MEMORY LANE

Memory lane To celebrate the triumphant return of unrestricted weddings, we take a look back at some of our favourites

Here at Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, we were cock-a-hoop when Boris announced that all restrictions on weddings would be lifted in July. The wait had been agonising both for the industry and for its lovely couples. We’ve absolutely loved seeing a wealth of intimate Covidsafe “I dos,” planned by inspiring couples simply unwilling to give in and determined to celebrate their love. They’ve taught us so much about living for the moment and appreciating what’s most important.

On the other hand there are those amongst you who have a different kind of determination, standing firm on your dream wedding plans, deciding to ride out the storm and refusing to compromise. And that too is just as admirable. If there’s one point that bears repeating its that your wedding is your day, your way and you should never do anything other than what the two of you feel is right.

So, to celebrate the triumphant return of weddings without borders we decided to take a look back at some of our favourites from recent years, big and small.

GOTHIC OPULENCE GREAT SCOT!

Sara and Mike created their day at Thornton Manor in an avant-garde style with tones of red, black and gold. We’re still obsessed two years later! Sara shared some words of wisdom with us: “If you can, opt for an earlier ceremony. We got married at 2pm and the day flew by. I felt as though I didn’t have enough time to enjoy it and speak to everyone.” Groom Jack hails from Inverness and when he asked Hayley out on a first date it was over the phone, as he was home celebrating Hogmanay. Eight years later, outside Inverness Castle, he asked Hayley to be his wife. So, given the significant part it played in their love story, it’s no surprise that the couple drew inspiration for their wedding theme from beautiful Scotland. The floral arrangements featured thistles, nodding to Jack’s heritage; the groom and his groomsmen all wore kilts; and guests were welcomed to Wrenbury Hall by the sound of bagpipes.

A theme COME TRUE

We love it when a couple come up with a theme that’s personal to them, as well as the ingenious ways they weave it throughout the day. Here are some of our particular favourites.

THE ANATOMY OF LOVE

Sarah and Chris chose an enchanted forest theme for their wedding celebrations at The Oak Tree of Peover. Talking about their venue choice, the bride told us, “We weren’t bothered about having a summer wedding, but were still looking for somewhere with the benefits of the great outdoors. The Oak Tree of Peover has glass walls and a cosy interior, so you could still enjoy the beautiful autumn trees.”

Katy and Sean tied the knot at St George’s Hall, a gorgeous grand location, with celebrations to follow at Love Lane Brewery, Liverpool. They were forced to downsize their day due to Covid, but Katy told us, “Becky at Love Lane was brilliant at adapting around the situation and ensured all the rules were kept to.”

Reflecting on the big day, the bride said, “It couldn’t have gone any better than it did, against all the Covid odds. It was everything we’ve always dreamed of and more. It really was the best day ever.”

AN INSTANT CONNECTION

While Jen and Peter’s wedding plans encountered a huge pandemicshaped hurdle, the big-day itself was filled with love, support and understanding. Jen told us, “We basically had to overhaul the entire wedding. Everything apart from the church, photographer, flowers and dress changed. But the support we had throughout was amazing, and it really made us treasure our family and friends even more. The worst feeling was not knowing whether our wedding would go ahead, with new restrictions happening every day. It was stress unlike anything I’ve known, until the evening before when we knew it was all going ahead.”

Love IN THE MIDST OF chaos

Many couples have stood firm in challenging times, going ahead with their wedding days, whatever trying circumstances the pandemic threw at them. Guest lists were cut, venues were booked and re-booked, wedding plans made it to version 5.0 and then some. But love won and they made it. We’ve certainly enjoyed seeing the gorgeous, intimate nuptials that have gone ahead in between lockdowns.

THYME OF OUR LIVES

Doctors Jen and Tom met at Leeds Medical School. Their wedding date was originally set for 28th March 2020, but only five days beforehand the country went into lockdown, so they were forced to postpone. Jen told us, “We were both absolutely devastated. After almost two years of planning, then having to cancel the event with less than a week’s notice was heartbreaking.” As doctors, the couple had to work throughout the pandemic, which was difficult for them, not least because they lost family members along the way. But they ultimately decided that life was too short and tied the knot on 12th April, 2021 at Thornton Manor.

