DEC 2022/JAN 2023 HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, FASHION, GROOMS, EXPERT ADVICE, FREEBIES AND MORE £3.55 www.yournorthwest.wedding Seasonal inspiration SNOW IS FALLING Once upon a time Fairytale-inspired venues Handmade WITH LOVE Add a personal touch to your big day A touch OF SPARKLE Must-see wedding dresses WIN! A mini-moon worth up to £2,000
Invites you to be part of the Diversity Show! With catwalk shows and exhibitors Hosted by David McNeill Sunday 26th February 2023 11am - 4pm Catwalk shows 12 & 2pm Carlisle Racecourse Durdar Rd, Carlisle CA2 4TS For further information on exhibition stands please email cumbriaspremierweddingshow@outlook.com In association with Carol’s Bridal Boutique & CA Events WEDDING SH W CU BRIA’S Premier M Sponsored by Tickets: To purchase tickets please scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3FWFP1K Tickets can also be purchased from Carol’s Bridal Boutique, 19 Warwick Road, Carlisle
REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER What to look out for in this issue 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on the latest from around the North West 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 45 HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your questions 86 COMPETITION A luxury getaway awaits with renowned hotel brand GuestHouse CONTENTS DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 On the cover... This issue's gorgeous cover has been sponsored by Delamere Manor (https://delameremanor.co.uk). It was captured by Stacey Clarke Photo Weddings (www.instagram.com/staceyclarkephotoweddings) at the September wedding of Florence and William. VENUES 15 SPOTLIGHT ON RIBBLE VALLEY Discover some of the best venues in the area 19 HAPPILY EVER AFTER Tie the knot in a fairytale-inspired venue 59 FEATURES 41 FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU We adore this autumn-themed shoot at Castletown Woodland Weddings 49 WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND Wrap up warm and be inspired by this Christmas-themed shoot at The Glass House 53 HANDMADE WITH LOVE Add a personal touch to your big day with locally-made products 59 CLASSIC ELEGANCE A group of local suppliers worked together to create this white, ivory and sage-themed shoot at The River Barn 62 SNOW IS FALLING Our guide to creating the ultimate seasonal celebration 65 PURE LUXURY Classic white and black was the inspiration for this styled shoot at Oddfellows on the Park 79 FASHION FORWARD Bridal boutiques showcase their favourite dresses 79 4119 by Morilee www.blackpoolphotographer.co.uk 3
FASHION & BEAUTY 68 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 69 SHINE LIKE A DIAMOND Dazzle this festive season in gold, pearls, charms and diamonds 70 WHAT’S TRENDING? This is what brides-to-be will be wearing in 2023 82 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be 84 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems 85 SKIN FOOD Discover how to achieve that much-desired bridal glow the natural way, through a healthy diet of skin-loving food 23 70 REAL WEDDINGS 23 ALWAYS Lynda and Richard celebrated their magical nuptials at Bashall Barn with a Harry Potter theme 28 HOLD ME CLOSE Lauren and Alberto celebrated their big day with a relaxed theme at Wigan Town Hall and Stretford Public Hall 35 THE ONE FOR ME Carla and Paul tied the knot at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort with a black and white colour scheme HONEYMOONS 90 HONEYMOON NEWS The newest openings and honeymoon destinations 92 GREECE IS THE WORD Summer in Santorini and Athens 94 IN LOVE WITH THE LAKES A myriad of delights lie in wait in The Lake District for UK honeymooners 96 PURE LUXURY Discover The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield 90 www.fish2.co.uk 28 www.taketwophotography.co.uk 35 www.thefrommshoppe.com GROOMS 87 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 88 WINTER LUXE The latest seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be 4
in the heart of the English Lake District We provide the perfect canvas for you to create the wedding of your dreams Contact us now at silverholme@graythwaite.com or call us on 01539 531248 Be swept o your feet
After a very busy year tying the knot to my wonderful partner, travelling to some beautiful places and celebrating several of our friends getting married, it’s finally time to close the door on 2022. It’s been quite a year, with a flurry of weddings from some beautiful couples across the North West, lots of new companies opening their doors and some getting back to normal post-pandemic. Seeing things open up again has been wonderful and I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings! If you’re a regular reader, then you’ll know that the December/January issue has always been my favourite, and I look forward to writing it every year. It’s packed full of inspiration, adorable products, seasonal weddings and the latest fashion trends. To celebrate the end of 2022, we’ve gone all out with features focusing on handmade products, dresses and must-have products for the groom-to-be. If you’re dreaming of tying the knot in a fairytale venue, then we’ve got you covered on page 19 or if you’re looking for something in the Ribble Valley head over to page 15. Don’t forget if you’ve recently got married to submit your wedding at melissa.cullen@kdeventsandpublishing.com or via www.yournorthwest.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding Here at Your North West Wedding, we’re planning to celebrate Christmas with our friends and family and welcome in the new year in style. Whatever your plans are, we hope you have a lovely time and take a well-deserved break. Meliss Melissa Cullen, Senior Editor 86 www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Melissa Cullen | Senior Editor, Grooms and Travel Editor melissab@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor Kelly Andrews |Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley ADVERTISING Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarahe@county.wedding Account Manager Nicola Hawkins | 01376 538 480 nicolah@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James Your North West Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your North West Wedding is published six times a year. Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DIA ISHING NTS ISHING EVENTS & PUBLISHING cwe COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS ISSN 2392-2802 @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Le i now Fall in love with these trend-setting dresses. Lynda and Richard celebrated their nuptials at Bashall Barn with a Harry Potter theme. Win a mini-moon worth up to £2,000. 70 23 www.fish2.co.uk 6
