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Oxfordshire Wedding Photographer - Village Hall Wedding

St Mary's Church in Aldworth & Letcombe Regis Village Hall Wedding

Click on the image above to go to Jess and Scott’s FULL WEDDING TRAILER!

So in early September this year I had the absolute pleasure of travelling down to South Oxfordshire to shoot Jess and Scott’s Wedding. It has been a wedding I’ve been looking forward to for a while as Jess and Scott are absolute sweethearts and I was so excited by Jess’s description the the beautiful 13th Century Church her and Scott were getting married in. I was also going to get to see some old faces at the wedding (Hey Kate and Tim) which always makes for a extra special day.

Jess wore a gorgeous dress from Rock the Frock Bridal Boutique in Berkshire on her wedding day teamed with a gorgeous silk flower crown her bridesmaids had bought her for her hen do, it ended up being so beautiful and going with Jess’s dress and make up so well that it was a main feature of her wedding outfit.

Jess and Scott rented out a local Village Hall in Wantage for a lovely, relaxed village hall reception. Anyway I’m giving away far too much… I’m going to let Jess and Scott take it from here in their own words.

If you would like to see the full wedding trailer click on the image above. ;)

Jess and Scott’s Story

“We met at a heavy metal nightclub! Scott was the DJ, and I went up and asked him to play a song by Polish death metal band Decapitated. We got chatting about death metal and had a bit of a flirt. He disappeared briefly to the loo and I left to get a kebab (I was a bit worse for wear). Fast forward a week and I spotted him loitering at another rock night - turns out he was trying to find me! We literally talked for about 5 hours, and then agreed on an official first date a few days later. I think he fancied me first, but I was the one who officially announced our relationship to all my friends at a party (with Scott standing next to me). I think that was the first he knew of it as well.”

“Scott asked me to marry him underneath the liberty statue in Budapest on a very misty autumn day in November. We were sitting quietly together on a bench, and he asked me suddenly. It was one of the best moments of my whole life.”

Jess on Scott: “He's kind, loyal, and is fiercely protective of the relationship we've built. He's the best man I've ever met.”

Scott on Jess Jess: “Is loving and caring, emotionally strong, always positive, clever, very fun :)”

St Mary's Church in Aldworth, South Oxfordshire

“I did postgraduate work on medieval literature and culture, and St Mary's Church is a stunning example of Transitional Norman architecture, and the inside of the church contains these amazing 13th century stone effigies! It felt super intimate, very English and had a melancholic beauty (basically my dream aesthetic).”

Letcombe Regis Village Hall

“We had the reception at Letcombe because we wanted a proper old English knees-up. The cricket field outside and the amount of natural light in the venue just swung it for us. We were also planning on doing nearly all the decorating ourselves and a village hall gave us the freedom to do that.”

Wedding Suppliers

“For my dress I went to Rock the Frock bridal boutique in Berkshire. I used RTF because I liked the idea of choosing from a small collection of thoughtfully curated dresses rather than a huge collection of dresses that all look basically the same. I also knew I wanted something a bit different, and something that would complement my body type. The wedding dress industry is often super focused on making brides look like a completely different person on their wedding day - I didn't want that. The atmosphere at RTF was completely relaxed, un-pressured and lots of fun. I ended up going for a dress I thought I would hate before I tried it on, and then fell in love with as soon as I walked out of the dressing room in it.”

“I used the artisan dried flower company for my bouquet and accessories. I get to keep my bouquet forever (well, almost...) and it was about a third of the price of fresh flowers. I cannot recommend dried flowers highly enough - they are much more cost effective, they look incredibly elegant and feminine, and you get to keep them after the wedding. Dried flower confetti is also muck kinder for the environment!”

Dried flower button hole, featuring a red rose and gypsy grass.

Bride and Groom leaving St Mary's Church, Aldworth together as a married couple.

Bride and Groom laugh together and their wedding guests throw dried petal confetti at them at St Mary's Church, Aldworth Village on a beautiful sunny day.

“My best friend baked my wedding cake. This was one of the most special parts of my whole wedding. He made a three tier cake - chocolate and porter fruit cake, amaretto drizzle cake, and citrus gin drizzle cake he decorated it with a thin layer of buttercream icing, gold leaf, dried rose petals and bee pollen. It was stunning.”

“We made the majority of the decorations ourselves - I painted glass jars for candle holders, hemmed and sewed my own cloth napkins and painted my table plan by hand. It was a huge amount of hard work, but incredibly rewarding to see it all come together on the day. Seeing all of our nearest and dearest hanging bunting and ironing table cloths the day before was a very emotional experience and made us both feel so loved.”

Hand Painted Table Plan Featuring English Flowers, Outside Village Hall Wedding Reception in Oxfordshire.

Stationary welcoming guests to the wedding with window light shining on it at village hall wedding reception in Oxfordshire.

”We had a South African braai! Scott was born and raised in South Africa so we wanted to keep the food super authentic, casual and just plain tasty. Everyone loved the food and we were both chuffed to see people up for seconds. I knew I didn't want a sit down meal, and queuing with my plate for boerewors and Mrs Balls chutney was one of my fave little moments of the day! Flame BBQ did an epic job.”

