Peckforton Castle ♥ DeAnna and Neil

I always ask couples why they choose particular venues. We all see things differently and it's interesting to hear exactly why a particular venue 'hit the spot' with a couple.

As photographers, we view venues from a different perspective to a couple looking to get married. Our concerns are how photogenic a place is, what are the best angles and locations. Are there nice grounds? What do we do if the weather is bad?

The last point is extremely important. Whilst we all wish for good weather, we do have to be realistic about the good old British climate and there are a great many venues out there that have superb grounds but are totally banal inside and therefore, on a bad weather day, the opportunities for creating interesting photographs are low.

We have a small list of venues we will not attend simply because we cannot do as good a job at them as we can at others. With some it is because they have no garden or an area nearby for exterior photos and with others, it is because inside, they look like a sports hall or something similar! We have very high standards and if we feel we cannot deliver to the best of our ability, we believe it is wrong to take a client's money.

This is why DeAnna and Neil chose so wisely when they booked Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire for their wedding ceremony and reception. The interior of this building is simply magnificent and there are just so many wonderful places for photographs inside. In fact, regardless of the weather, you simply MUST have some photographs inside.

The reason I have mentioned all this is unfortunately, the day of DeAnna and Neil's wedding was a bit dark and damp. We did manage to get outside for a few photographs but we were soon scurrying for the warm and dry interior of the castle.

DeAnna and Neil travelled from the USA to get married at Peckforton Castle (although Neil is in fact British). She looked absolutely stunning in the dress she brought over with her and along with her bridesmaids in their amazing blue dresses, the castle was certainly a bright and cheerful place despite the weather.

I've posted here a small sample of photographs from their lovely wedding

More photographs from Peckforton Castle and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Ruthin Castle ♥ Sian and Owen

The third of our three weddings in three days saw us back at Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire, North Wales for the wedding reception but not before we attended the ceremony which took place at the really beautiful church of St Marcella in the town of Denbigh itself.

Once again the weather behaved itself which everyone including ourselves, was extremely grateful for.

The church really is something special. We have been here before and so knew what to expect. I is in a lovely rural location and set on high ground with lovely views over the Vale of Clwyd. Inside, it is unusual in having twin  aisles.

As I say, the reception was at the lovely Ruthin Castle. Part of this building dates back to the 13th century. You only have to stand in the ruins and imagine the thousands of people who have trodden the same paths. It's an incredible experience and a wonderland place for a wedding reception.

A really lovely couple and it was a great pleasure to be with them for their special day and here are a few photos from the many hundreds we took today

More photographs from Ruthin Castle and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Craxton Wood Hotel ♥ Sian and Zach

I have been really looking forward to this wedding because it will be like meeting old friends again. We were delighted to have photographed the wedding of Sian's brother a couple of years ago and so pleased that Sian then also chose us to photograph her very special day. Recommendations are always a great honour.

This was the second of 3 weddings over a three day period and again, a church wedding.

This time the church was the beautiful Christ Church in Bebington on the Wirral. The interior of this church (as with most British churches) is so stunningly attractive that you know instinctively that the photos are going to look great and add a bride as beautiful as Sian, then you are on to a winner!

A few family photos and confetti outside the church and we travelled down the Wirral to the Craxton Wood Hotel. This is a more  odern hotel than many in the area and has very large gardens.

Everybody seemed to have a great day (I know we did) and we captured some wonderful moments. Here are a few sample photos from the day

More photographs from the Craxton Wood Hotel and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Ruthin Castle ♥ Anwen and Dominic

Another typical summer 2010 which meant that we had no idea if we were going to be sunburned or drenched. In the event, it stayed dry and quite bright which was great news for the first of our three weddings this weekend.

In any event, whatever the weather, nothing could have dampened the excitement at the wedding of the lovely Anwen and Dominic. This was a church wedding and today, the service was at the beautifully quaint St Mary's Church in Penley near Wrexham in North Wales. This is a lovely church where they have intentionally left the grounds to grow a little wild so as to create a wildlife haven. Consequently, we were able to produce some really interesting photographs.

There is a strong family connection to the church which is lovely as it made the service very personal and we managed some great photos here.

We moved from the church to the magnificent Ruthin Castle, about an hour's drive from the church and there was never any doubt that we would capture some wonderful moments at this great venue.

As usual, a few photos from this lovely wedding day.

More photographs from Ruthin Castle and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk