APR/MAY 2023 HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, FASHION, GROOMS, EXPERT ADVICE, FREEBIES AND MORE £3.55 www.yournorthwest.wedding THE GREAT OUTDOORS Celebrate your big day surrounded by nature Tof houe rtimlivees Local photographers share their favourite images Effortlessly ELEGANT Stunning styled shoots A moment IN TIME WIN! How to plan an intimate wedding A four-night break in Tuscany
A true wonderland nestled in the heart of Cumbria with views to the Pennines and Lake District Fells. Calthwaite Hall is one of Cumbria’s finest private country houses. A unique venue with one of kind features, there is no where else in the UK like Calthwaite Hall. This hidden gem sits within 8 acres of formal gardens and fields, with hidden pathways, secret folly and magnificent water features. This hidden gem sits within 8 acres of formal gardens and fields, with hidden pathways, secret folly and magnificent water features. With a blank canvas you have the ability to create the wedding of your dreams at Calthwaite Hall. We can help with every step of the journey providing details of trusted suppliers to meet your every need. For more information please contact enquiries@calthwaitehall.co.uk | www.calthwaitehall.co.uk Working with your registrar or celebrant we have a wealth of backdrops to suit your style from countryside chic to formal grandeur you can pick from our impressive interior spaces or our inspiring outdoor beauty spots.
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 55 HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your questions 97 COMPETITION Win a four-night break in Tuscany CONTENTS APRIL/MAY 2023 On the cover... This issue’s gorgeous cover has been sponsored by Cumbria’s enchanting Rose Castle (www.rosecastle.com) and luxury bridalwear retailer Daughters of Bohème (www.daughtersofboheme.co.uk). The image was captured by Naomi House Photography (https://naomihouse.co.uk) and comes straight from a styled shoot which you can see in full next issue! VENUES 15 SPOTLIGHT ON LANCASHIRE Discover some of the best venues in the area 21 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Celebrate your big day surrounded by nature 21 FEATURES 43 FRESH AND UNDERSTATED This timeless monochrome styled shoot at Base Restaurant is full of romance 47 THE TIME OF OUR LIVES Local photographers share their favourite images 51 A TOUCH OF FROST A team of local suppliers worked together to create this wintry-themed shoot at The Wellbeing Farm 59 PASTEL DREAMS Inspired by muted hues, these talented suppliers created a beautiful styled shoot at Holesfoot 63 A MOMENT IN TIME Planning an intimate celebration? We’ve put together a how-to guide with all the latest advice and trends 69 EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT This styled shoot at Eaves Hall was inspired by spring with subtle tones of blue, green and cream 43 www.wolfandravenphotography.co.uk www.peter-photography.com 3
FASHION & BEAUTY 72 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 73 FRILL SEEKERS This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats 78 HEAD OVER HEELS Walk down the aisle in style this season with our hand-picked edit of the best bridal shoes and bags 79 IN LOVE WITH LACE This timeless fabric never goes out of fashion 82 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems 84 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be 37 73 REAL WEDDINGS 25 THE RIGHT MOVE Steve and Rob first met in 2001 and they hit off right away; years later they got married at Broadoaks Country House 30 ROCK THE NIGHT AWAY Kate and Stuart opted for an alternative-themed wedding at Salford Lads Club and Buile Hill Park Hall 37 CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS Jenna and Rob first met when they were just 14 and after 18 years together, they tied the knot at Browsholme Hall and The Tithe Barn HONEYMOONS 90 HONEYMOON NEWS The latest openings and honeymoon destinations 92 A GRAND AFFAIR Experience ultimate luxury combined with traditional Greek appeal at Rhodes-based Ixian Grand & All Suites 94 FLY AWAY WITH ME We’ve rounded up some of our favourite city escapes 96 SANTA NEEDS A SPA DAY The Runnymede on Thames set the scene for a much-needed pre-Christmas break 90 www.glimmeringsparkle.co.uk 30 www.facebook.com/richarddavisphotos 25 www.jayepeg.co.uk GROOMS 86 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 87 SUITED AND BOOTED Styling advice for the groom-to-be 88 IT'S ONLY NATURAL With neutral colour palettes on the rise, we've rounded up some of our favourite products to ensure you look on-trend this season 4
info@daughtersofboheme.co.uk | Kathreen 07552 162 382 Appointments can be booked on our web site www.daughtersofboheme.co.uk Your big day in your own special way Spectacular spaces to celebrate with family and friends, in your own castle, in your own unique style Make Rose Castle your home for your event. This is your castle and your space. Nestled in the Cumbrian countryside, and following a multi-million-pound restoration programme, our 800-year-old castle is now open for the first time to host weddings, corporate events and exclusive overnight stays. A unique atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and a warm welcome. Rose Castle, Dalston, Cumbria CA5 7BY 01228 642980 www.rosecastle.com
