Thurstaston Innocent Bystander Proposal Capture

Thurstaston Innocent Bystander Proposal Capture


A clear Saturday in a rainy week saw us atop Thurstaston Hill being an Innocent Bystander proposal photographer! pretending to be photographing the beautiful scenery over the Dee Estuary.
Just one of many methods up our sleeves for capturing a romantic proposal.

It all started when David surprised Issy with a Christmas gift for a weekend treat at Hillbark Hotel with spa treatment and food tasting. Little did Lissy know that David had secretly made further surprise plans and to propose.
Hillbark pulled out the stops and suggested a great place with a scenic view to propose and even a backup plan for inside Hillbark in weather inclement. (It is good to have backup plans!).

The team at Hillbark very kindly recommended us to capture the surprise proposal too and we are indebted to them.
Emails were sent and plans were discussed and set in motion. Issy didn’t suspect a thing.
We were just another couple walking up on the hill, photographing the scenery…but we were in with the plans of where to be and at the right time…. It all turned out beautifully. Issy of course said yes! Seeing her surprise and complete joy was a real privilege.

We took some more pics up on the Hill and then whizzed back to Hillbark Hotel where flowers (from Blooms floristry) and champagne were waiting for the newly engaged couple.

Celebratory drinks and a few more pics outside whilst the weather was good made for perfect memories of a special weekend.
Such a romantic time and so special to be a part of, David and Issy we wish you so much happiness.

Proposal Pagoda Thornton Hall Hotel

Proposal Pagoda Thornton Hall Hotel

ROMANTIC THORNTON HALL PAGODA  PROPOSAL

Did you know Thornton Hall hire out their garden pagoda for proposals?
whether in secret or a planned event to capture some memories and an Instagram worth pose!
The set up of red rose heart with light-up “Will You Marry Me” sign and candles is by Extra Events Manchester

We recently covered such an event – unfortunately can’t share personal pics for privacy reasons but here are a couple of images of the set up
Even with stormy winds outside we were cosy inside.  The couple made the most of their time here with an afternoon tea

pagoda Thornton Hall

proposal in the pagoda set up at Thornton Hall Hotel

How romantic would this be for Valentine’s Day?
If you want more info on planning a proposal check out our proposal blog post and contact us if you wish to book

Birkenhead Town Hall Elopement Packages

Birkenhead Town Hall Elopement Packages

WIRRAL TOWN HALL ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

WIRRAL ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

Did you know Pixsmiths have short-coverage elopement packages available?
Many photographers are not interested in short coverage – preferring full day – but we are happy to provide flexibility.
We have covered several elopements at Birkenhead Town Hall so hence we now have special packages available.
We believe even small weddings or elopements deserve quality images covering the ceremony and portraits afterward.

Elopement coverage is usually midweek and starts from 90 minutes to whatever you need.  Weekends may be available if short notice and subject to availability.
It’s mainly Birkenhead Town Hall weddings on the Wirral available for short coverage elopements, but all Wirral locations are open o us too
No harm in checking with us.  We can also act as your witnesses too if you wish to keep it just the two of you

We have produced a guide to planning a wedding at the registry office too, to help with many questions and ideas for post-ceremony celebrations.

We can’t always share these  Town Hall elopements socially as there may be pertinent reasons for keeping them private but it’s so lovely when they refer us to like-minded friends.
Many couples, especially in recent years with so many postponements, just want to slip away and have a quiet intimate wedding and just carry on with life.
Some have family living all over the world and it’s sometimes simpler and less complicated to just slip away with two friends as witnesses.
Always time for a party later with friends and family.

Birkenhead Town Hall Elopement

Sona and Zoltan were kindly referred by another couple whose Wirral elopement we had recently covered.
We devised a bespoke package for them of 90 minutes.
When there are no group photos to consider,  up to 90 minutes to cover just before the ceremony and portraits  is totally doable

Their ceremony was just before Christmas – just after the shortest day of the year.
A three o’clock wedding so we knew the light quality after would not be at its best.
With our experience and sun app check we suggested having some portraits outside before the ceremony and this worked out really well.

Birkenhead Town Hall also has beautiful architectural spots inside too as well as the grand staircase.
We found some need angles this time – always looking for a new creative angle – despite shooting her several times.
What a great way to start Christmas by introducing yourselves as a newly married couple.

Enjoy a few of their highlights below.

couple enterign Birkenhead Town Hall for their elopement

Birkenhead Towm hall elopement - ask for Pixsmiths elopement packages

We’ve seen our pictures and honestly can’t stop looking at them! We absolutely love them so thank you so much!
We told our families on Christmas Eve and shared our joy!
Thank you and Dave for being part of this.