“Intimate weddings are absolutely fantastic. There was no stress and everyone had a fabulous time. You just have to make the best of the situation you have and know at the end of the day, the most important thing is getting married,” Jen concluded.

The Tithe Barn at Meols Hall struck a chord with Rebekah and Robert. “It was so picturesque and fitted the relaxed feel we wanted for our wedding,” the bride told us, and the rain failed to put a dampener their big day. Louise and Alex chose an intimate countryside vibe for their celebrations at Nunsmere Hall, with rustic touches such as country garden flowers, brown paper, burlap, string and a palette base of racing green.

Louise shared some words of wisdom, “We chose to have our speeches before the wedding breakfast, which made the speechmakers very happy. None of the men were natural public speakers, so this allowed them to relax and enjoy their food. We didn’t want them to worry about it any longer than they had to.”

RUSTIC romance

A beloved member of our CWM editorial team will be tying the knot next year and has chosen a rustic vibe for her styling. So, we’re more interested than ever in couples who’ve been there, done that and bought the T-shirt when it comes to countryside venues styled with a relaxed flair. These ones have definitely stayed with us.

TACKLED BY LOVE

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Lizzie and Rich said “I do” at The Cock O’Barton, near Chester, and created a relaxed vibe for their celebrations. The bridal party’s attire and the nature-inspired colour palette reflected this perfectly. Lizzie was inspired by bridal boutique Along Came Eve when she walked past it one day and spotted a stunning floral gown in the window. “I just knew it would have the dress for me,” she said, and wasn’t wrong. Amongst the beautiful samples she found the one, Azriel by Watters. The bridesmaids complemented the theme in maxi dresses with a super-cool peach floral chintz fabric. Jade and Stuart said “I do” at Stock Farm. When thoughts initially turned to the wedding day following their engagement, the venue goals were somewhere rustic, with a relaxed atmosphere and picturesque views. And, Jade told us, “Stock Farm had all of this and more.”

The pair opted for a Brazilian banquet barbecue from The Flaming Gourmand for their wedding breakfast. The bride said, “It’s food we love and it tied in well with our relaxed theme.” They enjoyed picana steak, maple chicken, and chimichurri portabello mushrooms. In the evening they served posh dogs with caramelised onions and Cheshire cheese sauce, followed by dessert from an ice cream van.

MEANT TO BE

Ashleigh and James exchanged vows at Peckforton Castle, which was styled romantically for the occasion. 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 when they got engaged. The bride told us: “Peckforton Castle stole our hearts. We instantly fell in love with the place.”

FROM LIVERPOOL WITH LOVE

Nicola and Adam exchanged their vows at the spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool, followed by celebrations at The Shankly Hotel.

Nicola said of their venue styling, “Our table plan was held by a silverframed mirror, and the place and table names were all coordinated in the same colour palette and design as our invitations. We also had orders of service and fans made for the bridal party to keep. The centrepieces were floral domes with tea lights hanging from them. They featured blooms to match the bouquets. There was also a stunning draped top-table design and a lovely floral arch placed at the entrance to the rooftop terrace.”

Gloriously GLAM

Some couples go all out for their big day – and why not? You only get married once right? It does mean we struggle to narrow down our favourite images for the real wedding features though, so this is a great excuse to bring them out again. Feast your eyes on our top glam nuptials.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

If you missed any of these wonderful real weddings the first time around. Fear not, below is a directory of where you can find them in just a hop, skip and a click.

Gothic opulence: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW48/42/ Great Scot!: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW52/22/ The anatomy of love: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW51/36/ An instant connection: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW54/22/ The thyme of our lives: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW58/34/ Happily ever after: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW57/26/ Showered with love: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW49/46/ A day to remember: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW51/20/ Opposites attract: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW53/20/ Tackled by love: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW54/32/ Meant to be: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW48/30/ From Liverpool with love: www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YCMW52/34/