This year is flying by, and if you’re counting down the days until your wedding, don’t worry, it will be here before you know it! I love this time of year, partly because I adore spring nuptials but mainly because of the new wedding dress collections. I got married last year and so I know how stressful finding your dream dress can be. I’m short, curvy and very self-conscious, so I was dreading trying on gowns. I had no idea of what style I wanted, a fishtail made me feel like I couldn’t sit down without bursting out of it and a ballgown swamped me, but luckily my bridal consultant suggested an A-line silhouette, which suited my figure. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of choice available, make sure you listen to your consultant. They have years of experience and have helped brides of every shape and size find their dream gown, so they will know what looks good on you even if you don’t yourself. Lastly, don’t panic if you don’t have that overwhelming this is the one feeling, as I didn’t myself, just trust your gut and go for something that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. For inspiration, head over to our fashion pages, which are full of stunning on-trend styles, including ruffled tulle, satin layers, lace and subtle pleats. If you’ve recently tied the knot or organised a shoot, you can submit it via email at melissa.cullen@county.wedding or www.yournorthwest.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding Meliss Melissa Cullen, Senior Editor 97 Your North West Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. 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. DIA ISHING NTS ISHING EVENTS & PUBLISHING cwe COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS ISSN 2392-2802 Searchin fo on A team of local suppliers worked together to create this wintry-themed shoot at The Wellbeing Farm. Steve and Rob opted for a navy and orange colour palette for their big day at Broadoaks Country House. Win a four-night break in Tuscany. 51 25 www.jayepeg.co.uk www.lauradugglebyphotography.co.uk ADVERTISING Account Manager Nicola Hawkins | 01376 538 480 nicola.hawkins@county.wedding @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Senior Editor Melissa Cullen | 01376 535 611 melissa.cullen@county.wedding 6
Jenna and Rob met when they were just 14 and over the years their relationship blossomed. They tied the knot at Browsholme Hall and The Tithe Barn. Local fashion and beauty experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best. The latest openings and honeymoon destinations for couples post-vows. This styled shoot at Eaves Hall was inspired by spring with subtle tones of blue, green and cream. 90 69 82 73 30 43 59 37 This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats. Kate and Stuart celebrated their love for each other at Salford Lads’ Club and Buile Hill Park Hall. This timeless monochrome styled shoot at Base Restaurant is full of romance. Inspired by pastel tones, this team created a beautiful set of images at Holesfoot. www.wolfandravenphotography.co.uk www.westviewphoto.co.uk www.facebook.com/richarddavisphotos www.glimmeringsparkle.co.uk www.karennashphotography.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 7
WEDDING SHOWCASE 14TH MAY 2023 | 11AM - 3PM 01772 862551 or email sales@bartonmanorhotel.co.uk WWW.BARTONMANORHOTEL.CO.UK 746 – 768 GARSTANG ROAD | BARTON | PR3 5AA MEET OUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS VIEW OUR NEWLY RENOVATED BARTON SUITE
All the latest from around the North West HERE COME THE GIRLS Ideal for the environmentally-conscious bride, Maya Deluxe’s Anaya Icons Collection features eight elegant styles made from recycled materials so your maids can look great and help the environment in the process. Tulle and ruffles are set to be some of the biggest bridal trends for 2023 and the Anaya Icons Collection is full of these romantic design details. With three shades to choose from and two more on the way, there are plenty of ways to mix and match your bridesmaids’ dresses. Looking for something with a bit more sparkle? Add some glamour to your wedding with the Maya Icons Collection, all these dresses are hand embellished with beautiful sequins and beads. And if you’re looking to match your bridesmaids to the rest of your wedding theme, Maya Deluxe are launching a new service called Maya Icons Swatches so you can make sure all your finishing touches are on point! Head over to www.mayadeluxe.com for more information. A ROOM WITH A VIEW Emma Jane Events has a new home called The Lakes Wedding Hub. This hub is for storage but also acts as a showroom, office, and workshop, all under one roof. “The workshop is where we design and make bespoke props for our couples,” says owner Emma Farrell. “We have also started holding our wedding consultations here as couples can see our décor in the showroom to help them with the vision for their special day. Couples can come here to learn all about recommended suppliers and venues in the Lake District all in one visit. “We understand how lonely and overwhelming it can be to work from home on your own,” adds Emma. “So, we have opened our doors to other wedding suppliers to provide them with a friendly industry-specific hub to hot desk, hold consultations, and even host workshops. We’re excited for the hub to be part of the local community and a hive of activity for wedding suppliers.” Check out www.emmajaneevents.co.uk or email lakesweddinghub@gmail.com for more information. NEWS Nearlywed FASHION FORWARD BRIDHA, a bridal boutique in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has officially reopened its doors. “We’ve been trading for more than 30 years; the last 17 years of which were run by my late father-in-law, who sadly passed away in November 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic,” says Mez. “The store was previous known as Bliss Bridal Bolton, and as a family we decided to renovate the store and rebrand in honour of my late father-in-law. We wanted the new name to reflect this and therefore we incorporated his initials into the name (DHA). We came up with BRIDHA (pronounced BRIDE-UH), which combines the word