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.
First look before the ceremony
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
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
Finally reached the last wedding of 2021 and a fitting end too with a fabulous winter wedding Thornton Manor
2021 has been crazy for wedding professionals and this festive wedding at Thornton Manor was the perfect end to an epic year.
Sam just loves Christmas so her planned summer wedding to Laurence last year, now at Christmas time worked out really well.
Bridal Preps Thornton Manor Wedding
Love bridal preps and getting to know the girls, such a relaxed time before the ceremony as they are being made up and having fun.
Sam and her maids were even enjoying some cool tunes and we even had some twerking going on!
Meanwhile, the guys were having a toddy before the ceremony.
Sam’s dress came from Cherish the Bride and was originally planned for a summer wedding – we all know how covid changed so plans for many brides.
Now it was a winter festive wedding at Thornton Manor. Sam’s backless dress was stunning and no way wanted to change it.
Sam’s idea of adding a furlined hooded cape was genius – and the talented ladies at the sewing room in West Kirby put the ideas into action.
Sam looked just like a snow queen in her fur hooded cape!
Wedding Ceremony Thornton Manor
time came at last for girls to make their way down from the preps to enter for the wedding ceremony.
Father and daughter stopped at bottom of the stairs – how happy and radiant is Sam!
The bridal party made their stunning entrance from outside of the dining room, walking in so guests could see them face on, as vocalists sang them in.
This is such a lovely unusual touch and between the two of us at Pixsmiths were able to capture a range of shots – wide and close up.
Laurence was overwhelmed and there were gasps of awe from the guests. Such an emotional entrance
Sam’s maid of honour removed her fur hooded bridal cape to reveal her gorgeous dress and a beautiful ceremony followed.
Guests lined up to cheer them as the bride and groom exited before having the group photos.
Bride and groom portraits were quickly captured in the lime avenue before retreating to the warmth and cosiness of the Manor house to mingle with guests.
Flowers from Flourish Flowers matched colours of the bridesmaids dresses perfectly
adorning their fur capes too
Festive Wedding Reception Thornton Manor
The wedding breakfast at Thornton Manor takes place in the grand music room. A fabulous setting but even more so when decorated for Christmas.
Guests made their way to their seats, awaiting the bride and groom entrance – to the tune of Z cars, especially for Laurence as an Everton fan.
Speeches were made and gifts were presented before the meal. Sam had a special napkin to protect her dress too – a great idea if prone to dripping food down oneself.
Our time had sadly come to an end we said our goodbyes and left them to enjoy their meal and the rest of the day’s festivities.
Sam and Laurence thank you for asking us to capture your wedding memories. We wish you every blessing in the years ahead with your beautiful family and new addition in 2022!
Christmas Inglewood Manor Wedding
Unicorns and Mulled wine for this seasonal wedding
How special is a Christmas Inglewood Manor Wedding!
This was just what Aisla and Eddy planned for.
Inglewood looked so festive with all its various Christmas trees – and yes we did spot a white unicorn on one!
So cosy with the fire in reception too.
The renovations and restructuring are ongoing at Inglewood Manor. It’s great to see how the new owners are updating and improving facilities and the experience for its guests.
The Restaurant area has been removed to the Executive suite area when required, meaning the bar area is now extended and more of the lounge area, creating a better flow through
There is a new door into the function area and new carpet in the reception area too.
Twilight Christmas Inglewood Manor Wedding
Aisla and Eddy enjoyed a twilight ceremony at Inglewood Manor
The red sashes on the chairs were perfect for a Christmas theme.
Eddy and guests mingled beforehand in the new bar area, enjoying canapes and mulled wine
Aisla and her girls were getting ready in the Oak Suite upstairs. A beautiful lace dress for Ailsa and Christmas red bridesmaids dresses for the girls.
All looked so elegant. Soon it was time to make their way downstairs and for Ailsa to meet her waiting groom.
Aisla your bouquet was spot on for your Christmas theme!
Girls all ready for the ceremony now. How lovely to see all the looks between Aisla and Eddy during the ceremony.
Romance is timeless! and so wonderful to see and a privilege to witness and capture.
The magician Robbie Danson was on hand after the ceremony and up to the wedding breakfast to entertain the guests.
