Clare & Sam's Inglewood Manor Cheshire Wedding Story

Inglewood Manor, Wirral - May 2019

Clare & Sam's wedding last Spring at the glorious Inglewood Manor on the Wirral was a tale of fun, joy and happiness.

Inglewood Manor is one of my favourite North West wedding venues and one where I usually find myself at least half a dozen times a year, with some fantastic memories!

Inglewood Manor is situated just north of Chester on the Wirral, it is one of Cheshire's finest wedding venues, boasting gorgeous gardens, lakes and first class service. Inglewood is neatly nestled away in the idyllic Cheshire countryside – a tranquil haven of peace and quiet. As a Grade II Listed Building, it boasts generous spaces, exquisite interiors and many classical features from its Edwardian heyday. For a captivating country venue brimming with character, it is the perfect choice.

Wisteria-clad walkways, neatly planted gardens, manicured lawns, pretty ponds and shimmering lakes all contribute to an unforgettable setting for your wedding. 

Wirral based Clare & Sam first contacted me back in 2018 and we met up for a drink to chat over their plans before they confirmed that they'd like me to capture their wedding. Clare & Sam met at work and after a night at a colleagues sitting around a firepit and drinking cocktails they realised they got on like a house on fire - finally getting together a few months later.

Sam proposed on in June 2018 in Newcastle as they were off to see an Ed Sheeran concert. Sam had intended to pop the question at the concert at St. James Park, but he couldn’t wait and got down on one knee in the hotel just before we were going to leave for the concert.

On their wedding day, I arrived early at Craxton Wood hotel, just a few miles from Inglewood Manor to capture Clare's bridal preparations, before we headed over to Inglewood for the main part of the day.

Inglewood Manor was the first venue Clare & Sam looked at shortly after they got engaged and after looking around a number of other venues and attending open days, they decided Inglewood was perfect for them. They both loved driving up to the manor, along the sweeping driveway and like many couples, they felt that the grounds had a stunning, romantic countryside feel.

Clare's bouquet from Leaf in Heswall was hand tied, made very loose in style, messy and ‘just picked’ look. Again, to tie in with a rustic, natural feel. It consisted of loved pink Mondial roses, candy avalanche roses, purples veronica, tanisetum daisy, white wax flower, eucalyptus and Samantha rose, trailing at the front using ivy trails.

The Bridesmaids bouquets were a smaller version without the trail. Clare wanted the flowers to be bright and summery with mixtures of pinks, purple and blue tones to compliment the bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen’s suits.

Clare wore a stunning Justin Alexander ‘Lily’ dress in ivory, part of the Sincerity collection, purchased from Brides of Chester. She had spent a full day with her Mum in Chester going from one bridal shop appointment to another, but as soon as she had tried this dress on, she knew it was the one for her.

Clare also wore a mid-length veil, also from brides of Chester and accessorised with some simple but sparkly leaf design hair clips which were incorporated into her hair by Rebecca Forshaw who helped Clare get ready at Craxton Wood in the morning.

Clare's necklace and earrings were from Pandora along with a beautiful Ted Baker bracelet, which was a surprise gift from the groom on the morning of the wedding, along with a sixpence to wear in her shoe.

Sam's choice of suit was from the fashion designer Marc Darcy - a ‘Dion’ blue tweed herringbone check 3 piece suit with a tweed tie, accessorised with stag cufflinks and a pocket watch.

Shooting at Inglewood Manor is always a real treat for me, as the staff understand what I'll need as a photographer and inside or outside, the venue offers so much space and beauty for your photographs. The main ceremony room seen here is bright and well-lit, plus it offers a wide range of options for dressing to your taste.

The steps at the back of Inglewood Manor offer the perfect place for group photos and Clare & Sam opted for a few group photos, but largely throughout the day, I was able to document the fun and laughter without staging or posing guests which isn't my style.

It's real moments like these that I love and it doesn't always require a couple to be looking directly at the camera.

Outdoor games for the children, ring toss and bean bag throw were so simple but kept the small ones entertained in the huge grounds.

During the day guests enjoyed the music of harpist, Susan Lambert who played during the ceremony right through the wedding breakfast and really set the mood. She took requests from her repertoire along with Disney for the kids and modern songs, also learning Clare & Sam's wedding dance song to play in the background during the signing of the register.

The gardens and stunning wisteria archways at Inglewood offered a stunning backdrop for some informal shots of the bridal party after which me, Clare and Sam headed over towards the lake for some photographs away from the guests - which I always think is so important to give a couple time out with each other too.