bride and his initials. We had a launch evening in February, and courtesy of Maggie Sottero, we held a raffle and gave away a free dress to one very lucky bride. “We are the UK’s first experience-led bridal store,” adds Mez. “We offer four different experiences for our brides: a luxury experience, an afternoon tea experience, a photography experience and a limousine experience. Our brides can expect nothing but the best from the moment they arrive into our store. We have our very own treats bar for our brides and bride tribe to enjoy with complimentary treats and drinks. All our brides are given exclusive membership to Club BRIDHA, an online hub which features a custom wedding manager, status updates on their dress, a section showcasing recommended vendors from the wedding industry who offer our brides a discount on their products and much more. Our brides are also given a luxury Jo Malone gift with the purchase of their dream dress.” For more information, visit www.bridha.co.uk www.prestige-memories.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
LOVE AT FIRST BITE Big Bear’s BBQ, a mobile catering company, has recently invested in a second custom-built trailer allowing the team to offer a mixture of British and American barbecue foods. “We’ve been building our business for the past three years,” says owners Jill and Hugh. “We started in our custom-built wood-fired pizza trailer and soon found ourselves being asked to provide catering for private events and weddings. This soon became an area we enjoyed exploring, and have since made many long-lasting customers, friends and contacts. We have built our business by trying to provide high-quality food at an affordable level by making each event we cater for bespoke and as personalised as we can. We have recently found our enquiries have come from much further afield, and as we are mobile, we have enjoyed visiting many locations all over the North West. The second trailer has always been part of our expansion plan from the very start, and after a few small test events, our feedback has only encouraged us to believe we made the right decision! We have several packages available to those who might be looking to find the right caterer for their special day, and we look forward to receiving any enquiries and working alongside those who are planning ahead; we still have dates available for this year and welcome any more for the future.” Discover more at www.bigbearsbbq.co.uk THE BEAUTY OF NATURE The Yan in the Lake District is launching The Smithy – an idyllic lakeland cottage for two that’s perfect for a minimoon or a pre-wedding getaway. This detached lakeland stone cottage on The Yan’s beautiful former 17th century farm site at the foot of the fells, is just outside the picture-perfect Grasmere village. A peaceful retreat for two, it can be fully serviced with breakfasts and dinners from The Yan, either in the chic bistro or delivered via ‘room service’ to the cottage door. The Smithy has been lovingly converted and offers high ceilings, an open-plan living, kitchen and dining space with a wood-burning stove, a bedroom with a king-sized bed and a contemporary bathroom furnished with local goodies. The former blacksmith’s residence is all on one level, with stunning views towards Helm Crag and Steel Fell on one side, plus French doors which open out onto a private seating area overlooking Grasmere Village, Loughrigg and Silver Howe. It has its own enclosed south-facing garden too, complete with a barbeque. The Yan opened in July 2019 and has fast gained a reputation as one of the best places to eat in the Lakes, with everything pickled, preserved, smoked, cooked and baked in-house by executive chef Will Manley and his team. Named after the word for ‘one’ in Cumbrian dialect, The Yan has a rustic bistro, seven en suite bedrooms, four Lakeland cottages and two glamping pods, providing guests with a wholesome welcome, hearty food and stylish interiors, all at the foot of the fells. Visit www.theyan.co.uk for more information. JUST THE TWO OF US West View Photography in Kendal, Cumbria, is offering a new Just The Two Of Us Elopement Package. The owner, Sarah Louise Bainbridge, tells us more: “I love to capture special moments for people to cherish forever. I am a big believer in natural photography, and I will help guide you and your wedding party into capturing some beautiful images to cherish forever. “After photographing a few styled shoots, I have decided to offer a new elopement package,” adds Sarah. “This includes a pre-consultation, two hours in the Lake District and all images on a wooden USB stick priced at £360. This is perfect for intimate nuptials and is a great way to capture those all-important photographs.” To see more of Sarah’s work and to find out more about the package, visit www.westviewphoto.co.uk BEAUTIFULLY BOHO Daughters of Bohème is a new bridal boutique in Carlisle, Cumbria. “My daughter, Georgina, was planning her wedding and had a strong vision of her perfect wedding dress,” says owner Kathreen Burns. “We could see similar styles in magazines and online but struggled to find a bridal shop in North Cumbria that offered boho, glamour wedding gowns. Her dad and I were already involved in the Lake District wedding sector through his generator business and local marquee suppliers. We had space at Flanders to create a bridalwear business that we knew would fill a niche gap in the market, and so Daughters of Bohème was born. “Our emphasis at Daughters of Bohème is on great service with a private appointment approach, a relaxed setting and a wide range of wedding dresses in stock to try,” adds Kathreen. “Wedding gowns from Rembo Styling, Dando London, Marylise, Nicole Milano and RISH mean that there’s an emphasis on boho style but a variety of designs for the modern bride. Daughters of Bohème operates as an appointment-only bridal studio to give you the best experience possible. By booking ahead, we’ll make sure that you have a bridal stylist on hand and access to our beautiful designer gowns. You can try on as many as you like, as often as you like – we understand that it’s a big decision and could be hard to choose, so we want you to be able to relax and take your time.” To find out more, visit www.daughtersofboheme.co.uk www.westviewphoto.co.uk www.naomihouse.co.uk 10