Claire Ridley spent the summer in Santorini and Athens. Carla and Paul tied the knot at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort with a black and white colour scheme. Lauren and Alberto celebrated their big day with a relaxed theme at Wigan Town Hall and Stretford Public Hall. Fall in love with this autumn-themed shoot at Castletown Woodland Weddings. 28 41 35 59 49 96 94 92 A group of local suppliers worked together to create this white, ivory and sage themed shoot at The River Barn. Wrap up warm and be inspired by this Christmasthemed shoot at The Glass House. Beth Morton and her hubby visited The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield. A myriad of delights lie in wait in the Lake District for UK honeymooners. www.karennashphotography.co.uk www.thefrommshoppe.com www.taketwophotography.co.uk https://makingmemoriesphotography12.zenfoliosite.com www.blackpoolphotographer.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 7
It all starts with a blank page.... Struggling to find the right words to convey what you want to say? We can help! • Best person speeches • Wedding vows, commitment, celebrant and hand-binding ceremonies • Father-of-the-bride speeches • Grooms, Brides, and maid-of-honour speeches • After dinner speeches • Toasts • Personal poetry • And much more... Contact us to see how we can create your perfect words www.thewritingforge.co.uk adam@thewritingforge.co.uk 07793 821143 P O N D E R O S A W E D D I N G S A stunning location, situated on the Western Lake District. Perfect for Tipis, Marquees, Tents and more... Ponderosa over looks the entire of the Lake District from Caldbeck, Keswick, to Cockermouth and Wasdale, with a stunning Pond within the field and Woodlands on the grounds - it is your perfect location to celebrate your special day outside looking onto the amazing view. WWW.PONDEROSAWEDDINGSCUMBR I A .COM 07590 426242 ponderosaweddinglocation@gmail.com www.bethfaulder-photography.co.uk
All the latest from around the North West A BLANK CANVAS Ponderosa Weddings is a new family-run business situated between Broughton and Broughton Moor in Cumbria. The owner, Beth Faulder, tells us more: “We offer a 300-acre farm which started up during the pandemic when I had time to start a new venture alongside my photography business. Ponderosa is perfect for holding tipis, marquees, and tents and overlooks the Lake District with a stunning pond and woodland, ideal for taking those all-important photographs. I wanted to hire out this beautiful piece of land and diversify into weddings as we feel it’s the perfect place to celebrate your big day. We’re planning to host 10 to 15 weddings a year and have just got our premises licence.” Visit www.ponderosaweddingscumbria.com for more information. STYLED TO PERFECTION All That Glitters Weddings and Events (www.instagram.com/allthatglittersuk12), a stationery company in Cumbria, has joined forces with local styling company, Finesse Weddings and Events (www.instagram.com/finesseweddingscumbria) to create a new company called Amore Signature Events. Leigh McPake, one of the owners, tells us more: “At All That Glitters Weddings and Events, I make anything from table numbers and welcome signs to seating plans, favours and bridesmaid proposal gifts. My little one-man band recently joined Finesse Weddings and Events to create Amore Signature Events. Together we offer budget-friendly venue décor with everything from candy carts and balloon arches to hoops, centrepieces and artificial flowers. We have anything and everything that you could think of to make your day magical without costing the earth.” For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/amoresignature.events NEWS Nearlywed MUST-SEE WEDDING SHOW! Cumbria’s Premier Wedding Show is back with a showstopping Diversity Show taking place on Sunday 26th February, 2023. It’s the perfect place to get inspiration for your big day with a range of wonderful suppliers, stunning catwalk shows running throughout the day, experts on hand to provide their advice and inspiration at every turn. Couple will receive a goody bag on arrival and complimentary copies of Your North West Wedding will be available. “The wedding and event industry has suffered huge financial losses in previous years and the shows have certainly brought new business, opened the doors for many exhibitors and the feedback has been overwhelming and we anticipate this show will be even better,” says the organisers. “The intention of our Diversity Show is to reflect the variety of modern couples and the lack of representation in the industry for nationality, race, religion, disability, clothing size or LGBT, and we want all exhibitors and visitors to feel welcome. We are also delighted to announce VL Aesthetics is joining us as the show’s main sponsor.” The show will be taking place from 11am to 4pm at Carlisle Racecourse. To get your tickets, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cumbrias-premier-wedding-show-february-2023tickets-430810314247 www.bethfaulder-photography.co.uk https://makingmemoriesphotography12.zenfoliosite.com/home www.claregelderdphotography.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
LUXURIOUS EVENTS Manchester’s luxury aparthotels, CitySuites I & II have announced the launch of their bespoke events packages. CitySuites Aparthotels offer five versatile event spaces, a range of catering options and luxury accommodation. Located just off Deansgate in the exclusive Embankment West neighbourhood, CitySuites is comprised of two high-end aparthotels positioned adjacent from one another. For private dining events, guests can enjoy seasonal delights in the Embankment Kitchen, an intimate and stylish setting. There are two private dining menus available, both of which offer beautifully-crafted dishes. