Barrie Neil Weddings

Peckforton Castle ♥ Annette and Andrew

2011-03-12T14:00:00.010Z

Saturday saw us back at Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire for the wedding of Annette and Andrew.

This is our favourite wedding venue as it offers so much to a couple getting married and for a photographer, it is simply a dream come true. So many photo opportunities come rain or shine.

To say Annette looked stunning is an obvious understatement. She was A-MAZ-ING! The dress was gorgeous trimmed as it was in this beautiful deep red that matched with her bridesmaid's and flower girl outfits perfectly. Andrew looked very handsome as well as very happy and he had every right to be so.

The day was perfect and even the weather behaved itself.

Here are a few sample photos of Annette and Andrew shortly after they had become man and wife

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

Peckforton Castle ♥ DeAnna and Neil

2010-08-13T18:34:00.000+01:00

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

2010-08-08T07:46:00.010+01:00

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

2010-08-07T06:57:00.019+01:00

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

2010-08-06T06:11:00.014+01:00

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

What a busy week in prospect

2010-08-02T04:54:00.022+01:00

Just the way we like it though.

Working very hard on the photographs from last weeks fantastic weddings so that the decks are clear for the end of the week because we have 3 weddings to photograph and unusually, all 3 are church weddings.

On Friday 6th August, we are covering the wedding of Anwen and Dominic at St Mary's Church in Penley near Wrexham with their reception at the wonderful Ruthin Castle.

Saturday 7th August sees us at Christ Church in Bebington for the wedding of Sian and Zach before we move on to the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel for the reception. We photographed the wedding of Sian's sister a couple of years ago and it's always nice to know you have been recommended.

The final wedding of the trio is that of another Sian and her partner Owen. This time the ceremony is at the lovely St Marcella's Church in Denbigh with the reception again taking place at Ruthin Castle.

Three wonderful weddings and we are really excited and privileged to be part of them.

Hoole Hall ♥ Jill and Nick

2010-07-31T17:38:00.013+01:00

We've known Hoole Hall for many years and that is why I find difficulty in using the new name of the Double Tree by Hilton Chester. Let's be honest, what do you think is the better name?

Call it what you will, the venue is lovely and very popular as both a place to have a civil wedding ceremony and for wedding receptions.

The delightful Jill and Nick were getting married at the beautiful church of St Barnabus in Bromborough on the Wirral on the last day of July (31st July 2010). We know the church well having been there many times. It's right in the centre of the lovely 'village' of Bromborough and has a really long pathway leading from the road to the door of the church. Perfect for photographs of the bride supported by her father as she takes those final steps as a single woman.

The ceremony was fabulous and after making an enormous mess with a huge amount of confetti outside the church grounds (don't worry, it was all biodegradable) we headed off to Hoole Hall (sorry, Double Tree by Hilton Chester!) for more photographs and of course, the wedding breakfast.

I hope you enjoy a small sample of the photos from the day.

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

Thornton Manor ♥ Natalie and David

2010-07-29T17:07:00.016+01:00

From the first moment we met Natalie and David (about 18 months ago) we knew this was going to be a great wedding. They are such lovely people and when they told us they had chosen the outstandingly gorgeous Thornton Manor in the cute village of Thornton Hough on the Wirral for their civil wedding, we knew it was going to be something a bit special.

The wedding was on the 29th July 2010 but even though this was mid-summer, we didn't take the weather for granted which perhaps was as well as it wasn't the hot sunny day you might have expected. Having said that, no photographer actually wants a bright sunny day for wedding photography as it causes no end of problems for taking photographs. People don't want to be outside because it is too hot, the lighting is harsh causing nasty shadows and people end up squinting and pulling faces.......no for a photographer, a nice bright cloudy day is ideal and so it was for us this day.

The ceremony in what is known as the "Dining Room" at Thornton Manor was slightly different in that it was the other way round to the way most weddings are conducted. That made a lovely change for us and the bride has a lovely long aisle to walk up.

Moving outside for the ubiquitous confetti and some family photos and the weather was still kind to us. I stole Natalie and David away for a very short time so they could have some more intimate and personal photographs in the lovely grounds at the Manor, away from all of the prying eyes.

Another fantastic wedding with a lovely couple and as always, here is a small sample of photos from the day.

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

Weddings this week

2010-07-26T20:43:00.004+01:00

Another busy week in prospect that sees us shooting two weddings.

The first is on Thursday where we are covering the civil wedding of Natalie and David at the wonderful venue that is Thornton Manor. This is a wedding photographer's dream come true and we are delighted to be their recommended photographers.

The second wedding is on Saturday and this time it is the wedding of Jill and Nick at St Barnabus' Church on the Wirral followed by a reception at the Double Tree Hilton, in Hoole, Chester (I still want to call this Hoole Hall as this is how everybody in Chester remembers it).

Sample photo sets in due course as usual

Peckforton Castle ♥ Sarah and Anthony

2010-07-17T20:40:00.020+01:00

As mentioned earlier, today (Saturday, 17th July 2010), saw us back at the sumptuous Peckforton Castle for the wedding of Sarah and Anthony.

The day started for us at the bride's parent's home in North Wales where the usual chaos created by so many ladies getting ready in one place at one time was well and truly in evidence. How one bride and two bridesmaids can create such a mess I do not know!

We leave the house in time to be at Peckforton Castle when the groom and the guests arrive and take the opportunity to photograph the arrivals although this is interrupted (as always) by cries of "ask the photographers how to tie a cravat, they are bound to know" or equally common "which side do the buttonholes go".

Eventually, the guests leave the outside bar (thankfully it's turned out to be a lovely day after early rain) and move inside for the ceremony just before the bride arrives in a beautiful vintage Rolls Royce.

She looks absolutely amazing. The dress we saw at the house looked really long when hung up but looks absolutely perfect on Sarah's slim frame, I photograph her in the car with her father and then as she leaves the car. I ask about the flowers... disaster... the flowers have been left behind.

Oh well, too far to go back now and so the bridesmaids flowers become a bridal bouquet and off we go.

Thankfully, the rest of the day went like a dream. It was a great wedding in lovely weather with nice people. What more could you ask for?

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

Wedding today at Peckforton Castle

2010-07-17T07:14:00.008+01:00

Cameras and lenses have been cleaned and all batteries fully charged. Suits have been pressed and we are ready to go.

Today we are looking forward to photographing the civil wedding of Sarah and Anthony at the wonderful Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire.

The weather forecast is looking perfect for photography - warm, dry and overcast. Although I'm sure most couples getting married would prefer bright blue skies and blazing sunshine on their wedding day, it is actually a bad thing for photography as it creates high contrast, harsh shadows and people squint a lot. Give me a cloudy day for people photography any time :)

Should be a great day and I'll post up a few photos in due course

What's on this week

2010-07-15T21:37:00.003+01:00

After last weeks exertions (as pleasant as they were) at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod plus 4 weddings in 9 days (phew), this week sees us not running around quite so much but slaving away over hot keyboards instead editing the tens of thousands of images we have taken.

The 4 weddings alone amount to over 4,000 images and each one has to be scrutinised, selected, processed then edited and colour corrected etc. It all takes a lot of time and effort but it has to be done to provide the best quality images we can.

Saturday 17th July 2010 sees us at Peckforton Castle again for the wedding of Sarah and Anthony and then we are off on our travels again, this time to Sitges a coastal resort near to Barcelona in Spain. This time it's part business and part pleasure, just how we like it.

Peckforton Castle ♥ Rachael and James

2010-07-08T13:08:00.009+01:00

The 8th July 2010 saw as back at the magnificent Peckforton Castle for the wedding of the very lovely Rachael to the handsome James. What a fantastic setting for two lovely people getting married.

The weather was perfect (bright, plenty of blue sky but not too hot) and everything was set for a great wedding. There was the usual last minute panicking, especially as one of the bridesmaids was very late in arriving, but in the end Rachael walked up the aisle almost exactly on time.