“Our pictures from the day are beyond what we expected - natural, intimate, stylish, and all suffused with a genuine warmth. Katie got some absolutely magical shots and provided a calming presence when I was getting ready in my bridal suite. I'm actually trying to think of excuses to book her again! Do you do 30th's Katie?”

Ha, ha the answer is yes I do. ;)

Is there anything you wish you could have done differently?

“I wish we hadn't allowed the stress of all the last minute organisation to get to us as much as it did. We were stressed out, exhausted from all the work and bickered a lot. When you spend so long planning a wedding, it becomes the biggest thing in your life and any little problem gets very easily blown out of proportion. I wish we'd have maintained a greater sense of perspective and not allowed the stress to impact us.”

Advice from Jess and Scott for other Couples

“No matter what goes wrong on the day, you will still be on cloud 9. Stop worrying about worst case scenarios, because on the day you absolutely won't care! You've just married the love of your life - congratulations!”

Thanks so much for having me Jess and Scott it was a bloody marvellous wedding indeed!

Lots of Love Katie xxxx

Dress was by https://www.rockthefrockbridal.co.uk/

Flowers by https://www.artisandriedflowers.co.uk/

Food by https://www.flamebbq.co.uk/

If you are looking to book your wedding photographer and would like a little bit more info get in touch with the form below. ;)

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

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Message

So what's going on? When and where is it happening?

What are your plans for the day? Do you have any entertainment booked? Is your dog going?

Tell me more about yourselves. Where did you meet? Who is your favourite band? Where is your favourite place in the world?

Is there anything else I need to know? Do you need anymore info from me?

Creative Documentary Wedding Photographer - Manchester - Cristal & Max.

Creative Couples Shoots are the Best!

I love couples shoots, it’s always a nice fun relaxed way to get a load of photographs of you both together, there’s more time to mess around, be creative and get the kind of photos or travel to kind of places that you might not have the time (or the motivation to) get to on your actual wedding day

How Does A Creative Documentary Couples Shoot Work?

Sometimes people ask how Documentary Photography and things like couples portraits can work together and I suppose it differs from photographer to photographer, but generally getting people to relax and be themselves and mess around together in a place of special meaning to them, makes for the perfect mix of context and emotion for the photographs to work. We obviously set up these scenes but I promise you the fun and laughs in these photographs are very, very real! ;)

Falling In Love In Manchester

Photographing Cristal and Max was an absolute dream! Manchester is a really special place to them as it’s where they met at Manchester University before travelling back home together and getting engaged. They visit the UK and Manchester every 4 years if they can, to check out their old haunts, see old friends and see how the landscape has changed since their last visit.

Remembering the Normal Every Day Parts of Your Story as A Couple.

We visited their favourite KFC, the Sainsbury’s where they would have “shopping dates” (I was in awe of the practical time use of that one!), their favourite bars and cafes, their university and old university halls and a dozen other places with special meaning to them both and their individual story as a couple. Cristal and Max did this all while donning their stylish wedding gear and they both totally rocked it!

Cristal and Max

Cristal and Max will be getting married on the 2nd of February 2019 in Singapore.

Cristal and Max I wish you both a wonderful married life and future together, it was an absolute delight to be a small part of your adventure. Thanks so much for having me along for the ride! Lots of love Katie xxxxx

Couple laugh while eating chicken in KFC.

Couple shopping together in Sainsburys Manchester.

Couple in supermarket shopping wearing full wedding outfits.

Couple pause together with shopping trolly in supermarket, Manchester.

Bride whispers into grooms ear in supermarket.

Couple laughing together in the supermarket.

Couple have a moment together in supermarket.

Groom pushes bride around in shopping trolly.

Groom pushes bride down the aisle in shopping trolley.

Couple have a moment together as bride sits back in shopping trolley.

Bride poses in rock and roll pose as Groom pushes her down the aisle in shopping trolley.

Couple stand together in front of a wall full of Ivy at Manchester University.

Bride and Groom laughing together in front of a wall full of ivy.

Couple stand together under Manchester University sign.

Couple have a cuddle in the Manchester university archway.

Couple embrace outside Manchester university, where they first met.

Couple laughing together in front of sunshine graffiti in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Couple stand together in Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Couple stand together in Wedding gear in front of Aflecks Palace, Manchester.

Couple hold hands outside of Aflecks Palace, Manchester.

Couple laughing together outside Afleck's Palace.

Couple standing outside Fresh Bites, Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Couple Holding hands outside Fresh Bites take away in Manchester's infamous Northern Quarter.

Couple laugh together at Home Street Home Manchester.

Couple pushing each other around laughing.

Couple give each other an eskimo kiss in front of old couple graffiti.

Couple walking together down an alley in Manchester.

Couple holding hands and walking together in Northern Quarter alley, Manchester.

Black and White photo of couple in Sugar Junction.

Couple sit together in Sugar Junction, Northern Quarter.

Couple laugh together in the archways of Manchester Town Hall.

Couple smiling under the Manchester Town Hall Archways.

Couple cuddle in between two red phone boxes Manchester.