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home in one of CitySuite’s 375 apartments and there’s also flexible, group accommodation available. To find out more, visit www.citysuites.com AWARD-WINNING VENUE The Forest Side has scooped the award for Best Country Hotel of the Year at the Good Hotels Guide 2023, winning one of its 12 coveted César awards. Inspectors singled out this Lake District gem’s “Michelin-starred cuisine, elegant bedrooms and red squirrels in the garden” and acknowledged chef Paul Leonard’s efforts to “source 90 per cent of produce from a 10-mile radius of Forest Side to create his inventive dishes.” General manager, Alasdair Elwick, commented: “We are extremely honoured to have won this prestigious award. It’s a great testament to the team here at The Forest Side who have worked so diligently during what has been an unprecedented few years.” Discover more at www.theforestside.com PRETTY AS A FLOWER Bliss Events by Katie specialises in venue dressing and styling for weddings and events across the North West. Katie tells us more about her company: “We pride ourselves on being an affordable luxury. We believe ‘event perfection’ should be available to everyone, no matter the occasion or your budget. We will work with you to create an event for the memory books that will leave your guests in awe!” There are currently six gorgeous flower walls to choose from in different colour palettes. All of the flower walls are handmade, cloth backed and 8ft x 8ft in size – perfect for making a statement. These are ideal to get married in front of or as a backdrop for the reception. In addition, Bliss Events by Katie has four wedding-related neon signs available with the phrases: ‘Happily Ever After’, ‘All You Need Is Love’, ‘All Of Me Loves All Of You’ and ‘Kiss Me Under The Light Of A Thousand Stars’, to choose from. For more information and to check availability, please visit www.blisseventsbykatie.com A GRAND CELEBRATION Low Graythwaite Hall, a stunning country house with an adjacent cottage and extensive private grounds, has re-joined the Graythwaite portfolio. Situated opposite the Grade II listed Georgian Silverholme Manor, the magnificent old hall is the perfect place for wedding guests to stay, with space for 24 people and a luxurious hot tub by the river that runs through the grounds. In addition, Hullet Hall, a couple of minutes’ walk from Silverholme Manor, is also available to rent. This 17th-century cottage has a private jetty and can accommodate six guests, meaning you can host 50 people within walking distance of Silverholme. Should you wish, there are many more cottages within a five to 10 minute drive, sleeping between two and 10 guests, so that up to 200 guests can stay on the estate. Head over to www.graythwaite.com for more information. 10
Sarah Davies Harpist Sarah can provide a varied selection of music tailored to your needs. A perfect compliment to your special day. sarahdaviesmusique@hotmail.co.uk 07806 199196 www.sarahdaviesharpist.com Fun, bubbly, budget-friendly local photographer based in Carlisle. With an easy-going, laid-back approach - nothing is too much. Email: mmphotographyuk@gmail.com @makingmemoriesphotographyuk12
Luxurious Cheshire wedding venue, Delamere Manor, is celebrating another year of engagements this February with an exclusive Wedding Showcase, giving couples the chance to meet and book the best local suppliers and partners in the wedding business. Perfect for couples who are looking for a Cheshire wedding location, this stunning wedding venue overlooks a beautiful 6-acre lake and is surrounded by over 100 acres of enchanting countryside. Featuring a number of outdoor ceremonial locations including a romantic garden folly, a lakeside jetty, a parkland terrace and a beautiful summer house, couples will be able to take a stylish tour of the grounds, helping them find their dream location for their upcoming nuptials. Taking place on Sunday 19th February from 12pm – 6pm and showcasing the best high-end suppliers in the area, the Wedding Showcase will feature everything from stationery suppliers, tailors, florists and entertainers, to lighting companies, planners, caterers and more, ensuring each couple receives plenty of inspiration ahead of their big day. With a calendar filled with events for 2023 including a Charlotte Tilbury Magic Make-Up Masterclass on Thursday 16th February, there’s always something exciting happening for guests at Delamere Manor. To find out more about Delamere Manor’s events, click here. Plan your dream wedding at Delamere Manor
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURNORTHWEST.WEDDING PRETTY AS A PICTURE Rosie Miranda Photography is a wedding photographer covering the South Lakes, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Approaching photography from an artistic background, Rosie uses a distinctive colour palette, editing with warm pastel tones to add a fine art and contemporary style to her photography. Rosie tells us more about her approach: “I strongly believe the secret to beautiful photos on your wedding day is being happy and in love. I like my couples draped in light and beaming with joy – the perfect combination for dreamy wedding portraits. With gentle direction and styling, I aim to tell the story of your day in the most natural and beautiful way possible.” Rosie offers pre-wedding photo shoots and a range of packages to suit weddings of all sizes. Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, she is offering readers who get in touch and mention the magazine £100 off any of her packages. To see more of Rosie’s work and to get in touch, visit her website www.rosiemiranda-photography.com, email rosiemirandaphotography@gmail.com or call 07821 865 248. Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers STYLE STATEMENT On your wedding day, light up the room in these statement gold ear climber earrings which bedazzle with four intricately cut moonstone gems. The sparkling gemstones, in a staggered line, descend in size and sit in an 18k gold-plated setting. Every detail has been well thought out, from the size of the stones to the slight curve of the earrings, creating the perfect mesmerising bold earring for a bold woman. Founded by Ramona Gohil, an inspirational female entrepreneur passionate about her British Indian heritage and culture Rani & Co is not just any jewellery brand; its crafted unique pieces symbolise how powerful women can be. Check out www.raniandco.co.uk County Wedding Magazines’ readers have the chance to win a pair of Rani & Co Moonstone Climber Earrings worth £64.99! www.rosiemiranda-photography.com Freebies &OFFERS www.rosiemiranda-photography.com FREEBIES & OFFERS 13
Deborah - Ribble Valley Celebrant www.ribblevalleycelebrant.com/weddings ribblevalleycelebrant@outlook.com | 07411 626333 ─ E L E G A N C E - E N - F L E U R S . C O . U K ─ 07742 802 477 | info@elegance-en-fleurs.co.uk eleganceenfleurs Luxury. Style. Elegance. LOCATED I N THE HEART OF THE SHROPSH I RE H I LLS • 8 8 ACRES OF PR I ST I NE GARDENS GRADE I L I STED 1 8 TH CENTURY MANS I ON WI TH NATURAL BEAUTY AND CHARM 3 7 LUXURY BEDROOMS & SU I TES • AN ABUNDANCE OF SPACES TO CREATE THE WEDD I NG OF YOUR DREAMS I NCLUD I NG A BR I DAL SU I TE HH HAWKSTONE HALL WEDDING PACKAGE S FROM£9000.00 WWW. HAWKSTONEHALL . CO . UK | 0 1 6 3 0 6 8 5 2 4 2 | ENQU I R I ES@HAWKSTONEHALL . CO . UK
