Every year I get some amazing wedding bookings and nothing makes my year more than when a couple book me because their sister/brother/best friend/*insert other awesome person here recommended me. It doesn’t get much better than that does it? And this wedding was one of those amazing ones as Stacey booked because I had filmed her wonderful sister’s wedding WAY back in 2013 (still one of my all time favourites and you can she her Manchester wedding here). Stacey and her husband to be, David, decided to go for a more countryside affair and chose historic Bartle Hall in North Preston for their beautiful wedding setting.
In complete contrast to the day before we had a foggy and gray start to their wedding day as I arrived to film the girls at Marriot Preston. It actually really fitted with their theme of dark navy dresses for the bridesmaids and deep yet vibrant oranges and reds for the flowers by The Flower Lounge. It didn’t make David feel any better as sadly his helicopter trip got cancelled which meant he couldn’t fly in to his wedding, a gift to himself after Stacey invested in some very beautiful royal blue Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes! We couldn’t stay sad for long though as it was soon time to get ready to leave for the venue. The boys made their last minute checks over at Bartle Hall while Stacey’s sisters helped get the flower girls ready before getting the Bride in to her gorgeous lace tea length dress.
Everyone was waiting nervously for the arrival of the bride (always one of my favorite moment’s to watch back as I too miss it on the day) before Alex Birtwell began signing her entrance song and she made her way down the aisle on the arm of her proud Dad. David took a few deep breaths to keep those tears from spilling out and a few cheeky laughs helped ease any nerves as they began to say their vows. They were soon signing the register and being announced out as Husband and Wife.
Guests made their way out in to the crisp winter air and posed like pro’s for the family and friend’s group photographs with their professional photographer, Mike Plunkett. He soon took them off for some romantic couple shots in the gardens before returning them to their awaiting guests to enjoy a few drinks before the wedding breakfast. To step away from tradition a little the couple decided to space out the wedding speeches in-between courses which gave everyone the best of both worlds, not getting hungry while waiting for food during the speeches or not being too drunk from drinking for ages beforehand! Each speech was brilliant in it’s own way and I think David did a wonderful job of finding the balance of soppy and funny for his too!
Guests were soon ushered out so Bartle Hall staff could turn the room around for the evening. A photoboot was set up for guests and Alex set up his gear in preparation for singing the happy couples first dance song. They firstly cut their stunning wedding cake (by talented Beth of Cakes By Beth fame) before taking to the dancefloor. After a little bit of romantic swaying to Bob Marley guests joined them on the floor and Alex sang some great songs to keep everyone dancing.
As predicted I had a great time filming an amazing wedding. It was also an added bonus seeing Shelly and Chris again along with their lovely family. I hoped they loved having me as much as I loved being there to film their day!
Wedding Ceremony and Reception – Bartle Hall Hotel, Preston
Wedding Photographer – Mike Plunkett, Manchester
Accoustic Wedding Singer and Entertainment – Alex Birtwell, Accrington
Wedding Flowers – The Flower Lounge, Didsbury
Wedding Cake – Cakes By Beth, Manchester
