FEATURED LINKS
For the Love of Music
Alice and Will met by chance one evening in a Manchester music venue when Alice and her friends went to see a band playing called The Moods. Little did she know that she was about to meet her future husband in the form of Will, the talented trumpet player. Will proposed to Alice at the top of their lane after an early morning walk around Arley Estate. After Alice said Yes, they celebrated with croissants and champagne whilst sitting on bales of hay…..just perfect!
The Day Ahead
Alice started preparing for the day at her parent’s house in Lancashire, along with her 3 bridesmaids and twin nieces, the pretty flower girls. The Conservatory was set up as a busy salon with make-up and hair simultaneously going on with plenty of chatter and laughter along with refreshments laid on by mum and dad.
Meanwhile, over at Alice and Will’s house, a marquee had been erected in the garden for a family party the following day and when Will, his groomsmen and parents were ready, they made their way there for a swift pint of Guinness before heading off to the church, well it was on tap and needed checking!
Chocolate Box Charm
As you arrive at the picturesque village of Great Budworth, with its pretty brick and timber cottages, you can see the 14th Century sandstone church at the top of the hill. St Mary & All Saints church is directly opposite the conveniently located George and Dragon Pub, a well-known popular ‘watering hole’ for cyclists, walkers and I imagine, most Saturdays, wedding guests can be found there too.
Will drove to the church in his beautiful black convertible Porsche, complete with white ribbons of course, whilst Alice arrived in an immaculately presented vintage white Jaguar. The Ceremony was made extra special with one of Will’s band members playing the trumpet as Alice walked down the aisle with her dad.
After the Ceremony it was time for confetti and a group photo. Guests lined up by the Lychgate with hands full of dried petals ready to wish the happy couple all the best as they start out in married life. Then after a few portrait photos and some filming down the lane to the side of the churchyard, it was time for everyone to head over to Arley Hall to continue the celebrations.
A Special Kind of Place
Arley Hall is a beautiful Grade 1 listed house set on acres of stunning gardens and a very special kind of place. With its long driveway leading to the grand entrance, huge beautifully appointed rooms and absolutely stunning formal gardens, it is easy to see why Alice and Will chose this gorgeous venue for their wedding. Coupled with the fact that Will grew up on the estate on the family farm, Alice and Will have built their own forever home just a stone’s throw away from the Hall.
As the guests gathered outside the front of the building, two huge bails of straw, decorated as bride and groom, carefully erected by Will’s family to acknowledge their farming connections watched over the proceedings. As Will and Alice arrived in the Jaguar along the rather bumpy lane and through the tall gates, a loud cheer could be heard from their family and friends to greet the newlyweds.
After some tasty canapés and a few glasses of champagne, it was time for group photos on the lawn. Then, a bit of time away, along with the photographer, to film Will and Alice strolling around the gardens, admiring the views and really very impressive floral borders. As we walked with the couple, many visitors stopped to wish them well and admire Alice’s stunning dress… who doesn’t like to see a couple on their wedding day?
Speeches and Absent Friends
As we returned, the guests were already seated in the grand hall, ready for the Wedding Breakfast to be served. Alice and Will made a grand entrance to loud music, then it was time for speeches. Unfortunately, Will’s long-time friend and Best Man Giles was unable to attend at the last minute due to his wife going into labour. He was clearly missed by many, especially Will, but sent a witty speech by text for Will’s brother to read out on his behalf. After a very long speech by Will, it was finally time for everyone to eat.
With the Wedding Breakfast over we gathered everyone outside the front of the building for a sparkler tunnel, as it was starting to go dark. This went down well with everyone, especially Will and Alice who loved it. Then, as we packed away our light and video cameras everyone walked off down the path. I called to ask where they were going to be told by a guest that the Evening Reception was to be held in a different part of the estate. We quickly grabbed our monopods and cameras to follow them down the path.
Live Music, Food and Dancing
The Olympic Barn is just stunning and a perfect location for an evening of live music, food and dancing. The outside seating area has huge canopies and tall patio heaters and even though it was mid-October many guests stayed outside chatting as it was plenty warm enough. Will’s band provided quality live music with the groom joining them for some tunes whilst Alice enjoyed dancing with her friends.
What a really beautiful day for a really great couple, we certainly enjoyed it and the opportunity to create some beautiful films capturing the story of Will and Alice’s wedding, just the way it happened.
If you’d like us to be your Arley Hall Wedding Videographer, please get in touch!