Historic Birkenhead Priory Pre Wedding Shoot

Historic Birkenhead Priory Pre Wedding Shoot

Historic Birkenhead Priory Engagement Shoot

Historic Birkenhead Priory what a great choice for this autumnal pre-wedding shoot with Laura & Darren. We love trying out new locations for our couples on their engagement sessions.

Birkenhead Priory was founded aground 1150. The monks of this former Benedictine monastery tended to travellers for about 400 years and began the first organised crossing of the River Mersey.
The road leading down to the waterfront is called Monks Ferry.  The Priory now hold a small museum and a chapel were marriages can take place on the Wirral
The Refectory above the Chapter House can also be used for your reception.  St Mary’s tower can also be climbed for some fabulous views over the river and adjacent shipyard
The Priory is the oldest building standing on the Wirral so its definitely worth a visit.

Back to our shoot and we were blessed with no rain as we wandered around the ruins of the historic priory.  It is well maintained and supervised by volunteer staff they will happily provide info.
The kind staff of Birkenhead Priory and St Mary’s Tower kindly permitted us to shoot here.

Lots of photo opportunities in a small area, perfect for this shoot.  The neighbouring shipbuilders of Camell Lairds make for some interesting angles of old and new structures.

young love in old Historic Birkenhead Priory

Beautiful engagement ring of Luara’s with unusual claw setting, Daren did well!

engagement ring, unusual claw setting

Darren and Laura were soon relaxed into the shoot, we don’t over pose and let couples be themselves.  So there were lots of natural giggles, hugs and kisses.
Love it when couples enjoy their session with us.  Lots of gorgeous images  for them which they will receive with their wedding USB

Historic Birkenhead Priory ruins

Ha this was a funny shot, a hair raising kiss!

St Mary's Tower view

Never believe a photographer when they say “think that’s a wrap”!
We spotted a few more shots by an old brick wall. Plus some glorious golden autumnal colour on the trees still.
Then we headed down to the river to see where the monks would have taken the ferry across the Mersey.
Of course ideal opportunity to kick up some autumn leaves and more giggles!

kicking the leaves

fun with autumn leaves

We hope you enjoyed this shoot from Historic Birkenhead Priory.  Why not pay it a visit – check out the  planned activities at the Priory

If you are planning a wedding here or at their associate Williamson Art Gallery please do contact us for a special quote

Twilight Leasowe Castle Wedding

Twilight Leasowe Castle Wedding

Rachel & Ben’s Leasowe Castle Twilight Wedding

We were delighted to be available for Rachel and Ben’s Leasowe Castle Twilight Wedding.
Rachel contacted us not long after her best friend;s wedding, she’d seen how we worked  for Laura and Thom and knew she wanted us for her wedding
No better recommendation than that!
Ben is rather camera shy and we were under instructions not to pose for any “lovey-dovey” shots so we just did our reportage-style photography from just an hour before the ceremony through to the evening party. Rachel was just happy to be marrying her fella and have her girls as cute flower girls – such characters, kept us on our toes!

One of the shortest ceremonies, even the co-coordinator was stunned when said they were ready to walk out, yes they have signed the registers!
One of our fav moments was Rachel and her Dad walking down the aisle in the Castle Keep, when Dad reached out to hold hands with his wife.
Such a loving family moment, unique to this wedding.  Images like this are what make memories to look back so special.

A few family groups and just a couple of portraits f and then it was time to kick shoes off and party!  It was good to have the company of Rob Whibley again on the video team
We work really well together and can highly recommend if looking for a videographer.
For now, enjoy these few highlights – think we did rather well to capture several candid smiles and looks of happiness from Ben.
It really was their perfect Leasowe Castle Twilight wedding

Rachel and Ben and your lovely girls we wish you much joy and happiness for the future.  Sandy & Dave x

grrom nervously awiting his bride at leasowe castle Keep

wedding ceremony Leasowe Castle Twilight wedding

Leasowe Castle Twilight wedding ceremony, post first kiss, wiping away the lipstick

 

Bride and Groom exit after Leasowe Castle Twilight wedding

Leasowe Castle Twilight wedding group photog

cute cake topper and details of the girls

oh and don’t just take our word for it ..here is the review when they received their images one week later

 

Venue: Leasowe Castle
Video: Action Wedding Videos
Photography: Pixsmiths
Dress: Opulence West Kirby
Suits: Larry Adams
MUA: Carla Amanda
Sweet Trolley: Trinity Littler

Intimate Chester Registry Ceremony

Intimate Chester Registry Ceremony

Intimate family focused Chester Registry Ceremony

Just recently Pixsmiths had the pleasure of covering a small intimate ceremony at Chester Registry rooms
Our couple didn’t want a fuss, don’t like being centre of attention so this was how they wanted their day.
They arranged a bespoke short package with us tailored to their needs
A simple ceremony with mums and grandparents and one cute  daughter flower girl.

