From Keele to Kent to Cheshire to Canada, and then back to the UK (with a few bits in between)... the pathway that Stephanie and James' first moment together ending up taking them on. Following their initial glances at Keele University, the lovely couples futures became intertwined, culminating in a trip to Cheshire, on the 6th of September 2016, to marry in front of friends and family (and one particular wedding photographer from Staffordshire) at All Saints Church in Thelwall.
I love a good wedding. I love photographing a good wedding. However, a good wedding doesn't always mean a FUN wedding. As a wedding photographer, you come across all kinds of big days. Some are absolutely stunning to the eye when you look back through the photographs, but lacked a little 'pzazz' during the actual event. Others can be quite low key affairs, intimate family gatherings, and as such I capture the day whilst allowing the most important people to enjoy their day, their way, as it should be! But I do love a wedding that has a certain FUN element. When I think back to Stephanie and James' big day, I find myself chuckling to myself (I am now) remembering one particular part that had the entire guest list in bits... the best mans speech. If nothing else had happened all day, I'll always remember the FUN at this wedding. Just have a look at some of the shots I managed to get of the bride, the groom and the guests laughing as the speech continued to flow. For what was actually a very sophisticated day, in beautiful surroundings with wonderful people, with the party enjoying drinks and canapes, this part was a stand out moment.
Enough of the best man already, and back to the important people... bride and groom, Stephanie and James. Almost high school sweethearts, the lovely couple first met whilst studying at Keele University and haven't looked back since. Now living in Kent, they decided upon Cheshire as a destination for their wedding, and settled upon tying the knot at All Saints Church in Thelwall, followed by their reception at the gorgeous Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm. Upstaging (as she should) the dapper groom and best man, as well as the beautiful bridesmaids and flower girl, Stephanie outshone the rest of the party in an elegant, sweetheart neckline dress finished with lace straps... look below, stunning. And to top it off, they were both such a happy, friendly, lovely couple. Even after the wedding, and they were on their honeymoon in Canada (jealous), the two took time to send me some shots of their own, taking in the beautiful scenery... and a grizzly bear too! I really did enjoy working with them, delightful from start to finish.
The venues. If you're looking for a venue or a church in and around the Cheshire area for your wedding, you could do a lot worse than follow Stephanie and James' lead. From a photography point of view, All Saints Church is really eye catching, inside and out. I managed to capture a number of photos during the ceremony as you'll see below. The photo opportunities, at Statham Lodge Hotel are breath taking. If you're having a Summer wedding, and manage to catch a bright sunny day, they are extraordinary. A classic Georgian manor house, with acres and acres of gardens to take in, it is an amazing backdrop. We managed to sneak in a lovely photograph down by a secluded gazebo too... all in the gallery below. As a part of the wedding supplier team, I do get to see what the staff and setup at venues is actually like, and I have to say that they are really charming and accommodating... highly recommended!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Statham Lodge Hotel and All Saints Church, Cheshire.