Couple in between two red phone boxes in Manchester.

Couple laughing together on Manchester Town Hall Steps.

Couple laughing together in Manchester City Centre.

Couple walking together in front of Manchester Town Hall.

Couple stand together in front of their favourite bar in Spinning Fields Manchester.

Couple cuddle in front of their favourite bar.

Couple sit together in Spinning fields Manchester remembering old times together.

Couple enjoy time together in a modern beer garden in Manchester City Centre.

Couple hold hands, close up of engagement ring on Cristal's Red dress and white flowers in the back ground.

Couple stand outside Max's old University Halls on a bridge looking off into the distance.

Couple stand on bridge in Manchester laughing together.

Couple laughing outside Max's old University Halls. Cristal wearing a red dress.

Couple stand together outside Manchester's Food Court, Market Street.

Couple embrace outside Market Street Food Court.

Couple stand outside Shakespeare pub Mancheseter.

Couple get ready out side China Town Arch Manchester. Focus is on China town arch.

Couple stand under China Town Archway together.

Couple kiss under China Town Archway. Focus on arch.

Groom gives his bride a kiss and she beams with delight under China Town Arch.

Couple walk away together taking one last look behind them. Focus on Arch.

Lowry Theatre - Documentary Wedding Photographer

Les and Stacy

When I first met Les and Stacy for their Engagement Shoot in Heaton Park Manchester, I knew I was in for a treat. We had a right laugh together and the session flew by, while Les and Stacy mucked about taking the piss out of each other and we strolled around the park hunting for nice light and back drops, it was completely obvious they absolutely adored one and other.

I was a bit nervous meeting Les for the first time, as he's a super talented Wedding Photographer himself, but he was such a lovely warm mischievous character I felt comfortable straight away just chatting rubbish with them and snapping away as per usual, plus I knew pretty early on that if Les was gonna give me any grief Stacy had my back! lol

Morning Preparations

When the day of the Wedding arrived I met Stacy and her excited bridesmaids at her Maid of Honours house and Les's Best Mans house (these two still deny setting Les and Stacy up... but I'm pretty sure they had something to do with it!) They had a lovely relaxed morning together the girls getting ready for the wedding while Les's best man made the finishing touches to his speech downstairs. Then we all jumped into the teal vintage wedding cars (how cool are they!) and made our way to The Lowry Theatre.

Compass Room

The service was super emotional, there were plenty of tears of happiness from all the major players while Les and Stacy said their vows under the beautiful twinkling fairy lights of the Compass Room in The Lowry Theatre. Once the Wedding ceremony was finished everyone headed down to the bar to get the party started and what a wedding party it was! I Let the photos tell the rest of the story, but before I hop off. Here are a few words from Les and Stacy themselves...

Les and Stacy's Story...

"We met in my cousins car on the way to a wedding that Lester was the photographer for I'd been asked to go last minute due to her husband being unable to attend. (still think it was a setup even though they both to this day deny any of it). Of course he was sat in the back next to a 4 year old while I rocked it up front."

The Lowry Theatre as a Wedding Venue.

"We wanted a city wedding but something different that wasn't a hotel. I love all things theatre and have been going with my mum since I was little so as soon as we saw it we knew it was perfect for us."

Advice for Future Couples

"It's as much the grooms day as it is the brides. Always think about others but what you and your partner want should be paramount in it all. It's the one day you get to have exactly what you want do it your way and enjoy it."

Bridesmaids putting make up on in the mirror at home in Manchester

Girls getting ready in front of a window. Back lit natural scene.

Maid of honour smiles at camera while putting her make up on.

Best Man adding finishing touches to his speech.

Bridesmaid putting make up on in mirror framed by a doorway, stained glass window in the background of the frame.

Camera peeking through the doorway to catch brides reflection in the mirror as she has her hair done.

Mother of the bride looks excited waiting for her daughter in the hallway.

Bride has finishing spray, sprayed onto her face, the spray is lit up by the window light. Photograph in black and white.

Bridesmaids help to dress another in front of a window, the wedding dress hangs from the curtain rail above the window.

Bridesmaid waits outside the door for the bride, we see her in the foreground and back ground of the photograph as she is reflected in the mirror beyond the door.

Bride looks out of the window and her bridesmaids help fix her dress.

Close up of lace detail on the brides dress.

Brides reflection in the mirror as she wears her wedding dress.

Silhouette of bridesmaids getting ready in front on the window.

Bridesmaid leans forward laughing holding her flowers.

Teal Vintage Wedding Cars arrive at Lowry Theatre.

Groom looks on at guests smiling as he waits for his bride.

Bride and her father share a moment together before entering The Compass Room.

Bride and her father walk down the aisle in The Compass Room.

Bride looks at her groom while still holding on to her father.

Bride and Groom Stand together as the mother of the bride gives her away.

Best Man watches on with tears in his eyes.

Bride and Groom hold hands with fairy lights twinkling behind them.

Wedding guest appreciates artwork in hall way.

Glasses of Prosecco await wedding guests.

Young wedding guest looks pleased with himself.

Bride and Groom are greeted by the Grooms Parents.