It was a dream wedding at a dream location with as I say, two really lovely people.

As always, here are a few of the hundreds of photographs Rachael and James will enjoy upon their return from honeymoon.

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

Crewe Hall ♥ Louisa and Ryan

2010-07-03T08:51:00.002+01:00

A busy wedding this with lots of people, lots of travelling and a couple of celebrities thrown in for good measure.

Louisa and Ryan both got ready for their big day at Crewe Hall in Cheshire, a magnificent building set in stunning grounds just on the outskirts of Crewe town. The ceremony was taking place at St Bertoline's Church in the nearby village of Barthomley and whilst most of the guests were transported by minibus, Louisa naturally had a much more elegant mode of transport befitting the beautiful bride, in the form of a lovely cream Beauford car.

Once the ceremony was over, it was back to the magnificence of Crewe Hall for drinks, photographs and the wedding breakfast.

What of the celebrities I mentioned earlier you ask? The mother and father of one of the ushers are the well known actors Jessie Birdsall and Gwyneth Strong (aka "Cassandra" in "Only Fools and Horses").. photo below.

As usual, here are a small selection from the day.

Ryan and Oscar with Oscar's parents, Jessie Birdsall and Gwyneth Strong

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

Ruthin Castle ♥ Rachel and Charles

2010-07-02T08:28:00.002+01:00

You can tell Ruthin Castle is a very special place to get married when it attracts people like Rachel and Charles who travelled all the way from Australia to get married there.

A fantastic wedding and it was a pleasure to be with such lovely people. Rachel looked stunning in an elegant dress that really suited her slim figure. The bridesmaids wore pale green outfit. Very different and they looked amazing whilst Charles matched his ushers (grooms men) in traditional tailcoats and they even wore top hats. now top hats are not that common these days and they looked fabulous!

So many photos but here are just a few from the day

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

Siddington Church ♥ Jenny and Nick

2010-06-26T17:23:00.003+01:00

I usually put the name of the reception venue in the title but for the wedding of Jenny and Nick, the reception was at the dairy farm run by Jenny's family. The ceremony was at the stunning Siddington Church not far from the family farm.

Jenny arrived in a wonderful carriage pulled by two very well behaved horses and she and her husband Nick, left the church to return to the farm in the same way.

The garden of the farmhouse looked amazing with so many baskets of flowers (as did the marquee) which was to the great credit of Jenny's Mum and her small army of helpers.

It was a terrific day and Jenny's ever present smile will stay with me for a long time.

Chester Zoo ♥ Denise and Chris

2010-06-19T17:19:00.003+01:00

I mentioned in my blog entry yesterday, that every wedding is special. Sometimes, what makes it particularly special is the location and today's wedding was in a very different location... Chester Zoo!

We have in fact photographed many weddings at Chester Zoo and it certainly is different. Try walking around a very busy zoo in a wedding dress and you'll understand.

Denise and Chris are a lovely couple and make full use of the facilities the zoo had to offer even being photographed with some of the animals. The Orang-utans seemed to be particularly fascinated with Denise and her dress, pressing themselves against the glass to get as close to her as they could.

As the day at Chester Zoo can be quite long (the wedding breakfast is always after the zoo shuts), Denise and Chris thoughtfully provided afternoon tea for the adults and loads of sweets for the kiddies. Well, these two 'kiddy' photographers certainly enjoyed that I can tell you!

Here are some photographs from this great wedding.

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

Peckforton Castle ♥ Jane and Chris

2010-06-18T17:00:00.003+01:00

Every wedding is something special. They are all different as every bride and groom (lets be honest, mainly the bride, as they do most of the work!) put their own personal stamp on it.. something that says "this is OUR wedding".

When the wedding is at the sumptuous Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire you just KNOW you are in for something very special.

Jane and Chris' wedding had everything. A civil wedding in the Great Hall, a blessing in the chapel and decent weather! Wonderful opportunities for a photographer and we took advantage of them to the full and we produced some wonderful photographs.

Here are a small sample of the many hundreds Jane and Chris have received.

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

Park Royal ♥ Constantina and Andreas

2010-06-13T16:20:00.003+01:00

A little different as this was an Engagement Party rather than a wedding and what a party! Over 200 guests were at the Park Royal Hotel in Warrington and they certainly knew how to enjoy themselves!

Constantina and Andreas are a stunning couple. Not only very attractive but lovely lovely people too.

We wish them all the very best for the future and here are a few of the hundreds of photographs we took of the people and events at the party. This small sample are mainly of the happy couple themselves.

Statham Lodge ♥ Julie and Gavin

2010-06-12T15:58:00.003+01:00

Julie and Gavin had warned us that we might not be allowed to take many photographs during the service in St Anne''s Church in Sale, Cheshire. This would have been a great pity as the ceremony is obviously such an important part of a wedding and therefore really should be photographed.

Part of the problem I feel is inconsiderate photographers who either use flash (absolutely not necessary) or move around during the service which is extremely distracting (not necessary for us as there are two of us of course). Unfortunately, behaviour like this cvauses problems for other couples and photographers.

As it happened though, after a chat with the lovely vicar, we were told we could do what we liked. Of course, we just carried on in our own quiet, unobtrusive way and managed to get some beautiful shots of the ceremony without causing ANY disruption.

The reception was at Statham Lodge in Lymm. We love this hotel as it has great locations for photography and especially the extensive gardens and gorgeous gazebo.

Here are a few of the hundreds of photographs taken on this lovely day.

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

Heaton House Farm ♥ Amy and Scott

2010-06-04T15:23:00.003+01:00

A fantastic couple at a fantastic venue. Put the two together and you have a wedding truly made in heaven and a photographer's dream come true.

Amy is a stunning lady and looked unbelievable in her very sexy greyish coloured wedding dress. Scott is a professional footballer and so is a very fit man and looked extremely good in his suit. The venue is purpose built for weddings and so has absolutely everything you can imagine you would want for your wedding from elegant and spacious rooms to grounds to die for. Lake, trees, views for miles.. simply stunning!

Here are a few photographs from Amy and Scott's wonderful day.

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

Busy doing nothing

2010-05-15T14:25:00.003+01:00

A chat with the mother-in-law a few minutes ago has prompted this post.

She asked where we were off to today for work and we mentioned we were not out on assignment anywhere. She responded with "Oh right, so you're not working today".

I pointed out that we were in the middle of editing some 10,000 photos from recent assignments which takes an enormous amount of time and energy and is in fact, extremely hard work.

I'm sure that people must think it is so easy being a photographer.. "you just turn up at a wedding for a few hours and your job is done". I wish it were so easy.

Using weddings as a good example, we spend hours in advance meeting the clients, planning the schedule for the day, planning the locations for the photos both if it is nice and weather and what we would do if is bad. Then there is the wedding day itself which usually starts very early travelling to the bride's home or wherever she is getting ready.

After the day ends for us, we travel home and start organising all the photographs and making sure we have taken security backups. My wedding day rarely ends before midnight.

After that, the editing of the photographs themselves, which usually number over 1000, can take 4 or 5 man days so that we give our clients the very best photographs produced with as much creativity as possible.

So next time you think it must be 'easy' to be a photographer, do please bear a thought for just how much work really does go into it

Peckforton Castle ♥ Amy and Adrian

2010-04-17T14:02:00.003+01:00

St John's Church in Dukinfield near to Stockport is a wedding photographers dream as not only is it very beautiful but it has a gallery that overlooks the aisle so you can get some terrific aerial photographs of the ceremony.

Amy and Adrian showed their impeccable good taste in not only choosing this church but in holding their wedding reception at the spectacular Peckforton Castle near Tarporley using a gorgeous chauffeur driven Beauford car to get there.

