Monthly Archives: February 2009

My Favourite Weddings & Venues – Autumn 2008

Natalie and Ian were looking for a Cheshire wedding photographer to capture their nuptuals at The Cottons at Knutsford.

This is a venue new to me and one which poses a few more challenges than some, especially if shooting with a Graphi Book in mind.

Though this venue does not have expansive grounds it does have a star attraction in the form of a compact but perfectly formed pond featuring attractive decking and white balustrading.

The guests naturally congregated on the grassy slopes surrounding the water, and the evergreen shrubbery made a perfect backdrop for all the guest pictures Natalie and Ian asked me to take.

 

 

Of course not everyone wants a ‘Big’ wedding, whether they can afford it or not. Perhaps it’s just not their style. Rebecca and Marcus wanted a simple get-together with family and close friends, having decided at last it was about time to tie the knot.

They chose The Windy Harbour Farm on the outskirts of Glossop as their venue and Tom Pollock as their Derbyshire wedding photographer.

This was a very personal wedding where no-one was trying to outdo anyone else, and there were happy children running around everywhere, except when the child entertainer was strutting her stuff. If this is the sort of wedding that would suit you this may be the venue for you.

 

 


Many of my bookings come from couples who live too far away to meet up beforehand. They see my pictures on the web and instinctively know I am the right photographer for them.

London based Emma and Matt were just such a couple. They wanted a modern, city feel for their wedding and chose the Manchester Town Hall for their wedding ceremony and Reception, followed by a rooftop barbeque at the uber-trendy Great John Street Hotel in Castlefield.

You’ll love the beautiful Town Hall interiors which even a rainy day can’t dull, and the bright red double decker bus used to ferry their guests to the GJS. Emma looked absolutely stunning wearing a classic, simple dress with a sweeping lace train. Her bouquet and hair were fabulous too. Have a look at their album and see if you don’t agree. Altogether a very elegant and relaxed occasion.

 

 

 

 

Victoria and David were also looking for a Manchester wedding photographer to capture the Reception at the Manchester City Art Gallery following their wedding at St. Mary’s in Marple Bridge.

After the ceremony Bride, Groom and guests adjourned to the excellent Midland Hotel to slake their parched thirsts and by the time they got to Manchester the Gallery was all theirs.

The classical elegance of the gallery is complemented by the dramatic new Glass Atrium where the Wedding Breakfast was held after guests enjoyed drinks and canapes whilst viewing the current Pre-Raphaelite exhibition. Nourishment for the eyes and mind as well as the body! The lighting in the Gallery is fantastic as well. Just look at the dramatic sweeping view looking down at the atrium from the top of the stairs.

 

 

 

In contrast Jenny and Mark’s was a more ‘country’ wedding. The ceremony was held at the beautiful Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Old Brampton and the reception and wedding breakfast at The Rutland Arms Hotel.

These are both lovely settings and the Rutland Arms has the added bonus of having Bakewell’s town gardens just over the road which were ideal for photography. It also the most amazing collection of antique clocks on display throughout the hotel.

Jenny made a fantastic job of designing the wedding invites herself with white doves as a central motif. This was carried through to Jenny and Mark releasing two doves in the park before we started taking the group shots, making for an unusual (and unrepeatable!) photo opportunity.

 

My Favourite Weddings & Venues – Summer 2008

The summer season saw me photographing weddings in Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, North Wales and Yorkshire.

 

 

The Church of St. Mary-the-Virgin, Disley is over 450 years old and is a building of great beauty and immense charm. Jennifer and Chris tied the knot there in May and followed on with a reception at Shrigley Hall.

Shrigley Hall Hotel is a striking 19th century late Georgian Mansion echoing period charm. Set on the edge of the Peak District it is the very essence of an English Country House Hotel and has magnificent views over the Cheshire Plains.

The interiors are very grand and spacious, and as a photographer I am never at a loss for backgrounds if the weather turns nasty. See also Deborah & Stephen’s Graphi Book for more pictures at this attractive venue.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of May I returned to Cressbrook Hall in Derbyshire for Caroline and Philip’s wedding. This was only a half day booking but it shows how much can be accomplished in the time.

