Classy White Merrydale Manor Wedding Photographer

There’s ‘just’ 20 suppliers listed below, which is some good going, but I will more than likely have missed something.

Jeez, I seem to have got a little sidetracked there, so let’s get back to the wedding. The day started at Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford for the preparation, and it’s where I met Craig of CW Film Productions. He’s a really nice man that I cannot wait to work with again. Hair and makeup were being looked after by Rachael Strand Hair and Kirsty Kean Makeup. They did a fantastic job.

Only 15 minutes down the road is Merrydale Manor with its wonderful fields, buildings, pond with fountain that’s full of Canadian pond geese, and some sleeping pods in a quiet secluded area.

I started at the mancave, as Merrydale call it, a rather nice cabin with a fridge, games, and somewhere for the lads to change. Jordan and his men got into their handsome Dennis Hopes suits. It was here that Craig and I met George, the toastmaster. Now, I usually cringe when I see the red jacket, but this guy is different. He’s down to earth and happy to have fun. I even snapped him dancing. He’s a really great guy and one I’d be happy to have at any wedding.

We then went to capture Emma and her ladies getting ready. I spent that time with Emma getting into her beautiful dress from Ava Rose Hamilton. It’s a time I’ve become a big help, though on this occasion, Rachael, who did hair, was here for this. The times I’ve heard ‘thank god you were here, or I don’t know what we’d have done without you’ is so heartwarming. Don’t worry though, all are still covered up, apart from their backs. The reason I like to do it this way is simple: you ask for natural and real moments. Coming back in later to fake this just doesn’t work. If you’re not comfortable with this, no worries, it’s fine. I’ll simply wait outside. But, please, please, please, don’t forget that I am there.

The lovely registrars, Anette and Anne, from Your Ceremony were waiting downstairs for after the big reveal to Dad, Mum, and the bridesmaids. Coming out of the bridal suite, I got a view of Emma with the family directly below. It’s a great shot and one I’ve not seen available anywhere else in my 15 years as a wedding photographer. Then comes the moment they see Emma, wow. It’s always amazing seeing their reactions. Some cry, others are simply lost for words and stand there with mouths wide open.

I am not going to talk too much more about the day, except to say the weather was very odd all day, would be an understatement. Rain, wind, sunshine, completely covered in cloud, and I am sure there was a rumble a couple of times. I’ll need to double-check that with Craig.

An amazing ceremony where the couple said their “I do’s,” followed by a fantastic confetti exit, all the time being complemented by music from Gemma Daltrey Music. Gemma, along with her guitarist, also played fantastically in the reception and through the wedding breakfast. Lanzas Ice Cream with their traditional ice cream bike was in the reception providing lots of amazing iced cream.

After the speeches and amazing food served by Barretts event catering, the guests moved back to the bar area or outside to drink and celebrate all while the venue cleaned and set up the room for the evening celebration. The band The Singles Table set up as well as DJ Lee Stone. The bridesmaids wore rather fetching Chi Chi dresses in fuchsia pink. They really stood out, especially with the flowers chosen for the day. White Roses from Flowers by Bethany. There were lots more florals around the venue, and white orchids by Colshaw Hall, which looked amazing. It was just a really classy affair.

After the wedding breakfast, the beautiful cake from GG Bakes was cut as recommended by Toastmaster George. Why wait until the evening? A beautiful 3-tier cake – Vanilla, Lemon, White choc, and raspberry.

Lee Stone played the first dance along with a few more bangers that guests enjoyed dancing to before the band, The Singles Table, kicked off with their first of two live sets.

Final Words

It was such a fantastic wedding, all helped along by Sam and her fantastic team at Merrydale Manor. It’s what got me started on this article today. Seeing all of these people work together, sometimes in harmony, others not so, but we all get to the same point. Providing the couple with fantastic memories of their dream day. Some couples have said to me after they go through their photos for the first time, I could smell the flowers and perfumes etc again, and the voice of the singer is now in my head. It brings it all back each time they go through their wedding album – my work there is done.

Enough said, really!

Moments captured by me, Loved by you!

I hope you enjoy the video……

Paul.