Lauren & Ian's vintage village hall wedding in Chipping Lancashire

Lauren and Ian's wedding was definitely one of my favourites from last year. Full of love, family and beautiful hand made touches this is what rustic village hall weddings are all about! 

Prior to the big day I met Lauren, Ian along with their closest family and friends to document them dressing the room together. So much care and attention went into every single part of the day making it so personal and extra special. Lauren's mum and grandma created beautiful floral arrangements for the tables in an array of jars and vases collected in the year leading up to the wedding. The best man and groom were set to hang bunting that Lauren had handmade throughout the hall. Handmade handkerchiefs and napkins were tied and organised ready for ceremony and wedding breakfast and family photos of marriages previous were stacked on a ladder Lauren had found and up-cycled. Alongside their wedding cake Lauren and Ian opted for a table full of cakes ranging from gluten free lemon cake to chocolate cake (My idea of heaven!) 

Set in stunning rural Chipping in Lancashire the day started off in Plum Cottage with Lauren, bridesmaid Helen, daughter Emily and friends for bridal preparations. There was plenty of laughter as I photographed the bridal party getting ready along with all the special details including Lauren's vintage inspired Vivian of Holloway wedding dress and Irregular Choice heels (swoon!) 

We headed over to Parish church of St Bartholomews for an intimate service before Lauren and Ian were showered with dried petals. Following some family photos and a walk around the village with Lauren and Ian we made the very quick walk across the road to Chipping Village Hall for an evening of pimms, afternoon tea and plenty of dancing. 

If you're wanting a rustic vintage feel for your wedding this is definitely the way to do it! 

Shai & James' autumnal couples shoot at Heaton Park

This weekend is a little throwback to my favourite time of year when the leaves have fallen and the ground is scattered with the perfect shade of orange. I met Shai and James down by the boating lake in beautiful Heaton Park in Manchester. Full of beautiful spots spanning over 600 acres in the grounds of an 18th century country house there was plenty of amazing photo spots. 

We walked around chatting about all my favourite things- weddings and animals! We even befriended some of the squirrels that occupy the park. 

There was plenty of laughs, cuddles and pictures to show off how perfect these two are for each other! 

Heaton park made the perfect setting for photos. With a stunning backdrop of autumnal colours and animals it is an idyllic haven from the busy centre of Manchester.

Hayley & Daniels spring wedding at Hazlewood Castle

Hayley and Daniels wedding was like something straight out of a fairytale set in Hazlewood castle in Yorkshire, a historic beauty dating all the way back to 1086. Hayley and Daniel's wedding was bursting full of love, emotion and hand made touches that made the day so sentimental. From the moment Hayley entered the room it was clear to see the love between these two and that they were meant to be. 

The day started with an intimate ceremony within the castle shared with their closest friends and family before heading to the chapel in the grounds for a beautiful service shared with their full wedding party.

After a foggy start to the day the sun came out just in time for lots of confetti and photos in the beautiful Yorkshire grounds.

We later progressed into the Great Hall for an evening meal, speeches before a night full of dancing including an extra special dance medley between Hayley and her father- if you're wondering what makes a great dance floor, this is it!

Sarah & Dave's rainy pre wedding shoot at Southport Botanic Gardens

One of the things I get asked most is "What do we do if it rain's on our day?" The short answer is we grab an umbrella and carry on. Don't be afraid of a little (or a lot) rain and never underestimate how beautiful the rain can and will look on your pictures. 

I kicked off what is turning out to be a very wet April here in Lancashire meeting with Sarah and Dave on one of the wettest days of the year, for what was undoubtedly the soggiest shoot I have ever done. But lucky for us that also meant the Botanic gardens in Southport were empty for us to get some lovely pictures in the spot Sarah's parents had their own wedding photographs. 

We sheltered from the rain with Charlie the puppy before digging out the umbrellas and heading out and walking round the botanical gardens talking about their wedding and getting some snaps. These guys were awesome full of love and laughter and I cannot wait for their wedding!

Styled bridal shoot

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to collaborate on a beautiful styled bridal shoot in Leeds. Working alongside the wonderfully talented Emma Louise Bartlam whose make up studio is based in Leeds city centre we created 3 bridal looks. 

In true Yorkshire style the temperamental weather restricted us from having the opportunity to head outside as originally planned but that didn't stop us from being able to create some bridal portraits within the studio.

If you're looking for a makeup artist for your wedding or even just fancy a pamper I cannot recommend Emma enough so drop her a message or pop into her studio.  

Here's a little bit of what we got up to...

Pippa & Ben's Victoria Hotel wedding with a Mexican twist

Pippa and Ben's wedding was one I couldn't wait for. A beautiful wedding with a fun twist! 

Marking their 11th anniversary Pippa and Ben shared their special day with their friends family and beautiful daughter Pearl. The day kicked off at The Victoria Hotel in Oldham for bridal prep before heading to St James's Church for a beautiful ceremony. We sheltered from the February rain inside the church before braving the cold for a confetti filled get a way.

When we arrived back to The Victoria Hotel we were greeted by a Mariachi band and nacho stand- how AMAZING!

If this didn't make the day unique enough alongside their wedding cake Pippa and ben also opted for a 3 tier pork pie. 

I absolutely loved documenting this relaxed, fun wedding from the stag party's party piece during the speeches to the full dance floor full of love. 

A massive thank you to Emily for second shooting this wedding with me and getting some of these shots 

Venue: The Victoria Hotel

Kirsty & Steve's Coalpit Heath pre wedding shoot

With Kirsty and Steve's wedding just around the corner I headed down to Bristol for their pre wedding shoot. We walked around the grounds of their venue and talked all things wedding. Their plans sound INCREDIBLE and its safe to say this is a wedding I cannot wait for. 

Making an early start from up in the North West heading to beautiful Coalpit Heath. We took a short walk across to the church they will be married in before heading back across the road to the beautiful gardens of The Manor Hall. With the flowers newly planted I can't wait to return next month for their big day. 

These two were absolutely amazing and laughed and smiled their way through the whole shoot, take a look at what we got up to.

Hannah & Matt's Gauntlet Birds of Prey engagement shoot

A couple of weeks ago I headed to Knutsford to spend a very rare day of sun with Hannah & Matt at Gauntlet birds of prey centre for their pre wedding shoot. With their wedding just a few weeks away this was a great chance to hear a little bit more about their big day and their plans. 

From the moment Hannah emailed me to tell me about her surprise engagement shoot handling birds for fiancé Matt I was super excited. I absolutely adore animals and LOVE owls so combining this with a couples shoot was my idea of heaven!

After walking around to have a little look at all the beautiful birds and meerkats that are kept at the centre we were greeted by Shelley one of the handlers at the centre. Throughout the shoot Matt and Hannah handled 5 different types of bird including Slick Sid the harris hawk, a vulture and a beautiful owl while learning a little bit about each of the birds.