 

Many of their friends are keen walkers who joined together and sang a couple of rousing songs after the vows had been exchanged which really brought the house down. The weather was fine which allowed the ceremony to be held in the open air in contrast to Sam and Steve’s winter wedding in March.

Cressbrook also caters for grown-up children! They had fun in the lower garden while the Bride and Groom were having their pictures taken.

 

 

 


Dianna & Stephen needed a photographer in Cheshire and certainly had their album in mind when they chose Sandhole Oak Barn for their summer wedding.

This is a stunning venue in an exclusive Cheshire location overlooking a private lake and because of it’s versatility is one of my favourites.

We had lovely soft light all day, so much better for skin than bright sunlight and blue sky, (not that Dianna or Stephen needed any flattering!)

The getting ready pictures were taken at the excellent Yew Tree Apartments near-by. These apartments are spacious, light and airy, and perfect for photography. The fine weather allowed me to use all the facilities at Sandhole, and their pictures made a stunning Graphi Book. The best looking couple of the year?

 

 

 

Heaton House Farm in Ruston Spencer, between Macclesfield and Leek, has great views over three counties, and is fast becoming a very popular venue. Their ultra versatile “Barn” can be sub-divided into several rooms to accommodate from as few as 25 right up to 300 guests. These can also be independently themed.
They also have that magnificent tree!
Look at Holly and Alan’s pictures and you will see what I mean!

Holly and Alan were married at St. Matthew’s in Hayfield. I’m always on the lookout for different pictures so we stopped off at The Roaches en route to take some eye catching panoramics by the huge rocky outcrops.

 

 

 

 

Alice & Andre were looking for a photographer in Manchester and are both keen photographers who knew exactly what they wanted. They let me know they were vetting plenty of other photographers but they finally chose me.

At our pre-wedding meeting I received the tightest and scariest brief I’ve ever had (including 24 page A4 booklet and laptop slideshow!) Be afraid, be very afraid! I like a challenge but I did wonder if I could satisfy all their expectations. I’m happy to say I did and received the longest thanks email I’ve ever received!
Alice’s getting ready pictures were taken at
eleven didsbury park, a peaceful haven with a fantastic walled garden right in the heart of Didsbury village.

The service was held at the nearby St. James (great for pictures + brilliant acapella choir), which has the added bonus of the little park opposite, with the reception held in Alice and Andre’s garden marquee afterwards.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca and Paul needed a Staffordshire wedding photographer to capture their Big Day at
Packington Moor Farmnear Litchfield. This is an absolutely fantastic venue for a photographer. There are just so many backdrops around you are spoilt for choice!

The getting ready pictures worked out brilliantly and were taken in one of the adjoining farm cottages, and the attractive courtyard is great for candid pictures after the ceremony.

The buzz was infectious, with that perfect mix of young and not so young guests that really makes a party swing.

This was a full day booking which always helps to produce a great album. A truly beautiful bride and a handsome Groom, perfect weather, great guests and a wonderful venue equals a very happy photographer!

 

 

 

 

Quarry Bank Mill In Styal, Cheshire is full of historic home grown character and was the setting of choice for Melissa and Stephenfor their August wedding.

 

Melissa looked stunning, with the bridesmaids’ dresses styled to match the Bride’s car, a clever touch which made for great pictures. It turned out to be a hot and sunny day and the magnificent gardens were in full bloom.

This versatile venue has plenty of room for a large guest list, and because it is so spread out you do need an efficient usher (or two!) to round all your guests up!

 

Melissa and Stephen chose a GF Smith Rhapsody Reportage album in Ivory.

 

 


Anna and Timothy were looking for a Derbyshire wedding photographer for their wedding at the Maynard Armsat Grindleford and they chose me.

Both Anna & Tim looked lovely and never stopped smiling all day, radiating love and happiness like a force-field. Thanks Anna & Tim, it was a real pleasure capturing your wedding. I think I have one of the best jobs in the world!

The Maynard has a light and airy oak panelled function room (great food!), with french doors opening out onto extensive and useful gardens. The soft evening light after the Wedding Breakfast was perfect for sun-kissed Bride and Groom shots.

