OCT/NOV 2022 HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, FASHION, GROOMS, EXPERT ADVICE, FREEBIES AND MORE £3.55 www.yournorthwest.wedding A stay in Portugal WIN! Pick of the bunch The latest flower trends The look OF LOVE Photographers showcase their work ONCE UPON A TIME Fantasy wedding dresses Spotlight on... Greater Manchester
Winter Wonderland Wedding Package From only £5,495 for 60 guests Dates available from October 2023 to January 2024 Experience the magic of an Abbey House Hotel festive season with our Winter Wonderland Wedding Package email; weddings@abbeyhousehotel.com for more information Wedding Showcase weekend on the 7th & 8th January 2023, 11am-3pm each day 01229 838282 Abbey House Hotel & Gardens, Abbey Road, Furness Abbey, Cumbria, LA13 0PA Abbey House Hotel & Gardens
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 59 HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your questions 85 COMPETITION Win a trip to Portugal CONTENTS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 On the cover... This issue’s cover has been sponsored by Aughton-based West Tower (https://westtower.com) and was captured at the wedding of Natalie and Lee Coventry on 5th September 2021 by The Struths (www.struthphotography.com). VENUES 15 SPOTLIGHT ON GREATER MANCHESTER Discover some of the best venues in the area 19 TALE AS OLD AS TIME Venues full of history 19 FEATURES 39 PASTEL DREAMS This spring-inspired shoot at Eden Barn is full of inspiration 43 FLOWER POWER The latest wedding trends 47 RUSTIC ROMANCE Heavy rain meant this styled shoot was nearly cancelled, but The Barn at Morleys Hall saved the day 51 PICTURE THIS Local photographers showcase their favourite images 55 BEAUTIFULLY BOHO This styled shoot at Wyrebank shows how to incorporate a cream and gold colour scheme into your w-day styling 63 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Fall in love with this intimate, boho shoot at The Olde England Kiosk 66 OUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER County Wedding Magazines’ senior editor Melissa Cullen shares her wedding planning journey 66 www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk/ www.wyldbee.com 3
FASHION & BEAUTY 68 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 69 DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Bring out your romantic side in one of these dreamy dresses decorated with whimsical lace, ditsy florals and crystal embellishments 75 STANDOUT SLEEVES These statement dresses will take you from day to dancefloor 78 BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems 23 28 www.ianjohncookphotography.co.uk REAL WEDDINGS 23 NATURAL BEAUTY Naomi and Dan celebrated their minimalistthemed nuptials at the beautiful West Tower 28 THE ONE FOR ME Karen and Danny opted for a burgundy, blue and gold colour scheme at Chadkirk Chapel 33 CLASSICALLY ELEGANT Daisy and Thomas had a monochrome-themed wedding at King Street Townhouse GROOMS 79 GROOMS' NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 80 AUTUMN DELIGHTS The latest seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be HONEYMOONS 82 HONEYMOON NEWS The newest openings and honeymoon destinations 84 WITH LOVE FROM MADRID Easter in Spain’s vibrant capital city 86 THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY Discover why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination 88 SWEET ESCAPES Enjoy a relaxing minimoon in some of the UK’s best boltholes 86 www.michaeltownsend.photography www.emilyrobinsonphotography.co.uk 33 https://emilyrobi sonphotography.co.uk 4
Small and intimate or exclusive use weddings in the heart of the Lake District.
Before I tied the knot, several of my friends warned me about the wedding blues – the feeling of sadness once the big day is over. It’s a strange feeling when something you’ve been planning for months or sometimes even years is over in the blink of an eye. To help avoid this, my hubby and I jetted off on our honeymoon to Greece a few days after the wedding. It was wonderful getting to spend quality time with each other, relaxing on the beach and exploring the sights. Having this time together meant we didn’t really feel a sense of sadness that the day was over and it extended our wedding bubble a little bit longer. If you’re stuck for travel ideas, we have a must-see honeymoon section focusing on gorgeous properties in the UK and abroad. Also in this issue, we reveal the latest flower trends, showcase work from local photographers and some of the best venues in Greater Manchester. What’s more, we have lots of real weddings and styled shoots to inspire you. If you’d like your wedding featured or have been involved with a styled shoot, you can submit it at www.yournorthwest.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding Melissa x Melissa Cullen, Senior Editor Heavy rain meant this styled shoot was nearly cancelled, but The Barn at Morleys Hall saved the day. 47 55 85 This shoot at Wyrebank shows how you can incorporate a cream and gold colour scheme into your w-day styling. Win a trip to Portugal. www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk www.jobishopphotography.com 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 Fun in the sun www.victoriafranksphotography.co.uk Local photographers showcase some of their favourite images. 51 www.fish2.co.uk 6
39This spring-inspired shoot at Eden Barn is full of inspiration. 63 69 33 66 68 19 Bring out your romantic side in one of these dreamy dresses decorated with whimsical lace, ditsy florals and crystal embellishments. Fall in love with this intimate, boho shoot at The Olde England Kiosk. Read all about my wedding planning journey. Daisy and Thomas had a monochrome-themed wedding at King Street Townhouse. The latest bridal news, buys and launches. Check out these beautiful venues full of history. www.oliviajmorgan.com www.marinawalkerphoto.com www.somersidephotography.com https://emilyrobinsonphotography.co.uk www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 7
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
