Another Wedding Magazine Feature at Peckforton Castle
I'm honoured to have another magazine feature in Your Merseyside & Cheshire Wedding Magazine with my lovely Bride & Groom, Ashleigh & Jay, who were married at Peckforton Castle last September.
Their day was magical from start to finish with emotional and romantic moments. Plus, there was always once image I had in mind, as soon as I saw Ashleigh wearing that dress.
Your Merseyside and Cheshire Wedding Magazine loved Ashleigh and Jay's wedding photos at Peckforton Castle and instantly wanted to feature their dream day, in their November/December edition....
A wedding meant to be
They say that “life can turn on a dime” and how true that is. Only three weeks before James met Ashleigh on social media via mutual friends, he’d booked a one-way ticket to Australia. However, by the time it came for him to depart the pair had already been on several dates and, Ashleigh says, “We both already knew that we were made for one another.” James did go on his trip, but much to Ashleigh’s delight, just for a holiday. He returned to the UK and 18 months later they were planning their wedding!
James had proposed to his bride-to-be as the sun set over Port Adriano, Majorca. “It came as a massive surprise, but it’s safe to say I was over the moon,” Ashleigh recalls. Here she shares her account of their show topping wedding day on 15th September 2018…
Choosing the wedding venue
It had been a long held dream of Ashleigh’s to get married in a castle, so the couple set about viewing several historic venues. The bride says, “Peckforton Castle stole our hearts. We instantly fell in love with the place.”
The big day was styled in a classic ivory and blush theme with the help of Ian Lloyd Events. The ceremony space was breathtaking with ivory carpet, ice chivari chairs, flower arch and acrylic plinths topped with tea lights and rose petals. The aisle was romantically lined with 100 candles along with white hurricane lanterns and tall vases filled with white and blush flowers.
Candles and blooms continued into the reception space with blossom trees framing the top table. The centrepieces also helped to carry the theme through with white and blush flowers interspersed with plenty of candles. “We asked the castle to change the usual red curtains in the drawing room to ivory, which gave the room a fairytale atmosphere,” Ashleigh explains.
The couple were keen to add a personal touch to their wedding favours so decided to write individual messages on a scroll for every guest before placing each one into a bottle decorated with clear and pink jewels.
The big-day bake by Jo’s Couture Cakes had five tiers, which cleverly reflected the design of Ashleigh’s dress.
The wedding dress
The bride’s stunning gown was made by the talented Philip Armstrong, with design assistance from Ashleigh. She opted for a detailed back flowing into beautiful ruffles. Ashleigh says, “I tried on so many beautiful dresses, but nobody makes a wedding dress like Philip and Tony! They instantly knew exactly what I wanted and made the most beautiful gown that fitted me like a glove. I really did feel like a princess.” The look was completed with a veil borrowed from step-mother-of-the-bride Caran.
The groom wore a bespoke suit also made by Philip Armstrong. James opted for an ivory blazer and black bow tie – “He felt like a million dollars!” Ashleigh remembers. The groomsmen were dressed in black dinner suits making James stand out on his special day.
“The bridesmaids all looked absolutely stunning,” the bride recalls, “They wore blush pink dresses to complement the flowers.”
Celebrating in style
The entertainment was an important part of the day for the couple so booking the band was one of the first things they did to ensure their pick of the best. Ashleigh says, “We went for the five-piece live band Groove Membership. They were a great hit with our guests and got each and every one up dancing.”
Having decided they’d also like a DJ to perform later on in the evening, the pair turned to Jonny Ross Music who supplied one complete with percussion and sax player. “We also had a magic mirror photo booth, which everyone loved. It was so great to see all of the hilarious pictures that resulted from it,” Ashleigh tells us.
Memorable moments
“The day was everything we could have wished for and more. It felt like a dream,” the bride remembers. As newlyweds, the couple enjoyed a meal together with close friends and family the night before the big event.
Then, Ashleigh stayed in the lodge with her bridesmaids. She says, “It was lovely to have the evening with the girls and wake up to breakfast with them all.” James stayed at the castle with this best man and treated himself to an early sauna.
“Every single moment of the day stood out for us, but walking down the aisle was overwhelming – seeing the room the way it was with all of our loved ones there. Having an owl deliver our wedding rings to us at the altar was also a huge highlight. It added to the fairytale nature of our day,” Ashleigh remembers.
I’ve had numerous magazine features over the years. Take a look at the link below for more wedding day inspiration. Magazine Features with Matthew Rycraft
And GET IN TOUCH if you would like to see their wedding album at our Southport Studio.
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