Their was hardly a cloud in the sky and the blue offset the sandstone of the castle beautifully. We stayed for the evening reception at this particular wedding and captured some lovely exteriors of the floodlit castle.

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

Peckforton Castle ♥ Emily and Craig

2010-04-12T09:20:00.003+01:00

Peckforton Castle is an absolutely stunning location for any kind of event but especially for a wedding. Set in hundreds of acres of woodland and accessed via a long and winding road that meanders through the trees, nobody can fail to be amazed by this stunning venue. We are very proud to have been asked to be preferred suppliers of photographic services to Peckforton Castle.

Emily and Craig are a lovely couple with a beautiful son who it had to be said, did steal the show more than a little. Craig is in the services and has been in Afghanistan so we were particularly proud to have been chosen by them as their photographer and to have been there for them on this day.

They chose to have a blessing that the consecrated chapel that is within the grounds of Peckforton Castle. The chapel is very beautiful and quite a few couples choose to use it and it certainly adds another lovely dimension to the day.

Since the wedding, we have been asked to photograph Emily's sister's wedding which is a great endorsement for us and more of Charlotte''s wedding later no doubt.

Here are a few of the many photographs taken on the day.

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 ♥ Anne-Marie and Jim

2010-04-03T10:21:00.013+01:00

I've said it before but it's well worth repeating... I love photographing weddings. It's so good to be part of one of the most important days of a couple's life and helping to make it special for them and to provide them (and their friends and families) with photographic memories they can cherish forever.

The wedding of Anne-Marie and Jim was simply lovely. The gorgeous Anne-Marie looked stunning in her amazing dress. Her hair and make-up was beautiful as was that of the bridesmaids who were breathtaking in their blue dresses.

The men as ever, looked very smart and so many ushers? Why is it that there always seems to be more ushers than bridesmaids? You girls need to do something about that!

The location for the wedding was the sumptuous Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire, North Wales. We have a long and happy association with Ruthin Castle and are very good friends with Russell the wedding coordinator. The castle is a superb location for a wedding and so romantic.

A great day was had by everyone and even the weather co-operated with us. As usual, here are a few photographs from the hundreds taken on the 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

The Queen Hotel, Chester ♥ Anneke and Anthony

2009-12-30T15:42:00.004Z

We had just enough time to recover from our Christmas celebrations before we were back to work and photographing the civil wedding ceremony of Anneke and Anthony at The Queen Hotel in Chester on the 30th December 2009.

The Queen Hotel is a lovely venue for a wedding and we have been there many times. It has recently undergone substantial refurbishment and redecoration and looks wonderful.

Talking of looking wonderful, Anneke was stunning as were her bridesmaids in wonderful dresses.

The weather was bitingly cold and a little damp and very windy, so Anneke and Anthony chose to have their photos indoors which was not a problem as the Queen Hotel has many fantastic locations we can use for photographs.

Here are a few of them for you to see

More photographs from The Queen Hotel, Chester and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Soughton Hall ♥ Sarah and Will

2009-12-18T14:40:00.004Z

If we thought the weather had been cold until now, the weather on Sarah and Will's wedding day (18th December 2009) showed that it could get much much colder. Mind you, it would take a lot more than cold weather to spoil everybody's enjoyment of what turned out to be a truly magnificent wedding.

Sarah's wedding dress was absolutely amazing - so elaborate and so stylish -as were those of the bridesmaid.

We started the day photographing Sarah and the girls as they made their final preparations in the bridal suite at Soughton Hall and then we travelled to Bangor-On-Dee Parish Church so we could capture the groom and his groomsmen greeting guests as they arrived for the service.

The service was amazing with Christmas carols being sung - we've never experienced that at a wedding before and it made the service extra special somehow. After some photographs at the church, we moved back to Soughton Hall where the guests were greeted with mulled wine.

A fantastic wedding and as usual, here are a few photographs from the day

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

Thornton Manor ♥ Louise and Darren

2009-12-11T14:06:00.004Z

The week after Joanne and Daniel's wonderful wedding, we were back at Thornton Manor on the 11th December 2009 for the wedding of Louise and Darren.

The wedding this time was a Civil Wedding with the ceremony taking place in front of a Registrar in the beautiful panelled dining room in Thornton Manor.

We had terrific fun photographing the wedding. The girls getting ready were laughing so much, I didn't think they would have the energy to make it to the ceremony (especially with the champagne that was being enjoyed in their room!).

The ceremony was lovely - Joanne was stunning and as she walked down the red carpet in the famous Lyme Walk, she took everybody's breath away. It was a cold and misty day but it has to be said, the mist created a wonderful mystical atmosphere for the photographs and that combined with the always tasteful Christmas decorations inside at Thornton Manor produced a wonderful setting for a magical wedding.

Here is a small selection of photographs from the day.

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

Thornton Manor ♥ Joanne and Daniel

2009-12-05T13:39:00.003Z

The first Saturday of December saw us photographing the wedding of Joanne and Daniel.

The ceremony was at St Joseph's RC Church in Upton on the Wirral and the reception was at the absolutely stunning venue of Thornton Manor in the picturesque village of Thornton Hough on the Wirral.

We are regulars at Thornton Manor and are delighted to be their recommended photographers which is fantastic as it is a glorious venue and nobody who holds their wedding celebrations there is ever disappointed.

Joanne and Daniel's wedding was a case in point. It was a brilliant day and everybody had a great time which is what we all want. On top of that, we produced hundreds of fab photos as a lasting memory of their special day. Here is a small selection from those we produced.

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

Inglewood Manor ♥ Bernadette and John

2009-11-28T13:08:00.002Z

The wedding of the gorgeous Bernadette to John took place on the 28th November 2009 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Liverpool with the reception held at the beautiful old black and white Inglewood Manor on the Wirral.

It was a really really cold day but what a fantastic wedding. The church service was wonderful and the priest clearly knew the families well which makes a huge difference as the service was very personal.

Inglewood Manor never fails to please and we managed to produce some wonderful photographs of the happy couple and their family and friends at this terrific venue.

Here are a few from the day for you to enjoy

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

So good we went there twice

2009-11-16T11:26:00.001Z

Thornton Manor of course.. the Queen of wedding venues in our opinion.

Had the great pleasure of visiting there twice last week. Thursday (12th November 2009) for the wedding ceremony and reception of Helen and Sadat and then again on Saturday (14th November 2009), for the wedding reception of Denise and Ian (the ceremony was at Christ Church, Moreton on the Wirral.

More details and some sample photographs very shortly

Thornton Manor ♥ Denise and Ian

2009-11-14T15:56:00.002Z

Two days after the great wedding of Helen and Sadat, we were back at Thornton Manor.

Denise's bridal preparations were in the bridal mews cottage at Thornton Manor and we had great fun photographing her there.

We all then moved on to meet Ian and the guests at lovely Christ Church in Moreton on the Wirral where the wedding ceremony took place. The ceremony was really lovely and after some photographs in the church and outside, everyone then travelled south to Thornton Manor for the reception. I hope everyone had as much fun as Neil and I did... what a great wedding!

It was a little wet unfortunately but this didn't dampen anybody's enthusiasm (though it did make the paving at the church very slippery as I found out!) and we all came away with some great memories and in our case, some fantastic photographs some of which are posted here.

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

Wedding at Soughton Hall

2009-11-13T12:07:00.001Z

As mentioned earlier, Saturday 7th November 2009 saw us covering the wedding of the gorgeous Jenny and David at Soughton Hall in Northop, Flintshire.

Soughton Hall is a stunning and dramatic former Bishop's Palace in North Wales and very close to the English border. The area has become quite well known as footballer Michael Owen lives literally next door!

Jenny looked absolutely amazing in one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. I couldn't wait to see the reaction of the wedding gusts and her husband to be in particular.

The weather wasn't too kind to us but your expectations are never too high in November but we still managed to produce some beautiful photographs.