All the latest from around the North West ECO-FRIENDLY PLANNING Wedding planners, Your Forever After has become a part of the Chamber of Commerce in Lancashire. The owner, Deanna Melia, tells us: “We have attended events about reducing carbon footprint in our business and are continuously taking steps to do just that. We’ve taken part in training and business events, which can help with staying green and networking with other companies. It’s amazing to be part of such a fantastic organisation. “We’ve also launched a new blog on our website. Not only do we show you our magazine features, but we also discuss sustainability within the wedding industry. We think it’s important to remain conscious about your carbon footprint and make ecofriendly decisions, especially with how big the wedding industry is. We want to ensure that everything we do in our business is sustainable, and that’s why we want to bring awareness to how unsustainable the wedding industry is at the moment.” Discover more at www.yourforeverafter.co.uk NEW BRIDAL BOUTIQUE! Willow & Wilde is a new bridal boutique opening this October. Based in Helmshore, Rossendale, the store has a range of dresses priced from £500 - £2,000 with designers including Willowby by Watters, Freda Bennet, French Collection by Wendy Makin and Kelsey Rose. The owner, Caroline Crompton, tells us: “At Willow & Wilde, we have selected a range of gorgeous gowns, separates and accessories to suit all weddings and budgets. Our style is modern vintage with a boho vibe, lots of soft tulle and chiffon with contemporary lace appliqué and a range of shades such as blush and titanium. Our designers have been chosen for their quality and amazing collections, but still with a great price to match all budgets. “The boutique is designed to be a relaxing and inclusive space, where clients and their guests can feel confident and enjoy themselves. With more than 10 years’ experience working in the bridal industry with some of the top British designers, our fashion-forward and creative flair will help you make a decision that works for you and your wedding day.” Head over to www.willowandwildebridal.co.uk for more information. NEWS Nearlywed ARRIVE IN STYLE Something Cool Wedding Cars is a new transport company based in Rossendale. Owner Andy Buttery has spent months searching for the perfect car to bring his vision to life. Andy is a former graphic designer and now a digital artist with many years of customer service experience. He tells us: “I was looking for a real head-turner, but something attractive that retained a classic appeal. Weddings are all about happiness and laughter, and a cool car can certainly bring lots of fun. I also like to think that we are providing the photographer with a fantastic prop to shoot with, inspiring them to get some great photos. Here at Something Cool Wedding Cars, we have found our niche, creating something different and unique for our couples. We are always available for an informal chat and happy to answer any questions on how we can use our creative side to weave your theme and ambition for the day into the look and feel of the car. “The first car in our fleet is a 1974 VW Beetle ‘Wizard Roadster’ soft top conversion. Featuring lowered suspension, minimalistic body styling, a leather interior and lowered front screen, the appearance combined with the sound of the air-cooled engine is something spectacular. There’s also a Bluetooth subwoofer to blast out your playlist. For most couples, the preferred option of a soft-top Beetle is to fold the roof down, however, the Wizard remains stunning with the roof fastened if rain is forecast. “As Something Cool Wedding Cars grows, so will its fleet with the ambition to add another custom VW Beetle or Camper Bus soon.” Get in touch at www.somethingcoolcars.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Get cosy this autumn with afternoon tea at The Belsfield Hotel. The luxurious four-star wedding venue, nestled on the banks of the majestic Lake Windermere, is offering afternoon tea from just £24.95 per person. The delicious range of afternoon teas, which are served from 12pm to 5pm, cater to all tastes and dietary requirements and allow guests to indulge in a sumptuous selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, pastries and teas – the perfect way to stay toasty on a chilly autumn afternoon. The menu includes irresistible delicacies such as smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, raspberry crumble and plain and fruit buttermilk scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. A plantbased menu is also available offering tempting delights such as falafel and roasted pepper sandwiches, mini-vegetable spring rolls, carrot cake, and scones with plant-based whipped cream. Gluten-free and dairy-free guests can also be catered for, and all afternoon teas can be upgraded to include a glass of champagne or prosecco. Tea is served in the hotel’s stylish restaurant, which offers beautiful views of Lake Windermere in the crisp autumn sunshine. Check out www.thebelsfieldhotel.com for more information. FALL IN LOVE Storrs Hall is offering a cosy autumn break, perfect for minimoons. The Lakeside Suites are a beautiful place from which to view Cumbria’s autumn colours. Every year, the Lake District explodes into fiery hues, with the fells taking on stunning amber, gold and deep purple, and the still-warm weather combined with the quieter Lakeland streets, make it an idyllic time to visit. Set apart from the main house of Storrs Hall, just steps from the shores of Windermere, The Lakeside Suites are vast in size, and each one has its own outdoor terrace with hot tub and glass walls to make the most of the views, huge beds, sofas with cosy blankets, a fire to stay toasty by and enormous bathrooms with freestanding baths, walk-in showers and double sinks. In the main house, Storrs Hall’s cosy Tower Bar offers indulgent, hearty dishes and a roaring fire to snuggle up by. The hotel is renowned for its lavish afternoon teas too – perfect for refuelling after a morning exploring the Lake District’s autumn landscapes. For more information, visit www.storrshall.com RING-A-DING-DING Based in Manchester, Lily Arkwright is a sustainable and ethical luxury online jeweller offering lab-grown moissanite, diamonds, coloured gemstone engagement rings, wedding bands and jewellery in a variety of 18K white, yellow, rose gold and platinum. With weddings back in full swing this year, Lily Arkwright has put together a guide revealing the most popular times to propose. Festive proposals are the most