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A Midsummer Dream wedding at Soughton Hall, North Wales

Soughton Hall in North Wales is one of my favourite venues to shoot at, so I was thrilled when Jasmine and Josh asked me to photograph their wedding at this beautiful venue.

I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales, and Soughton Hall is actually just down the road for me in Flintshire. It’s one of the venues I shoot at most frequently, and it’s not hard to see why it’s such a favourite for couples who are getting married. Soughton Hall is a stunning Georgian country house approached down a sweeping driveway and surrounded by landscaped gardens. I knew it would be a beautiful wedding, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.


Jasmine and Josh’s Wedding at Soughton Hall, North Wales

On the morning of the wedding I was thrilled to see the sun shining: perfect wedding weather! As I arrived at the venue I couldn’t resist taking some shots of Soughton Hall in the sunshine.





First off, I joined Jasmine and her bridal party to capture some bridal prep shots. As a wedding photographer, I love being involved in bridal prep: it’s such a fun and exciting part of the day. I took some stunning shots of Jasmine looking out at the venue’s grounds, as well as capturing the details of her beautiful dress and bouquet.





It was wonderful to see Jasmine’s parents’ and sisters’ reactions when they saw her in her dress for the first time, and it made for some lovely wedding photography.



Jasmine and Josh chose to have their ceremony in the beautiful Drawing Room which is fabric lined in blue and gold and features a fresco painted ceiling with chandeliers. Soughton Hall even allowed a very special guest to make an appearance!



After the ceremony we all enjoyed mingling in the sunshine in the grounds of the Hall, with the North Wales countryside as the backdrop.

I also took the opportunity to spend a little time with Jasmine and Josh to capture some romantic images of them as a couple. As a wedding photographer, one of my favourite things about Soughton Hall is the grounds and gardens. Some of my favourite photographs have been taken in the venue’s picturesque Secret Garden: overlooking the southern façade of the Hall, and shaded by eucalyptus trees, this atmospheric garden really is perfect for some magical wedding photography.








We then moved inside for the wedding breakfast. Couples getting married at Soughton Hall tend to choose the marquee for their wedding reception: it’s a lovely, elegant space that lends itself to any type of venue dressing. The Marquee overlooks the wooded gardens and is accessed directly from the house through a glass walkway.




After dinner I was able to pop outside again with Jasmine and Josh to capture some beautiful wedding photography in the late-afternoon sun. We took advantage of Soughton Hall’s elegant exterior to create the perfect setting.



Then it was time for the evening reception, with the huge light-up “LOVE” making an ideal backdrop for some eye-catching photos!




Before the day was over, we managed to sneak in a little time for some romantic photos of the bride and groom as night fell: the perfect end to the perfect day in North Wales.



Wedding Photographer North Wales

If you are planning a wedding in North Wales, and are considering getting married at the beautiful Soughton Hall, please contact me to chat more about wedding photography at this stunning venue.

 

 

The best things about being a wedding photographer in Cheshire

As a wedding photographer based in Flintshire, I’m ideally located for weddings across Cheshire. I love shooting weddings in Cheshire: the area has such a diverse selection of different types of venue, as well as benefiting from the beautiful Cheshire countryside which makes the ideal backdrop for wedding photography.

If you’re thinking about getting married in Cheshire, you’re sure to have a beautiful day. 

Here are just a few of my favourite things about being a wedding photographer in Cheshire…


Stunning Cheshire Estates


Some of my favourite venues to shoot at in Cheshire are the beautiful estates. Venues such as Abbeywood Estate and Iscoyd Park are perfect examples of elegant Cheshire stately homes set within their own gorgeous estate grounds.

Abbeywood Estate wedding photography Cheshire

Abbeywood is a 45 Acre estate nestling in the Delamere Countryside, right in the heart of Cheshire. It’s the ideal setting for a wedding ceremony, with elegant rooms and beautiful grounds, and it lends itself perfectly to wedding photography. As a wedding photographer, you really can’t ask for a better setting to create spectacular photographs. Abbeywood Estate provides a really versatile space for weddings both indoors and out, with wonderful areas to entertain or relax in, as well as stunning gardens for a perfect backdrop.






Iscoyd Park is a private country house wedding venue on the borders of North Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire. As a wedding photographer in North Wales and Cheshire, Iscoyd is ideally located for me. It’s also an absolute dream wedding venue: it’s the perfect combination of historic elegance and contemporary style.



Stylish Cheshire hotels

Something I really love about being a wedding photographer in Cheshire is there is such a variety of venues, so whilst one week I may be shooting at a traditional country estate, the next week I could be at a wedding at a stylish, modern hotel.

A great example is Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa. Thornton Hall is based in the heart of the Wirral countryside, and is a delightful wedding venue for all seasons. One of my favourite features of Thornton Hall are the landscaped gardens: I’ve captured some beautiful wedding photography in the grounds. I also love shooting in the impressive Torintone Suite, which has recently been completely refurbished and it’s pure sophistication and style. For something a little different, couples getting married at Thornton Hall can enjoy a Twilight wedding ceremony, which includes a ceremony from 5pm, and late night bites. Evening light always makes for some stand-out wedding photography, and a Twilight wedding is a lovely unique twist on the day for anyone looking for a wedding with a difference in Cheshire. 


Wedding Photographer Cheshire
Wedding Photographer Cheshire Thornton Hall
Wedding Photographer Wirral

The Cheshire countryside


So many Cheshire wedding venues are surrounded by beautiful countryside, which always makes a perfect backdrop for wedding photography.

However, some Cheshire venues really make the most of their rural location to offer couples a wedding venue with a real difference. For example, I recently shot a wedding at a truly unique venue called Cheshire Woodland Weddings. It’s a stunning Cheshire wedding venue with lots of opportunities for beautiful wedding photography, but on top of that guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as archery, crazy golf and shooting!