Everybody was so friendly and a delight to work with and I am sure they all, like us, had a terrific day.

Here are a couple of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Soughton Hall ♥ Jenny and David

2009-11-13T11:56:00.013Z

As mentioned earlier, Saturday 7th November 2009 saw us covering the wedding of the gorgeous Jenny and David at Soughton Hall in Northop, Flintshire.

Soughton Hall is a stunning and dramatic former Bishop's Palace in North Wales and very close to the English border. The area has become quite well known as footballer Michael Owen lives literally next door!

Jenny looked absolutely amazing in one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. I couldn't wait to see the reaction of the wedding gusts and her husband to be in particular.

The weather wasn't too kind to us but your expectations are never too high in November but we still managed to produce some beautiful photographs.

Everybody was so friendly and a delight to work with and I am sure they all, like us, had a terrific day.

As per usual, here is a small selection of photographs from the day

During the ceremony

Jenny signing the register

Just married

The Kiss (don't look!)

Jenny in the library (look at that dress)

Husband and wife

Jenny, David and the children outside Soughton Hall

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

Thornton Manor ♥ Helen and Sadat

2009-11-12T15:18:00.002Z

As mentioned previously, Thursday 12th November saw us at one of all time favourite venues, Thornton Manor in the pretty village of Thornton Hough on the Wirral.

Perhaps I should have titled this entry "The 2 Doctors" as both bride and groom are Doctors in Liverpool.

The wedding was a really lovely and went very well. There are many photographers around you will not cover late Autumn or Winter weddings but we feel it provides tremendous opportunities for moody photographs especially as the sun sets.

Thornton Manor is one of those venues that has both great grounds and tremendously sumptuous interiors making it the perfect place for a wedding and for wedding photography.

Here are a few photographs from the wedding

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

Wedding at Soughton Hall

2009-11-07T10:06:00.004Z

It's Saturday and we are about to set off for the wedding of Jenny and David at the glorious Soughton Hall in Northop, Flintshire, North Wales.

Soughton Hall is an old Bishop's Palace (these Bishops certainly know how to enjoy the good life) and is magnificent place for a wedding ceremony and reception.

The weather is looking good and we're looking forward to a great wedding

Wedding at Thornton Hall

2009-11-03T07:43:00.001Z

As I mentioned one a previous post, our first wedding after our short holiday saw us at Thornton Hall on the Wirral for the wedding of the fabulous Lisa and Richard.

There are some photographers out there who will not photograph Autumn and Winter weddings but we love them. The lighting and colours are really something special and despite what many people think, the weather is usually not that bad and you rarely get days when outdoor photography is not possible.

The day was perfect. Mild with very little breeze which meant the ceremony could be outdoors in the pagoda. Brilliant.

Everyone had a great time and Lisa looked absolutely stunning and not unlike Audrey Hepburn in a beautiful and very flattering dress. Enjoy your honeymoon guys.

Here are a couple of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Thornton Hall ♥ Lisa and Richard

2009-11-03T07:34:00.012Z

As I mentioned one a previous post, our first wedding after our short holiday saw us at Thornton Hall on the Wirral for the wedding of the fabulous Lisa and Richard.

There are some photographers out there who will not photograph Autumn and Winter weddings but we love them. The lighting and colours are really something special and despite what many people think, the weather is usually not that bad and you rarely get days when outdoor photography is not possible.

The day was perfect. Mild with very little breeze which meant the ceremony could be outdoors in the pagoda. Brilliant.

Everyone had a great time and Lisa looked absolutely stunning and not unlike Audrey Hepburn in a beautiful and very flattering dress. Enjoy your honeymoon guys.

As usual, here are a few of the photographs we took on the day

The ceremony took place in the Pagoda

Just Married

Lisa and Richard in front of Lisa's favourite tree

Lisa and Richard with 'that' tree again

The happy couple

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

Wedding at Thornton Hall

2009-10-30T07:05:00.005Z

Our first wedding since our return from a brief holiday on the Greek Island of Crete (see our blog entry at www.barrieneil.blogspot.com for a few photographs).

Saturday, 7th November 2009 sees us at the extensive venue of Thornton Hall on the Wirral for the wedding of Lisa and Richard.

Neil and I are both looking forward to getting back into the swing of things again and this should be a good wedding with a very nice couple at a great venue

Wedding at Thornton Manor

2009-10-11T16:11:00.001+01:00

The last of our three weddings this week was on Saturday, 10th October 2009 and saw us once again at magnificent Thornton manor on the Wirral for the civil wedding of Sue and Matthew.

We'd met Sue and Matthew a couple of times before the wedding and they are a great 'fun' couple so we knew we were in for a great day - and so it turned out.

Sue looked amazing as did the bridesmaids in their hot pink dresses. The guys were not to be outdone though in their incredibly striking black suits with hot pink ties.

The venue of Thornton Manor is a photographer's dream as we have often mentioned and come rain or shine, couples getting married here are assured of a great wedding and great photos too.

Sue and Matthew are honeymooning in Thailand but as usual, I can show you a couple of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Thornton Manor ♥ Sue and Matthew

2009-10-11T16:01:00.011+01:00

The last of our three weddings this week was on Saturday, 10th October 2009 and saw us once again at Thornton manor on the Wirral for the civil wedding of Sue and Matthew.

We'd met Sue and Matthew a couple of times before the wedding and they are a great 'fun' couple so we knew we were in for a great day - and so it turned out.

Sue looked amazing as did the bridesmaids in their hot pink dresses. The guys were not to be outdone though in their incredibly striking black suits with hot pink ties.

The venue of Thornton Manor is a photographer's dream as we have often mentioned and come rain or shine, couples getting married here are assured of a great wedding and great photos too.

Here are a small selection from the day. Sue and Matthew will see the many hundreds from the day when they return from their fab honeymoon in Thailand

Sue with her bridesmaids before they got ready

Matthew and his best man - just an little concerned

Sue all alone

Sue and Matthew stroll through the Lyme Walk

Sue and Matthew in the gardens
More photographs from Thornton Manor and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Wedding at Llyndir Hall in Rossett

2009-10-11T11:43:00.001+01:00

Neil and I have been so very lucky in that without exception, all of the couples we have been privileged to photograph have been really lovely people.

Nichola and Andrew, whose wedding we photographed at Llyndir Hall in Rossett, North Wales on Friday 9th October 2009, are certainly no exception.

I don't think I have ever met anyone who smiles quite as much as the absolutely gorgeous Nichola and when she does, her whole face lights up. She has the most enormous smile and it's wonderful to see. Andrew is a lovely guy, so nice to be with and together, they make the perfect couple.

The weather forecast for the wedding was pretty grim with rain scheduled all day which obviously would have been such a great shame as the grounds of Llyndir Hall are delightful and particularly so in the Autumn. As it turned out, we had a beautiful day, just right for photography (we tend to be very lucky with weather at our weddings. I am convinced somebody looks after us!).

The happy couple will soon be off on their honeymoon (Dubai and the Maldives - oh what I would do for a bit of sun shine and relaxation right now). As usual, I can show you a couple of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Llyndir Hall ♥ Nichola and Andrew

2009-10-11T11:28:00.013+01:00

Neil and I have been so very lucky in that without exception, all of the couples we have been privileged to photograph have been really lovely people.

Nichola and Andrew, whose wedding we photographed at Llyndir Hall in Rossett, North Wales on Friday 9th October 2009, are certainly no exception.

I don't think I have ever met anyone who smiles quite as much as the absolutely gorgeous Nichola and when she does, her whole face lights up. She has the most enormous smile and it's wonderful to see. Andrew is a lovely guy, so nice to be with and together, they make the perfect couple.

The weather forecast for the wedding was pretty grim with rain scheduled all day which obviously would have been such a great shame as the grounds of Llyndir Hall are delightful and particularly so in the Autumn. As it turned out, we had a beautiful day, just right for photography (we tend to be very lucky with weather at our weddings. I am convinced somebody looks after us!).