Bride and Groom talk to wedding guests while they eat sweets.

Bride and Groom sit in their camper van.

Bride and Groom exit the Lowry Theatre to have confetti thrown at them by wedding guests.

Bride and Groom Laugh as they have confetti thrown at them.

Bride and Groom look happy as they have confetti thrown at them from all angles.

The floor is covered in pink and teal confetti.

Bride and Groom stand together in front of metal wall.

Black and white photo of bride and groom together.

Colour photo of groom hugging bride from behind.

Bride and Groom have a photo on the bridge,

Bride and groom walk down the bridge together.

Bride and Groom stand in front on The Lowry Theatre.

Bride and Groom with The Lowry Theatre behind them.

Bride and Groom go nose to nose outside the Lowry Theatre.

Bride and Groom go shopping in The Lowry Theatre Gift Shop.

Bride and Groom stand around in the art gallery.

Roses in glass jars on the wedding table.

Wedding cake with sheet music and peach rose detail.

Groom looks like batman behind the wedding cake.

Little boy enjoys the view at The Lowry Theatre.

The Bride and Groom enter the Compass room like legends.

Wedding guests look on wishing this was their wedding.

Mother of the bride has a laugh with father of the bride.

Flower girl eats sweets at wedding table.

Grooms family look on, looking very proud.

Groom looks on at his bride while giving his speech.

Pink shoe and jacket combo have been abandoned.

Mother of the bride hits the dance floor.

Everyone literally starts hitting the dance floor with their bare hands.

The Wedding Singer gets all the men to do The Chair. They aren't very good.

The Groom finds an inflatable saxophone.

First Dance in The Compass Room, Lowry Theatre

Les and Stacy's Wedding Suppliers

Bloomin Ells (Ellen Stone) - Florist and Venue Dresser http://www.bloomin-ells.co.uk/
Wed2b - Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses https://www.wed2b.co.uk/
Lovely wheels - Wedding Cars http://www.lovelywheels.co.uk/
The Lowry Theatre and Lucy Markey - Venue and Organiser https://www.thelowry.com/
Liz Hendry - The Live Piano Experience Pianist http://www.thelivepianoexperience.com/liz-hendry/
Wayne Farrow - Wedding Singer https://www.waynefarrow.co.uk/
Swarbricks Formal - Grooms and Groomsmen Suits https://swarbricks.co.uk/
Stitches Manchester - Alterations http://www.stitchesuk.co.uk/

Chetham's Library Wedding Photographer Manchester - Maddy & Craig

Maddy and Craig's Story

"We met at work and had known each other for a while before one fateful night at the Liar's Club sparked the start of something. We had our first date the very next day

We got engaged in Copenhagen, which Craig managed to surprise me with for my birthday - I didn't even know we were leaving the country until we turned off the m56 for Manchester airport. He had even packed miniature toiletry holders so I could repack my shampoo etc without having to tip me off in advance. Craig proposed almost as soon as we got to the hotel, I think the stress of getting the ring through security without me noticing had taken it's toll! It was a beautiful weekend in the snow in January."

Chetham's Library and Lock 91 as Wedding Venues

Maddy and Craig got married in one of Manchester’s hidden gem wedding venues, Chetham’s Library. It’s a beautiful venue with loads of character and wonderful little pockets of light and shadows that make for a wedding photographer’s dream! So if you are getting married there and reading this, give me a shout! Your wedding guests are also able to wander around the library and explore the stacks of old antique books while they catch up with one and other and sip on their champers. It’s a really unique wedding venue and all in Manchester city centre! Making getting there, staying there or hoping off to somewhere else all super convenient possibilities. In this case Maddy and Craig hopped over to Lock 91 in Deansgate to continue the party, which is another great venue for a lot of the same reasons Chetham’s Library is, without the epic Library to wander though of course!

Here’s what Maddy and Craig had to say about Chetham’s Library as their wedding venue:

"We wanted casual but classy venues for the wedding and we wanted to keep to a strict budget. We visited Chetham's Library and fell in love with how beautiful it was and all of the history behind it. We thought about having the full day there but really wanted to put our own stamp on the party and keep it quite casual and Lock 91 was perfect for that. It was also extremely reasonably priced to have the ceremony at the library's Baronial Hall and we had exclusive use of the library itself for photos and for guests to explore after the ceremony. It turned into a wedding of two halves really, with a fairly traditional civil ceremony at the library followed by a raucous party at the bar!

Lock 91 were completely relaxed and accommodating, which was extremely helpful as we were maybe a bit too laid back with the planning until quite last minute. We had caterpillar cakes for our wedding cake which I completely forgot to buy until I went to drop everything off the night before and Andi (the manager) helpfully reminded me and I made a mad dash to Tesco! Simon at Chetham's was brilliant as well, we were very fortunate with everyone we dealt with.

In choosing the venues (and in choosing everything) within budget we decided to focus on what was important to us and what wasn't. I got a taxi to the venue as neither of us is particularly interested in cars. Our two wedding cakes cost £10 from Tesco and who doesn't love caterpillar cake!? The biggest outlays of the day were on drinks, food and the band and as the aim of the day (besides getting married) was to have a really great time with friends and family, drinks food and music were our priority and therefore where chose to put our money. Craig is a big music fan and spent much of the year building up to the wedding making Spotify playlists for pre-ceremony, ceremony, drinks reception etc."