Cheshire Woodland Weddings is the ideal venue to embrace the great outdoors. Couples exchange their vows within an enchanting thatched shelter nestled in 15 acres of Cheshire woodland. Guests can then enjoy a glass of fizz in the woodland and at the nearby waterside gazebo. Cheshire Woodland Weddings also offer a beautifully rustic barn which has a capacity of up to 200 guests, which features a fully licensed bar, space to eat, drink and celebrate!

Cheshire Woodland Weddings



Unique venues like this are definitely one of the best things about being a wedding photographer in Cheshire: there are so many opportunities for beautiful wedding photography with a difference.


Ideally located for the city of Chester


I love shooting weddings in the beautiful city of Chester. Chester is a cathedral city and the county town of Cheshire, sitting on the River Dee.

One of my favourite Chester venues to shoot at is the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, a 4* luxury hotel wedding venue situated between Chester and North Wales. I’m always thrilled when I’m invited to be the wedding photographer at this fabulous Chester venue. Featuring stunning, contemporary decor, and surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is renowned as one of Chester’s finest hotels and is certainly the dream setting for wedding photography.

Wedding Photographer Grosvenor Pulford Chester
Wedding Photographer Grosvenor Pulford Chester
Wedding Photographer Grosvenor Pulford Chester
Another favourite Chester venue is the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel and Spa. This elegant hotel wedding venue is an 18th century manor house, three miles from the heart of historic Chester. The Double Tree Chester offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and stunning outdoor spaces. The Double Tree Chester is a dream venue for a wedding photographer with its restored 18th century Manor House, Grade II English Heritage conservatory and converted stable barn. This stylish Cheshire wedding venue is also set in twelve acres of exquisite landscaped gardens, and the Victorian walled garden and unique restored ha-ha wall make the perfect backdrop for stunning wedding photographs. 

Wedding Photographer Double Tree Hilton Chester
Wedding Photographer Double Tree Hilton Chester
Wedding Photographer Double Tree Hilton Chester
Wedding Photographer Chester

Cheshire Wedding Photographer

As a wedding photographer, you really can’t ask for a better backdrop to create spectacular photographs than the venues within Cheshire.

I always feel very lucky to be a wedding photographer in this area of the country as we have so many beautiful venues to choose from, which means endless inspiration for wedding photography!

If you are thinking of getting married in Cheshire I would love to discuss your plans for the day. I’m a professional wedding photographer working in North Wales, Cheshire and Chester and would be delighted if you got in touch for a chat.

 

Wedding make up that photographs perfectly

On your wedding day, all eyes will be on you. You’re also likely to be photographed all day! Not just by your wedding photographer, but by all your friends and family too. So of course, it’s normal for you to want to look your best on the big day, and your wedding makeup is part of this.

Most brides want their wedding makeup to be an elevated version of their usual look. But they also want their makeup to have staying power- it needs to look great all day. And on top of that, you will want your bridal makeup to photograph well too.

Camera flashes can transform makeup in unexpected (and often unwanted) ways. A knowledgeable wedding photographer will account for this, but the right choice of beauty products and skilled application of your wedding makeup can make the job far easier and give you peace of mind.

I’m a wedding photographer based in Cheshire and North Wales, and throughout my career I’ve worked alongside many fantastic make up artists and have picked up some great tips to share with you to ensure your wedding makeup photographs perfectly…

Bride having her make up down by a makeup artist wearing a mask


1) Pay close attention to detail

If you’re going to be photographed by a professional wedding photographer, it’s good to pay close attention to detail. You will need to be aware of symmetry: do both eyes match perfectly? Also be aware of blending and colour matching, as the camera will pick up different shades in your face and neck. Also be mindful that if highlighters are not applied properly, the camera picks them up even more.

Have your makeup done in the strongest, brightest-possible light and use a magnifying mirror to make checks. Remember that lighting can also change how your makeup can look on camera; don’t practice your makeup in the evening.

The bridal party doing their own makeup at home


2) It’s all about the base

A really important part of achieving bridal makeup that photographs well is getting your base right. Your foundation should be natural and not too heavy, otherwise it can look a bit plastic in wedding photographs. Your foundation should look like skin rather than looking cakey, so consider opting for a lightweight foundation which can be built gradually.

Your wedding makeup should not be too shiny or too matte. From a wedding photography point of view, if your base is too shiny it can appear greasy on camera, whereas if a base is too matte it can look a bit dull and flat. 


3) This is the one time we don’t recommend sunscreen!

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen, but this is the one day we suggest you steer clear of using it on your face. Avoid any foundations with SPF in them, as if your wedding photographer uses a flash the SPF will make your face appear whiter than your body. This is because Zinc molecules in SPF reflect the light, causing skin to look white and ghostly in wedding photographs.

 

4) Emphasise your eyes

Defining your eyes correctly will lead to some beautiful wedding photographs!

When it comes to wedding make up, we suggest that your eye makeup may need to be a couple of shades darker than usual. Define your eyes using eyeliner, carefully-applied eyeshadow, and maybe some individual lashes to help your eyes stand out.

Wedding photographer North Wales

5) Make it last

Lastly, it’s important to ensure that your wedding make up has staying power! Setting powders are great for this, or you could try a fixing spray. Your setting powder shouldn’t sit in fine lines and should help to create the look of naturally perfect skin which lasts all day.

Holly the bride having her makeup done

I’ve been a wedding photographer for around 20 years now, photographing weddings in Cheshire, Chester, North Wales and beyond. Along the way, I’ve picked up lots of tips for helping brides to look their absolute best on their big day. If you’d like to chat to a professional wedding photographer about any questions you might have, get in touch today: I’m happy to help!