The happy couple will soon be off on their honeymoon (Dubai and the Maldives - oh what I would do for a bit of sun shine and relaxation right now) but in the meanwhile, here are a few photographs from the day.

The beautiful bride, Nichola

The rings

Nichola was "given away" by one of her brothers

Andrew places the ring on Nichola's finger

Nichola and Andrew in the grounds of Llyndir Hall

A little time alone

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

Wedding at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire

2009-10-07T11:01:00.001+01:00

Monday 5th October 2009 saw us at the wedding of Stefanie and Adam.

This has to be unique amongst weddings in that Stefanie and Adam met whilst both on active service in Afghanistan. It just shows that love can blossom even in the most difficult of conditions.

The day was absolutely gorgeous matched only by the lovely Stefanie and her very handsome husband, Adam (in his Household Cavalry dress uniform).

Peckforton Castle near Tarporley in Cheshire always looks magnificent and is a wonderful setting for a wedding and it has never looked better bathed in the early autumn sunshine.

As usual, I can show you a couple of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Peckforton Castle ♥ Stefanie and Adam

2009-10-07T10:17:00.014+01:00

Monday 5th October 2009 saw us at the wedding of Stefanie and Adam.

This has to be unique amongst weddings in that Stefanie and Adam met whilst both on active service in Afghanistan. It just shows that love can blossom even in the most difficult of conditions.

The day was absolutely gorgeous matched only by the lovely Stefanie and her very handsome husband, Adam (in his Household Cavalry dress uniform).

Peckforton Castle near Tarporley in Cheshire always looks magnificent and is a wonderful setting for a wedding and it has never looked better bathed in the early autumn sunshine.

As usual, here are a few of the photos from the wedding

Stefanie and Adam during the wedding ceremony

A Barn Owl was the ring bearer

The exchange of rings

Stefanie and Adam with Peckforton Castle in the background

There has to be confetti
Heading for the wedding breakfast

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

Weddings this week

2009-10-05T06:37:00.003+01:00

Autumn is a very popular time for weddings with the glorious colours and so this week proves.

Monday (5th October, 2009) sees us at Peckforton Castle. We like this venue and haven't been there for an few weeks so looking forward to the wedding of Stefanie and Adam.

On Friday (9th October 2009), we are at the wedding of Nichola and Andrew at Llyndir Hall in Rossett. LLyndir Hall in autumn is brilliant as they have this wonderful Beech tree in the grounds that puts on it's own colour show at this time of year that takes some beating.

Last but by no means least, on Saturday (10th October 2009) we are at our favourite wedding venue of Thornton Manor on the Wirral for the wedding of Sue and Matthew.

We are looking forward to all 3 weddings that are at wonderful locations and most importantly, we will be meeting these lovely people again.

On Sunday, no doubt we will still be busy editing the thousands of photographs from the 3 weddings but on Monday 12th October 2009 I am definitely having the day off as it's my birthday (whoo hoo)

What's on this week?

2009-10-05T06:30:00.001+01:00

Wedding at the Queen Hotel, Chester

2009-10-05T06:27:00.001+01:00

St Werburgh's Church slap bang in the middle of Chester is a magnificent building and provides a wonderful setting for a wedding service as it did on Saturday, 3rd October 2009 for the wedding of Heather and John.

It is so bright and large that even with a large gathering of friends and family it didn't feel crowded. The weather had been really good although a little breezy and as there was going to be a baptism right after our wedding, we decided we would go to the park opposite the church for some family photos.

At this time of year with all the lovely autumn colours, the park would make an excellent setting for the photographs. Unfortunately though, the weather had other ideas and just before Heather and John left the church, the heavens opened and the rain started to fall.

Never mind, the Chester vintage bus had been booked to ferry passengers back and forth to the hotel from the church so we all piled on that for the short journey to the Queen Hotel and we did the photographs in the very unusual courtyard gardens of the hotel..

Everybody appeared to have a great time and the bride and groom are no doubt enjoying the delights of Kuala Lumpar for a few days as I write this before heading further to Borneo - how exotic is that!

As usual, I can show you a few of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

The Queen Hotel, Chester ♥ Heather and John

2009-10-05T06:09:00.011+01:00

St Werburgh's Church slap bang in the middle of Chester is a magnificent building and provides a wonderful setting for a wedding service as it did on Saturday, 3rd October 2009 for the wedding of Heather and John.

It is so bright and large that even with a large gathering of friends and family it didn't feel crowded. The weather had been really good although a little breezy and as there was going to be a baptism right after our wedding, we decided we would go to the park opposite the church for some family photos.

At this time of year with all the lovely autumn colours, the park would make an excellent setting for the photographs. Unfortunately though, the weather had other ideas and just before Heather and John left the church, the heavens opened and the rain started to fall.

Never mind, the Chester vintage bus had been booked to ferry passengers back and forth to the hotel from the church so we all piled on that for the short journey to the Queen Hotel and we did the photographs in the very unusual courtyard gardens of the hotel..

Everybody appeared to have a great time and the bride and groom are no doubt enjoying the delights of Kuala Lumpar for a few days as I write this before heading further to Borneo - how exotic is that!

Here are a few photos from the day.

Heather and her bridesmaids

Quite a handful

During the wedding service at St Werburgh's Church

Bride and Groom arrive at The Queen Hotel Chester
Heather and John

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

Wedding at the Queen Hotel in Chester

2009-09-30T17:39:00.006+01:00

We are both looking forward to Saturday 3rd October 2009 (good grief, it's nearly another birthday for me) when we are photographing the wedding of Heather and John.

The ceremony is at the magnificent St Werburgh's Church in the centre of Chester and the reception is not too far away at the Queen Hotel.

Should be a great day and the weather forecast is good (keeping everything crossed guys)

This week..

2009-09-30T17:29:00.001+01:00

We've been very busy this week. We've finished editing the photographs from Angela and Howard's wedding on Saturday (26th Sept 2009) and have been finishing off the final edit and 'polish up' of some images we are supplying to a tourist board for a forthcoming promotional leaflet and brochure.

It's actually very difficult producing this sort of photography. Any organisation wanting to promote a town or city obviously wants it to look it's best which means clean, uncluttered streets and blue skies. Of course, living in the UK it's almost impossible to judge when these three situations come together which can and does make life very difficult.

On Thursday, Neil's sister has her baby (whoo hoo) so we are no doubt going to be travelling over to Liverpool to visit her and the little 'un (my money is on a girl but we shall see) but first of all we are off to Manchester Airport for a commercial photography assignment for one of our regular clients.

Saturday the 3rd October (good grief, it's almost my birthday again) will see us at the wedding of Heather and John at the magnificent St Werburgh's Church in the centre of Chester followed by the reception just down the road at the Queen Hotel.

As I write this, Neil is looking at holiday company websites. He should be so lucky!

Forest Hills Hotel ♥ Angela and Howard

2009-09-29T12:13:00.012+01:00

As mentioned in our earlier blog entry, Saturday saw us covering the wedding of Angela and Howard.

The ceremony itself was at the famous church of St Peters at Aston By Sutton in Cheshire. This church has an incredible history and is in fact a Grade 1 Listed building. The reception was at the Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham in Cheshire.

Everybody had a great time and the weather whilst not sunny was at least dry and quite mild.

A bit of advice for the guys though. Next time you are caught short before a wedding ceremony, make sure you go for a pee behind a thick bush and not one that everyone standing in the road can see through - I have the photographic evidence!

As usual, a few of the hundreds of photographs we have taken on the day.

Howard and his two best men anxiously wait for the arrival of the bride

Angela walks up the aisle with her father

A confetti moment. I love lots of confetti!

