Kate and Mark with little Eva — their wedding is all the more amazing for the family focus of the day

This wedding is a treat, and all the more special for a very special little flower girl, daughter of the bride and groom and the star of the show. She’s adorable and clearly loving her mum & dad’s wedding celebrations.

Bride Kate is absolutely beautiful, and she and Mark make a striking couple. Their photographs (by Chris Hanley) are exquisite, combining dramatic scenes, romance and emotion, and some fantastic fun shots around the venue.

Kate and Mark were married on the 10th of July, and had their wedding reception in a marquee at Nunsmere Hall.

Setting the scene for the day: a little bride teddy bear…

… and a matching little groom teddy! So cute!

I love how the jewellery is arranged, and the candles and flowers make this so gorgeous!

Delicate bridal jewellery on display — Kate’s necklace and earring set is really pretty

Flower girl accessories and bridesmaid bouquets — isn’t teddy lovely (and helpful, carrying all that stuff)!

The cute little flower girl dress next to hand– and footprints from when she was even littler

Kate’s wedding dress has a diamante encrusted bodice which sparkles beautifully, and a luxurious full skirt

Sparkling crystal bridal tiara with flower patterns and pearls

A beautiful photo of bride Kate and her little daughter

The bridesmaids and flower girl — little Eva takes centre stage!

Mark waits so nervously for his bride! You can feel the excitement in this picture.

Kate and Mark’s wedding was at St Chad’s church in Cheadle, Cheshire.

Here comes the bride… I love the lady behind admiring Kate’s dress

… and they’re married! I love this photo for all the little details and the height of the camera

Kate and Mark share some champagne on the wheel arch of the wedding car!

The stunning venue behind Kate and Mark is Nunsmere Hall. It’s one of Cheshire’s top luxury hotels — and we have a few! — an Edwardian House in the beautiful Delamere forest. There’ll be a blog post all about Nunsmere Hall coming very soon (with more photos from Chris Hanley Photography).

The Chris Hanley experience… pure, beautiful luxury

Kate and Mark kick back and make themselves at home at Nunsmere Hall

Kate is framed by the doorway at the wedding venue, a striking portrait

I think this is such a wonderful picture of little Eva — so cute, so determined! I love a toddler on a mission!

A lovely photo with the bridal party gathered under the trees

Kate looks amazing in this photo with a tree in full flower

Kate and Mark on the staircase at Nunsmere — playing with light and shadows and really showing off that stunning dress!

My favourite photo — Kate and Mark caught in the spotlight

A stunning image of the bride and groom caught in beautiful twilight

A fitting end to the day — fish and chip van!

The first dance

Thanks as ever to Chris Hanley for sharing this wedding — do add your comments below if you have a minute. Which photos do you love most? Are you having a family oriented wedding? How cute is little Eva?!!

Nunsmere Hall wedding venue feature coming soon.

It’s flower time! Real wedding flowers by Green Earth Flowers of Cheshire

Another visual spectacle today, with a little more detail from Katie and James’s wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn which I featured a few days ago. Chris Hanley was the photographer — a regular favourite on English Wedding — and he sang the praises of Laura from Green Earth Flowers.

Green Earth Flowers are based in Poynton, Cheshire. They pride themselves on their bespoke approach to wedding flower design, and every wedding is designed around the unique requirements of the bride and groom.

Katie and James’s wedding had a pure white theme, in an elegant venue, and Laura created stunning displays with white hydrangeas and phalaenopsis orchids (‘Red Lip’).

Laura used seasonal white flowers — roses, alliums, agapanthus and stocks — to decorate the entrance to Sandhole Oak Barn for the wedding.

I love the way the aisle was decorated with soft white rose petals on either side — it looked so beautiful.

The top table was decorated with a wonderfully dramatic arrangement of trailing ivy, asparagus fern and seasonal white flowers. Laura incorporated roses and poppy seedheads, alliums and phlox with chunky church candles.

How stunning are these tall vases with hydrangeas?! I love the structure of displays like this, and here the little sparkles at the top are on fountains of steelgrass… beautiful!