 

 

 

 

I cannot recall ever mentioning a Catholic priest before but I must thank Fr. McMahon for conducting one of the warmest and most joyful wedding ceremony I have ever attended.
Caroline & Graham

 

were married at St John’s, Chorlton in the second week in August and had their reception at the Mere Court Hotel afterwards.

The Mere Court successfully marries a modern airy conservatory with period reception rooms oozing in old world charm. Lovely grounds too. The skies were cold and heavy with intermittent rain but this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

Caroline wore a fabulous lace dress with a long veil and her natural elegance and grace shows in all her pictures.

 

 

 

Well landscaped grounds and gardens make such a difference to wedding photography and in this The Deanwater in Woodford, Cheshire is hard to beat.

They add timeless scale and style to images making a photographer’s ideas that much easier to achieve. They also add a simplicity to images that really makes a beautiful dress stand out.

Look at Karen and Glyn’s Graphi Book to see what I mean. I didn’t have the luxury of a full day booking but I was as happy as Karen and Glyn were with the spread of pictures I conjured up for them.

My Favourite Weddings & Venues – Winter – Spring 2008

My 2008 season started off early with bookings at two venues that were new to me. Both couples were looking for a photographer in Derbyshire and my friendly and unobtrusive approach won them over.

 

 

Eyam Hall would be called a Manoir in France and this is the perfect word to describe this charming and intimate period venue not far from Chatswoth House. The property has been owned by the Wright family for many generations and was perfect for Clare and Mark’s mid-January wedding.

 

Clare got ready in the beautiful Tapestry bedroom with its four poster bed. We had lovely bright winter light which was great for both interior and exterior shots.  Have a look at their album to see how good this venue is for smaller weddings.

 

 

 

 

 

Bramall Hall is a superb example of a ‘Cheshire Black and White’ timber framed manor house, with origins dating back to Medieval England. This was the perfect setting for Catherine and Lee’s wedding on 1st March.

It may have been cold and wet outside but the warmth of the atmospheric Tudor interiors made up for that. The house overlooks 70 acres of beautiful parkland which has been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. I look forward to shooting a summer wedding at this attractive venue.

 

 

 

 

Samantha and Stephen were married at Cressbrook Hall, a hidden gem not far from Matlock and a venue new to me. I think it fair to say that Cressbrook Hall is grand in style but not overpowering in scale.
It has lovely formal gardens which command stunning views across Monsal Head, with the added bonus of being one of the few venues where you can get married in the open air (weather permitting!)

 

Again we enjoyed the bonus of warm, bright March sunshine which added an extra sparkle to this winter wedding. Sam and Steve chose a 10×10 album but this venue would look even better with the extra breadth afforded by the 12×10 album format.

 

My Favourite Weddings & Venues – Autumn and Winter 2007

 

Still with my Cheshire wedding photographer hat on I really enjoyed shooting Emma & Ian’s and later Sarah and Tony’s wedding at the Stanneylands Hotel.

The Stanneyland’s attentive staff go out of their way to offer a very personal service in keeping with the atmospheric rooms and decor, and the evergreen gardens are good even in the winter months.

In 2008 a handsome new conservatory was added to the hotel.

 

 

 

 

A little closer to home I wear my Derbyshire wedding photographer hat and must mention two weddings.

Rachel and Graham were married at the popular Moorside Grange Hotel, Upper Disley iin bright November sunshine.

Rachel’s stunningly simple dress was perfectly complimented by a bouquet of roses in the deepest red and the pretty bridesmaids wore dresses to match.

 

 

 

 

 

Shrigley Hall near Macclesfield was the sumptuous venue for Deborah and Stephen’s Xmas wedding.


The rain started almost as soon as the ceremony finished but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and their pictures show how important it is to choose a venue with versatile interiors if you are planning a winter wedding.

There was entertainment for the children and Father Xmas made a guest appearance. Debbie looked gorgeous and wore an absolutely stunning lace and satin dress which was liberally encrusted with pearls and crystals.