Angela with her bridesmaids

The boys whilst still fairly sober

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

Wedding at the Forest Hills Hotel

2009-09-25T06:29:00.007+01:00

Had a nice break last week so we could spend a few days in the university city of Cambridge but back to normality this week and on Saturday, we are looking forward to the wedding of Angela and Howard.

The ceremony is at the historic church of St Peter's, Aston on Sutton and the reception will be at the Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham, Cheshire.

As usual, we'll post a few photographs from the wedding on this blog in due course.

On the tube

2009-09-16T15:21:00.007+01:00

YouTube that is.

We've put a small selection of photos from a number of our weddings at various popular venues into video format and put them onto YouTube. If you are interested in having a look, then simply click here to go to our YouTube Channel.

Wedding at Ruthin Castle

2009-09-14T10:33:00.001+01:00

Our second visit to Ruthin Castle inside of a week and our third wedding of the week (phew) but what a high note to end the week on.

The first thing I have to mention was Nadia's wedding dress. I have never seen a dress quite like this. It was so different that when I first saw it I was completely blown away. It was truly magnificent with incredibly ornate beading and the most amazing deep red trim to the body and forming part of the train.

The weather was glorious as it has been all week and add this to the mix of a great couple, fun, friendly friends and family and the wonderful setting of Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire then you have all the necessary ingredients for a terrific wedding (which this most certainly was).

As usual, I can show you a few of the photographs from the wedding. We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Ruthin Castle ♥ Nadia and Ste

2009-09-14T10:20:00.011+01:00

Our second visit to Ruthin Castle inside of a week and our third wedding of the week (phew) but what a high note to end the week on.

The first thing I have to mention was Nadia's wedding dress. I have never seen a dress quite like this. It was so different that when I first saw it I was completely blown away. It was truly magnificent with incredibly ornate beading and the most amazing deep red trim to the body and forming part of the train.

The weather was glorious as it has been all week and add this to the mix of a great couple, fun, friendly friends and family and the wonderful setting of Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire then you have all the necessary ingredients for a terrific wedding (which this most certainly was).

As usual, I can show you a few of the photographs from the wedding.

The civil ceremony at Ruthin Castle

Signing the register

Just lazing around

Look Nadia, someone has pinched my pint!

In the gardens at Ruthin Castle

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

Wedding at The Lion Quays Hotel in Oswestry

2009-09-12T11:06:00.001+01:00

Another day when the sun shone strongly enough to melt the tarmac (and we haven't had many of those since June of this year). Thursday 10th September 2009 and we were photographing the wedding of Lindsay and Keith.

This was a truly "international" wedding as the couple married at the gorgeous St Deniol's Church in our home town of Hawarden in Flintshire, North Wales and the wedding reception was at the Lion Quays in Oswestry, Shropshire, England.

Lindsay's dress was so feminine and suited her to perfection. I'm no dress expert but the tight bodice giving way to a scalloped effect looked absolutely stunning. The bridesmaids, groom and ushers were dressed in brown (very popular colour this year) and the flowers were a really striking bright orange.

As I mentioned earlier, the sun shone brightly all day which is great for the couple but a nightmare for photographers but we've some fantastic photographs which the happy couple can enjoy after their return from the west coast of the United States and Hawaii (I wouldn't mind being there myself right now)

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Lion Quays ♥ Lindsay and Keith

2009-09-12T10:48:00.011+01:00

Another day when the sun shone strongly enough to melt the tarmac (and we haven't had many of those since June of this year). Thursday 10th September 2009 and we were photographing the wedding of Lindsay and Keith.

This was a truly "international" wedding as the couple married at the gorgeous St Deniol's Church in our home town of Hawarden in Flintshire, North Wales and the wedding reception was at the Lion Quays in Oswestry, Shropshire, England.

Lindsay's dress was so feminine and suited her to perfection. I'm no dress expert but the tight bodice giving way to a scalloped effect looked absolutely stunning. The bridesmaids, groom and ushers were dressed in brown (very popular colour this year) and the flowers were a really striking bright orange.

As I mentioned earlier, the sun shone brightly all day which is great for the couple but a nightmare for photographers but we've some fantastic photographs which the happy couple can enjoy after their return from the west coast of the United States and Hawaii (oh to be there myself right now!)

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

Wedding at Ruthin Castle

2009-09-11T05:36:00.001+01:00

It makes no difference how many weddings you photograph or how often you may go to a particular wedding venue, every wedding is different simply because the people are so very different.

The wedding on Wednesday (9th September 2009) was certainly no exception and the wedding of the lovely Charlotte and Roger was one that everyone who attended will remember for a very long time to come.

Set in glorious Ruthin Castle, Charlotte and Roger decided to use the Medieval Banqueting Suite for their ceremony and reception. This is a wonderful location for a wedding ceremony and reception if you are looking for something a little bit 'different'.

Reflecting the Scottish side of the family, Roger and his grooms men and father wore magnificent tartan outfits whilst the star of the day was undoubtedly Charlotte and her incredible black and red wedding dress adorned with the most amazing fascinator, jewellery and bridal bouquet all designed and made by Charlotte herself. She is one very talented lady.

The weather was the nicest I remember since back in June. It was lovely and warm (but not too hot) and sunny sunny sunny (although it has to be said, us photographers would rather have flat grey skies to stop the harsh shadows and squinting but it did give us some wonderful blue sky backgrounds).

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Ruthin Castle ♥ Charlotte and Roger

2009-09-11T05:18:00.010+01:00

It makes no difference how many weddings you photograph or how often you may go to a particular wedding venue, every wedding is different simply because the people are so very different.

The wedding on Wednesday (9th September 2009) was certainly no exception and the wedding of the lovely Charlotte and Roger was one that everyone who attended will remember for a very long time to come.

Set in glorious Ruthin Castle, Charlotte and Roger decided to use the Medieval Banqueting Suite for their ceremony and reception. This is a wonderful location for a wedding ceremony and reception if you are looking for something a little bit 'different'.

Reflecting the Scottish side of the family, Roger and his grooms men and father wore magnificent tartan outfits whilst the star of the day was undoubtedly Charlotte and her incredible black and red wedding dress adorned with the most amazing fascinator, jewellery and bridal bouquet all designed and made by Charlotte herself. She is one very talented lady.

The weather was the nicest I remember since back in June. It was lovely and warm (but not too hot) and sunny sunny sunny (although it has to be said, us photographers would rather have flat grey skies to stop the harsh shadows and squinting but it did give us some wonderful blue sky backgrounds).

Here are a few photos and there are plenty more to come when we have finished the mammoth task of editing them all

Charlotte arrives with her father for the start of the ceremony

The exchange of wedding rings

Charlotte and Roger outside Ruthin Castle

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

Exciting news - Wedding DVD

2009-09-11T03:39:00.004+01:00

Some exciting news for those getting married.

All the couples we photograph automatically receive their proof photographs as prints, uploaded to the password protected "Client's Area" of the website (so all of their friends and family can see them wherever they are in the world) and also as a slideshow presentation on CD.

We particularly like the Slideshow as it means you can see the photographs on a computer screen at large size and you can of course supply copies of it to your friends and family and even email it to them.

Now we have moved on a step and with immediate effect, we will be supplying a DVD based video presentation of all of your photographs in addition to everything else just described completely free of charge.

This presentation is a video of your photographs that you can watch, pause and rewind just like any other file you watch on your television. This is a fantastic step forward as you can see yourself in all your glory on your own television set in the comfort of your own home whilst perhaps enjoying a glass of something chilled (I like the idea of that!).

As I say, it's completely free and I hope will be a welcome addition to the service we offer.
www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Wedding DVD

2009-09-11T03:27:00.001+01:00

Three Weddings

2009-09-07T16:29:00.008+01:00

Sounds like a poor man's version of the Living TV program we were featured on a a few weeks ago (see previous blog entry) but in fact refers to the fact that we have three weddings this week.