There are more images from Katie & James’s wedding on the Green Earth Flower blog, Laura’s new showcase for all her wedding designs — it’s well worth reading as she shares gorgeous images and explains the flower design so well… she had me hooked from day one. www.greenearthflowers.co.uk/blog

Wedding photographer Chris Hanley was keen to help when I mentioned I was doing a little write up about Green Earth Flowers. Would you like to see some more?.… Green Earth Flower Design

Made for each other.

Katie and James had a beautiful wedding day in Cheshire with an Italian theme. From Katie’s Jimmy Choos to the luxury of Sandhole Oak Barn, and then glorious diamonds, lace and orchids, this wedding is a dream.

I fell in love with the photos instantly when they landed in my inbox last week, courtesy of the fabulous Cheshire wedding photographer Chris Hanley. There’s everything you’d ever want from your wedding photos in here: contemporary chic and fashionable elegance, tender emotional looks and dramatic skies.

Silver hearts set the scene for the wedding day, or il giorno di nozze as they say in Italy

The wedding bouquets ready to go (look at the picture on the wall!)

Flowers were supplied by Green Earth Flowers of Poynton. Chris told me, “Laura the florist is one of the best I know” (and he knows his flowers!)

The vintage wedding dress magazine page was inside Katie’s mum’s wedding album box

Mirror, mirror, on the wall… Katie is beautiful

Katie’s dress was from Cheshire’s Timeless Bride. I could gaze at this beautiful picture for ages…

Timeless Bride is a top Cheshire bridal boutique, with its flagship store in Poynton.

Bling! James gave Katie a diamond bracelet for a wedding day gift

James works as a bespoke jeweller, making wedding rings for his father’s business on King Street in Manchester. The bracelet was a gift for Katie. Chris told me, “we placed it on ice to photograph it because we thought the diamonds were so hot we cooled them down.”

The wedding Choos.

Dramatic image of Katie at Sandhole Oak Barn

The strong and contemporary structure of Sandhole Oak Barn provides ample opportunity for some of the most amazing wedding photos I’ve seen, from the reflection in the mirror under Katie’s Jimmy Choos to the strong lines in this photograph of Katie where the lace of the gown looks ethereal… it’s just… wow.

I love James’s excited wedding day text to Katie (pictured!)

Chris said, “Katie was ready early and was getting very warm, I dragged the conservatory sofa onto the lawn for her to cool off”

Katie hides her grin with a balloon!

Time for some wedding day champers

James has a quiet moment to chill before the wedding

James wears a slate grey pinstripe suit with blue tie and orchid buttonhole

The bridesmaids are pretty as a picture — love the blue against the brick background

This picture melts something inside me! The little boy is James’s nephew

The wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn

Signing the register

How gorgeous is this?!!!

I love the feeling of delighted triumph radiating from Katie!

Confetti cones and petals

I love this image with Katie’s veil wrapped around! Beauty runs in the family, then.

James and the boys outside the wedding venue

The groomsmen and bridesmaids have a great time! (The shoe in the crotch and the protective hand made me laugh!)

The elegance of this image is captivating

One of my favourite photos of James and Katie

This is the first photo that really shows off Katie’s dress — and isn’t it stunning. The delicate lace falls so softly and the shape of the gown is unusual, beautifully feminine and suits Katie like a dream.

Katie keeps a close eye on James’s little nephew

The wedding menu and orchids

The wedding theme was Italy, as the couple were heading that way for their honeymoon. Tables were named after cities and villages.

The food was olives and bread and olive oil, mozzarella and parma ham and tomatoes, beef fillet with marsala and mushrooms, a trio of desserts and biscottis and coffee — yum. (Don’t rush off starving though, there are more gorgeous pictures yet!)

The wedding breakfast was a luxurious event

Katie only has eyes for James. What cake?

The first dance

I adore stormy skies — Katie and James shine against the dramatic skyscape

Thanks as ever to Chris Hanley for submitting such a gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous wedding and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I did. Congratulations James and Katie!

I’m holding just a few more photos back for later in the week… I’ll be writing a little more about Sandhole Oak Barn and I have just a couple more of Chris’s amazing pictures which will have you falling for this lovely venue the same way I did.