EXAMPLE PIZZA MENU Mango Chicken Meat Feast Italian N’Duja Medtereanean Vegetable Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Fig, Proscuitto & Rocket EXAMPLE GRILL MENU Burgers Sausages Chicken Pulled Pork Beef Brisket served with onions, sauces etc. WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS & BBQ BUFFETS Using our wood-fired pizza oven, BBQ, smoker and fresh locally sourced ingredients, we are able to offer a range of catering options for you and your guests. From pizzas and simple BBQs to a meat lovers dream, with the option of fresh homemade salads to accompany them. T: 07843 497723•E: bigbear@bigbearsbbq.co.uk www.bigbearsbbq.co.uk • @BigBearsBBQ• big_bears_bbq_pizza_grill 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 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.edenbarn.co.uk Eden Valley, Cumbria Instagram - @edenbarn Photography - Gail Secker
ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURNORTHWEST.WEDDING/GIVEAWAYS Closing date is 31st May, 2023, unless otherwise stated. THE TIME OF OUR LIVES April from Wed in the Wilderness is a wedding photographer based in Greater Manchester. “I’m an adventurer at heart and love to visit and experience new places,” says April. “I shoot intimate weddings and elopements in the Peak District as well as Cheshire, the Lake District, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond. My love for photography was sparked at an early age when I used to have a 35mm Teletubbies camera to take photos of all my family members; I’ve never been without a camera since. I think of photography as a story with each picture being the pages of your own book. This is why I love photographing weddings and elopements as each story is unique. I’m constantly inspired by each couples stories and personalities. For me, it’s so important for you to be as comfortable as possible and capture those natural and fun moments. For many of you the idea of a whole day’s worth of photographs may seem daunting, but I want you to know that I will be with you every step of the way, cheering you on and celebrating with you.” Wed in the Wilderness is offering Your North West Wedding readers a personalised, rustic wooden photo print and and USB box as a complimentary keepsake worth £150 with every wedding package booked before the end of May 2023. To claim this wonderful offer, email april@wedinthewilderness.com and mention the magazine. For more information, visit www.wedinthewilderness.com Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers WIN A PAIR OF STEVE MADDEN BRIDAL SHOES The hunt for the perfect bridal shoe ends here with the chance to win the ultimate pair for your special day from Steve Madden. The shimmering Bridal Collection is not only amazing for brides but bridesmaids too, ensuring a picture-perfect look on the big day. For everyone who loves to shine you can choose from rose gold, silver, nude and white with finishes that include satin, rhinestone, leather and clear materials. If the shoe fits… be your own Cinderella! Check out www.stevemadden.co.uk. County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win a pair of bridal shoes to the value of £150 from www.stevemadden.co.uk For your chance to win enter online via our website www.yournorthwest.wedding Freebies & OFFERS www.wedinthewilderness.com www.wedinthewilderness.com www.wedinthewilderness.com FREEBIES & OFFERS 13
WEDDING SHOWCASES Visit the website for all our showcase events and late availability offers. Award winning wedding venues across the Ribble & Lune Valleys, Lancashire & Yorkshire DREAMVENUES.CO.UK Photographers: David Scholes, James Jebson, Emilie May, Kerry Woods, Mark Tattersall & Nick English
LANCASHIRE Spotlight on... THE SPREAD EAGLE, BB7 4NH 01200 441 202 | www.spreadeaglesawley.co.uk Nestled in a scenic location overlooking the River Ribble, The Spread Eagle offers a laid-back and cosy atmosphere for couples who prefer a more rustic and casual style. The indoor space features warm lighting and wooden accents, creating a welcoming and intimate ambiance with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding countryside from the large windows. The patio and outdoor area is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting that will leave a lasting impression. The space is also perfect for capturing wedding photographs, with the scenery, Abbey Ruins and River Ribble providing a stunning backdrop. Celebrate in style Ceremonies are held in The Abbey Room, which has space for 90 guests for the ceremony and 120 in the evening. The natural light that pours in through the windows illuminates the space, creating a serene and tranquil setting for ceremonies. The Abbey Room has rustic elements, including wooden floors, oak windows, and other natural textures, which add a touch of charm and cosiness to the room. The space is designed to create a sense of intimacy, with enough room for the couple and their guests to feel comfortable and relaxed, and it includes its own bar. We love... The venue’s décor and views of the surrounding countryside. www.jodieleephotography.co.uk www.jodieleephotography.co.uk www.teresac.co.uk www.teresac.co.uk BOLTON