Suppliers

"I got my dress and hairpiece from case of the Curious Bride in Sale and the dress designers are Hazaar of London (the headpiece was done by Melanie from case of the curious bride). Craig bought his suit online in the sale and the groomsmen wore their own blue suits. Bridesmaid dresses were from Dorothy Perkins (also in the sale!) And Jasmine's dress and shoes were monsoon. Flowers were amazing and were done by Emily at Bloomin Altrincham Market. The food was done by Cafe Mozaic in Ashton and everybody loved it! Mr Wilson's Second Liners were the most incredible band we could have wished for. We bought shed loads of prosecco for the drinks reception at Chetham's from Sainsbury's. Rachel McDonnell did my dress alterations. Rachael Dutton did hair and make up. We had the most amazing wedding night at Hotel Gotham and they were very patient when we completely overslept our check out time.

Also we had THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER EVER and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!"

Little girl looks on at Brides Dress hanging up.

Brides dress hangs on wardrobe, Manchester.

Mum and Bride have a hug in the kitchen on the morning of her wedding day.

Bridesmaids do each others hair in hallway of the brides house, Manchester.

Bride, her mum and a bridesmaid hand out in the kitchen together taking photographs with their phones.

Bridal party laugh together in brides kitchen as she gets ready for her wedding.

Bridesmaid smiles watching bride getting ready.

Bride spends some quality time with her cat on the morning of her wedding.

Mother of the bride cuts pizza for everyone.

Bridal party laughing together in Chorlton.

Groom welcomes wedding guests under umbrella outside Chetham Library.

Groom waiting for Bride inside Chetham's Library.

Petals lining the aisle at Chetham's Library.

Wedding guest does a magic trick for his son inside the ceremony room at Chetham Library.

Bridesmaids arrive at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Bride arrives at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Groomsmen laugh together waiting for the Bride to arrive.

Bride is walked down the aisle by her father at Chetham's Library.

Bridesmaid sits with groomsmen looking very excited!

Bride looks at Groom, looking very happy at Chetham's Library Manchester

Groom stands next to bride at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Bridesmaid reads and the Bride and the Groom look on.

Bridesmaid jumps off the stage as the Bride and Groom clap.

Bride takes her ring at Chetham Library Manchester.

Bride and Groom stand together with a row of Bridesmaids behind them at Chatham Library Manchester.

Bride and Groom stand married in front of their wedding guests at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Hugs in the door way at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Bridesmaid stands in window light at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Bride and Groom have a moment in the doorway at Chetham Library Manchester.

Bride and Groom walk through Chetham Library together.

Bride and Groom laugh together at Chetham Library.

Bride and Groom sit together smiling at Chetham's Library Manchester.

Portrait of the Bride and Groom at Chetham's Library.

Portrait of the Bride and Groom at Chetham Library.

Black and White Portrait of the Bride and Groom.

Wedding guests walks down the library stairs.

Bridesmaid walks down Library stairs holding flowers.

Bride and Groom exit Chetham Library to be greeting by wedding guests throwing confetti.

Bride and Groom have confetti thrown at them outside Chetham Library.

Bride and Groom look at one and other outside Chetham's Library.

Bride and Groom have confetti thrown at them by their wedding guests outside Chetham Library and look very excited about it!

Little boy picks confetti up off the floor.

Brides dress, flowers, shoes and confetti.

Toddler hangs of bar at wedding reception at Lock 91.

Wedding Guests sit on Balcony at Lock 91.

Wedding Guests waves at camera at Lock 91 Wedding.

Wedding guest sitting on balcony at Lock 91.

Bridesmaid sits in room full of people and is the only one to notice the camera at Lock 91 Wedding.

Wedding guest laughs while looking through hand bag.

Little boy draws in colouring book at Lock 91 Wedding.

Wedding Guests chat in window light at Lock 91.

Bride and Groom arrive at Wedding at Lock 91.

Bride and Groom enjoy welcome drinks at Lock 91.

Bridesmaids walk together outside Lock 91.

Bride and Bridesmaids stand in front of puddle outside Lock 91.

Wedding guests wait for their dinner at Lock 91.

Little boy and his Dad play on balcony at Lock 91.

Bride and Groom Listen to Speeches at Lock 91.

Wedding guests raise their glasses to the speeches.

Mr Wilsons Second Liners Wedding Band Arrive at Lock 91.

Bride laughs as she is surrounded by Mr Wilson's Second Liners.

Bride and Groom throw some shapes at Lock 91 Wedding Reception.

Looking for your wedding photographer? Get in touch!

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Subject

What are your plans for the day? Do you have any entertainment booked? Is your dog going?

Tell me more about yourselves. Where did you meet? Who is your favourite band? Where is your favourite place in the world?

Is there anything else I need to know? Do you need anymore info from me? Would you like to see a photograph of my dog?

