Pixies in the Cellar

Bredbury Hall Wedding Fayre

2012-03-05T03:21:00.004-08:00

Had a great time yesterday at Bredbury Hall Hotel Spring wedding fayre. Captured a few snaps of the catwalk for Dream Dress Bridal in Romiley for their Facebook. Thanks to everyone who came along. If you need any more info or you'd like to arrange another meeting please eMail me :)

City-Chic Party!

2012-03-05T02:25:00.003-08:00

What an energetic way to start the year... with a city-centre wedding reception at Malmaison in Manchester for Rachel and Jonathan.

This hotel is very 'boudoir' in style and very challenging with it's choice of decor and lighting when it comes to photography... no fear, I brought my own lighting to create some dynamic and striking images that show Rachel's party at the Malmaison off perfectly.

This was the first time I created a separate low-key studio set up on location, capturing some excellent, studio quality images of Rachel's evening guests... perfect! :)

December

2011-12-15T01:30:00.000-08:00

Kath & Graham

A very misty and moody winter's wedding at the Saddleworth Hotel. Kath & Graham's wedding day was a very cosy affair, with log fire in the main ballroom, twinkly Christmas lights and the promise of Christmas Day a matter of days away. A perfect candle-lit ceremony followed by some group photos in the Friarmere Suite. Granddad arrived rather late for his slot leaving just enough time for some intimate indoor (and a few outdoor) shots of the newly wed's.

One of the Groom's reasons for choosing the Saddleworth was the amazing views over the moors. As we ran out of time during the big day, I grabbed my gear and shot up to the Saddleworth the morning after for some great shots of Kath & Graham in this 'Withering Heights' landscape. Excellent finalé shot in their wedding album.

Anna & Ian

Fantastic crisp winter's day at Fanhams Hall in Hertfordshire, the frost was out and the sun shone. I can heartily recommend this hotel for your wedding/reception. The gardens are huge with an ornamental section, woods, a Japanese house within it's own Japanese garden and lake with Japanese bridge... I could go on but it's well worth exploring.

Following the group photos (complete with snow machine!) we ventured out into the freezing late afternoon for some shots of Anna & Ian around the gardens, bit of a mad dash due to the light, cold and timings but Anna did brilliantly in her very 'non-winter' wedding dress, capturing some fantastic images before turning blue!!

The evening culminated with some great moody nighttime shots in the house followed by a very lively ceilidh and disco... a great day!

October

2011-10-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Daniella & Andy

Daniella has to be one of the most cool, laid-back brides I've met. She even booked and paid the 'Pixies' before meeting us!
Norcliffe Chapel for a very 'English' ceremony, a very cute chapel surrounded by fields and woods in the grounds of Styal Estate, following some group photos and lively confetti throwing at the lytch gate we ventured into the woods for a few late afternoon intimate shots utilising some off-camera lighting to create an almost studio effect outdoors... very different indeed :-)
Their reception followed at the Cottons Hotel in Knutsford with an Autumnal theme, the cake was simply stunning with its carefully crafted chocolate acorns and Autumn leaves.
Our next wedding shoot will be in the depths of Winter, complete with snow machine. This has to have been one of our most Summery Autumn seasons ever! :-)

Joanne & Matt

My second pre-wedding meeting with Joanne & Matt was great for learning all about home cinemas! Matt is a huge fan, so politely asking a simple question turned into a full demo... which was very impressive I must say, cheers Matt :-)
Their whole wedding took place at the Alderley Edge Hotel, Joanne looked amazing to the point of making her hair and makeup girls very jealous indeed!
Their ceremony went without a hitch, a highlight had to be their daughter's poetic reading about her mum and dad, delivered brilliantly to everyone's enjoyment :-)
Following a fun group photo sesh in the gardens we spent a little time together capturing some intimate shots of Joanne & Matt before they made their entrance to an enthusiastic wedding breakfast gathering.