SCHOOL WEDDING & EVENTS, BL1 4PA 01204 434 795 | www.boltonschoolevents.com Set within 32 acres of finely manicured grounds, Bolton School is full of charm with ornate imperial staircases, stained glass windows and halls with hammer-beam roofs. The iconic turrets and Grade II-listed sandstone buildings provide a striking backdrop, so it’s easy to see why weddings are amongst some of the most popular events held here. Celebrate in style The Great Hall is situated in the main building and is the largest of the licenced venues, with room for up to 200 guests. Built at the beginning of the last century, it houses a traditional pipe organ creating an incredible atmosphere for wedding ceremonies. The huge windows offer lots of natural light, and the long aisle ensures a spectacular entrance. Alternatively, the beautifully restored Banqueting Hall provides an intimate and romantic setting for smaller ceremonies of up to 120 loved ones. The Banqueting Hall and Gallery Bar are where receptions take place, with a capacity of 120 for a wedding breakfast and up to 150 for the evening celebration. We love... The happy couple will receive a complimentary menu tasting in the run-up to the wedding. 15 LANCASHIRE VENUES
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 the Bowland Food Hall, part of the Boiler House complex, 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 transformed for the 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 London double-decker bus, shipping containers and original mill machinery. THE AVIARY, L39 3AD 07955 110 002 | www.aviaryormskirk.co.uk The Aviary is a purposely built single story building in the Lancashire countryside. Featuring large glass doors and windows that fill the rooms with natural light, this breathtaking venue is surrounded by country views, exotic birds, and a family of donkeys. The property has been designed seamlessly marrying country chic with all of the conveniences and accessibility of a modern building. The timeless, neutral décor provides the ideal setting for couples to add their own personal touch and colour schemes to create their perfect day. Celebrate in style The Nightingale Suite features a neutral décor, candelabras and a curtain backdrop that adds a touch of elegance, with room for 80 guests. Boasting birdcage lighting and large glass doors facing out onto the gardens, The Lovebirds Suite is a stunning place to say ‘I do’ surrounded by 60 loved ones. Walk down the aisle surrounded by the gardens and wildlife in the Summer Pergola, which can accommodate 100 nearest and dearest. We love... The venue offers couples a free menu tasting from the banquet menus. www.wyldbee.com www.wyldbee.com 16
LANCASHIRE MANOR HOTEL, WN8 9QD 01695 567 260 | www.lancashiremanorweddings.co.uk Lancashire Manor Hotel is a historic property with an ivy-covered exterior and parts that date back to the 16th century. The original stone manor house is at the heart of the hotel and contains a lounge area and above it, in the original farmhouse bedrooms, is the honeymoon suite. Guests can enjoy the garden, with colours that change throughout the seasons, and 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 honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding. www.piconiq.com 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, the state-of-the-art dressing room, the glass skylight, the wooden staircase, apex-covered entrance and the 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. 17 LANCASHIRE VENUES
Small and intimate or exclusive use weddings in the heart of the Lake District.
The great outdoors THE WILD BOAR, LA23 3NF 01539 445 225 | www.englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boar Set in the leafy woodlands of the 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 the wedding celebrations, it features a spacious bridal suite, individually-designed rooms, flavoursome food, and a host of outdoor activities. Celebrate in style There is a range of indoor and outdoor ceremony options to choose from, including The Undermillbeck Room, which caters for intimate nuptials of up to 22 guests. The ceremony room in the Main Restaurant has rustic, oak beams and can accommodate 90 people 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 are 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 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. Celebrate your big day surrounded by nature www.jennacarpenterphotography.co.uk www.jogreenfield.com 21 THE GREAT OUTDOORS
MACDONALD LEEMING HOUSE, CA11 0JJ 01768 486 674 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/leeming-house Leeming House is a grand Georgian house nestled within 22 acres of mature and tended gardens. Boasting impressive views of the surrounding lakes and fells, this is truly a magical setting for weddings in the Lake District. Couples and their guests will receive the best personal attention and care on their big day with exclusive use of the hotel and its gardens. Celebrate in style The Blue Room is a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and room for 30 friends and family. Alternatively, The Regency is available. This large, elegant room has five impressive windows, a traditional décor throughout and space for 80 nearest and dearest. We love... Macdonald Leeming House is an exclusive-use property with complimentary menu tastings, and bed and breakfast for the newlyweds. 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 elegantly-furnished property is full of original character with modern comforts throughout. 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 also available. We love... Couples can enjoy exclusive use of the manor house and grounds. www.stevenbarber.com 22