Lancashire Wedding Photographer - Stanley House Wedding - Daisy & Phil

Daisy and Phil's Story in Daisy's words...

"Me and Phill met at college, I fancied him because he had really big muscles and after our first date I realised he was sweet and unlike any other guy that I’d met.
Phill proposed in Croatia, I knew something was wrong because he said we’d go for a walk the first day we got there (he hates walking). I thought nothing of it after that. We were sat next to the sea after our walk and I was distracted by 2 guys jumping into the sea, I thought they’d not come up for air for a while and maybe something had happened to them. Phil was telling me he loved me and then reached into his swimming shorts and pulled out the ring box because he had no where else to put it without me seeing I said yes apart from I couldn’t wear the ring for the next week as it was too big!"

Why Stanley House?

We went round 2 venues and when we went to Stanley house we both fell in love it was the prefect size and the staff were fantastic from the beginning.

Stanley House

Is a Hotel and Spa wedding venue in the beautiful Ribble Valley, Mellor, Lancashire. With stunning scenery and it’s own hotel and spa on site, it’s a great venue for you and your guests to relax for the whole weekend if you want to.

The Wedding Day

Daisy and Phil had a civil ceremony at Stanley House and enjoyed the rest of the day and night there. The weather and setting were beautiful. Daisy and Phil both looked amazing, the only problem was the wedding party had gone to a restaurant together the night before and half of them were struck down with food poising including poor Phil! Meaning he was running back and forth to the toilet during speeches and lasted long enough to get some confetti thrown and have a few photos before he sent himself off to bed. The evening guests arrived and the party went on, Daisy had a dance with her Dad and then her Dad surprised everyone by dressing up as Elvis and doing some amazing Elvis performances that really lifted everyones spirits, it looked like we might have seen the last of Phil, but like a true trooper he made a grand entrance just in time to cut the cake and have his first dance with Daisy.

Thank you for having us Daisy and Phil, in the face of adversity you guys still nailed getting married and had an awesome fun packed wedding day, I'm just so sorry Phil was ill for a lot of it.

Also a big shout out for my wonderful second photographer Katy Mutch for being a photographic and general legend as always!

Wedding Advice for Future Couples from Daisy and Phil

Make sure you get a cracking wedding band.

Get a parent to pay for the bar.

Don’t let your husband get food poisoning.

Enjoy every moment of the wedding and take 5 minutes to take it all in with the person your going to spend the rest of your life with (in between them being sick in the champagne bucket ).

Exterior shot of the grooms family home.

An engraved hip flask, a wedding morning gift from the bride to the groom.

Grooms family getting ready in the conservatory.

Groomsmen laughing together in the kitchen.

The front of Stanley House Hotel and Spa.

Bride getting her make up done, as others get ready and flower girl sits on the floor.

Flower girl sitting on the bed, photograph in black and white.

Bride getting her make up done at Stanley House Hotel and Spa.

Bridesmaid getting her hair done at Stanley House.

Mrs Mills motif on brides dressing gown.

Bride holding champagne glass with her engagement ring showing.

Flower girl and the mother of the bride play.

Flower girl jumping with Mother of the bride.

Close up of flower girls feet in the air.

Bride giving her friend a hug on the morning of her wedding day.

Bride looking excited on the morning of her wedding day.

Flower girls dance in front of wedding dress as bride has the finishing touches to her make up done.

Dress hangs in back ground as bridal party continue to get ready in the shadows.

Mother of the bride watches her daughter getting ready.

Bride getting ready with her flower girls helping her.

Mother of the Bride looks proudly as her daughter puts on her wedding dress.

Wedding guest surrounded by other wedding guests.

Wedding guests enjoy each others company next to a window.

Bride and the father of the bride enter the ceremony room.

Bride walks down the aisle with her father.

Wedding guests watch the ceremony with smiles of their faces.

Father of the bride looks very excited about giving his daughter away...

Shot from the back of the room. Bride and groom hold hands.

Bride and groom holding hands as one of their friends reads during their ceremony at Stanley House.

Bride and groom kiss on their wedding day.

Bride and groom pose for their flower girl to take a photograph on her phone.

Girl has a beer with her mates at a wedding.

Bride and groom walk between guests as wedding guests throw confetti at them.

Bride and groom laugh as they are attacked with confetti.

Bride and groom stand together for wedding photo.

Bride and groom laugh together in front of pond.

Suitcase table pan, with places the bride and groom have travelled to together.

Pink roses and greenery in a jar as a table decoration.

Brides uncle approaches table and bride holds hand over her mouth laughing and looking scared.

Bride holds hands over her face as her husband makes his speech.

Head table laughs as the groom makes his speech.

Mother of the bride smiles during best mans speech.

Grandad is having a sneaky sleep during the speeches.

Mother of the bride smiles listening to best mans speech.

Stanley House Hotel and Spa and night falls.

Guest having a mingle after the speeches.

Wedding guests watch the dance getting emotional.

Bride begins to cry while dancing with her Dad.

Dad laughing as he dances with his daughter.

Cute baby with noise cancelling head phones on.

Guests dancing and singing along with Elvis.

