The city of York at Christmas time is one of Kylie and Janine's favourite places to visit, which made it the winning destination when it came to planning their elopement.
And I'm pleased to say my hometown didn't disappoint, putting on the full festive show, with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and Christmas markets galore.
The young couple from Liverpool booked into The Churchill Hotel for two nights, just a stroll away from York Register Office where they were converting their civil partnership to a marriage.
We made the most of the hotel's majestic staircase for Kylie's first look at Janine's dress, making sure she kept her eyes tightly shut and no sneaky peaks in the giant mirror at the foot of the stairs!
Then it was a short hop to the Register Office, once their beautiful nine-month-old baby girl was bundled up snuggly in her buggy.
The short afternoon ceremony finished just in time to make the most of the 'golden hour' light bathing York's magnificent Minster, making it a stunning and romantic backdrop to those first 'Just Married' pics.
Then as the December sun dipped over the city's rooftops we ambled down to York's famous Shambles, with a quick stop for some shots in front of a magical carousel I'd spotted earlier as a potential photo backdrop.
As ever the historic Shambles was bustling with shoppers, but they generously paused their bargain-hunting long enough to allow Kylie and Janine to pose in front of the shop windows now bathing the dark street in light.
The festive wedding shoot was wrapped up with some hot mulled wine at York Christmas Market, and it was time to wish the wonderful couple the best of luck on their incredible adventure together!
Are you planning a romantic elopement? I'd love to hear from you. Visit my website for all the information you need on my wedding packages and photography style https://www.mikeblackburnphotography.com/
"Thank you for a lovely day, you had it all planned out... it was perfect" - Janine
