Gemma and Adrian – A Festive Fairytale Wedding,  Peckforton Castle Wedding Photography

 

Gemma and Adrian got married at the very beautiful Peckforton Castle – not somewhere I’d been before but somewhere I definitely want to go again. What an absolutely stunning venue, nestled in the centre of Cheshire it’s an incredible, fairytale backdrop for a special day. When Gemma and Adrian got married, it was the run-up to Christmas, and the place was drenched in festive magic.

Like most of this year’s newlyweds, Gemma and Adrian had postponed their wedding more than once. The first time I met them in person was a month before the big day, when we pottered around picturesque Leamington Spa for an engagement shoot. 

It’s great to get back in the swing of these pre-wedding shoots. Even those couples who think they don’t want extra photos always tell me afterwards how valuable they are. These shoots give us all a chance to get to know each other, make the couple feel more relaxed in front of me and the lens, and can really help with those wedding-day nerves when people realise I’m not going to spend all day contorting them into uncomfortable poses!

Arriving in Cheshire in the dark and unloading all my kit at Peckforton Castle, I couldn’t fully appreciate its splendour, but as the morning sun rose I could really take it all in. What a spectacular place – I was so excited for the day ahead! It was achingly cold, but that only added to the beauty of the chill morning.

After finding my way to the bridal suite (no easy feat in a castle with more rooms than I can count on my fingers and toes) I was greeted by Gemma, her mum, friends, and bridesmaids. It was a lovely way to start the day – catching up, sharing drinks and laughter. Like so many friends and families, it had been a long time since they’d all been together in the same place, and the energy and excitement was infectious. 

Adrian and Gemma were keen to have some groom prep pictures too – typically this is a slightly more blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of affair! Adrian had several groomsmen, and I snapped away as they enjoyed a few drinks in the bar before the ceremony. Once in the ceremony room waiting for Gemma’s arrival, the atmosphere was jovial and happy and full of energy.

After a beautiful service, Gemma and Adrian left the room as newlyweds and were showered in confetti by their friends and family before the drinks reception. Inside, Peckforton Castle was looking truly festive, with an impressive twinkling tree and a cosy, warm atmosphere, despite the icy chills outside.

Those glasses of fizz came in useful as Gemma and Adrian headed out for some pictures – it was freezing cold but that wasn’t stopping us, the castle was just too beautiful. So with booze jackets firmly on they braved the cold and I think the shots were worth it (but I would say that…!)

Following a delicious wedding breakfast and plenty of giggle during the speeches, all the wedding guests were treated to a mini Guinness – a family tradition – and then in truly appropriate Castle fashion, it was time to cut the cake with an enormous sword! I’ve seen it done before…combining it with wedding fizz isn’t always the best idea of the day, but Andrian and Gemma managed it with style! They did probably the most epic cake-cutting I’ve witnessed, and sliced the whole thing right down the middle. Nicely done!

Peckforton Castle afforded some brilliant angles for photography, and I was able to get some high-angle shots of Gemma and Adrian’s romantic first dance before the dancefloor was filled with wedding guests itching to join in the celebrations. 

What a sparkling, special day – and huge congrats to Gemma and Adrian!

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A PECKFORTON CASTLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER , THEN CONTACT ME TODAY TO DISCUSS.