Pie & Peas at minus 5 degrees, Hattie & Ben's Ashfield House Wedding Photography

I first met Hattie and her entourage at a wedding fair held at The Ricoh in Coventry. While we hit it off straight away because of her quick banter and easy manner she was worried that I might not be the photographer for her. “Why ever not?” I questioned. “The wedding is in Wigan” replied Hattie. I’ve travelled around the world being a photographer, yet I never expected venturing up north could be a reason to stop me. And while the travel didn’t concern me it did make me chuckle on the day because it was so easy to identify those from Wigan and those from ‘down south’.

For those of us from the Midlands, we quickly discovered that Wigan in November is arctic so every time we found ourselves outside I was challenged with making my fellow Midlanders forget the fact that they felt like there were going to freeze, and actively encouraged them to follow Ben’s family and friends who were practically embracing the freezing temperatures.

While the weather may have been grey, there was definitely nothing dull about this wedding. You have no idea what noise a bridal party of nine can make. I’m sure the laughter and chatter could be heard from Hattie’s hometown. And Ben was certainly not going to blend into the background as a Ferrari in rosso corsa (the iconic racing red of the famous car manufacturer), pulled up to escort him to the church. I’m not sure I’ve seen a bigger smile on a groom’s face as he stepped into the vehicle.

From the photographs of the stunning stained glass you might be mistaken that Hattie and Ben chose a traditional wedding ceremony. But when the vicar came bounding up to me and asked “Do you like my suit? It only cost £12 from Top Shop”, I knew that I was in for a treat. I’m often fearful of vicars as they can be known to restrict photographers from much of the ceremony. However, this vicar was dressed in a bright purple checked suit and I was instantly in awe. Then when he got his guitar out, I was convinced this was the coolest vicar in the country.

After taking photos of the wedding party outside of the church the guests were whisked away in a striking London red bus, which again brightened up the November skies while perfectly complementing the groom’s tie and the bride’s bouquet.

The natural smiles of the happy couple were easy to capture, particularly as they enjoyed their ride in the Rolls Royce and when they hopped on board the London bus.

The northern theme was carried on into the evening and I was beginning to realise the attraction. Never had I seen pie and peas served as a starter at a wedding breakfast, and never had a starter tasted so good! With a room full of empty plates cleared, it was time for the singer waiters to take centre stage and keep us all entertained.

I always find my vlogging service helps to create a fun atmosphere particularly when the bubbles have been flowing. It’s easy to spot the guests who enjoy the limelight and while the guests captured many special moments with the video cameras, I feel honoured to have captured grandma doing the cancan while grandad was clearly reliving his youth.

The reception was held at Ashfield House in Standish and it perfectly reflected the couple. “Our house is your house” is how the venue promotes itself. Well this is how the bride and groom made all of their guests feel during the day. So, despite freezing temperatures outside, the kind hospitality of Ben and Hattie made this a warm-hearted affair. Thank you to Ben and Hattie for letting me share your special day.  

Ashfield House Wedding Photography  - Find my favourite photos from Hattie and Ben's wedding day below.

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