THE RO HOTEL, LA23 3BA 01539 232 625 | www.therohotel.com Situated in the heart of Bowness, The Ro Hotel’s stately façade creates a welcoming atmosphere combining the grandeur of a bygone age with all of the convenience of the modern day. Following a multi-millionpound refurbishment, the newly designed interiors take inspiration from the lakes and surrounding countryside with cool blues and turquoises complemented with accents of oranges, natural stone and traditional grey slate. Celebrate in style The Ro Hotel has four newly-designed spaces available for weddings. The Sun Lounge is a light and airy sunroom that makes the most of its period features, with a large window showcasing views of Windermere and space for 18 seated guests. Alternatively, The Boardroom can accommodate 16 people. Boasting gorgeous views, The Ballroom is a large space with elegant high ceilings, a stage, a bar and room for 90 loved ones. The Ashville has high ceilings and its own bar with a space big enough to accommodate 120 friends and family. We love... The venue offers all couples a complimentary suite on the night of the wedding and an anniversary stay, including dinner. SKITBY, CA6 6DL 01228 675 241 | www.skitby.co.uk Surrounded by acres of Cumbrian countryside, Skitby is a rustic barn with exposed timber and traditional sandstone walls. Boasting impressive views of the Lake District, the property has a contemporary interior, well-manicured gardens and an outdoor seating area, meaning there are plenty of places to explore and take those all-important photographs. Celebrate in style The Ceremony Wing can accommodate 100 friends and family for the service and 45 for an intimate reception, whereas the Main Dining Space can hold 140 loved ones. Skitby is an exclusive-use venue meaning receptions can take place throughout the whole building. There is also the option to add an external structure to the outside of the property to accommodate weddings with more than 200 guests. We love... Couples can liaise with the team at Skitby to organise a menu tasting before the wedding. www.peter-photography.com www.peter-photography.com www.dgoodierphotography.co.uk www.dgoodierphotography.co.uk 23 THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Get Married at Augill Castle At Augill we do small and beautiful, where intimacy and privacy are the key ingredients, so your perfect wedding is just you and the people you love. Whether you’d like a lavish two day castle wedding house party with the castle exclusively yours for you and just 14 other overnight guests, but with room for up to 40 friends and family during the day, a private afternoon ceremony followed by a decadent afternoon tea or anything in between, an Augill wedding will be unique to you. The only elements of an Augill Castle wedding that are always the same are the intimacy and privacy of the venue the beauty of your surroundings, the friendliness and un-stuffiness of the people who look after you. Augill Castle is a 19th century castle nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria’s Lake District. Dedicated to comfort, friendliness and informality, traveller-rated five star Augill Castle offers you the two most elusive luxuries of modern life – quality space and time together. In short, we’re a place where you can be your best self. Leacett Lane, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DE Call: +44 (0)1768 341937 Email: enquiries@stayinacastle.com www.stayinacastle.com
right Steve and Rob hit it off right away, and years later, they tied the knot at Broadoaks Country House Images courtesy of Jaye-Peg Photography Steve and Rob met in 2001 when Steve’s tenancy was coming to an end, and he was looking for another house to rent. “I had a house that I had just moved out of and was looking to rent out,” says Rob. “Steve’s viewing lasted longer than I expected, as it turned into quite a long conversation. It just seemed to be a natural fit, as we had lots of common ground. A couple of hours after the house viewing, I messaged Steve and asked him to go for a drink. He ended up taking the house, and it wasn’t long after that that I ended up moving back in.” The happy couple had been engaged a few times but never officially announced it. “Over the years, one or other of us has proposed on a few occasions,” shares Rob. “It had always been something that we had spoken about and agreed to do, but we had never followed through on any of the arrangements. When we were younger, we used to have lots of clubbing nights out around the UK, and one of the places we used to go back to was Blackpool. We were taking a trip there in April 2022, and as the alcohol flowed, we spoke about getting married and regretting that we’d never actually done it. We said that we should and follow through on it this time. We told our families the next day, and by lunchtime we had agreed that we wouldn’t wait too long before getting married. We talked about places that we’d visited and thought it would be nice to get married somewhere that meant a lot to us, that we could make memorable due to the wedding, and always keep as a special place that we could return to and continue to visit, and so we settled on the Lake District.” Here Rob shares some of his favourite moments from their big day... MOVE THE 25 REAL WEDDINGS