 ONE HOUR MICRO PACKAGE – STATUTORY CEREMONY ONLY

Another recent December 2023 Elopement saw Elle and Ben book us for an hour mini elopement.
This was for a Wednesday morning STATUTORY  CEREMONY – a simple legal ceremony.
The current ceremony fee is £57 and includes one marriage certificate (posted out 7-10 days after ceremony)
This fee is in addition to the Notice fee of £70 per couple which must be completed through your local council 3 to 4 months before the marriage date

As said, these only take place on Wednesdays at 9 am, 9:30 am, 10 am and 10:30 am subject to availability
The simple no music, no-frills ceremony is held in the Superintendent’s Office on the ground floor of Birkenhead Town Hall
Intended just for the couple and witnesses – room capacity does not allow for other guests.

Such Statutory ceremonies are cost-effective solutions if you wish to have a later celebrant-led ceremony and reception at a later date.
Also if you are planning a wedding abroad and wish to have a legal ceremony at home and avoid translation of documents etc..

Registrars are unable to act as witnesses but Pixsmiths are happy to witness and take ceremony pics for you
The plain white walls provide a clean background for crisp images inside.
The stairs can be used afterward for indoor portraits and of course, the outdoor  architecture and gardens provide plenty other photo opportunities
An hour is suitable for such a short ceremony with no groups and portraits afterward.
We believe even simple legal ceremonies deserve to be captured beautifully for your memories.
Elle and Ben were so happy we could provide a mini flexible package and were so happy with the images we provided for them

We can’t thank you both enough for the photos they are incredible, thank you so much❤️

If you are planning on a quiet ceremony and need witnesses who are also excellent photographers then  don’t hesitate to contact us regarding our special Elopement Packages

Gorgeous Intimate Hillbark Hotel Christmas Wedding

Gorgeous Intimate Hillbark Hotel Christmas Wedding

STUNNING CHRISTMAS WEDDING HILLBARK HOTEL

Christmas at Hillbark is always a magical time with the festive reveal of their decorations.
How much more special is it to have a Hillbark Hotel Christmas wedding and be so intimate when it’s just the two of you and the fabulous staff at Hillbark acting as your witnesses?
This was the wedding that Karen and Lee planned with Hillbark Hotel and it was a dream and suited them so well.

In fact they planned an amazing 3-day wedding event here!  The evening before friends were invited to have drinks with them.
The morning of the wedding Karen got ready in the spa with girlfriends in attendance with a continental breakfast platter
The wedding was just for the two of them and the following day a lunch with family.
It suited this couple just perfectly and it was so special to be recommended by Hillbark staff to Karen and Lee to capture their wedding day events.

PRE-CEREMONY HILLBARK HOTEL

We met up with Karen and Lee beforehand and planned how we could get the best of coverage for their micro package of 3hours.
Candid shots of Karen getting ready and Lee relaxing beforehand at the hotel.

They both agreed they would like to see each other just before the ceremony and it really helped to calm their nervousness.
Dressed and ready to go it was time for some pics with her girls and then meet her groom by the big upstairs mirror.
Whilst Lee went to see registrars Karen had a few more pics taken before the ceremony itself.

Chris – salon owner at Christopher Millea Hairdressing is a long-standing friend of Lee’s and was on hand to create two looks for Karen.
Hair up for ceremony and some pics and then down for more pics.  Karen you looked stunning.

bridal preparations Hillbark Hotel

First look before the ceremony

First Look intimate Christmas wedding Hillbark Hotel

 

 

 

INTIMATE CEREMONY HILLBARK HOTEL

At last, it was time to walk in to meet Lee at the altar in the Grand Hall and say their vows.
Legal ones and exchange of rings first and then persona vows afterward.
Such lovely moments with giggles and emotions shared.

The upper balcony overlooking the altar facing the large windows meant a variety of shots and angles could be captured between the two of us.
Soon they were waltzing out for post-ceremony drinks

 

Hillbark staff witnessing intimate Christmas wedding Grand Hall Hillbark Hotel

POST-CEREMONY CANDIDS & PORTRAITS

Time to relax and enjoy a drink, taking all the emotions in of being newly married.
Portraits followed with a change of hairstyle midway.
The Christmas decorations around Hillbark Hotel are just stunning including an upside down Christmas tree
Made for some very festive special images.