Kate arrived really early – so took the opportunity for  a few pics beforehand
Its a little odd but the registrars see the couple together to check their details.
When we realised this a quick “first look” was arranged.  for Kate and Michael.
So enjoyed seeing their reaction and hugs.
The ceremony was short and sweet with hugs all around after.
Then time for a few quick groups  before the newly weds headed off to Thornton Hall

Later a much larger party was arranged at Thornton Hall Hotel in the beautiful renovated Crystal suite.
Here the scene was buzzing throughout the bar and reception room.
We covered some essential family groups and a few couple portraits.
We left them to enjoy their dancing and photobooth provided by ProBooth and the fireworks planned for later.

So happy Kate and Michael had the day they wanted and glad we could capture the essential moments for them.
enjoy a few highlights

cute kisses for the bride!

Chester registry wedding

Chester registry wedding

Thornton Hall Hotel wedding reception portrait

 

Interested in short coverage for the essential parts of the day?
Often worth asking us for special deals, if midweek/late booking when available.

Leasowe Castle Wedding Photography: Kathryn & Chris

Leasowe Castle Wedding Photography: Kathryn & Chris

Captivating Leasowe Castle Wedding

Such a pleasure to capture this couple’s Leasowe Castle Wedding day.
Such a fun-loving couple as we found out on their pre-wedding shoot
With Chris  being a  keen photographer himself we knew how important images were
We were delighted they booked us to capture their day

Wedding Day Preps

An early 11.00am ceremony meant an early start for us at the hair Salon Imagine near their home.
Bride 3 bridesmaids, flower girl and various relatives all getting ready-made for a busy time there but all relaxed and a great start to the day mingling with the girls.
meanwhile, the guys were getting ready at Leasowe Castle
We got some details and getting ready shots at the home later before heading to the church – St Joseph’s just a few minutes away.
Adored Kathryn’s dress from Tiffany’s  – a Ronald Joyce design with a boat neckline and lace sleeved and bodice – just divine and so suited her
– Realised later this came off to give a different look for the evening – what a clever idea!

Wedding Ceremony

We love shooting at St Joseph’s in Birkenhead  we can cover great angles from the front and beautiful overviews from the balcony at the back.
Kathryn looked radiant as her Dad in his Sailor’s uniform escorted his daughter to her waiting groom.
Kathryn opted to have her veil over as she made her entrance  – a tradition we love for a church wedding
You could see from Chris’s face when we saw Kathryn at the altar how blown away he was with his bride.
Lets not forget Mac their dog too who was happy to be present for the ceremony and looked so cute in his bow tie.

A short Catholic ceremony – just readings and vows so it was soon out for a few groups and then whisked off to Leasowe Castle for a few portraits.
The Leasowe Castle wedding breakfast was bang on time for sitting down at 1.30pm.
Chris and Kathryn were played in by a surprise bagpiper.

Leasowe Castle Wedding Reception

The Castle Suite looked fabulous, being dressed by Embrace Events.  The favours of bottles of Limoncello was reference to Italy where they got engaged during a boat trip to Positano
Lovely to see that Chris’s aunt who lives in the beautiful Amalfi coastal town of Positano made the trip over for the wedding.
Time to eat and then speeches after the meal.  Being an early reception we had plenty of time for a few more portraits around the Leasowe Castle
Evening entertainment provided by   Boothtube went down well as did the sweet cart, cupcakes, and doughnuts!

What a wonderful day you had Kathryn and Chris and so happy we could share your day>
Lovely to work alongside your uni friend of Jo Gendle films too, as we both enjoy an unobtrusive style.
Wishing you much happiness love Sandy & Dave x

 

bride and groom arrival Leassowe Castle wedding

bride and groom portrait Leassowe Castle wedding

Wedding at Leasow Castle main room set up

Leassowe Castle wedding reception venue dressing Embrace Events

Cute to see Mac being included in the details too  with this cake topper

Leassowe Castle wedding reception, couple ushered in by bagpiper

speeches reaction Leassowe Castle wedding Castle suite

couple portraits Leasowe Castle wedding day

night shot of Leasowe Castle

Flowers – Flourish Flowers
Photographer: Pixsmiths Creative Photography
Video: Jo Gendle Films
Venue Dresser – Natalie at Embrace Events
Sweets – Zara Whyte
Cars: Barringtons
Boothtube for photobooth.
Dress – Ronald Joyce at Tiffanys
Suits – Attire, Mill Lane, Wallasey
Venue – Leasowe Castle

Leasowe Castle weddings are very popular its a main venue for weddings on the Wirral
Its local to us too so if you are planning your day here and like what you see of our style we’d love to hear from you
Please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you.

