Gemma & Neil
Set on 300 sprawling acres of countryside in Cheshire, Grade 2 listed Colshaw Hall was the venue of choice for Gemma and Neil’s September wedding. This exclusive use venue impresses from the moment you drive through the oak gates and make your way down its sweeping driveway, past manicured grounds and the beautiful Japanese garden. I could immediately see why Gemma and Neil chose this venue, and I was thrilled to be chosen as their Cheshire wedding photographer.
Cheshire Wedding Photography | Getting Ready
On the morning of the wedding Gemma and her 6 bridesmaids got ready together, and it was a morning full of so much laughter and love. I joined them to capture the giggles and gifts as hair and makeup worked their magic. The couple are huge Disney fans, and one of Gemma’s gifts in the morning was a lego set of the famous Cinderella Castle!
When it was time for the girls to get ready Gemma’s bridesmaids dressed in a smokey taupe colour, each dress slightly different in design but all complementing one another – just like a great group of friends! Gemma’s dress was an elegant, strapless lace gown and she paired it with a striking hair accessory from Ivory and Co which looked stunning in her dark hair. The finishing touches were a pair of jewel-encrusted Louboutin heels and an abundant rose bouquet in white. Meanwhile, Neil and his groomsmen arrived at the venue looking very dapper, with the groom sporting a pair of shades and a grey 3 piece suit. The pair looked perfectly suited to the smart classic car they had hired.
The Ceremony
The Stables at Colshaw Hall is an amazing space for me as a Cheshire wedding photographer; it is light and spacious, and serves as a wonderful blank canvas to decorate as you wish. Gemma and Neil decorated the space with white petals flowing down the aisle, and tall arrangements of gypsophila which carried through to the bridesmaids’ bouquets. From the lovely rustic beams they hung sprigs of foliage and glass holders containing tealights, giving the whole room a warm, elegant feel for their ceremony. Gemma walked down the aisle to meet Neil which was a very special moment for the couple, and their ceremony was touching and heartfelt – the ceremony is always one of my favourite parts of the day. The newlyweds fist-bumped as their ceremony ended, and everyone spilled out into the sun for drinks and ice cream!
The Evening
In the evening the wedding moved to the Peel Suite which is surrounded by Colshaw Hall’s beautiful gardens, and the tables were decorated with lots of candlelight, tall displays of gypsophila and sweet little nods to the couple’s interests. Instead of guest favours, Gemma and Neil made a donation to two charities very close to their hearts; Gain, and the National Autistic Society. The tables were marked with references to disney films and characters the couple love, with understated silhouette-style images proving you can have a theme and do it tastefully! Gemma and Neil’s cake was in a marbled design and decorated with white flowers, tying in with their decor throughout the day. The whole room glowed with love and candlelight in the evening, and there was laughter and tears throughout the speeches.
Later I took Gemma and Neil out onto the estate for some couples pictures, including some epic smoke bomb shots in front of Colshaw Hall! As we lost the light we used some fun sparkler columns to get some amazing night-time shots of the couple, and then the party really got started! I wish Gemma and Neil nothing but happiness for the future – what a gorgeous couple and fun-loving group at this wedding!
Are you getting married in and around Cheshire? If you’re looking for a Cheshire wedding photographer to take pictures that are natural, authentic and romantic but with my signature style, fill in my contact form to tell me all about your wedding and let’s chat!