Capesthorne Hall is a stunning, exclusive wedding venue in Cheshire and we were delighted when Richard & Hayley asked us to photograph their wedding there. We first met the happy couple approximately 13 months prior to their wedding where we chatted about their wedding plans and ideas and we just knew it was going to be a beautiful wedding.
Here are a few words from Richard & Hayley:
“My husband and I knew that the memories and photo’s from our big day would be something to treasure forever and as such we couldn’t have been more impressed with the service provided by Steve and Sandra at SMH Photography. They are professional, fun to work with, imaginative and most important provide a quality of photograph and album that makes us want to look at them over and over again! We will definitely use them again for any professional photo’s we want”.
It had been raining on the days leading up to the wedding however on the big day itself the sun was shining and it was extremely warm. As it was a 12 noon ceremony, we arrived at Hayley’s parents home for the bridal preparations early in the morning where Hayley and her two sisters (who were also the bridesmaids) were getting ready. Hayley had asked us to ensure we captured a photograph of her dog, Logan, who was also suitably donned with a purple ribbon around his neck perfectly matching the detail of the flowers and shoes 🙂
Hayley looked stunning in her wedding gown which had a sweetheart neckline and ruffle lace beadwork detail and when she walked into the room for her father to see her for the first time in her wedding gown, the emotion of that first glance said it all.
The wedding cars were two white London taxi’s which took the two bridesmaids and Hayley and her Dad to Capesthorne Hall. However, there was a slight deviation to the journey and Hayley and her Dad went to Capesthorne Estate Yard where they were to travel the rest of the journey by horse and carriage.
As you drive down the winding lane through the acres of parkland you get a sense of the grandeur that awaits; you then are met with the impressive Capesthorne Hall in front of you and it takes your breath away.
Within a couple of minutes us of arriving we could hear the sound of the horses coming down the lane and before long, Hayley & her Dad appeared in the impressive black and gold carriage being drawn by two beautifully dressed shire horses with Hayley and Richard’s names engraved on the brass head brasses which was a lovely touch. Hayley and her Dad were met by the Bridesmaids and the Bride’s mum before they duly made there way inside the hall before the groom arrived.
What the Groom would not have known that morning when we awoke was the surprise that Hayley had planned for him and that was that he and the Best Man would travel to Capesthorne Hall in an Aston Martin which was Richard’s favourite car. You could hear their pending arrival before you saw the car and when they arrived you could tell by Richard’s face that he was delighted with the gift from his wife-to-be 🙂 We captured the photographs of the boys and groom’s detail shots and then when back into the main hall to rejoin Hayley and her family for the last stages of the bridal preparations.
The Bride, her Dad and the Bridesmaids all made their way down the impressive staircase to the ceremony room where Richard eagerly awaited their arrival. The ceremony was beautiful and the registry signing was not only captured by ourselves but also by the paparazzi in the room 🙂
The happy couple then made their way from the ceremony by horse and carriage over to the Chapel within the grounds of Capesthorne Hall where they were to have their marriage blessed. Notice the bottom of the groom’s shoes which caused considerable laughter amongst the guests. As the blessing finished everyone made their way outside the Chapel where guests celebrated the marriage by drowning the happy couple in a confetti shower.
Their drinks reception was held in the courtyard outside the main hall and guests enjoyed the drinks and food in the warm sunshine whilst listening to the string quintet which is where we photographed the group shots that Richard & Hayley had requested.
There was one last opportunity before the Groom had to say goodbye to his wedding present, the Aston, to capture himself with his lovely bride outside Capesthorne. We then headed off around the stunning grounds to capture their bride and groom portraits and here are some of our favourite images.
After a tea party in the main hall, it was time for the wedding breakfast – the colour theme of purple was striking incorporated in the chair covers, floral displays, table details and beautiful wedding cake.
The speeches were very touching and great fun with Richard’s Best Man taking great joy in making the Groom suitably embarrassed on a number of occasions 🙂
The day had gone so quickly however, the evening was far from over. Richard and Hayley performed their first dance and then Richard’s talented brother played a music set for them as part of his wedding gift. Then, to top it all …………… Faces of Disco. You may have seen them before on Britain’s Got Talent and we can honestly say they certainly got everyone in the party mood….. thoroughly entertaining and funny.
We had an absolutely fantastic day photographing Richard & Hayley’s wedding at Capesthorne Hall; they are a great fun couple with great family and friends and we will leave you with the image we took before we sadly had to say goodbye.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and viewing the images and we would like to say a special thank you to Richard & Hayley and to the team at Capesthorne Hall for helping the happy couple’s day be so special.
If you are considering holding your wedding / civil ceremony or your wedding reception at Capesthorne Hall then please do contact us – we would love the opportunity to discuss your wedding photography requirements with you both in more detail.