Family posing on dance floor at Stanley House.

Father of the Bride performing as Elvis.

Little girl laughs at her friend who has fallen backwards on the floor.

Cute baby with noise cancelling headphones on looking tired.

Bride pulls silly face as they cut the cake.

Bride hugs friend on dance floor of Stanley House.

Bride and groom finally have their first dance.

Mother and father of the bride dancing together.

Bride and groom embrace on dance floor as guests laugh in the back ground.

Bridesmaid uses napkin feet to wipe up the floor.

Guests dancing, slow shutter speed effect.

A Shout Out For Daisy and Phil's Wedding Suppliers.

Venue and food by Stanley House - https://www.stanleyhouse.co.uk/

Flowers - By a friend and The Flower Shop, Clitheroe https://www.theflower-shop.co.uk/

Suits - Marc Darcy - https://marcdarcy.co.uk/

Dress - Ava Rose - http://www.avarosehamilton.co.uk/lancashire/ava-rose-barrowford/

Cake - https://www.facebook.com/CakesAndThat

Wedding Band - The Dead Beats - http://deadbeatsband.co.uk/

Trafford Hall Wedding Photographer - Jo & Mark's Festival Tipi Wedding

Jo & Mark's Story...

In Jo's words... "Mark and I met when we were both living in Prague & I was bored and answered an advert to view a room I didn’t need and it was love at first sight (for me!)."

"When we got engaged, Mark took me to the bar where we had our first date and we sat at the table we sat at on that first night and he got down on one knee and proposed in Czech"

On choosing St Thomas's Church and Trafford Hall as Wedding Venues...

"The church where we got married was my local church where I got my Brownie award and when my Nana & Grandad were buried. We loved the countryside feel of the church and the deal sealer was when we had it confirmed that my friend could play the organ for us. When we were planning our wedding we decided that we really wanted a tipi wedding so we were hunting for a venue with a large outdoor space. When we saw Trafford Hall we were overjoyed - it was perfect with all of the scenery. We were also really passionate that it was owned by a charity that helps low income families and the money that we paid would go towards helping others. They were amazing there and helped make our day really special."

Advice for Couples on their Wedding Day...

"If there was one piece of advice that I could give a bride and groom it would be to enjoy your day - it goes so fast (and everyone LOVES telling you how fast it goes) so try and grab 5 minutes with just the two of you so you can take a breather and enjoy it together!"

St Thomas’s Church

St Thomas’s Church is a huge beautiful building in the heart of Lydiate in Liverpool chosen by Jo and Mark for it’s special meaning to Jo’s family, the church also boasts it’s own handy car park just over the road, which is great for guests that are driving to ceremony, inside the stained glass windows are huge letting in oddles of natural light. It’s a beautiful church to get married in and can hold a large number of guests.

Trafford Hall

Is a gorgeous red brick Georgian mansion nestled in 14 acres of land there’s plenty of space to play around with. If you wish to get married at Trafford Hall and hold your whole day there, you can do! They have a civil ceremony licence, they also have 52 bedrooms on site so that your guests can bed down after the party and rumour has it you get a free night in the bridal suite as part of your wedding package. You heard it here first! ;)

As Jo said Trafford Hall is owned by a charity so by hiring the venue you'll be helping fund the important work that the Trafford Hall's charity partners are involved with within the local community. :)

Getting Ready

Jo and her bridesmaids got ready at her mums house. I love photographing brides getting ready at their family homes, sometimes people are worried that their might be a mess or that decorating hasn’t been finished but when you look back on the photos in years to come having them taken at the family home adds that extra bit of narrative and meaning to the photos. You can look back at the old wall paper and carpets and get all nostalgic about the old family home! Jo’s Dad popped in to give her some wedding morning gifts and see his beloved daughter in her wedding dress before they hopped in the vintage wedding cars and high tailed it to the church!

The Ceremony

There was some anticipation in the church for a while as the bus with half of the wedding guests had hit some traffic on the way and was running late! At one point it looked like the ceremony might have to go ahead with out them, but luck was on Mark and Jo’s side and the bus got there just in time, the guests quickly made it to their seats and Mark and Jo were married in front of all of their friends and family.

The Bus

It was quite a journey from St Thomas’s Church to Trafford Hall so Mark and Jo had the bus stick around to make sure the guests could catch a lift there, the bus was the place to be with plenty of fizz and some nips of hard liquor being passed around the top deck the party had officially started!

The Party

Jo and Mark wanted a tipi festival wedding reception and so had a tipi put up in the back garden of Trafford Hall. After the food and speeches they kicked of the party by cutting the cake and launching into their energetic first dance to a live band. It turned out to be quite a party!

A big shout out to my wonderful second shooter Katy Mutch for her tremendous work as always.

Thanks for having us Jo and Mark it was an absolute pleasure to be part of your day! xxxxxxx

Close up of the edge of the veil resting on the carpet.

Bride hanging her dress up on a wardrobe and fixing the bottom of the dress.

Bridesmaid dresses hanging in the window.

Bride stands in doorway framed by an arch. Photo in black and white.

Bride bringing her dress down the stairs.