RIBBLE VALLEY Spotlight on... HOBBIT HILL, BB7 9PN 07535 638 049 | www.hobbithill.co.uk The barn at Hobbit Hill is a rustic oak-beamed building with bi-folding glass doors that span the entire front of the barn, giving couples unbroken panoramic views of the Ribble Valley. The in-keeping natural wood of the barn’s exterior perfectly suits its woodland surroundings and looks wonderful in photographs. Surrounded by woodland and large grassed areas, perfectly suited for garden games, the outdoors at Hobbit Hill is the prime location for outdoor drinks receptions. The Indian flagged terrace has plenty of seating to toast the newlyweds whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The accommodation at Hobbit Hill comprises of a luxury bridal suite which is nestled between The Round Wood and the forest behind Hobbit Hill, with its own driveway and parking. This pretty, bespoke lodge is a peaceful retreat for the newlyweds. Celebrate in style The fairytale Round Wood is the perfect space for outdoor ceremonies. With its rustic oak pergola, tree trunk benches and festoon lighting, it’s a truly magical space to tie the knot. With the same spectacular views across the Ribble Valley, the Ceremony Room is an equally stunning space to exchange vows. Both spaces have seating for up to 120 guests. The Main Barn has seating for 130 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and 180 for the evening reception. We love... Couples will have access to the venue the day before the wedding, so they can add special touches and bring their ideas to life. www.thefrommshoppe.com www.thefrommshoppe.com 15 RIBBLE VALLEY VENUES
FERRARI’S COUNTRY HOUSE LTD, PR3 2TB 01772 783 148 | www.ferrariscountryhouse.co.uk Built nearly 200 years ago by the Earl of Derby, Ferrari’s Country House Ltd is a quintessentially English property, which has been tastefully extended to provide flexible event spaces but was purposely built with weddings in mind. Nestled within six acres of grounds, the award-winning Italianate walled gardens sits alongside the main house and offers a bounty of natural backdrops that look wonderful in photographs. In keeping with the nature of the building and its idyllic surroundings, the house has been tastefully decorated throughout, with neutral tones that suit any theme or colour scheme. Celebrate in style There are several spaces available for weddings that are perfect for both small and large celebrations. The Derby Rooms overlooks the gardens and can accommodate up to 60 guests, while The Millenium, with its exposed wall, can be used for up to 40 loved ones. The Venetian, with almost floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams and impressive lighting, is available for 110 nearest and dearest. Large nuptials are held in the Ferrari Suite with up to 150 friends and family for the ceremony and 200 for the evening celebration. We love... The stand-out feature at Ferrari’s Country House Ltd is the gardens. Curated by the award-winning head gardener for more than 15 years, it’s a place of beauty that looks wonderful in photographs. RIBBY HALL VILLAGE, PR4 2PR 01772 685 858 | www.ribbyhall.co.uk Situated in 130 acres of gorgeous countryside, Ribby Hall Village is a five-star holiday destination with plenty of places for guests to explore, including The Spa Hotel, 2AA Rosette dining areas, a health club, an impressive nine-hole golf course and gorgeous bedrooms. Celebrate in style The Summer House is an idyllic setting for al fresco nuptials with vibrant summer blooms and gorgeous greenery, whilst The Garden Room offers a beautifully-lit space with scenic views. The Rowan is a versatile space with its own bar and dancefloor that’s ideal for dancing the night away, and The Woodland Suite offers the perfect venue for large celebrations of up to 350 guests. We love... The award-winning spa and acres of countryside. www.jessicaisherwoodphotography.co.uk www.paigehargreaves.com 16
STANLEY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, BB2 7NP 01254 769 200 | www.stanleyhouse.co.uk Situated within 54 acres of Ribble Valley countryside is the grand Stanley House Hotel & Spa. This Grade II listed manor house dates back to the 17th century and boasts original brickwork, modern features, a restaurant, a spa and breathtaking views. Celebrate in style The Barn Suite is a large, elegant space with a mirrored ceiling, exposed beams, elegant chandeliers and a stone wall. This beautifully-decorated space has room for 180 guests throughout the day. Boasting neutral tones throughout, The Stables Suite has an exposed stone wall and can accommodate 90 nearest and dearest. Adjacent to the bar area is The Lodge, which has a wall of stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the gardens and courtyard. We love... Stanley House Hotel & Spa offer all couples a complimentary spa voucher. STIRK HOUSE, BB7 4LJ 01200 445 581 | www.stirkhouse.co.uk Built in 1635, Stirk House exudes character and authentic features, which can still be seen today in the magnificent stone arch above the fireplace and the original doorway that has welcomed guests to this special place for over 300 years. Stirk House is a historic property with a winding driveway, ivy-clad walls, sparkling stone mullion windows and vibrant and immaculate gardens. Boasting spectacular views of the surrounding Ribble Valley countryside and Lancashire’s famous Pendle Hill, guests can enjoy relaxing strolls through the gardens, ancient forest and nature trail. Stirk Tree, affectionately named by past couples, is a sycamore which towers above the grounds and is adorned with hundreds of twinkling fairylights. This is a particularly popular spot for wedding photographs, and the decking area around the tree allows couples and their photographer to spend some time taking mesmerising pictures in a peaceful and lovely part of the venue. Celebrate in style Ceremonies of up to 115 guests take place in the timeless Gallery Suite. This charming and intimate room is surprisingly spacious and allows couples to customise the décor to suit the theme of their special day. The Ceremony Room is prefaced with a walk through the Conservatory, a serene and elegant part of the hotel which features a spectacular living wall of colour-changing ivy. Wedding receptions of up to 250 guests are held in the magnificent Stirk House Ballroom. This room features a large dancefloor, a bar, a separate lounge area, a popular selfie wall, a fairylight corridor and a huge skylight, allowing guests to dance the night away under the stars. We love... The happy couple will enjoy a complimentary stay in the fabulous honeymoon suite on the night of their wedding. This suite includes a luxurious bedroom with views of the surrounding grounds and countryside, a separate lounge area as well as a free-standing bath and double shower. www.zoie-photography.com www.anthonyivesphoto.com www.lesleymeredith.co.uk 17 RIBBLE VALLEY VENUES