popular with many rings purchased in the Black Friday sales. Just like weddings, proposals are immensely popular as the sun begins to shine in the UK and as more people prepare for romantic holidays. Lily Arkwright sees sales rise by 38 per cent in April as couples prepare for springtime proposals. This continues into the summer months as July proves to be a favoured month for engagement ring shopping. Surprisingly millennials no longer see Valentine’s Day, the day of love, as an ideal time to propose. With no spike in engagement ring sales in February in recent years, Valentine’s Day has quickly become an unpopular time of year for engagements, according to Lily Arkwright. Since launching in 2015, Lily Arkwright shares that sales of engagement rings typically rise in October. The retailer regularly has customers proposing on festive pre-Christmas holidays with popular destinations, including New York and European Christmas markets. To find out more, visit www.lilyarkwright.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY! H. Samuel, on Manchester’s Market Street, is celebrating 160 years of business. First opening in 1862, it introduced on-trend pieces that were designed with style and price in mind. In a time when women could not vote or get an education, the owner, Harriet Samuel, beat all odds to follow her dreams and turned the family watchmakers into a mail-order business right in the heart of Manchester, with one goal: to make quality jewellery and watches accessible to everyone. Visit www.hsamuel.co.uk for more information. 10
Chair & Table Decor | Flower Walls & Sequin Walls Neon Signs | Event Essentials | Vintage China Hire 5% Discount - Quote code “NWW5” 07891 175 456 | enquiries@blisseventsbykatie.com www.blisseventsbykatie.com Venue Dressing & Event Styling across the North West 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
www.rosecastle.com • hello@rosecastle.com • 01228 642980 • @rosecastleestate
ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURNORTHWEST.WEDDING Closing date is 30th November, 2022, unless otherwise stated. THE SWEETEST THING Nowadays, a cake is more than just something sweet to eat, it’s a work of art that can incorporate your theme or colour scheme and tie the whole day together. Here at Your North West Wedding, we understand how important it is to find the right supplier, so to help our lovely readers, we’ve teamed up with Cakes by Katey to offer you an exclusive discount. Cakes by Katey based in Morecambe, Lancashire, is run by Katey Melici. Katey is a talented cake maker offering bakes for any occasion, including weddings, birthdays, christenings and parties. Whether you’re looking for a traditional three-tiered design, a fun and quirky bake or delicious cupcakes, Cakes by Katey has something to suit. To get 10 per cent off any of Katey’s services, get in touch at kateymelici@hotmail.com and mention the magazine – simple! To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/kateymelici and turn to page 59 to read some of Katey’s top tips. ACCESSORISE AND SHINE Award-winning Danish brand Sif Jakobs Jewellery is renowned for creating modern, luxurious designs with an affordable price tag. The jewellery is made of rhodium,18k rose gold or yellow gold plated 925 sterling silver, featuring high-quality zirconia stones that create a sophisticated and dramatic expression often featured in Sif Jakobs’ collections. County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Sif Jakobs Jewellery to give readers the chance to win this necklace and earring set worth £158 from the coveted Belluno collection. Made with 925 sterling silver and the highest quality cubic zirconia, all jewellery is handcrafted and carefully inspected to ensure perfection. Visit https://sifjakobs.com Freebies &OFFERS Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers FREEBIES & OFFERS 13
WEDDINGS REDHALL at Red Hall Hotel sits on the outskirts of Bury, overlooking the countryside hills of Ramsbottom. Boasting 37 rooms, Red Hall Hotel is the perfect countryside location for a bucolic wedding. We have build-your-own packages available that are suitable for a variety of budgets, to ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams. The Red Hall Hotel Manchester Road, Walmersley Bury, Lancashire BL9 5NA T: 01706 822476 E: events@red-hall.co.uk @RedHallHotel
GREATER MANCHESTER Spotlight on... ELIZABETH GASKELL’S HOUSE, M13 9LW 01612 732 215 | www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a Grade II* listed restored Victorian property that once belonged to the writer, Elizabeth Gaskell. Built between 1835 and 1841, it’s now surrounded by a beautiful garden oasis and a short driveway that leads to the pillared entrance. Guests are welcome to explore the gardens, which have planted borders, winding paths, a heavily-scented pergola and native planting schemes. There’s a range of period rooms available for ceremonies from the cosy, book-lined study to the Drawing Room where Elizabeth and her family used to entertain writers such as Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens. Celebrate in style Ceremonies can be held in the Drawing Room, which can accommodate 35 friends and family. Receptions and wedding breakfasts take place in the light and airy basement Servant’s Hall. The house kitchen is available for outside caterers or the staff can arrange a drinks reception or afternoon tea for up to 35 loved ones. We love... The venue has a boudoir grand piano, Victorian furnishings and furniture that can be arranged to suit the couple’s requirements. www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk www.envisionphotographyuk.com 15 REGIONAL VENUES THE RED HALL HOTEL, BL9 5NA 01706 822 476 | www.red-hall.co.uk Red Hall is a contemporary wedding venue located on the outskirts of Bury, Greater Manchester. This elegant hotel is the perfect setting for wedding celebrations and boasts 37 guest rooms, an in-house restaurant, and countryside views. Celebrate in style The property offers various options that enable couples to build their dream wedding, each offering complete flexibility. The packages start with Classic, going onto Luxe and finally, Elite, each buildable to create the perfect day. We love... Couples will receive a complementary menu tasting, and a special anniversary stay with the Elite package.