In the meantime, check out Chris Hanley’s wedding photography blog and his main website for more inspiration and beauty. www.ChrisHanleyPhotography.com

The Belle Epoque in Cheshire is an opulent wedding venue, richly decorated and full of character. A gorgeous little gem with bags of character, I had to do a little wedding venue feature to show you this one!

Owned and operated by a single family over 35 years, the Belle Epoque has such wonderful features as marble pillars, art deco fireplaces and luscious detailing around every corner. It really makes a statement and is a glorious treat for your wedding day.

Photographs of the Belle Epoque

All photographs by www.ChrisHanleyPhotography.com
See a real wedding at The Belle Epoque from the English Wedding blog — all photographs by top UK wedding photographer Chris Hanley.

Photographer thoughts on the Belle Epoque

Chris Hanley has shot many weddings at Belle Epoque and describes the venue as “a legend in Cheshire, steeped in ambience, history and accolades”.

Chris shared his thoughts on the Belle Epoque as a wedding venue: “From a bride and groom’s point of view, if they are looking for a small bespoke place to host their wedding and celebrations then it is very easy to fall in love with this establishment. They are at ease and comfortable with running weddings, as you or I are slipping into a favourite pair of jeans and shoes. The staff run a faultless and charming service. This is reinforced with fantastic support from a kitchen and cellar that provides the very finest food and wine.”

“From a photographer’s point of view, this is a very challenging venue to photograph with its ambient low level lighting and small restrictive spaces. The very nature of the place requires your photographer to use wider angle lenses, higher camera settings, and additional lighting. No problem for full time professionals on top of their game. My very strong advice to bride and grooms considering this venue would be to choose your photographer very carefully. Ask if they have shot here before. If yes, study the wedding pictures carefully, if not ask to see an example of their work in low light venues. It simply won’t be acceptable to shoot a wedding here and rely on flash. Its the ambience that makes the place it is, and demands skilful use of natural and artificial light.”

“One final piece of advice to consider. The Belle Epoque, hosting a dry summer wedding with 80 people is a delight. If it’s raining, 80 people indoors is comfortable. Anything above 100 and the place feels very full, especially if your guests are confined to inside. We have shot Belle Epoque many times and throughout the year, so if any of your brides or grooms are considering this venue and have any questions then I’ll be happy to answer their questions if I can.”

From the Belle Epoque website

Nowhere other than the Belle Epoque can give you such a stunning and unique venue, combined with personal service and award winning food.

For over 35 years the Belle Epoque has been a “culinary Beacon” of the North West dining scene.  Combined with a truly eclectic interior of Objets d’Art and rich fabrics, creating a distinctly different dining experience.

If you are considering getting married or celebrating your wedding at the Belle Epoque, please call us. You’ll find we are just an enthusiastic about your day as you are.

Venue essential information

Location: 60 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6DT
Capacity: up to 100 guests for ceremonies, 120 for wedding breakfasts, 200 for the evening
Prices: from £3,425 per guest (2010 tariff)
Exclusive use: available from £4,925 (2010 tariff)
Licensed for wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships

www.TheBelleEpoque.com
01565 632661
info@thebelleepoque.com

Catherine and Kevin at The Belle Epoque in Cheshire

Combine the incredible setting of Cheshire’s Belle Epoque wedding venue with the astonishing talent of Chris Hanley Photography and the natural beauty of today’s bride Catherine, and you have a wedding that is second to none.

I’m actually reluctant to write words to accompany this post, I think the beautiful photography speaks for itself and I don’t want to spoil that! There are way more photographs than I usually blog, so grab a coffee, sit comfortably and enjoy a little peek of the Chris Hanley Experience.

A crystal church with the wedding rings

This little church is Lismore Church in Eire, where Kevin’s mum is from. Pretty as a picture!

Kevin’s suit and accessories — lovely to see a photo of the groom’s outfit looking so fab

A beautiful photo of Catherine’s bridal bouquet

The wedding dress — a heavenly picture

Catherine is beautiful. This photo hints at a gentle shyness, which I love. The hair ornament is also really pretty.

Getting the most out of a gorgeous wedding dress — love this picture, and what a dress. Wow.

Catherine looks the part in this striking bridal portrait

This fantastic vintage bus provides the transport for the wedding day.