Wedding packages STARTING FROM£3,000 - C H O R L E Y G O L F C L U B - Located in the beautiful Lancashire country side, with stunning views over Rivington Pike and Winter Hill. Our Grade 2 listed building provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. www.chorleygolfclub.co.uk michelle@chorleygolfclub.co.uk 01257 480263 HA L L O ’ TH ’ H I L L , HE ATH CHARNOCK CHOR L E Y , P R6 9HX
Happily ever after CASTLETOWN WOODLAND WEDDINGS, CA6 4BN 01228 674 792 | www.castletownwoodlandweddings.com Located on a private estate, Castletown Woodland Weddings is nestled between the Lake District and Gretna in the heart of a secluded woodland. The on-site tipis are decorated with festoon lights, flowers and beautiful wooden carvings, bringing the beauty of nature indoors. What’s more there’s a wooden dancefloor where guests can dance the night away, a chill-out zone and a fully-licenced bar made from reclaimed wood. The private grounds are available for wedding parties and make the perfect photo opportunity. From the historical Castletown House and the Solway River views, to the orchard, greenhouse, fountain and vast gardens, there are plenty of places for guests to explore. Celebrate in style Hidden in a secluded woodland area is the historic dovecote. Licensed for official wedding ceremonies as well as blessings and humanist ceremonies, it has a maximum capacity of 100 guests. The tipis and outdoor woodland area can accommodate 200 friends and family for the evening reception. We love... The on-site cottage is perfect for the wedding party to stay over and there’s a luxury pod that can be used by the happy couple. Tie the knot in a fairytale setting www.naomihouse.co.uk www.naomihouse.co.uk 19 FAIRYTALE SETTINGS
CHORLEY GOLF CLUB, PR6 9HX 01257 480 263 | www.chorleygolfclub.co.uk Chorley Golf Club is a 17th-century manor house with a beautiful stone exterior. The Grade II listed building houses many original features while still having a modern and sleek style. Situated within 124 acres of moorland golf course, the venue is in the heart of Lancashire and boasts impressive views of the surrounding golf course, Rivington Pike and Winter Hill. Celebrate in style The happy couple will host their ceremony and wedding breakfast in the beautifully-decorated Rivington Suite and the drinks reception in the Fairclough Suite. We love... The club offers a complimentary round of golf for four people in the month leading up to the wedding and a free meal for two to celebrate the couple’s anniversary. WEST TOWER, L39 7HJ 01695 423 328 | www.westtower.com Nestled within eight acres, West Tower sits proudly at the end of a secluded driveway and is surrounded by well-kept gardens. Boasting uninterrupted views of the Lancashire countryside, guests will be wowed by the 27 beautifully-appointed guest bedrooms, the luxurious bridal suite, state-of-the-art dressing room, glass skylight, wooden staircase, apex-covered entrance, secluded patio and terrace. Celebrate in style Weddings of up to 145 day and 250 evening guests take place in The Ballroom. Full of natural light, this space has wooden floors, PA facilities, striking views and an elegant décor throughout. Outdoor celebrations are held on the manicured lawns under the pagoda. We love... West Tower provides couples with a complimentary menu tasting, accommodation in the bridal suite and an invitation to monthly open evenings. www.foxleyphotography.com 20
MACDONALD KILHEY COURT, WN1 2XN 03448 799 045 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/kilhey-court Macdonald Kilhey Court is home to glorious gardens, a landscaped lawn at the rear of the property and 11 acres of breathtaking woodland. The four-star venue is a stone’s throw away from the tranquil Arley Reservoir and the Worthington Lakes and offers stunning views of the local area. This Victorian manor has a traditional décor throughout, reflecting the building’s history and heritage, and a driveway that’s sure to wow guests. Celebrate in style The Victorian Garden Suite and Wordsworth Suite are decorated in a traditional style and have space for 50 guests. Boasting large windows and plenty of natural light, The Masefield Suite is accessed from the ground floor of the original house and is ideal for large weddings. It has private access, disabled facilities, a bar and a separate lounge area with room for 150 loved ones. Alternatively, The Lakeside Suite has floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the landscaped gardens and lake and is capable of hosting 350 friends and family. We love... Newlyweds will receive a menu tasting session before the wedding and a discount card to enjoy all the benefits of the hotel in the lead-up to the big day, including savings on spa treatments. CALTHWAITE HALL, CA11 9QU 01768 894 529 | www.calthwaitehall.co.uk Calthwaite Hall is a Gothic stone county house hidden in the centre of a traditional Cumbrian village. Accessed through a majestic wrought iron gate, which leads to an arched stone portico, the property has been lovingly restored and is the perfect base for exploring the wilderness of the Lake District, the Cumbrian Coast and the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders and Hadrian’s Wall. This private venue has a secret garden, historic terraces, curvaceous borders and an abundance of birds and wildlife. Celebrate in style Small weddings take place in the hallway, which boasts a one-of-a-kind staircase that’s perfect for photographs, with space for 40 guests. Calthwaite Hall has invested in a custom-built Victorian-style orangery. This striking building has a glass front with double doors opening onto a Mediterranean-style garden with plants and herbs. The space has a neutral canvas that can be personalised to suit different themes and colour schemes, a full bar set-up with beer pumps and a designated dancefloor area. It’s capable of seating 80 loved ones formally and 100 for an informal evening celebration. Large nuptials are held under the arched-stone portico, which can be decorated with a choice of flowers and garlands and can fit 200 friends and family. Al fresco celebrations take place in the gardens, which have delicate water features, formal terraces and natural woodland. Marquees and tipis can also be hired upon request. We love... The venue has luxurious lodges with hot tubs on-site that are perfect for the wedding party. 21 FAIRYTALE SETTINGS
Small and intimate or exclusive use weddings in the heart of the Lake District.