Inbetween we grabbed a few family groups and portraits. The Christmas trees made a beautiful backdrop for the indoor pictures.
The Executive suite was used for the wedding breakfast. The staff used their experience to set it out for the 30-40 guests to give space without being lost in the room.
Beautifully wrapped parcels with golden bows adorned the tables as the guest’s favours.
A super quick speech from the groom to thank the guests and it was time to leave them to enjoy their meal.
Wishing you much happiness Ailsa & Eddy. Hope you enjoy thee few highlights
A lovely intimate wedding at one of our favorite venues. We offer short and full day packages at this venue. So please get in touch for a quote for your day here.
We have shot here throughout all the seasons and know the place so well but we always enjoy new angles and views.
First Look at a Festive Winter Wedding Inglewood Manor
Non Traditional Festive Winter Inglewood Manor Wedding Photography
Oh such a festive winter wedding at Inglewood Manor, The rooms beautifully decked and adorned with garlands and several Christmas trees.
So many gorgeous details. The snow cake with penguins and polar bear and topped with a gingerbread house. Really fitting for the festive theme.
Oh and our couple were blooming amazing too, totally non-traditional enjoying a first look before the ceremony and then walking down the aisle together.
Inglewood Manor Wedding First Look
It was such a lovely moment to capture and see their reactions when David turned around and saw Penny for the first time in her shimmering Monsoon wedding dress
Penny had cleverly accessorised the back of her dress herself with a string of pearls. The dress was stunning and so fitting for Penny
So relaxed with each other, it was a delight to see and we loved their many giggles!
Inglewood Manor Wedding Portraits
We took advantage of the light before the ceremony seeing as it was a late ceremony and would be dark afterwards being a Winter Inglewood Wedding
Inglewood has so many areas to take portraits we could avoid being overlooked by guests arriving for the wedding ceremony.
Inglewood Manor Wedding Photography of the Ceremony
We left them to have a few moments alone before the registrars cam to check their details before the wedding ceremony
Guests meanwhile had been gathering and enjoying canapes and then entered the Executive Suite (the oak panelled room)
Parents and Groomsmen, Bridesmaids and flower girl and page boy entered first before Penny and David finally entered, walking in together and looking so radiant
The Bridesmaids carrying lanterns which really fitted the Christmas theme.
A beautiful intimate family wedding, vows made and then what a kiss! \Soon time for the happy couple to exit for their mulled wine toast
Inglewood Manor Wedding Reception
There were a few groups but with plenty of time set aside and great cooperation, they were soon done. Family pictures are so important, especially when families had travelled far and wide, many from New Zealand to be her for Penny and David. The staircase is a lovely option for photos for small groups but for larger ones we used the side room with its beautiful Christmas tree and whitish walls.
There was plenty of time to mingle before the guests moved down to the Burton Suite so festively set up for the wedding breakfast and not just with the Christmas decorations
The table centrepieces were cute miniature winter scenes in fish bowls, all carefully painted by Penny herself – how creative!
There were several speeches – Father of Bride, Mother of Groom, Groom, Bestman and Bride’s sister! we love to capture the emotion and reactions during these.
Plenty of emotion, laughter and toasts to enjoy. The speeches were before the meal and afterwards, we left the party to enjoy their food and to continue the celebrations into the evening.
This was one of our short coverage twilight weddings and shows just how much can be captured in a few hours if you don’t require your photographers all day.
Of course, we took a couple of signature ring shots that we love to do – the bar in the Burton Suite made for a fab reflection and colour for the rings – how unusual are they!
Many congratulations David and Penny – it’s evident to see how much you enjoyed your day. Thank you for doing things your way and for asking us to capture the most important parts for you.
Wishing you many years of happiness and health, love Sandy & Dave
If you are planning an Inglewood Manor wedding and you love our approach and style of images then please get in touch
Christmas Black Tie Themed Wedding at the Shankly Hotel Wedding
Garden of Eden: Stephanie & Laurence
The Engagement When Stephanie and Laurence announced their engagement from sunny climes we gave a squeal of excitement …and then a bigger one when they asked us to be their Shankly Hotel wedding photographer!
