The weekend was a busy one seeing me at Heskin Hall on Friday and then I had the pleasure of being part of another amazing day at Macdonald Kilhey Court. Being the preferred wedding photographer at Kilhey Court in Standish, Wigan gave me the opportunity to meet with Phil and Kate who enquired after seeing my portfolio of photographs captured over the years at the stunning North West venue.
Kate wanted the Bridal Preparations before the ceremony began so I planned to turn up around 0900hrs where I was to document the build up. There was Kate, Kate’s Mum and Kate’s Bridesmaid who were all having their hair and make-up done by two familiar faces. Laura-Jane was on make-up and Lauren was on Hair styling. I got a couple of natural shots to settle myself in to it all before heading upstairs to capture the smaller details including the wedding dress, wedding shoes, wedding jewelry etc. Half way into the 3 hours I am usually around there was a knock at the door, it was Cath of Rathbones Upholland Bakery who stopped by to wish Kate good luck and to let her know that the wedding Cake had been delivered to the venue. I also met Kate’s Dad who arrived to get ready and to see his Daughter in her beautiful white wedding dress.
The Bridal party were ahead of schedule which gave me enough time to head to the venue, get a parking spot near The United Benefice of Saint Catherine’s Church in Scholes, Wigan and meet with Sam who was to take charge and conduct the ceremony. I also had the pleasure of working with Barry of Diamond Lights Wedding Films which was great as always! Phil had headed inside with his Best man along with all of their wedding guests whilst I waited outside for Kate to turn up in style. She booked two Volkswagen Camper vans from Love Bus Wedding Company for transportation from their home, to the Church and then onto the Reception venue.
With everything set and ready proceedings began and I enjoyed documenting it all 🙂
The ceremony was lovely with a couple of readings, hymns, vows and of course the exchange of rings before the official signing of the register. It was approx an hour in total before the new Mr & Mrs Altree headed back up the aisle past their family and friends who were smiling away to exit the Church for a couple of photos. We didn’t hang around as me and Barry knew we had a few things to organise before everyone arrived at Kilhey Court.
With the wedding party arriving in ‘dribs & drabs’ we tried our best to direct people towards the green where we were to begin the formal group photographs. Time is always a major factor in anyone’s Wedding day and I always try and ensure I’m ahead of it! We made sure of course we got some lovely photos of the happy couple in and around the glorious transportation before they headed off.
We cracked on a began the formal groups which actually went smoother than I thought which was also Kate’s words to me after they we complete 🙂 Still conscious that I needed to get some room shots me and Barry headed inside to do this before Ash the Wedding coordinator invited everyone inside to take their seats for the official arrival of the Bride and Groom. So before the wedding breakfast it was time for the speeches and first up was Kate’s Dad who offered a slideshow of selected photos from his Daughters childhood leading up to her at University which enjoyed by all. Next was the main man himself, Phillip who had a few jokes up his sleeves and delivered them perfectly. Finally there was Phil’s Best man who had a mixture of jokes and touching words towards not just Phil but Kate too 🙂
During the meal me and Barry waited outside checking our photos and footage whilst we heard cheers due to the ongoing World Cup game between Sweden and England who were playing each other for the Semi-Final spot. Thankfully England were on top and doing well.
Once things calmed down and bellies were full we invited Phil and Kate to head outside for the more intimate shots of them together which I love as I treat it with a total relaxed approach 🙂 We headed all around the venue’s grounds inside and out, taking in all the sunshine on offer whilst the newly weds enjoyed some time together. It was great but time had moved on and with the kids playing on the bouncy castle and the DJ playing some tunes the evening part of the day was just beginning.
Phil and Kate prepared for their first dance but first there was a matter of a cutting of the cake and also Kate wanted to throw her Bouquet. Most of the Women including a couple of the kids who wanted their chance of catching the stunning bouquet of flowers rounded up on the dance floor. It was a great moment and with most people already up the newly weds had their first dance together. It wasn’t long before everyone was invited up to join them.
I had a really enjoyable day capturing it all. I’ve got to say that even though there was 160 guests everyone was on form especially with the formal group photos 🙂 A shout out to No. 10, you know who you are ;-P and I hope everyone had a memorable day especially Phil and Kate. I hope you have an amazing time in New York and I look forward to speaking with you on your return. For now please all enjoy these sneak peek shots.
Thanks…