Lynda and Richard celebrated their magical nuptials at Bashall Barn with a Harry Potter theme Images courtesy of Fish 2 Photography Always Lynda and Richard met on a dating app. “We went to a board game café for our first date,” says Lynda. “We spent several hours playing various games and walking around Avenham Park. I loved how at ease I felt around him and I knew I could be myself with him. I enjoyed his company so much and knew I wanted to see him again. Thankfully he felt the same and I was able to see him two days later when he asked me to be his girlfriend.” Richard took Lynda away for a surprise trip for her birthday. “I wanted to propose somewhere that had a bit of a geeky twist to it,” shares Richard. “As it was our second anniversary coming up, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity. I surprised Lynda with a trip to Alnwick Castle, which is the main Hogwarts set in the Harry Potter films, which was an initial bonding point for us. Before the trip, I had got a golden snitch box 3D printed, and when researching what ring to get, I paraded Lynda around the gemstone section of the Natural History Museum to get an idea of what type of style and stone to go for. On the day, when we were in a secluded part of the castle overlooking the countryside, I got down on one knee and asked the question.” Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day... REAL WEDDINGS 23
Since we are Harry potter fans, and it was an initial talking point for us, we decided to add this to our theme. We didn’t want to go over the top so we added little touches. We’re both in Ravenclaw, so we went for a navy-blue colour palette. Our table plan was The Marauder’s Map, which was an obvious choice for showing our guests where they should be on the day. For the table flowers, we went with blue tulips, which are my favourites. For the wedding party, we opted for paper flowers made from the pages of the Harry Potter books. We wanted everyone to have their own cake, so we had custom cupcakes made with coloured fillings to sort the guests into their Hogwarts houses. We visited the restaurant at Bashall Barn and noticed that it was also a wedding venue. The team showed us around, and we fell in love with the rustic feel of the venue and the grounds, which made for amazing wedding photos. I had a room to use the night before with the bridesmaids, and we had exclusivity of the venue on the day. The favours were handmade wands that were slotted into the guests’ place cards. 24
My dress was called Rebecca by Romantica from Kate’s Bridal Room. I was looking for a gown with sleeves and this came with a jacket attached that could be taken off if needed, which essentially gave me two looks for the day. I wanted to keep my accessories low-key, so I went with a veil, a necklace that had a photo of my grandparents in and customised Converse. The bridesmaids wore navy cascading dresses with their own jewellery. We supplied sparklers in the evening and bubble wands during the day. Richard wanted a suit that was a mixture of traditional and modern, so he decided to go for a navy tail suit with a different coloured waistcoat and cravat to the rest of the groomsmen. During the evening, we had a fantastic DJ from Dancefloor Couture LTD. For our honeymoon, we went to Edinburgh for five days. We planned it together and visited lots of tourist attractions. REAL WEDDINGS 25
LYNDA AND RICHARD’S CONTACTS Venue and catering, Bashall Barn, www.bashallbarn.co.uk | Photographer, Fish 2 Photography, www.fish2.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Kates Bridal Room, www.katesbridalroom.co.uk | Bride’s shoe decals, London Town Crafts, www.facebook.com/londontowncrafts | Bride’s apron, Sew Crafty Corner, www.sewcraftycorner.com | Dress alterations, Legend Bridal Designs, www.legendbridaldesigns.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Slater Menswear, www.slaters.co.uk | Hair stylist, Alisons Hair, www.alisonshair.co.uk | Make-up artist, Ashleigh Lauren MUA, www.ashleighlauren.co.uk | Cake, The 8 Bit Bakery, www.facebook.com/the8bitbakery | Flowers, Floral Derangement, www.floralderangement.co.uk | Stationery, Little Green Wedding, www.littlegreenwedding.com | Entertainment, Dancefloor Couture LTD, www.thedfcexperience.co.uk 26
www.rosecastle.com • hello@rosecastle.com • 01228 642980 • @rosecastleestate
CLOSE Hold me Lauren and Alberto celebrated their big day with a relaxed theme at Wigan Town Hall and Stretford Public Hall Images courtesy of Take Two Photography 28
Lauren and Alberto met through mutual friends in 2014. “Alberto had recently moved to the UK from Buenos Aires, and he showed up at my shared house to meet up with one of his friends,” says Lauren. “He turned up with a carton of chocolate milk and some chocolate brioche. Needless to say, it was a good start! Alberto has the biggest smile, the kindest eyes, and rock-and-roll hair. He is so friendly and easygoing, and I was attracted to him immediately.” Alberto proposed in 2019 during a holiday to Mexico. “He took me for a long walk along the beach,” shares the bride. “I don’t think he knew exactly where we were going. We were walking for quite some time until we reached a beautiful point overlooking the ocean. He then got down on one knee and popped the question, which was a complete surprise!” SETTING THE SCENE “We chose the Atrium at Wigan Town Hall as our ceremony venue for a few reasons,” explains Lauren. “I was born in Wigan, so there was a nice link there, and we live within the borough. The Atrium is a lovely space full of original features, and it fit our budget, which was relatively small as far as weddings go. We chose the Ballroom at Stretford Public Hall as our reception venue. We had been to an exhibition there, when we first moved back up to the North West, and we really loved the property! It’s a fantastic community space and also a charity, so it was great to support them as part of our day. “The Atrium didn’t need much decorating, which was great,” adds the bride. “As far as rooms for civil ceremonies go, it already had what we wanted. We did, however, arrive and leave in style. My