I’m a qualified pilot and wanted to fly in by helicopter, so we were looking for a venue that had space to land. There were several possibilities that met our wider criteria. We wanted to be close to Lake Windermere, but not on the lake itself, as we wanted somewhere a little more exclusive that was not going to be overlooked. We also wanted somewhere that had space for family to stay, and it had to be dog friendly. We narrowed it down to three venues, but it was our visit to Broadoaks Country House, and our conversation with the team that persuaded us that it was the right venue for us. Sadly, the weather was not good enough to be able to fly in on the day, but that meant that there were no limits on how much alcohol could be drunk! We chose a blossom arch from Allure Venue Styling that we used at the front of the ceremony and later behind the top table for the wedding breakfast. Steve and I chose a three-tiered cake made with locally-sourced ingredients. We had to cater for lots of dietary requirements, so we decided to go for three different flavours. Kelly from Wren Cake Design worked the flowers into the design and came up with a wonderful icing pattern, leaving the cake mainly white, but incorporating our chosen colours. We decided early on that we didn’t want anything too heavily themed. We wanted to keep things simple, and show that there is little difference between same sex and ‘traditional’ weddings. We have both lost our fathers and people close to us, so we wanted to make sure that those who were no longer with us were represented on the day through the decorations, colours and flowers. Broadoaks Country House did all the catering on the day. The four-course wedding breakfast was a local twist on French cuisine, and for those guests that still wanted more, there was pizza and chips in the evening, plus wedding cake. Allure Venue Styling put together a sweet cart, which was made up of blue and orange sweets from our childhood. Our centrepieces were glass bowls filled with orange blooms. We opted for dahlias and birds of paradise, which were our fathers’ favourite flowers. 26
I wanted us to wear matching suits; we looked at traditional options and ‘standard’ suits in various colours, but nothing jumped out. We wanted something special that would be unique and was not something that would be worn every day, or that anyone else was likely to turn up in. Eventually, we found Aristocracy London Ltd, who produce limited edition pieces, and we managed to get something special. We chose an angel blue three-piece Nehru suit with a textured jacket and waistcoat, fastened with a chain. As we had such a wide circle of close friends, we didn’t want to choose one over another for the purposes of a wedding party. We also wanted it to be inclusive without it being thought that we were prioritising some guests over others, so in the end, we chose Steve’s two nephews to be the ring bearers, and they also wore navy suits with burnt orange satin ties. We hired a DJ for the evening, as well as a selfie frame and photo booth. We also used the lawn at Broadoaks Country House for games for the children. We each bought a pocket watch for the other as a gift, and had cufflinks specially engraved. We decided that we didn’t want some guests to only be invited for part of the day, so all invitations were for the whole day. We were also aware that people would have to travel to the Lake District, so we made sure that there was time for people to check into hotels, walk dogs, and have a little time to themselves. Our focus was to keep them fed and watered and to make sure that they felt involved. After 20 years together, there were no nerves. It felt natural and something long overdue. When we started planning, we were going to have a small wedding and considered eloping but decided that we should just invite immediate family. Over the course of a few weeks, the numbers grew until it reached 100. We still wanted the closeness of immediate family, so we arranged for mothers and siblings to come to the Lake District a day earlier to have dinner, drinks and spa treatments. 27 REAL WEDDINGS
STEVE AND ROB’S CONTACTS Venue and catering, Broadoaks Country House, www.broadoakscountryhouse.co.uk | Photographer, Jaye-Peg Photography, www.jayepeg.co.uk | Suits, Aristocracy London Ltd, www.aristocracy.london | Cake, Wren Cake Design, www.wrencakedesign.co.uk Lights, Purple Swan, www.purpleswanhire.co.uk | Blossom arch, swags, centrepieces, sweets and other decorations, Allure Venue Styling, www.allurevenuestyling.co.uk | Celebrant, Cumbria County Council, www.cumbria.gov.uk | Entertainment, Motiv-8 Disco Cumbria, www.motiv-8.co.uk As Steve’s nephews had been ring bearers, we asked my nephew to give a reading taken from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin during the ceremony. We provided wildflower seeds as part of our favours so that people could plant them to remember our day, but to also help with attracting butterflies and bees. We have already received lots of comments about how lovely they look and how people have enjoyed planting them as a family activity. We also wanted to offset the amount of meat that was consumed at the wedding breakfast, so we arranged to rescue 20 battery chickens and a cow that had been destined for slaughter to be sent to a city farm. At the wedding breakfast, we both made speeches and toasts to other people, and so there was no one to make a toast to the grooms. Steve’s brother stood up and did that to ensure there was a toast for us as well. Obviously being in the Lake District, Lake Windermere was chosen as a backdrop for some of the photos, but Jaye, our photographer, also came up with some locations that were not so typical to make things special. After having so many people around at the ceremony, it was nice to have some time just the two of us. For our honeymoon, went to the Seychelles and stayed in Beau Vallon. We had always had the Seychelles on our bucket list, so it seemed the perfect time to visit. We had a suite right next to Mare Anglaise beach and got to enjoy the Indian ocean every day, with jet skiing, parasailing and island hopping. The wedding had been planned to be ethical, as we wanted to show that it could be done without affecting the environment. We focused on being carbon neutral and offsetting the carbon generated by arranging for trees to be planted in Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria. 28
