
Who wouldn’t want to be a Vale Royal Abbey wedding photographer! This lush hotel, set in the middle of the stunning Cheshire countryside, is an awesome setting for any occasion, including your wedding! The historic building dates back to the 13th century and was sympathetically restored in 1998, thanks to a little help from English Heritage. This wedding venue oozes historic charm, and will make your celebration a truly unique and splendid experience.
The day started at Patrick’s house for groom prep. The family started their wedding day in style with a full English breakfast made courtesy of the father of the groom. This was apparently a bit of a tradition which takes place on each special occasion the family celebrates. Patrick’s mum didn’t join the family however since she had to do a few quick repair jobs with her sowing kit!
I left Patrick’s crew and went to see Layla, our bride, at her parent’s house just 10 minutes’ drive away. Her and her bridesmaids were having fun on the couch and just generally having a laugh. Their little French bulldog ‘Piggy’ looked a little nervous at all the commotion. When Layla came out for the big dress reveal, it was emotional for everyone present and she received plenty of hugs all round. We had a few natural photos in the back garden and then it was time to head to the church.
Guests were already arriving when I pulled up to the church. Layla and Patrick had hired a very talented wedding singer who sang some sweet romantic melodies as people entered the church. I was able to capture some nice moments of Patrick and hid dad hugging his stepdaughter-to-be before the ceremony began. The bride arrived in her swanky wedding car and was helped out by her brother.
Layla cried as she was led down the aisle, and the emotion didn’t stop there. The soon-to-be-married couple shared meaningful glances and smiles all through the proceedings and they burst into laughter during the reading of the vows and exchanges of rings. It was great to see a couple so happy! The couple exited the church with big smiles and loads of applause. A few meet and greets outside – not to mention some impromptu – outside and then it was off to Vale Royal Abbey!
After meeting some guests outside on the lush red carpet, the newlyweds and myself had a few minutes exploring the abbey’s beautiful grounds while taking the odd photo. Patrick couldn’t resist doing an impression of the famous scene from Titanic. The wedding breakfast began with Layla and Patrick entering to the enthusiastic roar of Vale Royal Abbey’s Toastmaster, and energetic applause from their family and friends. The speeches were initially hilarious, but then became very emotional when the groom announced that his new wife was pregnant with their first child! No-one knew, so it came as quite a shock to all present!
Before the first dance kicked off in earnest, Layla and Patrick were subjected to the shoe game, where questions are read to the bride and groom and they have to hold up shoes depending on which one them does a particular habit the most….often with some embarrassing consequences. It’s not clear quite who was the winner, but both of our married couple really enjoyed themselves. The was a heap ton of emotion and smiles as Layla and Patrick performed their first dance, with their family joining them for a good boogie almost straight away.
Massive congratulations to Layla and Patrick! What an awesome wedding! What a great time to be a Vale Royal Abbey wedding photographer!
If you like natural, unposed wedding photography, perhaps I’m the photographer for you. Why not get in touch to check for availability, or check out some more of my work in my portfolio.
With its crafted combination of elegance, grandiosity, fine cuisine and dedicated service, this splendid manor is perfectly equipped to accommodate your dream wedding or civil ceremony. Your wedding experience will be truly unforgettable at this classic building from the 1500s. Vale Royal Abbey can also accommodate a whole variety of events: Christmas celebrations, christenings, dinner dances, birthdays, anniversaries, gala dinners and proms.
This classy wedding venue can rightfully claim to be one of the most beautiful venues in Cheshire, if not in the UK. Bride and grooms looking for somewhere to marry will simply not go wrong with a splendid 16th century manor surrounded by over 150 acres of spectacular countryside, in the heart of Cheshire. The lake in particular is awesome for some natural wedding photography. No matter the size of your occasion, Value Royal Abbey can cater for massive party celebrations or the more intimate affairs with just close family and friends. The dedicated staff will bring a comprehensive combination of relaxation and romance to make sure your special day is the perfect day you always dreamed it would be. With only wedding hosted a day, you have guaranteed exclusive use of the manor and grounds, allowing you to plan your day as you choose and enjoy the full attention of the hard working staff.
3 charming rooms are available for those tying the knot to use separately or together in creation of their ideal celebration. The magnificent Great Hall accommodates up to 150 guests seated. The large windows offer fabulous views and cast flattering light on the historic paintings, wood floor, beamed ceiling and two period fireplaces that adorn the room. The Library is intended for smaller wedding parties and more intimate occasions, accommodating up to 50 guests for dining or 120 for civil ceremonies. Finally, the Lounge is where people can really relax in comfy chairs while drinking their favourite beverage ordered at the bar. The wedding breakfast will be a taste sensation thanks to the chefs of Vale Royal Abbey using fresh ingredients locally sourced.
The manor’s courtyard is a great place for you and your guests to arrive to begin the wedding breakfast and reception. Drink your reception drinks and eat your canapés on the well-manicured lawns, or if the British weather deals you an unlucky hand, the library is a nice substitution.
Every wedding at Vale Royal Abbey is treated as a unique event requiring personalised attention and care. The talented team know that every detail counts and will offer guidance for any bride to be in need of a little help on the run up to the big day. You can rely on the wedding co-ordinators carefully manage the process so everything runs smoothly.
Venue: Vale Royal Abbey
Dress: Knutsford Wedding Gallery
Cake: Cheshire Wedding Cakes
Videographer: Aaron Rose Wedding Films
Rings: Waltons of Chester