dad arranged all of the transport. He is a bit of a classic car enthusiast, which came in very handy on the day. Alberto and his best men came in a Rolls Royce driven by one of his friends, and I was picked up in a classic 1960’s white Mini, which was absolutely incredible. Little did I know my dad had actually purchased the Mini some months before and had been doing it up ready for the big day. It was a complete surprise, and I will be forever grateful to him. It was literally the car that I would have chosen had I been the one to choose. His friend was my fantastic chauffeur, and it was so much fun to ride in! He also arranged a vintage London bus from Routemaster 4 Hire to transport our guests from the ceremony to the reception. Alberto and I met in London, and my greatgrandfather used to drive the buses around the capital back in the day, so there was a lovely link there.” The couple chose wild blooms in greens, corals, apricots, and yellows for their flowers from Northern Flower. “Everything looked and smelt incredible,” recalls Lauren. “We chose buttonholes, bouquets and a tiny ribbon for our daughter to wear. “I come from a creative background, so sourcing what we wanted for the decorations was a matter of scouring charity shops and car boot sales for vases, up-cycling and dyeing fabrics to fit our colour scheme and roping in our amazing friends to tie metres of colourful bunting,” continues the bride. “The venue was ours to transform, so we divided the space into two areas. We had a dining area with banquet-style tables for the reception, and a party area which was more colourful with a fiesta theme. Our close friends and family helped us decorate the venue the evening before, making reams of bunting, climbing ladders to string lights, rolling out table runners, and arranging flowers into vases. We literally could not have done it without their help.” It was important for the happy couple to incorporate their personalities, backgrounds and interests into their day. “We tried to put as much of us into the décor as we could,” reveals Lauren. “Our favours were Argentinian alfajores (a traditional chocolate biscuit) and wildflower seed bombs. We also chose to use Argentinian dulce de leche as the main flavour for our wedding cake, which was beautifully made by my brother’s partner, who has her own small baking business called Mêl by Lois. She decorated it with blooms from my bridal REAL WEDDINGS 29
THE NEW K I D ON THE B LOCK www.stbeesschool.co.uk S T B E E S S C H O O L W O O D L A N E S T B E E S C U M B R I A C A 2 7 0 D S
bouquet, and it was absolutely stunning.” To tie in with their relaxed theme, the couple opted for a banquetstyle seating plan. “We were on the fence about having a seating plan, but in the end opted to have one despite the challenge of placing everyone,” remembers the bride. “Our meal was a buffet-style feast, with barbecue marinaded treats and fresh salads and sides. We didn’t do any tasting sessions prior to booking Herb & Spice Catering, but they had great reviews, and we were so happy with them. The food was delicious. Our wedding cake was dessert, and we also served delicious brownies that my step-sisters were kind enough to make for us via their business, Manchester Brownie Box. Our drinks were Spanish wines and British beers. I think we managed to keep everyone happy, well fed and suitably topped up with booze!” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I wore a simple, ivory, empire-line dress that I bought from Sister Jane,” says Lauren. “It had a lovely texture to it with a gorgeous bow to tie the back. I ended up removing the sleeves from it for the big day, as it just felt much more my style that way. It was the first dress that I tried on, and although I did try others after purchasing it, I just couldn’t find anything I liked more! I kept my accessories simple with a handmade chiffon bow in my hair, pearl-encrusted hoop earrings, and my late mother’s gold signet ring on my right hand. I wanted to feel like she was close by, and it felt like a good moment to wear it.” Alberto wore a brown wool suit from Harry Brown Menswear, complete with waistcoat, white shirt, loafers, and a grey tie. “The lining of his suit was amazing,” shares the bride. “It was a bright floral design that mirrored the textured flowers on my dress. He looked so handsome. “We had flowergirls and bridesmaids,” continues Lauren. “Our two daughters and our niece were our flowergirls, and we chose white dresses with bright floral embroidery on the bodice for the three of them. My two closest friends were my bridesmaids, and I didn’t specify any particular dress or style that they should wear. I wanted them to feel their best and I felt a bit awkward about asking them to wear something that I had chosen for them. We were on a pretty tight budget, and I am so grateful to them both for having gone out to choose their own dresses. Sarah chose a gorgeous figure-hugging pink ruffled dress, and Lizzie chose a totally beautiful floral ankle-length dress. Sarah and Lizzie don’t know each other that well, having only properly met on the hen do, but somehow, they magically managed to coordinate the colours, and both looked absolutely stunning!” TIME TO CELEBRATE “We laid the entertainment on quite thick for our party,” explains the bride. “We kicked the night off with live music from some great friends of ours who play accordion, violin, and the cajon. They got everyone warmed up and dancing. They also played a lot of tango-inspired music, which was perfect for leading into our next performers, Northern Tango Academy. They stunned everyone and invited us all to have a tango lesson to practice some moves of our own. We then moved into the disco part of the night, which included an amazing bridal-themed show from our wonderful friend Ed, who performs as professional drag artist and all-round amazing, Mayumi Fukiko.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “We felt nervous, excited and emotional on the morning of the wedding,” recalls Lauren. “It really was such an incredible day full of joy. We had to cancel our original wedding date back in 2020, and we seized the moment one day and decided almost on a whim to go for it, book a date, and finally be married. We planned and put together the whole day within six months, and we felt elated that we had managed to pull it off in such a short space of time. “Saying our own vows was a big highlight of the day,” adds the bride. “It was a tender moment full of so much emotion. I also loved my dad’s speech which was absolutely amazing. He has been learning 31 REAL WEDDINGS