The first is on Wednesday (9th September 2009) when we will be photographing Charlotte and Roger's wedding at the simply magnificent Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire, North Wales. Charlotte and Roger have opted for a Medieval themed wedding which Ruthin Castle produces so well. Should be exciting.

The very next day (Thursday 10th September 2009) we will be with Lindsay and Keith when they get married at our local church, the beautiful and famous St Deniol's Church in Hawarden. The reception is at the Lion Quays in Oswestry, Shropshire.

The final wedding of the week sees us back at Ruthin Castle again for the wedding of Nadia and Stephen (a 'conventional' wedding this time).

We are both looking forward to all of them as we love photographing weddings and I'll post a few photos here in due course as usual

This week.....

2009-09-07T16:22:00.001+01:00

Another busy week in prospect.

We are currently beavering away trying to complete the edit on the 1400+ photographs taken at Ita and Greg's wedding on Saturday (see previous entry on this blog). Hopefully we will have that completed today (Monday 7th September).

Wedding wise, we have 3 this week. Two are at the same venue (Ruthin Castle in Denbighsire on Wednesday and Sunday) and the third at the Lion Quays near Oswestry in Shropshire (Thursday).
It's going to hectic but should be fun as we love photographing weddings.

On top of that, I've been asked to supply some Owl photographs to a public relations company so I need to find the time to send them those this week (I'll try and get to post a couple on here)

Wedding at Albright Hussey Manor

2009-09-06T10:38:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, yesterday (Saturday 5th September 2009) saw us toddling down to Shropshire to photograph the wedding of the gorgeous Ita to her lucky fiancé, Greg.

The ceremony was at the beautiful St Peter's Church in the wonderfully named town of Myddle not far from the venue for the wedding reception, Albright Hussey.

The bridal preparations took place at Albright Hussey Manor and the hour or two I spent in the bride's room with all of her fellow Irish bridesmaids, her mother and flower girl. It was so much fun I am surprised any of us managed to make it to the church (and if anyone has spent any time with a bunch of crazy Irish women out to have a good time, you'll know what I mean).

But make it we did and luckily, so did the groom although prising him away from the attractions of the nearby Red Castle pub was a little trickier than first thought.

Beautiful church as I say and a great service followed by a wonderful afternoon at Albright Hussey and once again, the weather behaved itself.

Have a great time in Dubai Ita and Greg and for now, here are a few of the photos from your wedding day.

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Albright Hussey Manor ♥ Ita and Greg

2009-09-06T10:23:00.011+01:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, yesterday (Saturday 5th September 2009) saw us toddling down to Shropshire to photograph the wedding of the gorgeous Ita to her lucky fiancé, Greg.

The ceremony was at the beautiful St Peter's Church in the wonderfully named town of Myddle not far from the venue for the wedding reception, Albright Hussey.

The bridal preparations took place at Albright Hussey Manor and the hour or two I spent in the bride's room with all of her fellow Irish bridesmaids, her mother and flower girl. It was so much fun I am surprised any of us managed to make it to the church (and if anyone has spent any time with a bunch of crazy Irish women out to have a good time, you'll know what I mean).

But make it we did and luckily, so did the groom although prising him away from the attractions of the nearby Red Castle pub was a little trickier than first thought.

Beautiful church as I say and a great service followed by a wonderful afternoon at Albright Hussey and once again, the weather behaved itself.

As usual, a small selection of photographs from the wedding to be going on with whilst we get to grips with editing the other 1400+ from the day.

Albright Hussey in all it's glory

Ita and Greg's wedding service

On the bridge at Albright Hussey

The very beautiful Ita

On the mat at the Albright Hussey Hotel

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

Wedding photography slideshows

2009-09-04T07:37:00.002+01:00

We have just added an exciting new feature to our wedding website.

After we have photographed a wedding, we supply all of our clients with printed proofs of all of the photographs we have taken along with JPEG versions of the proofs and also a slideshow of the photographs. We also upload all of the photographs to a password protected Client's Area so that all of your family and friends can see the wedding photographs, wherever they are in the world and at any time of day.

This slideshow is our personal favourite way of viewing the photographs as it means you can view them on a computer screen at a large size and can easily move from one to another or allow the slideshow to simply go through them all whilst you just lay back with a glass of wine in your hand (bliss).

We have now created a page on our wedding website (link) that allows you to download a small sample slideshow from a number of the most popular wedding venues in our area. As I say, it is only a sample slideshow from each wedding venue as the full set will contain between 450 and 600 photographs and the file would be took big to download!

If you are interested in having a look, simply click here (this will take you directly to the Slideshows page).

Wedding photography slideshows

2009-09-04T07:26:00.001+01:00

Wedding at Albright Hussey

2009-09-03T14:42:00.006+01:00

We haven't been to Albright Hussey for some months so Saturday's wedding of Ita and Greg is particularly exciting.

Albright Hussey is a fantastic old country house near Shrewsbury in Shropshire that is now run as a very high class hotel (the Sultan of Brunei once stayed there!).

As usual, we have everything crossed hoping for good weather and look forward to seeing everybody on Saturday

Wedding at Inglewood Manor

2009-08-31T09:36:00.001+01:00

We must be the luckiest wedding photographers around in that all of the couples and families we meet seem to be truly lovely people.

Rebecca and Dave and their families are no exception. What fantastic people and frankly, it makes the job of a wedding photographer not only more pleasant but much easier too if the people you are photographing are nice, friendly and happy people.

Rebecca and Dave are brilliant. Before the ceremony, we were at Rebecca and Dave's house where our beautiful bride was getting ready. I honestly can't remember when I have seen so many women in one place at one time. One bride, one hairdresser, one Mum and six adult bridesmaids plus 4 children made for one very lively house I can tell you! Great atmosphere though and a great way to kick start the day (no champagne though.... not whilst I was there anyway.... hmmmm).

Rebecca's dress was amazing. The only way I can describe it (and I'm not doing it justice) is that it was like a white flamenco dress. I've never seen one like it before and it suited her perfectly.

We set off for the church (St Paul's Church in Childer Thornton on the Wirral) and the guests started to arrive but no groom. Then the Groom's parents arrived and suggested he might be over in the pub (perish the thought). "I'll get him" says the groom's Dad... that was the last we saw of him for the next 15 minutes (i.e. time for a quick pint!).

Anyway, arrive he did with his best man and ushers.

Fantastic ceremony (bride's Dad was a Priest himself so the minister taking the service was obviously at the top of his game) and we managed to get all of the crucial family group shots before it started to rain quite heavily and we headed off for the reception at Inglewood Manor. Rebecca and Dave were not that fussed about the weather. In two days they are off to Bali so why should they care about us poor so and so stuck over here!

Have a great time in Bali guys and for now, here are a few of the photos from your wedding day.

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Inglewood Manor ♥ Rebecca and Dave

2009-08-31T09:21:00.008+01:00

We must be the luckiest wedding photographers around in that all of the couples and families we meet seem to be truly lovely people.

Rebecca and Dave and their families are no exception. What fantastic people and frankly, it makes the job of a wedding photographer not only more pleasant but much easier too if the people you are photographing are nice, friendly and happy people.

Rebecca and Dave are brilliant. Before the ceremony, we were at Rebecca and Dave's house where our beautiful bride was getting ready. I honestly can't remember when I have seen so many women in one place at one time. One bride, one hairdresser, one Mum and six adult bridesmaids plus 4 children made for one very lively house I can tell you! Great atmosphere though and a great way to kick start the day (no champagne though.... not whilst I was there anyway.... hmmmm).

Rebecca's dress was amazing. The only way I can describe it (and I'm not doing it justice) is that it was like a white flamenco dress. I've never seen one like it before and it suited her perfectly.

