Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - November/December 2019 (Issue 48)

REAL WEDDINGS 33  DRESSED TO IMPRESS The bride’s stunning gown was made by the talented Philip Armstrong, with design assistance from Ashleigh. She opted for a detailed back flowing into beautiful ruffles. Ashleigh says, “I tried on so many beautiful dresses, but nobody makes a wedding dress like Philip and Tony! They instantly knew exactly what I wanted and made the most beautiful gown that fitted me like a glove. I really did feel like a princess.” The look was completed with a veil borrowed from step-mother-of-the-bride Caran. The groom wore a bespoke suit also made by Philip Armstrong. James opted for an ivory blazer and black bow tie – “He felt like a million dollars!” Ashleigh remembers. The groomsmen were dressed in black dinner suits making James stand out on his special day. “The bridesmaids all looked absolutely stunning,” the bride recalls, “They wore blush pink dresses to complement the flowers.” CELEBRATE IN STYLE The entertainment was an important part of the day for the couple so booking the band was one of the first things they did to ensure their pick of the best. Ashleigh says, “We went for the five-piece live band Groove Membership. They were a great hit with our guests and got each and every one up dancing.” Having decided they’d also like a DJ to perform later on in the evening, the pair turned to Jonny Ross Music who supplied one complete with percussion and sax player. “We also had a magic mirror photo booth, which everyone loved. It was so great to see all of the hilarious pictures that resulted from it,” Ashleigh tells us. MEMORABLE MOMENTS “The day was everything we could have wished for and more. It felt like a dream,” the bride remembers. As nearlyweds, the couple enjoyed a meal together with close friends and family the night before the big event. Then, Ashleigh stayed in the lodge with her bridesmaids. She says, “It was lovely to have the evening with the girls and wake up to breakfast with them all.” James stayed at the castle with this best man and treated himself to an early sauna. “Every single moment of the day stood out for us, but walking down the aisle was overwhelming – seeing the room the way it was with all of our loved ones there. Having an owl deliver our wedding rings to us at the altar was also a huge highlight. It added to the fairytale nature of our day,” Ashleigh remembers.