We also found some gorgeous winter sun outside in the frosty gardens.
Some confetti found in the camera bag made for an impromptu confetti throw in the golden light – so memorable and fun.
Such a memorable day for the couple, staff and us – a wedding will never forget


Thank you Karen and Lee for being an amazing couple, to Hillbark Hotel and their amazing staff for their help with planning this special day.
Hillbark is one of our local venues and we adore coming here.

Want to know more about Hillbark Hotel and its many options for weddings at Wirral’s historic 5-star Hotel then check out our blog on Stunning Hillbark Hotel Weddings.
For more information on booking your wedding photography with us please fill out form on our contact page

Glorious Autumal Grosvenor Pulford Wedding

Glorious Autumal Grosvenor Pulford Wedding

GOLDEN AUTUMNAL GROSVENOR PULFORD WEDDING

We started this wedding year back in January at Grosvenor Pulford so it was wonderful to be back towards the end of the year for James and Amy’s fabulous golden autumn wedding here.

The setting in the Grosvenor  Suite truly magical with the autumn trees setting the scene and used to decorate the wedding reception later in the day too
Our dapper groom, Bestman, and two sons in dark green suits complimented the colour scheme perfectly.
Amy was being pampered by Samantha Gannon and Gemma Baxter and enjoying the preps with her girls before the ceremony
Amy looked so elegant in her Whirte Closset bridal dress, altered by Neil the Alteration doctor

The whole day just flowed perfectly and the weather played nicely with dry spells for the groups and portraits around the wonderful grounds and spa garden
Plenty of time for guests to mingle and enjoy the day.  The sparkler fun kicked the evening reception off to a great start

A fabulous enjoyable day for everyone.  Thank you Amy and James for letting us share and capture your magical day
Wishing you many years of happiness

sparkler fun outside Grosvenor Pulford Suite

Cake cut by Bride and Groom Grosvenor Pulford Suite

Venue Grosvenor Florist – flowerhouse Irby
Photography Pixsmiths Creative Photography
dress – white closet bridal and alterations doctor
hair – Samantha Gannon
makeup – Gemma Baxter
Cake – kingfisher cakes

Wedding Birkenhead Priory and The Manor Greasby

Wedding Birkenhead Priory and The Manor Greasby

Historic Chapel wedding and Reception in the Barn The Manor Greasby

Wirral’s Historic 870 year old Birkenhead Priory was the setting for Jenny and John’s colourful intimate Wirral wedding.
A reception followed at the beautifully newly refurbished luxurious Barn at The Manor Greasby 
So two centuries-old buildings for Jenny and John to celebrate their marriage.

Hope you enjoy these highlights of a fabulous day with Jenyy and John

Birkenhead Priory Wedding

The Chapter House, which is owned by the Church of England and is part of Birkenhead Priory Parish in the Diocese of Chester, formed the marriage ceremony location.
It’s an intimate ceremony space and at least one of the wedding couples must satisfy criteria to be married there – resident in the parish or have family in the parish.

John was ably supported by several friends rather than one best man.
Jenny arrived by a vintage campervan with her parents – some hilarious moments as she alighted in her gorgeous dress.
Dress arranged and it was time to meet John at the altar.

Debbie the minister took the service beautifully, there were lively songs, and made for a joyful ceremony, so refreshing.
Few family groups and then another poignant service in memory of John’s mum  – a beautiful thing to go although obviously emotional
The song played was “Dancing with tears in My Eyes” just fitted perfectly.
Time afterward for some quirky portraits around the Priory before heading to the Manor.

 

The Wedding Barn The Manor

The Manor took time during the covid closure to revamp and refurnish by the Nelson group of hotels – they also manage The Grosvenor Pulford near Chester.
The results are gorgeous!  The luxury barn event space has its own entrance and bar – same excellent food from the restaurant side.
The barn can seat up to 80 and provides an elegant luxury experience. So impressed with the style and food.

The Barn is a perfect space for an intimate wedding and the outside courtyard provides areas to mingle on arrival and after the meal on balmy evenings with your drinks.
Speeches covered after a delicious meal – the balcony above affords some different angles – the beauty of having two photographers.

A few images of the new barn set up for the weddign breakfast.
I’m sure you agree it looks so elegant with the greenery and decadent chandeliers

wedding Barn The Manor Greasby interior

Thank you Jenny and John for the privilege and fun of capturing your memories, you certainly are “mint to be”  so well matched.
long may you love, laugh and live together

 

If you are looking for two lovely photographers to capture the fun and joy of your day please get in touch and fill out our contact form 
We’d love to hear about your wedding plans