CLOISTERS WEDDING VENUE, BL1 2EW 01204 879 988 | www.cloistersbolton.com Cloisters Wedding Venue is a 16th-century converted church known as Bolton’s hidden gem. This historic property boasts stained-glass windows, majestic arches and acres of breathtaking countryside. Inside, there are 132 bedrooms to choose from, 12 conference and event rooms and a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. Celebrate in style There are plenty of areas where couples can tie the knot. The Cloisters Suite is a converted church with a private bar and an outside area that’s capable of holding 350 guests throughout the day. Alternatively, The Ashton Suite can be used. This modern space has a bar, dancefloor and room for 200 loved ones for the service and evening celebration. The cosy Churchill Hardie Suite is ideal for intimate celebrations, with space for 60 friends and family for the vows and reception. We love... The venue offers a menu tasting and a complimentary night’s stay for the happy couple. THE LOWRY HOTEL, M3 5LH 01618 274 000 | www.thelowryhotel.com The Lowry Hotel is situated on the banks of the River Irwell and is inspired by nature. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that provide lots of natural light and striking views across Manchester, the hotel has a romantic atmosphere and modern blank canvas that can be transformed to suit any theme or colour scheme. Celebrate in style Weddings take place in two rooms depending on guest numbers. Intimate celebrations are held in the PDR, and the Ballroom can be used for large nuptials of up to 280 nearest and dearest. We love... A menu tasting is included as standard for all bookings, and bespoke overnight packages can be created for wedding guests. www.pellier.co.uk www.pellier.co.uk 16
HYDE BANK FARM, SK6 4DX 01614 303 582 | www.hydebankfarm.co.uk Hyde Bank Farm is a Grade II listed wedding venue that dates back to 1655. The stone barn has a rich history and once belonged to Anne Hyde, the Duchess of York, who married James II. Lovingly converted and furnished to a high quality with oak beams, stone walls and heaps of character, the property is situated within acres of rich countryside and is the perfect setting to take those all-important photographs. Celebrate in style The Ann Hyde Suite is a charming space that’s overflowing with character, with a fully-licensed bar and room for 110 friends and family during the day and 150 in the evening. Alternatively, the New Lounges, which have feature windows that showcase the grounds, has space for 150 guests. We love... Couples will receive exclusive use of the property and the services of a wedding coordinator who will help ensure the day is planned to perfection. LANCASHIRE MANOR HOTEL, WN8 9QD 01695 567 260 | www.lancashiremanorweddings.co.uk Lancashire Manor Hotel is a historic property with a charming ivycovered exterior and parts that date back to the 16th century. The original stone manor house, which dates back to 1770, is at the heart of the hotel and contains the lounge area and above it, in the original farmhouse bedrooms, is the honeymoon suite. The glass-fronted reception connects the lounge to the traditional Great Hall and contemporary Lathom Suite. Guests can enjoy the garden, with colours changing throughout the seasons and patios with a giant chess set. Celebrate in style The Lathom Suite, seating up to 100 guests, is a mixture of traditional and contemporary décor and has a bar, natural light, a movable dancefloor and can be divided into a smaller reception room for more intimate celebrations. Alternatively, The Great Hall is a gorgeous space, complete with a galleried balcony, crystal chandeliers and a golden bar. It seats up to 200 people and has its own kitchen, to ensure the meal is served on time. We love... Packages include drinks, complimentary hire of a cake stand and knife, the hotel’s own master of ceremonies, who will keep the big day on track, and the use of the beautiful honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding. www.piconiq.com 17 REGIONAL VENUES
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
Tale as old as time THE WILD BOAR, LA23 3NF 01539 445 225 | www.englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boar Set in the leafy woodlands of the beautiful Gilpin Valley, a short drive from Windermere, The Wild Boar includes 72 acres of private grounds, forest trails and a secluded tarn for newlywed couples and their guests to enjoy. The Wild Boar’s extensive private grounds and beautiful scenery provide a range of options for weddings with a difference. The venue’s Mad Pig Land Rover often features in wedding photographs as couples are driven to their chosen backdrop, or they can enjoy a falconry hawk walk in the woods. The venue also offers ‘Wild Wedding’ experiences, including clay pigeon shooting, archery or even axe throwing, great for a fun-filled day. With its oak beams and welcoming open fires, The Wild Boar oozes character and charm. Boasting an intimate and relaxed atmosphere to ensure everyone feels an integral part of wedding celebrations, it features a spacious bridal suite, individually designed rooms, flavoursome food, and a host of outdoor activities. There is an extensive choice of food, from sharing plates, succulent steaks, traditional British, Mediterranean, Eastern spice, alternative afternoon tea, or a picnic. Celebrate in style There are a range of indoor and outdoor options to choose from, these include The Undermillbeck Room, which caters for intimate nuptials of up to 22 guests. The main ceremony room is in the Main Restaurant, which has beautiful rustic oak beams and can accommodate 90 for the wedding breakfast and up to 130 for the evening reception. Depending on the size of the wedding, The Undermillbeck Room and the Main Restaurant is used for both drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts but these can also be arranged outdoors. We love... As well as exclusive use of the venue, if required, The Wild Boar offers a complimentary luxury room for the happy couple on their wedding night. They can also return for a free dinner and bed and breakfast stay on their first