Leverhulme Hotel Wedding Photography: Sarah & Chris

Leverhulme Hotel Wedding Photography: Sarah & Chris

ELEGANT LEVERHULME HOTEL WEDDING

Leverhulme Hotel

Leverhulme Hotel weddings are a real joy to capture. The Leverhulme Hotel is a luxurious  4-star boutique hotel situated in the heart of the picturesque Port Sunlight village.
The village is a charming and peaceful place that was founded by William Hesketh Lever, the founder of the Lever Brothers soap company.
He built the village in the late 19th century to provide his workers with decent housing and a better quality of life.
The village is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and green spaces so a perfect place for your wedding photography.

This Grade II listed building was once the village’s clubhouse. The building was restored and converted into a hotel in 2015, with a modern twist.
The hotel has 22 elegant and spacious rooms, each decorated with unique and stylish features.
The large ballroom and elegant art deco bar areas are perfect spaces to host your fairytale wedding day.

Ample garden areas for your Leverhulme wedding photography and the ever popular Dell in Port Sunlight village is nearby for newly wed couple portraits.

Sarah and Chris had a fabulous day for their elegant summer  Leverhulme Hotel Wedding. Been so looking forward to sharing this post after their honeymoon.
More importantly, Sarah and Chris had looked forward to this day they had planned so well.
Sarah & Chris have been together for 10 years and had put much love and thought into this day.

We love all the details and candid shots as well as some fun groups. We had the cutest flower girl and page boy!
A beautiful gift of a memory box, lovingly put together by her bridesmaids – with envelopes to be opened at certain times/years from the wedding
We dodged the rain, getting back from the portraits at the Dell just in time…and then it cleared again after speeches – just perfect for some evening shots

So many fab suppliers on hand too, so we knew it would be a wonderful day.
Bespoke Brides Ltd  for Sarah’s gorgeous dress
Emma Lampkin of Emmaculate hair & makeup Lovely also to work with Sapphire Bespoke Events – who had the ceremony and reception at its sparkly best
and adorned with glorious flowers from Lyndaflora The stationery from Elizabeth-Rose Designs Wirral matched the sparkly detail so well
Pixel Booth  provided fun for the evening  and guests enjoyed the piano playing and later live band of Rock Revolution
Great to work with Madison Picture too – check out their highlight video
Loved the big heart drop frame – of course, someone had to write, “One Chris is all it takes” ..seemed to be the song of the day!

Many congratulations Sarah and Chris, such an amazing day for you with your friends and family.  We are so privileged to share and capture your Leverhulme Hotel Wedding celebrations
Wishing you many more years of happiness.  Enjoy your highlights and we look forward to making your keepsake album

gorgeous back detail Bespoke Brides dress

bride arriving for Leverhulme Hotel wedding

This is it, this is the moment! time to get married!

ah a little moisture in his eye  as Sarah comes down the aisle!

bridal entrace for Leverhulme Hotel wedding

so love the back detail on Sarah’s gorgeous dress

weddign ceremony vows Leverhulme Hotel wedding in the Ballroom

civil ceremony, vows Leverhulme Hotel Wedding

first dance Leverhulme Hotel wedding

 

For more info on Leverhulme Hotel Wedding and your photography requirements, please get in touch for a quote

 

Wirral Marquee Wedding Reception: Laura & Dan

Wirral Marquee Wedding Reception: Laura & Dan

Relaxed Cheshire Marquee Wedding Reception

A cross river ceremony and then back for a Wirral  Cheshire Marquee wedding reception was organised to perfection and gave Laura and Dan just the day they had planned and envisioned.

Pre-ceremony Preparations

The girls were all getting ready at a new amazing Airbnb in West Kirby.  We were all blown away by the spacious rooms and décor.  It was such a great space with 6 en-suite rooms and a huge kitchen lounge area …confess my eyes turned green!
It was a relaxed easy-going morning with some really cute shots with Rebecca, Laura’s flower girl too.
Laura’s sister was a bridesmaid and 4 close friends also enjoyed the morning here with makeup and looking after Laura  – plenty of space for everyone.

