Editor loves and inspiration

Knowsley Hall (www.knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk) is a Grade II listed stately home dating back to 1495 combining opulence and a rich historical charm, while its original features remain beautifully preserved. Amid its grandeur, the Hall exudes a delightful warmth and hospitable ambience, with a selection of rooms to relax in. The fascinating structure with its classic Georgian facade is nestled within 2,500 acres of beautiful private parkland and is surrounded by a lake and manicured gardens, offering idyllic locations for your couple shots.

Discover more in the winter venues feature in the Nov/Dec23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Whatever your big-day theme, vibe or vision, there's one thing we can all agree on: weddings are all about love. It might be easy to lose sight of it amid the chaos of planning, but nevertheless its the reason we're all here. Weddings celebrate love in all its forms. Of course, everyone is gathered to celebrate the love between the two of you, but they're there because they, in turn, love you. There's also the pride and adoration on the faces of our couples' parents or guardians that we can't wait to see in our real wedding features. Even capturing a misty-eyed look from, or for, a beloved fur baby warms the heart. Certainly, we could all do with some good cheer so, we decided to ask the region's wedding photographers to share their favourite loving looks.

I love this one by Stacey Oliver Photography (https://staceyoliverphotography.co.uk)!

Check out more of the heartwarming images in the Nov/Dec23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Real bride Aimee says, "I told Sami we were going to Centre Parcs after the wedding, but on the morning of, I'd made a jigsaw for her to put together, which depicted the island in the Maldives we were actually going to!"

Read all about their big day at Colshaw Hall (www.colshawhall.com), captured by SMH Photography (www.smhphotography.co.uk), in the Nov/Dec23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

“Organisation is one of my super powers,” real bride Kerry says. “I have colour co-ordinated spreadsheets for everything, including going on holiday. So, when it came to the wedding I had to delve deeper to pull off the magical day we wanted. What started off making a few notes and a timetable for the day ended up turning into a full blown eight-page wedding manual! It included who needed to be where and at what time, along with meticulous information about which tasks people needed to complete, how and when. It even included things like how fast the horse and carriage travels in miles per minute (one mile every eight minutes by the way), plus supplier information, names, emails, contact, telephones and websites, and so, so much more. Now, I know that this makes me sound like a bridezilla, but everyone can (hopefully) vouch for me that I wasn't. It was a collection of information following discussions with suppliers and it just felt that the, now famous, manual was a great central place to collate it all!”

Find out about the day she married her beloved Mark at Arley Hall (www.arleyhallandgardens.com) in the Nov/Dec23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Olive Tree Catering (http://olivetreecatering.co.uk) was started and continues to be run by two chefs and their team, using the wealth of knowledge and skills they've built up over the past 50 years combined experience of working in high-quality hotels, restaurants and UK food businesses. With their skilled team of chefs, event management staff and extensive range of menus, the two believe they can cater for the requirements of all guests, even the fussiest ones!

Olive Tree offers its own recipes and menu development using the best produce, along with fresh ingredients and a passion that ensures the team stay ahead of the latest trends in food. From formal sit-down menus, its renowned tapas wedding breakfast and even evening selections, things are done just a little bit differently!

Meet more local wedding caterers in the Nov/Dec23 issue, free to download now at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Real bride Jenny told us: "Gavin presented me with a beautiful necklace at the end of his speech, which I wasn't expecting. I haven't taken it off since." So romantic, and I love this picture of Jenny opening her gift!

Find out more about Jenny and Gavin's big day at Waterfront Southport Hotel (www.waterfrontsouthporthotel.co.uk), captured by Kevin Brown Photography (www.kevinbrownphotography.co.uk).

Tucked away in the heart of the Liverpool City Centre, this one-of-a-kind venue offers a picturesque, idyllic oasis away from the hustle and bustle.
It's an iconic landmark in the city and holds a wealth of history and memories – now it's time to make your wedding day part of that! From 1952, St Luke's Bombed Out Church has been categorised as an official Grade II listed building, and due to its moving history, the church has since become a managed ruin that's home to community projects, events, weddings and more. Specialising in bespoke big days, where no amount of guests is too few, the team will work with you to devise a seating plan and build the wedding of your dreams from the ground up since this is the epitome of a blank canvas venue. Maximum capacity is 250 and price and layout are discussed based on your requests.

ST LUKE'S BOMBED OUT CHURCH
0151 374 0366 | www.slboc.com

The latest issue is available now. Read Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding magazine for free!

Amanda Keech from Cheshire Pony Parties offers adorable small ponies to carry champagne or confetti at your wedding or simply for photos and mingling with guests (meet super-cute Skittles, pictured). Amanda had some great advice when it comes to al fresco celebrations for this issue's outdoor weddings feature...

"I know from experience that everyone worries about the weather! My advice is to try not to stress about it. After all, you can't do anything about it, so focus on what you can do to work around it. Your venue will almost certainly have some indoor or undercover space for you to use.

"Speak to your venue too to see if they have umbrellas available for guests to use, and if not, why not source some yourselves? You could get some to match your colour palette or go for clear ones.

"Similarly your photographer will be very used to working in all sorts of conditions. Have faith that they'll handle it brilliantly."

Meet more suppliers and discover their tips in the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

This issue's cover shoot was a real explsion of pastel florals, a theme that was beautifully carried through to the stationery with these oh-so delicate watercolour designs by Sophie Elizabeth Weddings & Events, seen here on the table numbers and also in the menu cards and place names.

Enjoy this gorgeous shoot in its entirety in the Sept/Oct23 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download now at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download.

Real bride Emily says, "We loved it when Winston entered as the ring bearer and walked down the aisle with my friend Daisy. He's normally pretty giddy but on the day he was impeccably behaved and performed his duties without a hitch – which is unlike him!"

Find out more about Emily and Mike's big day in the current issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download