Kelly & Danny

I love the character of ancient buildings with their earthy textures and rich but intimate light streaming in through small windows. Haslington Hall has all these qualities and more besides, set within lavish gardens complete with two lakes this was always going to be a perfect setting for an early Autumn wedding.
One of the great qualities of a 'one location' wedding is the amount of extra time I have for photographing events as they unfold, even the groom's preparations which is a nice addition.
Kelly & Danny's ceremony took place in the hall's intimate west wing together with a string quartet all the way from Scotland. Drinks reception in the garden then onto group photos in front of this magnificent hall. Into the evening we captured some great sunset shots of the couple before their evening guests arrived for a very lively reception party in Haslington Hall's garden marquee. Perfect summer wedding (in Autumn!).

Katie & Karl

When planning your Autumnal wedding you don't expect mid-Summer temperatures but this is exactly what Katie, Karl and their guests enjoyed which was far warmer than their pre-wedding shoot all wrapped up in winter woolies!

Their ceremony was held at St Herberts to the sound of an amazing string trio. Then on to Norton Grange for some very summery outdoor photographs complete with buzzing bees and a summer breeze!!
Wedding photo to follow...

September

2011-09-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

Vicky & Matt

St Clements in Rochdale for a traditional ceremony then on to Holdsworth House at Halifax, with 'old world' charm and preened yet cottage style gardens this intimate venue has everything your wedding day could demand. Vicky and Matt led a full-on, action packed day from start to finish, culminating (from my point-of-view) with a rapidly processed slideshow of their ceremony for their evening guests to enjoy - Vicky's idea and an excellent one too!

Kym & Ash

Married at the Ashes, just outside and with similar character to one of my favourite places; the Peak District. This modern, clean yet very rustic venue is highly recommended for your combined ceremony and reception. Fantastic panoramic views, a picturesque tree-lined lake coupled with the rustic character of renovated farm buildings. Kym & Ash's day simply flowed with plenty of time to capture some stunning images... Pixies' idea of a perfect wedding :-)

August 2011

2011-08-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Heather & Mark

Heather & Mark tied their knot in sun-drenched Turkey early in August followed by a fun-packed reception for friends and family at Bredbury Hall Hotel in Stockport (would have been great to photograph the Turkey bit too! better luck next time :-)

Kate & David

Picturesque and cute St Mary's church in Hollingworth for the start of a great summery summer's day wedding. Strictly no photographer's were allowed in the ceremony area, so a remote camera was set up to the side of the alter for those too-important-to-miss shots.

Following the group shots it was off to Mottram Hall in Prestbury, where I promptly dived in to the boot and shot the wedding car and couple as we all zoomed to the reception... who needs health and safety! :-) The day culminated in some excellent and relaxed evening shots in the grounds of this magnificant hotel.

Kayleigh & Jack

Kayleigh had to be the most smiley bride ever! She loved every minute of her wedding day, even the stressful bits :-)

The ceremony took place at St Mary's Church, Droylsden where Jack's Dad had tied the knot back in the early 70's, for posterity (and for fun) we recreated a similarly posed photo of Groom and Best Man.

On to Denton golf club with it's magnificent picture-perfect landscape for the reception, the perfect backdrop for the group and couple shots (although we couldn't venture too far due to the bride's crazy (but excellent) shoes :-)

July 2011

2011-07-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Alex & Simon

The day finally arrived for Alex and Simon's wedding day at The Saddleworth Hotel. Alex booked the Pixies nearly three years ago!! The sunshine had followed the international guest list all the way from Australia - sun sun and more sun!

A string trio and an elegantly dressed bride created the perfect English summer ceremony.

The day concluded with some final shots into the setting sun before the happy couple partied into the night!

Kate & Jack

Pott Shrigley church, you can't get a more quintessentially English setting than this. There was even Japanese church spotters stalking around :-)

Following the ceremony we shot off to Jack's place of work... Poynton fire station! to have some unusual photos of the three of them (Kate, Jack and Jack's favourite toy... a fire engine!)