wedding anniversary, and an engraved bird box is mounted for them in the woods. Venues full of history VICTORIA WAREHOUSE, M17 1AB 0161 974 1200 | www.victoriawarehouse.com Victoria Warehouse was built in the early 1900s and was originally used as a cotton storage facility. The property quickly became a symbol of strength and innovation in the city and, as a result, many of the historic features have been lovingly preserved. The venue offers innovative event spaces in the heart of Manchester, with exposed walls, stone floors and an urban backdrop. Located close to Salford Quays, there are plenty of quirky spots to take those all-important photographs. Celebrate in style Small celebrations are held in The Bays. This contemporary room combines urban chic with modern glamour and boasts original brick walls, restored industrial pillars and space for 250 friends and family for the ceremony and reception. The Cotton Sheds is a grand space with exposed walls, stone floors and room for 900 guests throughout the day. We love... The team offer an extensive range of menu choices, including street food options for the wedding breakfast. www.chris-morse.co.uk www.facebook.com/danhoughphoto 19 THEMED VENUES
THE BELSFIELD HOTEL, LA23 3EL 01539 442 448 | www.thebelsfieldhotel.com Situated within six acres of landscaped gardens and surrounded by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Lake District is The Belsfield Hotel. Boasting Victorian Italianate architecture throughout and a magnificent glass reception area, this luxurious four-star property combines style and elegance with classic British glamour. Each of its 62 designer hotel rooms feature attractive décor, elegant furnishings and delightful fabrics, providing a welcome retreat at the end of a wonderful day. Inside is a grand staircase which leads to the Drawing Room and Library, the perfect place to unwind in the evenings with a delicious cocktail or glass of wine and good company. Decorated with wallpaper from the classic Chinoiserie range, the décor stays true to the building’s Victorian heritage. Celebrate in style Guests can relax and enjoy a drink whilst admiring the elegant accents and classic wooden furnishings of the Library and Drawing Room, which has space for up to 30 people. The refreshed Brasserie is a relaxed dining area, offering an excellent selection of delicious dishes and fantastic lake views with room for 30 loved ones. Intimate weddings can take place in the Adam’s Lounge. Adorned with luxury, designer wallpaper and fabrics, the lounge can be dressed to reflect the couple’s style and personalities, with room for up to 40 nearest and dearest. Alternatively, the exquisite AA Rosette-awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers spectacular views and can accommodate up to 124 friends and family throughout the day. Evening celebrations take place in the Garden Terrace, which can hold 124 guests and is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of prosecco with loved ones or unwind in seclusion when the terrace becomes romantically lit by candle lanterns. The Windermere Suite looks out directly across Lake Windermere, with luxurious floral drapes and elegant décor and has room for 150 people. We love... The hotel hosts a range of wedding shows and tours, so there are plenty of opportunities to visit. IMPERIAL HOTEL BLACKPOOL, FY1 2HB 01253 623 971 | www.imperialhotelblackpool.co.uk Situated on Blackpool’s glorious seafront, the Imperial Hotel Blackpool boasts sweeping views of the Irish sea and a dramatic seascape that looks stunning as the sun sets. The venue’s palatial decor is befitting of the royalty, stars and statesmen that have visited over the years. Built in red brick with cream accents, the Grade II listed Victorian gem has retained its historical integrity with beautiful chandeliers and filigreed mouldings. Celebrate in style The Churchill Room, Winston Churchill’s private lounge during his time at No.10, is an intimate space with lushly-appointed dark wood and space for 40 guests. Opulent in gold and cream with exquisite chandeliers, the Louis Room is perfect for fairytale weddings with a statement infinity mirror and room for 50 loved ones for the ceremony and 80 for the reception. The Washington Suite was added to the hotel in 1901 and can accommodate 75 nearest and dearest during the day and 120 in the evening. Alternatively, the largest event space, The Lancastrian Suite, can hold 350 friends and family. The original minstrel’s gallery looks spectacular when everyone is on the dancefloor. We love... Couples are invited to a free menu tasting and will receive a complimentary suite on the night of the wedding. There are also a range of wedding packages for the Louis Room for 2023 from just £3,799. www.somersidephotography.com www.somersidephotography.com 20
HOLMES MILL, BB7 1EB 01200 407 111 | www.dreamvenues.co.uk/holmes-mill Holmes Mill is home to several establishments, with something for everyone. At the heart of the complex stands The Boiler House, a vibrant all-day destination, featuring a Beer Hall, brewery, ice cream parlour and Duck Pin Bowling Alley. The Spinning Block houses a boutique hotel alongside a Bistro Bar and Grill and Bowland Food Hall that showcases some of the best food and drink from Lancashire and beyond. The property is full of fascinating architectural features – each one contributing to the ambience and atmosphere. This spectacular wedding venue has been lovingly restored to proudly showcase its heritage and history while still retaining a luxurious and modern feel. Celebrate in style The Cotton Room at Holmes Mill is fully licensed for civil ceremonies. It’s a large, versatile space that can accommodate up to 150 guests and is later turned into a stunning wedding reception while guests indulge in some drinks and nibbles at the Bistro, Bar and Grill. We love... The exposed materials and period features create a fantastic backdrop for wedding photos. There are also quirky additions throughout the property, such as a red London double-decker bus, shipping containers and original mill machinery. SILVERHOLME MANOR, GRAYTHWAITE ESTATE, LA12 8BA 01539 531 248 | www.graythwaite.com/weddings Offering stunning views of Lake Windermere, Silverholme Manor, Graythwaite Estate is a traditional Georgian manor house surrounded by extensive grounds with lawns rolling down to the lakeside. The elegantlyfurnished property is full of original character with modern comforts. Celebrate in style Silverholme Manor, Graythwaite Estate, is licensed for ceremonies in The Coach House, the Dining Room and the Library. For those who want to tie the knot outdoors, the patio, which offers panoramic views of Lake Windermere, is available. We love... The happy couple will enjoy exclusive use of the manor house and grounds for three days, perfect for extended celebrations. www.wyldbee.com www.stevenbarber.com www.wyldbee.com 21 THEMED VENUES