Bride bringing her dress down the stairs, bridesmaid waits in kitchen.

Bridesmaid doing some morning home work before the wedding.

Flowers standing in the sink next to the drying dishes.

Mother of the bride having a fag in the kitchen.

Mother of the bride giving a knowing look.

Bride having a fag and bucks fizz break in the kitchen.

Bride looking excited, flower girl in background looking unsure.

Flower girl getting her dress on. Liverpool.

Bride getting her dress on in Liverpool.

Bridesmaid watching bride getting ready.

Flower girl watching bride getting ready.

Bride standing at back door in her dress.

Brides mum and bridesmaids react to her wearing the dress.

Penguin Order or Service lined up on church pew.

Bride entering the church with her father.

Groom looking up as he waits for the bride to arrive.

Grooms Dad comforts groom as he stands at the end of the aisle waiting for bride.

Bride and groom look at each other smiling over their hymn sheets.

Bride and groom look at one and other smiling as they exchange rings.

Bride and groom look back at wedding guests.

Bride and groom look on smiling as their friend reads.

Bride and groom make their way down the aisle as man and wife.

Bride and groom make their way down the aisle at St Thomas's Church, Liverpool.

Little girl looks on at bride at St Thomas's Church Liverpool.

Little girl gets a cuddle from a bridesmaid.

Wedding guests outside St Thomas church Liverpool.

Brightly coloured confetti spilt on the floor.

Wedding Guest with hand over her face looking guilty.

Bride and groom make their way through the confetti.

Guests surround bride and groom as they throw confetti at them at St Thomas Church Liverpool

Confetti and bubbles surround bride and groom as they laugh.

Confetti with the bride and groom, Liverpool.

Bubbles, flowers and bride and groom as they exit St Thomas's Church, Liverpool.

Confetti on the floor outside the church.

Brides mother waits outside wedding car as bride is helped into it by driver, big red bus in the back ground.

Bride and groom have a kiss in the back on the wedding car, focus on the brides bouquet.

Bride and groom have excited faces in the back on the wedding car.

Front of the wedding bus parked next to the church.

Flower girl sitting on the top deck of the wedding bus.

Mother of the bride steps onto the wedding bus.

Guests laugh on the top deck of the wedding bus.

Guest checks the year of the champagne he has been given looking serious.

Guests pour some hard liquor on the top deck of the wedding bus.

Mother of the bride on the wedding bus laughing.

Bride and groom arrive at Trafford hall in their wedding car.

Bride and groom looking regal posing for wedding photos.

Bride and groom make their way through the shrubbery.

Bride and Groom pose in dappled light against wooden wall at Trafford Hall, Liverpool.

Bride and Groom have excited faces at Trafford Hall Wedding.

Wedding guests enjoy the garden at Trafford hall.

Children take a selfie in Trafford Hall Garden.

Children play on swing at Trafford Hall Garden.

Bride and Groom with Groomsmen and Trafford Hall.

Bride and Groom posing with their mates.

Bride and Groom posing back to back with their fags.

Bride and groom taking a quiet moment together.

Bride and groom sitting in the garden at Trafford Hall.

Groom pushes bride on swing at Trafford hall.

Bride and groom play on tree swing at Trafford Hall.

Brides flowers and shoes lying on the grass.

Bride and Groom laugh at the father of the brides speech.

Father of the bride making his speech inside tipi.

Father of the bride takes a drink, while the bride looks emotional.

Bridesmaid plays with her daughters hair.

Best man and father of the groom making a speech.

Mother of the bride and groom laugh at speech.

Mother of the bride listening to best mans speech.

The wedding cake with bunting in background.

Guests watching the cake being cut while holding drinks.

Groom smiling as he dances with his bride.

Bride looking at groom smiling while they dance.

Guests dancing in tipi at Trafford Hall Wedding.

Guests dancing in tipi. Photo in black and white.

Bride and groom twirl and kiss on dance floor.

“Katie was brilliant from beginning to end!

She was the photographer for our wedding in September and we couldn’t have asked for better. She put us at ease straight away when we first contacted her and was so relaxed and positive throughout. We knew we had made the right choice when we saw the beautiful photos from the engagement shoot. On the day both she and Katie, the second shooter, were the consummate professionals but also relaxed and friendly and so patient – which must have been a challenge at times! The wedding photos are stunning and Katie managed to capture so many beautiful moments from the day. We both cried the first time we looked at them and our friends and family have been just as moved and impressed.

Thanks so much for everything Katie.

Love Jo and Mark Gilbertson xxx”

A shout out to Jo & Mark's Wedding Suppliers!

Tipi: event in a tent - https://www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk
Venue: Trafford Hall - http://www.traffordhall.com

Florist: The flower farm - http://www.theflowerfarm.co.uk
Dress: Cicily bridal - https://cicilybridal.com
Veil: Helen Martin veils - http://www.helenmartinveils.co.uk
Cars: Horgans wedding cars - http://www.horganscars.co.uk
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood
Bridesmaid dresses: ASOS

Band - Louise and the Love Bugs.

https://www.bestoneentertainment.com/louiseandthelovebugs.html