A mid December wedding with Christmas as the theme and a black tie event…with lots of fun!
Bride and Groom Preps Shankly Hotel Wedding We started with preps at the Shankly Hotel covering both bride and groom preps on two totally different floors. The girls i the Garden of Eden Suite –Â huge and pink
– wow all those beds and flowered ceiling plus its own bar and dressing area. The Men’s floor was a more sombre grey and room smaller ..well certainly for amount of men getting ready!
A lovely relaxed time for the preparations and capturing the reactions to the gifts sent to each other.
The Ceremony All Saints Childwall Soon it was time to head to the church for the ceremony at the family church of All saints at Childwall. We had shot a previous winter wedding at All Saints and it was delightful to be back at this beautiful Grade I listed building,the only medieval church remaining in the Metropolitan borough of Liverpool. A beautiful ceremony. Stephanie looked radiant as she entered to her waiting Laurence.
We had carols and beautiful Welsh singing and a Christmas tree of course. Mistletoe was held over the couple for the first kiss by the Stephanie’s cute flower girl niece.
The bit of rain when they came out didn’t dampen their spirits, quick confetti shot and it was onto the red double Decker buses complete with pork pies and mini quiches picnic for the guests
Reception Shankly Hotel Wedding Once back in Liverpool city centre it was a stop at the museum steps for a few pics and portraits in town and then guests could join the reception at the wonderful rootop Garden of Eden
Delicious meal with speeches in between courses – we had helicopter and messages to our happy couple from sports personalities Michael Owen, Frankie Detorri and Didi Hamann.
Totally captivated Stephanie and Laurence.  Afterwards Stephanie (who runs the bridal boutique The Wirral Wedding House) surprised Laurence with a change of dress – we were primed about this and was requested to get some shots in their bridal suite – Wow what a room that is, and the marble bathtub – immense! The floor the suite is on has an Alice in Wonderland theme, so make for some great images there before we headed out for a few night portraits.
Evening Party Shankly Hotel Wedding The evening kicked off with the traditional cake cut – the cake beautifully made and matching the elegant Black tie theme perfectly by Bella’s Cake Pantry
Stephanie surprising the guests with change of bridal attire – a sensational fitted dress compared to the fuller skirted dress for the daytime
A great party ensued with the lively band and we had fun with sparklers too.
Thank you again Stephanie and Laurence for the privilege of capturing your amazing day at your church and The Shankly Hotel.It was wonderful to spend time with your friends and lovely families.
Wishing you all the happiness, health and love in years to come. Enjoy your highlights! …there are so many…goodness knows how you will chose for your album!
How cute is the little flower girls dress matching Stephanie’s dress!
Flowers by Katie Burke included Mistletoe and Ivy and Stepanotis (really appropriate for the season and name!)
Being a wedding supplier herself Stephanie knew all the best suppliers to help her day run smoothly!
Venue: Shankly Hotel
Photographers: Pixsmiths Creative Photography
Video: Classic Video Productions
Bridal Dresses: Wirral Wedding House – of course!
Cake: Bella’s Cake Pantry
Stationery: Pink Sherbert
Flowers: Katey Burke
If you love these images and are planning a Shankly Hotel wedding we’d love to hear from you. Simply fill in our contact form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
Elegant Black and White Festive Wedding at Plas Hafod
Our last wedding of 2015,  and what a way to end a fantastic year with a  Christmas wedding for Leanne and Scott, not quite the last day of the year but almost!
Scott and Leanne we had a fabulous day with you and overjoyed you had such a memorable day that we were privileged to capture for your memories.
Leanne and Scott are childhood sweethearts, the only ones for each other, how special and romantic is that!
Been together 10 years and now an elegant black and white festive wedding for them at the beautiful Plas Hafod country House Hotel sealed a perfect day.
Plas Hafod is a perfect winter wedding venue with its light airy conservatory room to make the most of winter light and also has ample room inside for group photos if needed.
This was the day of Storm Frank supposedly but it hardly bothered us, a little rain intermittently, but a breath of air for a few group shots and portraits was most refreshing.
Fantastic choice guys, hope you enjoy this little blog post of your highlights and wish you much continued happiness.