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
NATURAL Naomi and Dan celebrated their minimalist-themed nuptials at the beautiful West Tower Images courtesy of Michael Townsend Photography beauty Naomi and Dan have known each other since they were 16. “We reconnected when we were 21 and had both finished university,” says Naomi. “There was an instant spark, and we haven’t been apart since.” Dan asked Naomi to marry him at the top of Malham Cove in Yorkshire while they were on a walk with some friends. “It’s one of my favourite places with great views,” shares the bride. “We were in the middle of lockdown when lots of indoor activities were restricted, so it was completely unexpected. Despite being with a group of friends, they somehow managed to miss the proposal completely!” Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day... REAL WEDDINGS 23
I love candles, in fact, our house is filled with them, so obviously we had to have them lining the aisle and around the ceremony room. We also had candles as favours, which we personalised with the date of the wedding and our favourite scents. I created our table plan using an old picture frame and painted it sage green to tie in with our colour theme. Our place names were made by a family friend and were elegant and timeless. We used the same shade of green throughout to tie in with our natural theme. Our centrepieces were a mixture of high and low floral arrangements. We used plenty of green and white flowers, plus a few natural branches to tie in with the trees outside. The flowers were created by Eden Of Chorley, who included large white roses and gypsophila with lots of leafy greens. They smelt amazing and lasted for weeks after the wedding! All food was created by the West Tower’s in-house chef. We were able to sample the menu six months before the wedding, and West Tower were so flexible and accommodating. They provided the bridal party with a breakfast platter to kick start the day, and we had a selection of welcome canapés for our guests following the ceremony whilst the photos took place. We also had a three-course meal, which the guests had self-selected before the wedding. To finish, we had late-night nibbles of fish and chip cones, mini-burgers and mini-pizzas to give us the fuel for dancing the night away! Every part of the food was spot on and tasted incredible. The cake was a four-tied design with chocolate and sponge layers. It was created by a family member who did the most amazing job. We really liked the minimalist aesthetic, and had white layers with handmade roses and a gold ribbon around it. It was perfect and matched our personalities to a tee. West Tower is such a bright, fresh-looking venue which brought in lots of natural light. The reception space had incredible views overlooking the fields with eye-catching sunsets. The cellar bar and cosy leather lounge paired perfectly with our January wedding as it had warming fires to keep our guests cosy and relaxed. 24
My dress was a Maggie Sottero design called Alice. It was a floorlength gown with a one-metre-long train, pearl buttons along the seam and a beautiful lace pattern on the train. It was elegant and timeless and fit my personality perfectly. The fabric was so soft and very comfortable to wear. It was supplied by Susan Craig Bridalwear, the best boutique in the North West. She was so friendly and listened to exactly what I wanted! I accessorised with a long veil, which had lace detailing at the end to match the train. Dan wore a French Connection grey fitted suit with a green pocket square and tie. All the groomsmen had matching ties and pocket squares, but they all opted for similar, yet slightly different outfits. They wore shades of grey to match their skin tones and body shapes. For the evening entertainment, we hired Steve Mitchell DJ. He was hilarious! He told funny stories from both the hen do, and the stag do, funny moments from our relationship, and made the whole evening so personal to our story. When we had been looking for a DJ, I had been keen not to find someone cheesy, and Steve was the perfect match for us! Susan Craig Bridalwear supplied the dresses for my flowergirls. These were floor-length, white and green, with a large bow on the back. We had pianist Craig Smith Music perform for the guests as they arrived and throughout the ceremony. He played instrumental versions of songs we had selected for walking down the aisle and for key moments of the ceremony. He stayed with us throughout the changeover period and the meal. He took lots of requests from the guests and was a huge hit! One of the flowergirls even got to try the keys herself, which was a lovely moment. REAL WEDDINGS 25