My Favourite Weddings & Venues – Summer 2007

 

The Killer Dress of the year award has to go to Joanne.

Look at her pictures and I’m sure you’ll agree! Joanne and Richard were wed at Hollin Hall in early May.

This is a beautiful 19th century Victorian house in Cheshire which manages to mix the old and the new very successfully, with classic period interiors and a bright, airy conservatory where your civil ceremony will be held.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suzie and Andy celebrated their wedding at the Bridge Hotel in
Presbury on a warm sunny early summer’s day.

This well run Cheshire venue is perfect on a sunny early summer’s day where the well planted gardens and versatile patios make taking informal people shots a breeze. Suzie and Andy were as relaxed and friendly as their guests, and the Toastmaster (always well worth having) ensured that everything ran smoothly with minimum fuss. 

 A memorably happy occasion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bride and Groom with the Best Dressed Parents Award goes to Rachel and Julian who chose me as their wedding photographer in Lancashire.

Perhaps it was the sparkling weather but everyone seemed to make that extra effort. Rachel’s dress was perfectly complimented by her bridesmaids who wore aqua silk.

After the ceremony at the Monton Unitarian Church the reception was held at Egerton House near Bolton. The sunlight and the magnificent tiered gardens gave me with extra inspiration and provided many different backdrops for pictures of the Bride & Groom.

Next, two couples who were looking for a wedding photographer in Derbyshire who could work unobtrusively and deliver great shots, without taking over and bullying either them or their guests. Two weddings, two different approaches required. I was their solution.

 

 

 

 

Clare and Mark were getting married in a country church with an informal garden reception to follow. They wanted a very photojournalistic approach with the absolute minimum of posed pictures.

They chose the charming and quirky Chinley Independent Chapel for their nuptials. Afterwards young and old mixed happily together in the Bride’s father’s beautiful gardens to the cool sounds of saxophones playing sweetly in the warm afternoon sunlight. Both couples ordered lovely Graphi albums, with Clare and Mark being so happy with my photography their album contained a record 115 pictures! Lisa and Chris were being married by civil ceremony followed by a large reception at a grand hotel and wanted a more conventional mix of formal and informal pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa and Chris were being married by civil ceremony followed by a large reception at a grand hotel and wanted a more conventional mix of formal and informal pictures.

The classically elegant Palace Hotel in Buxton fulfilled Lisa and Chris’ dreams. This venue also has the added bonus of the Pavillion Gardens only a stone’s throw away, providing another versatile location for photography.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah and Matt were looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire for their reception atSandhole Oak Barn and I was their man.

Sandholes has only opened recently and is beautifully located, with a versatile decked area overlooking its own lake set in open countryside. I believe the barn itself originated from Wales. It has been lovingly restored, has a great dance area and the glazed wall overlooking the water bathes the interior in lovely natural light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ness Botanic Gardens is an absolute gem and was the venue of choice for Philippa and Mark’s wedding ceremony.

The reception was held at the stylish Heswall Golf Club I was their wedding photographer in Wirral.

So that I can make the best use of every venue I always I meet up with the B&G on site before their Big Day, and it really helps when the Bride and Groom choose locations as photogenic as these.

If your budget allows for a full day plus evening, the extra coverage will give an even fuller spread of pictures which will guarantee a the most complete album.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachael and Neil needed a wedding photographer in North Wales and the Oriel Plas Glyn-y-weddw Arts Centre and Gallery in Llanbedrog was the unusual location.

The beach close by and the extra long booking allowed me to shoot more of my sort of Bride and Groom pictures that shorter bookings often preclude.

I think you will be very impressed with their pictures which win them my GraphiStudio album of the year award. Email me if you
would like a sample Bridesmaid’s book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want a fairy tale wedding venue with interiors to match the grandeur of the exteriors then look no further than Peckforton Castle.

Tracie and Richard were looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire and Tom Pollock was their photographer of choice.

Tracie loves horses and unknown to the Bride the Groom’s sister arranged a magical carriage ride for the lucky couple which brought tears to the Bride’s eyes! Peckforton is top contender for the My Favourite Venue Award.