We set off for the church (St Paul's Church in Childer Thornton on the Wirral) and the guests started to arrive but no groom. Then the Groom's parents arrived and suggested he might be over in the pub (perish the thought). "I'll get him" says the groom's Dad... that was the last we saw of him for the next 15 minutes (i.e. time for a quick pint!).

Anyway, arrive he did with his best man and ushers.

Fantastic ceremony (bride's Dad was a Priest himself so the minister taking the service was obviously at the top of his game) and we managed to get all of the crucial family group shots before it started to rain quite heavily and we headed off for the reception at Inglewood Manor. Rebecca and Dave were not that fussed about the weather. In two days they are off to Bali so why should they care about us poor so and so stuck over here!

Have a great time in Bali guys and for now, here are a few of the photos from your wedding day.

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

2009-08-26T13:51:00.007+01:00

We've just added a new gallery to the Recent Weddings page on our main website. It's a few dozen photographs from a wedding a couple of weeks ago at the Hillbark Hotel at Frankby on the Wirral.

If you are thinking of getting married at this hotel; or know somebody who is, you might like to take a look by clicking here

Our main wedding website is at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Wedding photography at the Hillbark Hotel

2009-08-26T13:46:00.001+01:00

Updated wedding galleries

2009-08-26T12:19:00.001+01:00

Just a quick note to mention that I have now updated the Galleries section of our website to show off just a few photos from some recent weddings.

There are two new Galleries in all. The first new Gallery can be reached by clicking here and the second by clicking here

Our main wedding website is at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Updated wedding galleries

2009-08-26T12:13:00.003+01:00

Wedding at Inglewood Manor

2009-08-26T07:14:00.004+01:00

Another week and another wedding. This time we see Rebecca and Dave getting married at St Paul's Church at Childer Thornton followed by a reception at the magnificent Inglewood Manor at Ledsham on the Wirral.

The wedding is on Sunday 30th August. Sundays are becoming increasingly popular especially as so many venues are heavily booked long in advance for Saturday weddings.

Really looking forward to the wedding and it means we get a lie in on Saturday for a change.

Wedding at The Bridge in Prestbury

2009-08-23T11:43:00.001+01:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, Saturday (22nd August 2009) saw us photographing the wedding of the lovely Gemma to the lucky Adam.

The day started with Neil going to photograph the boys as they got ready at the Bride and Groom's house in Stockport whilst I went to the Bride's Mum's house also in Stockport. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen as many women in one place at one time as I saw yesterday morning. Bridesmaids, Mums and Aunties seemed to be everywhere. Mind you, everyone was in very good spirits aided no doubt by the blush champagne that seemed to be going down a treat! Special mention to Chloe the little flower girl who not only looked beautiful but was a real star on the day considering her young age. She smiled and was a pleasure to be with all day long.

The ceremony was at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then, after a brief stop at a nearby park, we moved off to the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury. I have to mention the Minister at the Dean Row Chapel.

I said this to everyone gathered in the vestry whilst we were signing the register but bearing in mind the hundreds of weddings I have attended, I don't think I have ever witnessed a finer church service than the one he conducted. The level seemed to be just right with a fine balance of solemnity and humour. Great stuff and very inspiring.

Gemma's dress was a real treat and suited her so perfectly. She was totally amazing. She looked stunning and her personality makes her such a lovely person to be around. Adam and all the ushers (so many of them too!) looked extremely smart and stylish and is one very lucky man.

Have a great honeymoon (they've not decided where to go yet - decisions, decisions).

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

The Bridge, Prestbury ♥ Gemma and Adam

2009-08-23T06:15:00.012+01:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, Saturday (22nd August 2009) saw us photographing the wedding of the lovely Gemma to the lucky Adam.

The day started with Neil going to photograph the boys as they got ready at the Bride and Groom's house in Stockport whilst I went to the Bride's Mum's house also in Stockport. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen as many women in one place at one time as I saw yesterday morning. Bridesmaids, Mums and Aunties seemed to be everywhere. Mind you, everyone was in very good spirits aided no doubt by the blush champagne that seemed to be going down a treat! Special mention to Chloe the little flower girl who not only looked beautiful but was a real star on the day considering her young age. She smiled and was a pleasure to be with all day long.

The ceremony was at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then, after a brief stop at a nearby park, we moved off to the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury. I have to mention the Minister at the Dean Row Chapel.

I said this to everyone gathered in the vestry whilst we were signing the register but bearing in mind the hundreds of weddings I have attended, I don't think I have ever witnessed a finer church service than the one he conducted. The level seemed to be just right with a fine balance of solemnity and humour. Great stuff and very inspiring.

Gemma's dress was a real treat and suited her so perfectly. She was totally amazing. She looked stunning and her personality makes her such a lovely person to be around. Adam and all the ushers (so many of them too!) looked extremely smart and stylish and is one very lucky man.

Have a great honeymoon (they've not decided where to go yet - decisions, decisions).

As usual, we have over 1300 photographs to edit but here are a few from the day to give you a taste of the wedding ceremony and reception.

Gemma walks up the aisle with her father. Adam looks on

Do you really think this is a good time to be ordering Pizza love?

Confetti time

Just married - a walk in the park

Gemma - the very beautiful bride

Gemma

In the garden at The Bridge in Prestbury

More photographs from Dean Row Chapel, the Bridge Hotel, Prestbury and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Friday in Shrewsbury

2009-08-21T06:58:00.001+01:00

Have been trying to get back to a sense of normality after losing Jasper earlier this week (see earlier post). Obviously it's very difficult and as we have had so many photos to edit from the previous weeks two weddings, it has meant we haven't had the opportunity to get out and about for a bit of "fresh air".

We'll try and remedy that today. We are scheduled to pop down to the beautiful town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Initially we are hoping to be doing some general photography of the tourist 'hot spots' in and around the town for a tourism brochure but frankly, the weather may prevent us doing everything we want. When doing scenic shots for this sort of application (tourism), it is essential that we have blue skies. Let's face it, when trying to 'sell' a place, blue skies are definitely the order of the day.

Never mind, if the weather doesn't play ball, we'll just do some of the interiors we need to complete as part of the assignment.

Following that, it's off to see a couple planning to get married in the town. The reception venue is the Mytton and Mermaid which is a beautiful old Grade II listed building standing by the bridge over the River Severn so it should make for some great wedding photography

The Bridge in Prestbury

2009-08-17T04:35:00.007+01:00

It's a new week and one that sees us photographing the wedding of Gemma and Adam.

The service takes place on Saturday 22nd August 2009 (crikey, August is going by a little too quickly) at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then it's over to The Bridge at Prestbury for the reception.

Perhaps Mr and Mrs Rooney will pop in and say hello as they live nearby.

See you Saturday guys!

Civil wedding at the Hillbark Hotel

2009-08-16T04:05:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned earlier this week, yesterday (Friday 14th August 2009) saw us travel to the top of the Wirral to the magnificent Elizabethan country house that is Hillbark Hotel at Royden Park, Frankby.

You know right away that you are somewhere very special. Any place that has automatic electronic gates that open as you approach always makes me feel a bit special (sad I know).

After we parked up we stopped to look back at this magnificent black and white half timbered building. Could anything be more beautiful? Well frankly (cue the violins), yes it could and in this case, it came in the form of our beautiful bride Nicola.
When we arrived she looked gorgeous even though she was still wearing her hotel dressing gown but very soon, she was transformed into a fairytale princess bride. The dress was so stylish and classy and suited Nicola perfectly.

David eventually arrived (no doubt he had been enjoying the journey from home in one of the hotels fantastic cars, in this instance a stunning blue Bentley) and the wedding took place in the magnificent galleried great hall. The brides entry music was unusually Tom Jones claiming "She's a Lady". Confused everyone that did! (Nicola will thump me for that).

Enough of my ramblings, we have hundreds and hundreds of photos to edit but here are a few to get the juices flowing.

Have a great honeymoon in the US guys!

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com