Dan meantime was enjoying the last few hours a single man in the Ship and Mitre pub in Liverpool.
This was just a short distance from St Gorge’s Hall in Liverpool where the ceremony was to take place in the Grand Jury room

Liverpool Ceremony

Laura arrived driven by her father in his range rover. Knew she would look stunning as she had done a few catwalk shows for The Bridal Show wedding fayres.  Her dad however was completely bowled over and emotional when he saw Laura in her gorgeous dress from Tina Louise  – a Ronald Joyce design with beautiful crystal detail on the bodice and straps.
Always get a tear in my eye too at these moments – such a privilege to share.
With it being cross-river Laura had arranged a lift for Sandy with the girls so these moments could be captured whilst Dave was in Liverpool in the pub with the guys – the beauty of having two photographers.
Laura had even arranged a parking permit for Dave to park at St George’s Hall – underlining how every aspect for the day had been thought through with consideration for everyone.

Cheshire Marquee Wedding Reception

Laura and Dan wanted a home marquee so they could use their own catering company of choice and not have any curfew times on music.  Guests could hang out as long as they wished.  It was the perfect plan.
Big D cooked a delicious American BBQ – fitting the theme of the tables so named for Laura and Dan’s favourite American road trip.  The marquee was provided by Astra MArquees a fab local company and flowers to decorate inside were done beautifully by Oxton Flowers

The day just flowed – the ceremony beautifully including Rebecca to the group shot on the steps of St George’s Hall
The confetti coming through the flower arch at home – a few family formals then plenty of mingling time before speeches and then the BBQ.  hey we even had dancing before the speeches!

After the meal, we wandered over to the sea wall accessed from their property for some gorgeous golden hour and sunsets shots.  Shots as planned and a contrast to the architectural shots in Liverpool.
It was also a perfect impromptu time for this family to enjoy the setting sun on their wedding day  – complete with the family pet dog
Then it was back to cake and dancing, sparklers and cheese, chutney and chunky bread if anyone was still hungry.
The hay bales with lace throw overs,  fire pits for toasting marshmallows and provided blankets were a lovely touch to allow guests to continue to enjoy the outside space.

Laura’s Tips for a Home Wedding

If you can having a home wedding reception has lots of advantages, but does take some planning.
Laura has kindly added some of her own thoughts and suggestions for a home marquee reception and how to make it personal to you.

Really make the most of your friends and families creative side. Let close friends and family really put their stamp on the day. For us what was great and that we wouldn’t have been able to do at a venue is allow our friends to do a bar as a wedding present for us. They brought a range of different drinks from Scotland for people to try. In addition, we were able to have our friend bring two kegs of craft beer from his newly opened brewery in Wales. When it came to the evening, Dan made all the chutneys for the cheese cake and my uncle made fresh bread for everyone. These individual touches really made the day so special to us
Secondly, if you are doing everything yourself don’t underestimate how long it takes to decorate a marquee!
I’m not sure how venue decorators and florist do it in one morning – we spend two whole days!
Thirdly, if you are having a wedding at home then really give people an insight into your life. We had many pictures decorating the tables of our unforgettable Californian road trip ?
We even had our dog escaping and joining in the party which wasn’t planned but made the day much more special.

Also one of the most amazing things about having a wedding at home for us is that we get some beautiful pictures at our home
and also places like the seawall where we enjoying walking the dog everyday. It makes those beautiful places that we already love even more special

Finally I think I owe so much to my Mum – she was much better at visualising the day and the decorations – her whole spare room was full of wedding decorations for at least a year before the wedding. Little additions such as the personalised sparklers and  individual charms for glasses -were all her idea and went down so well.
I think bringing out the fun side of the guests with lawn games, bouncy castles, toasting marshmallows on fire pits and sparklers made everyone leave at the end of the night with a big smile on their face!

What an awesome day! Just the type of wedding we really enjoy. The bond between this family was a real joy to behold .
Laura and Dan we so enjoyed this wedding journey with you and know we will keep in touch.
Wishing you many more years of happiness.  Enjoy your highlights xx

Laura planted flowers in wellies and wheelbarrows to make it more personal because horses are her life outside work!
and wellies are the order of the day here.

watching the sunset on Wirral marquee wedding day

evening dancing at Wirral marquee wedding

Dress Tina Louise – Ronald Joyce Design
Hair (bridal party) : Hairby Kathleen
Make up Georgia G MUA
Flowers: Nicola Saverimutto Oxton Flowers
Music : Jason Allan
Photography : Pixsmiths Creative Photography
Marquee : Astra Marquees
Bar : Katie Graham Diorbhail Wentworth Calum Graham Tom Anderson
Beer: Wilderness Brewery
Cake : Liverpool Cheese Company