Reception followed at the Hallmark Hotel, Wilmslow - Perfect end to a perfect day!

Helen & Steve

To The Saddleworth Hotel for a very wet wedding day with Helen & Steve, not much chance of tying the knot outside in the fabulous stone gazebo today! The ceremony took place in the equally atmospheric and intimate confines of the oak panelled room in the hotel. The reception followed in the amazing and city-chic styled ballroom (seeing is believing!) with a perfectly timed gap in the monsoon for some group and couple shots outside. The Saddleworth Hotel is one of the most perfect and manicured wedding venues I've photographed at - you can't go wrong... especially with a never-ending supply of bacon butty's during the evening buffet :-)

Lisa & Russell

The sun shone at one of Pixies familiar haunts this weekend; Hargate Hall set in the Peak District National Park. Lisa & Russell had travelled all the way from the 'Big Smoke' along with their family, friends and a singing Kermit the Frog (that sang at the start of the ceremony, all to the amusement of their guests). An emotive ceremony with poetic vows and tearful speeches, the ceremony concluded on a musical note with guitar and some beautiful singing in both Welsh and English.

Following the group photography we managed to spend 25 minutes with Lisa & Russell in the grounds of Hargate, capturing a some great images. The evening entertainment started just as we were concluding our part, with Wild Clover - a great sounding ceilidh band.

June 2011

2011-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Emma & Paul

A very chilled-out and tranquil morning with the bride getting ready, slowly turned into the most crazy and rushed bridal preparations witnessed! Very interesting photo opportunities though :-) The ceremony took place at the Old Chapel at Dukinfield where Groom and Groomsmen were all in good spirits despite the rain. Everything went without a hitch apart from the Groom nearly fainting and the Bride shedding an emotional tear.

Onto Shrigley Hall for some spirited group shots, some inside and some outside due to the wonderful English weather. The day slowly mellowed into a glorious Summer's evening where we captured some stunning images of Emma & Paul before their party.

Cheryl & Ali

A fantastic new venue to start the month - Masson Farm and Swallow Barn at Matlock, Derbyshire. If you like your venue rustic, friendly and with amazing views of the Peak District then this is the venue for you :-) Cheryl and Ali fell in love with the venue at first sight and it's not hard to see why! Another outdoor venue (we do seem to be finding all of these this year) the ceremony took place under the eaves of the barn with guests only just feeling a few drops of rain sat outside!

With rolling fields, wild flowers in the gardens, perfect bridesmaids and a fantastic view, what more could you ask for - just add Bride and Groom! With a barbeque for the wedding breakfast and a Supremes tribute act for entertainment, a memorable day was had by all.

Kim & Ben

Time to use the brollies again! Whilst sheltering in the very historic church of St James at Gawsworth, everyone must have been hoping and praying that God might do his stuff and stop the rain, if not just until the Bride managed to make her way from the lychgate to the church doors. Well, those prayers seemed to do the trick :-) A picture postcard English church provided the perfect backdrop for a group shot of all their guests before Bride and Groom were swamped with confetti at the lychgate. Kim and Ben then made the most of the break in the clouds for some shots around the church, making it back to the car and awaiting champagne just as the rains came once more.

Adlington Hunting Lodge for the reception, smaller group shots with just enough time for more photos of the newly wed's before their wedding breakfast.

May 2011

2011-06-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Claire & Nigel

The beginning of May saw the first half of a wedding split in two, ceremony followed by honeymoon, followed by party three weeks later! Claire and Nigel had chosen one of their favourite haunts - the Willington Hall Hotel nr Tarporley, amid the gorgeous Cheshire countryside. Again, another venue where 'English weather permitting' your ceremony can be held outside in the old 'temple' - Claire and Nigel enjoyed a glorious day for their perfect ceremony surrounded by some of their closest friends.