Horgan’s Limousines are very well known in Cheshire, and for good reason. Their service is fantastic, their drivers faultlessly charming and their luxury wedding transport a real treat! For those of you who didn’t know, this is an Asquith Charabanc Omnibus. So there.

Kevin, his best man and ushers look great!

Catherine’s eyes say it all. This is it! An amazing picture.

Walking through the park from the church to the wedding venue, on a glorious sunny day

Arriving at The Belle Epoque in real style!

The Belle Epoque Brasserie in Knutsford

Looking at the Belle Epoque website, I’m really impressed — it’s a great venue for weddings with ornate decor and a wonderful history. www.thebelleepoque.com

Setting the scene with an eye for exquisite detail

Catherine plays fairytale princess in the gardens of the Belle Epoque

I love this! Catherine looks wonderful with the sunlight behind her as she poses in the gardens

Made for each other — Catherine and Kevin

A favourite photograph. Catherine and Kevin are perfect together

Having fun with the bridesmaids, best man and ushers

The wedding cake topper is sweet and romantic

Gorgeous, opulent wedding flower display

Inside The Belle Epoque

Making an entrance — a superb photo

The Wedding Breakfast

Kevin at The Belle Epoque. I love his formal dress and casual pose, and his quiet smile

Catherine at The Belle Epoque — Stunning.

Time to relax together

The first dance and another of Catherine’s beautiful shy smiles

Ending on a high –a classic Chris Hanley wedding photo full of light and intense shadows and colour.

The band is Under The Covers, a great covers band from Cheshire. I’d recommend you check out their website if you’re looking for a band for your wedding. www.underthecoversband.co.uk

Thank you to Chris Hanley for sharing this wedding. Chris is a new friend, a great guy and more than a wedding photographer — the Chris Hanley Experience includes a viewing of your wedding pictures with champagne and your photos on a big screen!

Chris told me last week, “Catherine and Kevin had their wedding viewing yesterday. They were sat in our room at the Hilton, we left them in front of our six foot screen with a bottle of champers watching their 300 images set to music… Lots of laughter and squeals of delight (no better accolade for us really).”

Caroline Castigliano boutique in Wilmslow, Cheshire, home of the minted.

Well, maybe not right near my house. But pretty damn close! Cheshire is a great place, a luxury hideaway for some of the UK’s most minted celebrities and a mix of cultures on Manchester’s doorstep. We have rolling hills and some of the best shopping in the UK, with our own Harvey Nicks and Lamborghini dealership (now that one really is near my house).

Wilmslow is the posh end of Manchester, just down the road from studentville and home to Manchester’s rich and famous. Where better for top English bridalwear designer Caroline Castigliano to showcase her extensive wedding gown collection, with many gowns that until now have been exclusive to the Knightsbridge boutique.

Wedding dresses for the Cheshire set by Caroline Castigliano — now in Wilmslow!

Caroline Castigliano, the UK’s premier designer of luxury bridal gowns and evening wear, today announces the re-launch of her exclusive boutique in the heart of Wilmslow. Heralded as the ‘destination boutique’ for brides to be and Cheshire’s ultra-glamorous residents, the formerly named ‘Per Sempre’ boutique has been fully refurbished.

More exquisite designer bridalwear from Caroline Castigliano

The boutique will feature a stunning collection of this season’s most glamorous, must-have bridal, evening and party wear, all bearing the unmistakable signature of designer Caroline Castigliano, who has dressed some of the world’s most stylish women for their weddings and red carpet events. Cheshire’s brides, leading trendsetters and savvy fashion-forward residents can look forward to relishing in the super chic and effortlessly luxurious designs that are beautifully tailored and epitomise the ‘relaxed feminine glamour’ style for which the brand is renowned.

Set to be the most luxurious bridal boutique in Cheshire, it will provide an experience never to be forgotten, offering a stylish and intimate environment where clients can relax and enjoy a glass of Champagne as they view the stunning collections of bespoke, made to measure gowns.

This exclusive boutique becomes the seventh stand-alone destination in the UK featuring the Castigliano brand, which next year celebrates its 20th birthday!

40 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BG
01625 536 262
www.CarolineCastigliano.co.uk