NAOMI AND DAN’S CONTACTS Venue and catering, West Tower, www.westtower.com | Photographer, Michael Townsend Photography, www.michaeltownsend.photography Bride’s dress, accessories, alterations and flowergirls’ dresses, Susan Craig Bridalwear, www.susancraigbridalwear.co.uk | Groom’s suit, French Connection, www.frenchconnection.com | Mother-of-the-bride/groom’s dress, Hobbs | Hair stylist, Victoria Louise Hair, www.instagram.com/victorialouisehair | Make-up artist, Gemma Marie Makeup and Hair Bridal Specialist, www.gemmamariemakeup.com Flowers, Eden Of Chorley, www.edenofchorley.co.uk | Pianist, Craig Smith Music, www.craigsmithmusic.co.uk | DJ, Steve Mitchell DJ, www.stevemitchelldj.com One of the main stories that people talk about from our wedding was when one of the groomsmen was having so much fun on the dancefloor that he managed to spill his red wine all over the side of my white dress! Fortunately, my mum is a wonder-woman and has since managed to get the whole stain out of the dress, thank goodness! The best man’s speech was extra special. Ant had been so nervous before the wedding and had been dreading the speech, so much so that he actually took drama lessons beforehand to grow his confidence. On the day, he was hilarious. He was spot on with how he spoke about the two of us both individually and as a couple, he really showed how well he knew us and had the guests in tears of laughter and pride. 26
W E D D I N G H A I R & M A K E U P E X P E R T S with combined 20 plus years experience and are passionate about all things Wedding. We travel to venues in Cumbria and Lancashire. We can also provide wedding backdrops with designs suitable for your theme and venue. cocohairandbeautybarrow.bookinbeautiful.com T: 01229 230457 cocohairandbeautybarrow @cocohairandbeautyx COCO HAIR & BEAUTY 202 Dalton Road Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria, LA14 1PR To advertise here call sales on 01376 51400 or visit yournorthwest.wedding Please mention “Your North West Wedding” when calling advertisers Wedding, Pet & Events Photographer www.fransfotos.co.uk fransfotos@me.com 07714 017113 @fransfotos1 Quarter Pg Advert.indd 1 28/7/22 18:21:47
FOR ME The one Karen and Danny opted for a burgundy, blue and gold colour scheme at Chadkirk Chapel Images courtesy of Ian John Cook Photography 28
Karen and Danny met in the waiting room of a car garage. “Danny was waiting for a tyre to be changed, and I was there having a puncture repaired,” says Karen. “Our eyes met across the room, and I gave Danny a cheeky grin, and it was fireworks from there. It was his unshaven, rugged look and the glint in his eyes that attracted me to him. For Danny, it was the cheeky but innocent look that I gave him.” Danny proposed during dinner at one of Karen’s favourite restaurants. “One of the first things he did before asking me to marry him was visit my parents and ask for their permission,” shares the bride. “He then booked a table at an Italian restaurant, and once we’d had our meal, he got down on one knee and popped the question. I was blown away and must admit there were one or two tears.” SETTING THE SCENE “Chadkirk Chapel is surrounded by rose gardens and lawns that create a relaxing atmosphere,” explains Karen. “The chapel itself, is a wonderful Grade II listed building that has been fully restored to its original look and is steeped in history. It gave us the perfect setting to dedicate our lives to each other.” The happy couple gave their guests chocolates in boxes that looked like Cinderella’s carriage as favours. “For the centrepieces, we had small goldfish bowls placed on mirror plates,” recalls the bride. “We placed weights in the bowls for the burgundy, blue and gold balloons, and we wrapped the strings in lights. We finished the look with burgundy and white roses and royal blue flowers from Grestys Florist.” Karen and Danny purchased a three-tiered white-iced sponge bake from Precious Cakes. “It was made up of red velvet, chocolate and Victoria sponge,” reveals Karen. “The decorations were silver pearl drops, blue ribbons and a diamanté broach. This was topped with a bride and groom silhouette with our surname on. “To transport the bridesmaids and ring bearer to the venue, we hired an Imperial Landaulette from Horgans Wedding Cars,” adds the bride. “We also booked a Regent Tourer for Danny and I.” Walker’s Retreat provided the couple with homemade cakes and coffee for their drinks reception, and Karen and Danny organised a selfcatered buffet at Burnage Rugby Club for later in the day. DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I wore a Morilee design called Kaitlyn from Dream Dress Bridal,” says Karen. “It wasn’t what I would have originally chosen, but as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one. I accessorised with handmade diamond earrings and a matching necklace from Andrew Lever Goldsmith. They made all my jewellery and our wedding rings, which were faultless.” Danny chose a blue three-piece suit with tails from Freedmans. “The groomsmen had blue ties, the ring bearers gold and Danny opted for a burgundy version,” shares the bride. “My bridesmaids wore dark red chiffon dresses from The Prom Shop & Bridal Boutique.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “The house DJ played a variety of music which all of our guests loved,” explains Karen. “Everyone also had great fun with the green screen that our photographer, Ian John Cook Photography, provided. Our friends and family played with the different props and backgrounds and got to let their hair down.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I felt very calm and relaxed on the morning of the wedding,” recalls REAL WEDDINGS 29
the bride. “The day ran perfectly without any glitches. One of my favourite moments was walking into the chapel and seeing all our friends and family ready to celebrate our big day. There were so many tears of happiness from our guests which made the year’s delay due to COVID-19 worth the wait. The chapel was beautiful, and having everyone there on the day made it perfect. Our son, Theo, has complex special needs, and the fact he was able to be a part of the wedding ceremony was so perfect. All of our kids had a role in the wedding, Jessica our eldest was a bridesmaid, Michael and Eathan were the best men, Charlie and Joe were ring bearers, and Theo walked up the aisle at the start and gave Danny a cushion with a lucky sixpence on it. We were able to have family photographs with Theo included, and then he carried on his day with his carers.” The couple hired a minibus for people that didn’t drive. “The first group that were dropped off got lost,” reveals Karen. “The driver took them past the chapel and ended up down a dead end. He then got all the passengers to get off the bus and said they would have to carry on by foot! They ended up in a field with a farmer chasing them in a tractor asking where they were going and sending them back down the road in the right direction! Fortunately, the guests on that trip saw the funny side of it, and it certainly gave them something to remember from the day. “Ian John Cook Photography had some great ideas that we wouldn’t have thought of in a million years,” adds the bride. “The wedding coordinator from Stockport Events, Heidi, made sure that everything at the chapel was perfect and ran like clockwork. