choose Hackness Grange for your wedding day?
As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of spending my days in some of the most stunning venues, and Hackness Grange is up there with the very best. Between the lakeside island ceremony space, the warm and welcoming staff, and the perfect mix of indoor elegance and outdoor beauty, it’s a venue that works in every season.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day where romance meets relaxed fun, and where you can pack in everything from emotional vows to garden games; Hackness Grange is worth every second of the visit.
