Magical Marquee Wedding

When Jess and Dom Carter were looking for their dream wedding venue, they didn’t have to venture far. Jess’s family farm, near the market town of Frodsham in Cheshire, with its stunning views over the River Mersey was simply perfect.

“My family used to grow Christmas trees in the field so I have many happy memories there.  We also wanted somewhere local for the Grandmas!” Jess told me.

“We started looking at local marquee companies, Steve at Posh Frocks and Wellies came to meet us and see the field. We built up a good relationship with Steve and knew they were the company for us. The marquees are stunning! Which also really helped when it came to decorating…it didn’t need much! Just the lighting that comes with the marquee and then the greenery that decorated the king poles”

Even the loos were really posh!

Jess and Dom are an amazing couple, as are their family and friends. Although they didn’t have a specific theme for their wedding, they took inspiration from their romantic trip to Rome where the two got engaged, and every element had a personal touch.

They collected flowers and props from family and friends, Jess’s uncle made the wooden boards that went on the tables, the flowers at the venue were arranged by her Godmother, Sarah, the cake, a delicious lemon with white chocolate and lemon ganache, was made by a family friend Jenny and Jess’s hair and make-up were done by another close friend.

“It really made it for me to have my wonderful friend Dawn there in the morning helping me, along with my mum and bridesmaids of course!” Jess said.

In the week running up to the wedding, I was worried that the weather would be unkind as the forecast was so changeable. The day before was a total washout, but Saturday dawned with glorious sunshine. With the magnificent marquee up and decorated with flowers and twinkling lights, the stage was set for a fairy-tale wedding.

Guests were seated on their country style ‘pews’ (hay bales from the farm!) as Jess and Dom exchanged their vows in a joyful ceremony led by Celebrant Marie McDonald.

The beautiful scenery lent itself to romantic, dreamy shots of the happy couple, and I was so pleased to be able to capture the special bond between the bride and groom.

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a fabulous feast, including Sue Coward’s famous steak pies, each individually handmade and served with new potatoes from nearby Warburton’s farm.

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a fabulous feast, including Sue Coward’s famous steak pies, each individually handmade and served with new potatoes from nearby Warburton’s farm.

“Food was super important to us, Ian Beckett did all the catering for us – amazing canapes, gorgeous olives, bread and oils for the starters, and yummy puddings. It felt really homely and great to make use of local suppliers, especially when they taste so good. The Coward and Warburton families have been in Frodsham a very long time, just like my mum’s family, so that felt special,” said Jess.

As the sun began to set, it was time for the first dance, and since it was such a balmy summer evening, Mr and Mrs Carter took to the dancefloor outside, with all the guests joining in with the singing and dancing.  I don’t mind telling you I got goosebumps as I took their photographs against the backdrop of one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen.

This truly is one of the most magical weddings I have ever photographed, one that stole a little bit of my heart.