As a Shrigley Hall wedding photographer, you’re treated to a 4* hotel and spa in Macclesfield with amazing grounds that overlook Manchester in the distance.  At night you can see the city come alive with all its lights and planes coming and going from the airport.  The grounds at Shrigley Hall consist of an immaculate golf course, a stunning lake teeming with wildlife, and patches of forest.  For wedding photography it really is amazing! So much to go at, and so many opportunities on wedding days.

Whenever I get the chance to work at new wedding venues alongside new wedding suppliers it really gives me a buzz and super-charges my creativity.  But nothing is more enjoyable than working with a new couple.  Sharon and Steve were that couple and they were so much fun to be around. They booked me for my top wedding photography package consisting of a pre-wedding shoot, full-day coverage and a wedding album.

Shrigley Hall Wedding Photographer

So after all the formalities involved with wedding consultations and booking me, our first photo session was Sharon and Steve’s pre-wedding photo shoot.  They decided that the Roaches near Leek would be the perfect spot for them. This was a great shout as it is one of my favourite locations to work in.  We met at The Three Horseshoes in Blackshaw Moor, which is a five-minute drive from Leek.  I wanted to get some shots of S&S with the Roaches in the background as a nice lead into their shoot, to create a story if you like.  These were effectively warming up pics too, allowing Sharon & Steve to get used to the cameras and having me follow them around everywhere – haha.

To be honest they really didn’t need warming up, getting stuck into the pre-wedding session with such enthusiasm backed by a super relaxed and fun attitude.  And it really shows in their pictures here and later on when we get to the Roaches.  In all we spent approximately 1hr 30 mins together, ending our pre-wedding photography session chasing the sunset near the Mermaid Pool – these turned out lovely! 

Wedding Photographer at Shrigley Hall 

The moment I arrived at Shrigley Hall I was excited, the drive-in surrounded by trees eventually exposing the hall was lovely and I’m sure would be a videographer’s dream for their intro.  After kitting up and unloading all my gear I set off to find Sharon and her bridal party getting ready somewhere in the huge hotel. 

After pinning them down I was greeted by lots of happy faces enjoying having their hair and makeup applied.  After taking plenty of bridal prep photos and some group shots outside with some bubbly I headed off to take some venue shots and details.  It wasn’t long before I had a text from Steve to say that he and his groomsmen were on their way, so I relocated to the long drive to await their arrival.  You couldn’t miss them, Steve arriving in a red Bentley Continental Sport followed by another stunning Bentley – they looked and sounded incredible.  We took plenty of pics with the cars, especially as Steve is a petrolhead!

Sharon & Steve’s guests started arriving and it was all go now! Photographing Steve greeting guests and capturing the general atmosphere.  I was soon darting around Shrigley Hall like it was my second home, capturing as much photography of the bridal party, guests arriving and whatever Steve and his groomsmen were up to.

Shrigley Hall Wedding

Soon Sharon & Steve’s wedding co-ordinator was gathering everyone to move into the ceremony room, which is a really lovely room.  I prepped Sharon to meet her dad on the grand staircase to get a first look, these turned out just as I wanted – nice, genuine, honest emotions.  I pictured Sharon walking arm-in-arm down the stairs and then left them alone as I took position inside the ceremony room, taking pictures of Steve and his best man having fits of laughter.  Sharon’s entrance into Shrigley Hall’s ceremony room brought on some tears, including Steve showing some real emotion, it was genuinely lovely to capture!

The ceremony played out perfectly, with some funny moments thrown in, one moment in particular was Steve struggling to push on Sharon’s wedding ring.  When it came to S&S exiting the ceremony room they looked so happy, these images I documented as they walked out together really captured their happiness and joy!

We all gathered on the steps at the form of the hall entrance to throw some confetti and then onto a few group photos before residing in the courtyard next to the ceremony room where drinks were being served.  The atmosphere outside during the drinks reception was so relaxed, really helped by the sunny vibes too!

As all weddings do – time flies!! Next, S&S were entering their reception in style, raising their arms while their family and guests applauded them in.  Onto the speeches, they were great, with lots of jokes, some tearful moments and enjoyable insights into the difficulties Steve had trying to attract Sharon’s attention before they met which resulted in plenty of laughter.

Shrigley Hall Wedding Photographer – Couples Photography

Shrigley Hall has some really stunning grounds, partly made up by a golf course, and I was excited to get started on some portraits with S&S, taking in the lake and surrounding woodland areas.  Some of my favourite images were taken around the lake, as this spot allowed me to show off Sharon’s dress and allow them both to really relax and be naturally romantic towards one another.

I managed to fly my drone too, I know Sharon & Steve were keen on having some ariel pictures taken, although I think Steve was more interested in the drone as one of his next purchases – haha!

As we were heading back from their portrait session all their evening guests started arriving and I left them to enjoy themselves, letting them know I would see them later for their cake-cutting and first dance.

Their first dance didn’t disappoint! They smashed out a fun dance together that they had practised, it really captured their fun nature and was a pleasure to watch and document.

From here on in I was a fly on the wall, photographing everyone enjoying a dance and the photo booth shenanigans, which were hysterical!!

I ended my wedding photography coverage with S&S having an evening portrait outside by some cool fairy lights, the perfect shot to conclude their wedding album.

All that’s left to be said is a huge heartfelt thanks to Sharon and Steve for having me on their wedding day, you’re such a lovely fun couple, who made my job so easy, love to you both 🙂