Spanish and addressed my partner and his family and friends in Spanish as part of his special words. It was a very emotional moment. So many of our nearest and dearest had travelled from afar to celebrate with us, and that was so appreciated. “At the end of the night, we were both picked up by a circle of our Argentinian friends and bounced into the air to shouts of congratulations,” continues Lauren. “We also ‘lost’ our oldest daughter at one point, only to find her hiding under one of the banquet tables playing happily in a ‘den’ with one of her little friends.” HONEYMOON “We had three honeymoons,” reveals Lauren. “We spent our wedding night at The Alan in Manchester, then had a few nights away together in a quiet picturesque town in Mallorca, followed by a family-moon in Greece. It had been a long time since we had last been away, so we really went for it this year.” LAUREN AND ALBERTO’S CONTACTS Ceremony venue, Wigan Town Hall, www.wigan.gov.uk | Reception venue, Stretford Public Hall, www.stretfordpublichall.org.uk | Photographer, Take Two Photography, www.taketwophotography.co.uk | Second shooter, Flora Yan, www.instagram.com/florayan9 | Bride’s dress, Sister Jane, www.sisterjane.com | Bride’s ring, We Are Arrow, www.wearearrow.com | Groom’s suit, Harry Brown Menswear, www.harrybrownlondon.com Cake, Mêl by Lois, www.instagram.com/meltreatsbylois | Flowers, Northern Flower, www.northernflower.com | Bus, Routemaster 4 Hire, www.routemaster4hire.co.uk | Mini Cooper, Graham Martin, gjmiam@hotmail.com | Band, Lost Revellers, www.lostrevellers.com | Drag queen, Mayumi Fukiko, www.instagram.com/mayumifukiko | Tango dancers, Northern Tango Academy, www.northerntangoacademy.com | Catering, Herb & Spice Catering, www.herbandspicecatering.co.uk | Brownies, Manchester Brownie Box, www.manchesterbrowniebox.com 32
STAG & HEN PARTIES OR OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS Getting out into the outdoors can be a great unique way of celebrating a special occasion, such as an up coming wedding or birthday party. We can also provide a selection of activities throughout the day that revolve around a ‘mission’ type theme with a small prize at the end. Ideal activities for hen/stag parties and special occasions include: raft building, team building/ problem solving, archery, gyhll scrambling, canyoning and canoeing. £40 for half a day and £60 for a full day per person. Based in the Lake District at Coniston. We also can add to your day, buffet lunch at a small extra cost and changing and showers. Some of our activities can be done in Lancashire such as Rock Climbing and Abseiling. These events are suitable for groups of up to 16 (if you have a bigger group please contact us to see what we can offer). www.adventurenorthwest.co.uk E: info@adventurenorthwest.co.uk T: 07795 917 171 www.iloveyouthirteen.com joni@iloveyouthirteen.com @iloveyouthirteen
Lesley Meredith Photography DARE TO DREAM... State of the Art Dressing Room from 8am I Opulent bridal Suite 27 guest bedrooms I Accommodating up to 145 daytime & 250 evening guests Ten acres grounds exclusively yours for the day Call: 01695 423328, email: sales@westtower.com or visit westtower.com West Tower, Mill Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk, L39 7HJ Nicole Photography Herve Gillet Photography Herve Gillet Photography
The one for me Carla and Paul tied the knot at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort with a black and white colour scheme Images courtesy of The Fromm Shoppe Carla and Paul met in 2016 at a Manchester City vs Aston Villa football game. “We vaguely knew of each other as we are from the same area but had never spoken,” says Carla. “We started talking as the day went on and hit it off. The next day Paul asked me out on a date which we went on a couple of weeks later. After that, we were inseparable and moved in together nine months later.” Paul popped the question at the couple’s wedding venue, Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort. “We were getting ready for dinner when all of a sudden Paul was down on one knee asking me to marry him,” shares the bride. “It was a complete surprise! We had dinner and champagne and were on cloud nine.” Here she shares some of her favourite moments from their big day... REAL WEDDINGS 35
Paul and I wanted everything to be quite neutral with a touch of class. The cake was four tiers, and made up of lemon d rizzle, Bakewell tart and vanilla. We went for a classic shape with a touc h of glam. We had spent time with Laura from Sugar Fancies designing i t, and when we saw it on the day, it was exactly how we had imagined it. For our centrepieces, we chose white flowers from The Flower Girls, Whalley, and floating candles. Our place names doubled up as favours that our guests could take home. The tables were named after Manchester City players. The table names were made by Invite and Light, and the place names were from Laser Made Occasions. We had large light-up letters at the side of the room, which made a great photo opportunity. We also had a light-up dancefloor from Creative Venue Stylist. Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort holds a special place in our heart as that’s where we got engaged. We viewed other v enues, but I think deep down we both knew it was always going to be Cr ow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort. It had fantastic views, a lake, woods at t he back of the grounds, lovely rooms for our guests to stay over, and ama zing food. Every member of staff that we encountered were fantastic and c ouldn’t do enough for us. 36
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