KAYLEY GREENALL PHOTOGRAPHY Wedding and Newborn Photographer www.kayleygreenallphotography.com kayleygreenall@icloud.com @kayleygreenallphotography Naturally Enhancing Bridal Makeup & Effortless Bridal Hairstyling for the Chic & Modern Bride. Packages to include all day service. www.sjfaces.co.uk sophie@sjfaces.co.uk @sj_facesbridal Based near Lytham, Lancashire
NIGHT AWAY Rock the Kate and Stuart opted for an alternative-themed wedding at Salford Lads Club and Buile Hill Park Hall Images courtesy of Richard Davis Photography 30
Kate and Stuart met through a mutual friend who organised charity gigs. “We had both recently become single, so our friend suggested that we meet for a coffee,” says Kate. “Our first date was in August 2015 in Manchester. We had similar interests and hit it off right away. Stuart lived in Nottingham at the time and moved to Manchester six months into our relationship to live with me.” Stuart proposed during lockdown. “We had talked about getting married at some point, but the proposal came as a total surprise,” shares the bride. “He proposed with a Haribo ring, as no jewellery shops were open because of the pandemic.” SETTING THE SCENE The happy couple chose to have their ceremony at Salford Lads Club. “We’re both fans of The Smiths and loved the iconic venue because of its rich history,” explains Kate. “For our reception, we booked Buile Hill Park Hall as it isn’t too far from Salford Lads Club, and it has a stage and a lovely outdoor space.” Kate and Stuart gave their guests Haribo sweets as favours to represent Stuart’s proposal during lockdown. “We want to keep the wedding quite casual, so instead of a traditional seating plan, we asked our guests to sit where they liked,” recalls the bride. “We decorated the tables with sugar skull luminaries from Craft Harmony. For the flowers, we opted for red roses as they’re my favourites and pale white and blue blooms for my nieces; the eldest is a Manchester City Women’s fan and would only carry flowers if they were the club’s colours. “Our cake was made by our good friend Amy,” adds Kate. “We opted for a leopard print and black design with white chocolate sugar skulls on top and fondant icing roses. It was three-tiered with Victoria sponge on the bottom, chocolate in the middle and carrot cake on the top.” For their food, the couple opted for a pizza van from Fratelli’s and an ice cream van provided by Lucia’s Ice Cream in the evening. “We hired a vintage Fiat 500 to take me from our house to Salford Lads Club,” reveals Kate. “The car also took us from the ceremony to the reception venue. Our guests were picked up by a red, vintage double-decker bus from RM Buses Limited and transported to Buile Hill Park Hall.” DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I wore an ivory 1950s-style dress from The Pretty Dress Company,” says the bride. “I chose it because I loved the style. I accessorised with leopard print shoes, red roses and rockabilly-style jewellery from Dolly Cool. I also had a leopard print pashmina in case it got cold and I used a vintage, ivory jewelled bag that I have had for years.” Stuart opted for a red mod suit, Dr. Martens, a black and yellow striped tie, yellow tartan socks and a yellow pocket square from Mod Clothin Crown Jester. “My bridesmaids chose navy blue gowns,” shares Kate. “My sisters wore cocktail-style dresses that they picked themselves and my nieces chose outfits that reflected their personalities. Ruby is very sporty and doesn’t like wearing dresses, so she opted for a navy jumpsuit and white trainers and Scarlett likes frilly dresses and accessories so she wanted a navy blue dress, silver sparkly shoes and a matching handbag.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “We hired a rockabilly band called El-camino,” explains Kate. “They are friends of ours and Glenn, the double bass player is also my tattoo artist. They went down well with guests of all ages and did covers. Stuart also created a Spotify playlist of all of our favourite songs, which we played using our tablet and through the PA system.” REAL WEDDINGS 31
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
MEMORABLE MOMENTS “The day was perfect,” recalls the bride. “It reflected who we are as people and all of our suppliers were brilliant. Our pizza van stepped in at the last minute, as our original pizza van cancelled. We loved the fact that several of our suppliers were friends – the band, photographer, the person who made the cake. The staff at both venues were amazing and couldn’t do enough for us. The wedding planner at Salford Lads Club was brilliant. Some lads got on our vintage bus when it arrived and she soon told them to get off! There is a boxing gym at the venue which was a great place for photos, and one of our friends got rope burn on her hands after doing a somersault out of the boxing ring! “Stuart and I have both been married before, so we wanted a chilled out day that reflected who we are as people and we felt that we had that,” adds Kate. “After I had had my hair and make-up done and got in my dress, Verna, my next-door neighbour brought me some chips round and there is a great photo of me eating chips in my wedding dress.” HONEYMOON “We had a mini-moon straight after the wedding to Naples, which was amazing,” reveals the bride. “We went straight to the airport from Kimpton Clocktower Hotel where we stayed for two nights after the wedding.” 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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