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience in coordinating everything. Dawn, the owner of Walker’s Retreat, provided delicate touches in the tea room, which made the setting perfect. Nothing was too much trouble for her, and our guests didn’t want for anything. We enjoyed the amazing variety of homemade cakes that she made, and she was honoured to host that part of our wedding. We knew that she would bend over backwards to help make the day perfect before we even met in person.” 30
KAREN AND DANNY’S CONTACTS Ceremony venue, Chadkirk Chapel, www.stockportevents.co.uk/project/chadkirk-chapel | Reception venues, Walker’s Retreat, www.facebook.com/walkersretreat.tearoom and Burnage Rugby Club, www.burnagerfc.com | Photographer, Ian John Cook Photography, www.ianjohncookphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, Dream Dress Bridal, www.dreamdressbridal.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Freedmans, www.freedmans.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, The Prom Shop & Bridal Boutique, www.facebook.com/promandbridal | Hair stylist, Pride and Joy, 01614 329 976 | Make-up artist, Flawless by Georgia, 07841 526 322 | Nails, Beswick Beauty Base, www.facebook.com/beswickbeautybase | Bride’s jewellery and wedding rings, Andrew Lever Goldsmith, www.andrewlever-goldsmith.co.uk Cake, Precious Cakes, www.facebook.com/preciouscakes.tameside | Flowers, Grestys Florist, www.grestysflorist.co.uk | Stationery, Debboo Designs, https://debboo-designs.ueniweb.com | Transport, Horgans Wedding Cars, www.horganscars.co.uk 31 REAL WEDDINGS
22 Seater Mercedes Sprinter 53 Seater Temsa 72 Seater Volvo Sunsundegui 016973 49999 info@reays.co.uk Travel advert.indd 2 12/08/2019 12:22:16 Bevs Bakes -Swarthmoor bevsbakes_swarthmoor Tel: 07741 490524 Hi, I’m Bev. I am a self taught baker/cake decorator who loves creating elegant cakes for weddings and special occasions. Health and Hygiene L2 certified • 5 rated with SLDC • Fully insured • 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
Classically Daisy and Thomas had a monochromestyled wedding at King Street Townhouse Images courtesy of Emily Robinson Photography Daisy and Thomas worked next door to each other, and as both companies were small, they often met at social gatherings. “We liked each other right away,” says Daisy. “I told my colleague that I was interested, and they told him straight away!” The proposal was a huge surprise for Daisy. “We had been renovating our house and had just finished for the day,” shares the bride. “We ordered a pizza and sat on the sofa when he asked me to marry him. It was exactly how I wanted it to be.” Here she shares some of her favourite moments from their big day... ELEGANT REAL WEDDINGS 33
We wanted the day to be all our favourite things, such as music, style, atmosphere and food. Indian is our favourite cuisine, so we had to go with this. Payal were fantastic, and we couldn’t recommend them enough. Thomas and I hired giant disco balls from Stock yard North. All of the stationery, including the table plan and entrance sign, was designed by our friend. Our cake was created by Abby at The Northern Cakery Co. The top tier was chocolate fudge, and the bottom was lemon and blueberry. Abby was so helpful throughout the process, all while opening her new shop! Lauren from Fleuressence was amazing and helped to decorate all the tables. Kate and team from Florence & Vera Events were fabulous too, as they re-arranged everything throughout the ceremony and reception to ensure we got the most for our money. We loved the view from King Street Townhouse, and the size was perfect as we wanted somewhere everyone could be toge ther and not spread over different rooms. We always wanted something a bit different that wasn’t too traditional, and the fact our families could s tay over was a must. The staff were so lovely and put us at ease straight away. 34
We got married on a Thursday and stayed over at the King Street Townhouse until the Sunday. This was the best decision, and we would highly recommend it. There was no rushing arou nd in the morning as the venue had everything organised. We were able t o enjoy the pool and relax. We booked some exhibits and restaurants, and i t was nice being tourists in Manchester again for the weekend, which is something we no longer do as locals. My bridesmaids wore formal white suits from Mango. After being together for such a long time, we felt really excited on the morning of the wedding. I stayed at King Street Townhouse the night before the wedding with my bridesmaids and mum. Chloe and the team were amazing! They set up a private dinner in the wine cellar and a pamper party afterwards in the cinema room. They were honestly the best team, and I couldn’t have asked for more. All of my dress appointments were cancelled due to COVID-19, which forced me to get more creative. When we came out of lockdown, it was too short notice for many of the traditional wedding dress shops to get anything in time. I had seen things online that I liked and found LebrideAtelier through Etsy. Anastasia was fantastic, and she has some beautiful dresses available to purchase that were all made to measure, so I was able to personalise them. I thought if there was ever a time to risk buying a dress online, it was now. I changed the skirt to be more dramatic, which is where Deborah Bayan came in to help. She finished it off perfectly with a huge bow. Thomas and the groomsmen all wore the same. They didn’t want to be too formal, so they chose navy casual suits and wool polos with white trainers. REAL WEDDINGS 35
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