For the reception, three weeks later with Bride and Groom sporting a healthy tan from their two weeks of honeymooning, family and friends celebrated their wedding, again at Willington Hall, this time utilising the Hamilton suite, with great gardens and stepped balcony for group shots.

Anna & Mark

Anna and Mark's day began with guests arriving for leisurely drinks in the bar area of the White Hart Inn, Lydgate. An intimate venue with the ceremony taking place upstairs in a cosy and atmospheric room. Then came the rains! Peering through the window and hoping for a break in the clouds was in vein as the breaks just didn't arrive. The staff at the White Hart were more than accommodating though during the group shots, as they enabled the wedding party to utilise the Oak Room for shelter from the heavy showers during the group shots taking place in their beautiful garden, some with our trusty umbrellas and others between the down-pours. Whilst the guests were warming up and drying out Anna and Mark ventured out once more for some couple shots... all going well at first but then the heavens opened again!

A hurried retreat back into the warm and dry White Hart to finish off with a few more photos before their wedding breakfast began - all's well that ends well!

March/April 2011

2011-06-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Katie & Paul

2011 began with a wedding at a very popular venue - The Saddleworth Hotel, opulent and city centre chic, in the stunning Saddleworth countryside. Katie and Paul tied the knot on a chilly but dry day in March, with the ceremony being held inside, a bit cold to utilise the outside gazebo area! Everyone did manage to brave the elements for some quick group shots outside, whilst the bride and groom were made of tougher stuff, making the most of the dry weather and the grounds at The Saddleworth Hotel before warming up with some snaps indoors.

Louise & Jed

Back at the Saddleworth Hotel again, for a small wedding shoot, again the weather was kind for some outdoor shots to be captured.

Angela & Craig

Next stop Bredbury Hall Hotel, just outside Stockport, this hotel has plenty of locations for great wedding pictures - we were spoilt for choice. Angela and Craig had a fantastic day with stunning weather - April seems to be the new 'summer'!

Aisling & Derek

Further afield for the Royal wedding weekend, Roxburge Hotel, in the grounds of Floors Castle - Kelso (home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, so we got the 'royal' feel too!!) Although we'd come a fair few miles to cover this wedding, the Bride and family were from Ireland so had travelled even further to celebrate the wedding of Aisling and Derek. We'd not been here before, so were eager to have a scout around the day before to find potential shot locations and we weren't disappointed :-) Aisling had exclusive use of the hotel for the wedding day, with guests staying in the 22 rooms available. The weather enabled a very sunny outdoor ceremony, although the wedding certificate did try and blow away!!

Welcome to Pixies in the Cellar - New Blog for 2011

2011-06-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

A new blog for Pixies in the Cellar, wedding photographers based in Stalybridge, Cheshire, UK. Here's a selection of our favourite pics, showcasing some of the amazing venues where we've been fortunate enough to capture those cherished wedding moments - before we set off on our venture into blogging to accompany the 2011 wedding season!

An evening shot to finish a great day at Arley Hall, Cheshire.

A view from The Saddleworth Hotel.

At the entrance to the walled garden at Hoscote House, Hawick, Scotland.

A Welsh choir amongst the gothic architecture of Manchester Town Hall.

Bride takes a well earned rest outside The Great Hall at Manchester Town Hall.

Chinese display during a reception at Manchester City Art Gallery.

Time for a break from the photo sesh with some liquid refreshment at Holdsworth House.

Well-timed heavenly light pours over the happy couple at St Ann's Church, Manchester City Centre.

During the wedding breakfast at The Midland Hotel, Manchester.

A brief evening walkabout near Manchester Central Library.

The magnificent staircase at Shrigley Hall complements the beautiful bride.

An elegant winter scene at Mottram Hall, Cheshire.

Evening falls at Hargate Hall, Peak District.

A beautiful location just 10 minutes from Hargate Hall in the Peak District.