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I think its about time for another gorgeous Real Wedding here on the blog, don’t you? This afternoon’s dose of gorgeous comes to you from Brides Up North Featured Supplier Lee Brown Photography and today’s beautiful real bride Katie, and after this morning’s burst of Summer loving we are going back to the turn of the year. Get ready to sparkle!
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Lee says: On 1st January 2012 I spent a very chilly day with Katie & Alex at Peckforton Castle near Chester. After a very quiet New Year’s Eve (due to shooting another wedding in Crewe!) I spent the morning with Katie and her family and friends as they explored and enjoyed this fantastic venue. Katie had so many stunning details and things to photograph including a lovely silver headpiece, a gorgeous pearl jewellery set and very unique pair of Weddington Boots! I then ventured off to find Alex who was spending the morning in a different wing of the castle with his family and groomsmen. As usual I spent a few minutes helping the guys with their cravats…
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Before long I was back with the girls and the champagne was flowing freely. I stood back and just captured all the exciting goings on of the girls finishing off their hair and make up, the arrival of the flowers and Katie’s bridesmaids helping her into her stunning dress! I was then able to get a few lovely portraits of the bridal party ready and raring to go.
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I followed the girls down to the Great Hall where their ceremony was taking place before taking my place at the front where I found a very calm and collected Alex who was with his brother and best man Mark. Katie was led down the aisle by her dad Tim to the wonderful sound of probably the biggest harp I have ever seen!
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This was the most unique ceremony I’ve ever been part of. Katie and Alex opted for the owl ring delivery service and the best man Mark was the brave guy on the receiving end. The owl caused much laughter by deciding that it was far too important to fly to Marks arm and insisted on being taken up the aisle by it’s handler before hopping the short distance to the gloved hand. Once the couple had taken their vows and their rings were securely on their fingers rather than in a nest somewhere, Katie & Alex made their way up the aisle to their welcome reception.
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After a bit of mingling I managed to steal the couple away for some lovely portraits however the poor weather meant that we had to stay inside and get a bit more creative. The couple then made their way back in to the long gallery for a surprise falconry show with a few owls, hawks and a couple of portraits with a very calm and composed golden eagle! I was lucky enough to get a hold of the eagle however was a bit un-nerved at the way it just stared at me with it’s beak just inches from my face!
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So after putting the eagle safely into his cage it was time for dinner. I managed to shoot all the lovely details of the couple’s wedding breakfast before their guests descended for their meal. After dinner it was time for the speeches with dad Tim starting, and it was soon Alex’s turn to welcome their family and friends before best man and Alex’s brother Mark finished with a few tales of brotherly love.
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I managed to steal the couple away for a few minutes to enjoy the Christmassy surroundings of the castle including the huge tree in the Hexagonal room. This then followed onto the couple’s evening reception which began with their cake cutting. In true Peckforton style and with Alex’s eagerness to wield a sword, Excalibur was handed over to the couple to cut their cake before they took to the floor for their first dance.
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After an excellent evening of shooting their party I was able to pack up and enjoy a few drinks with the couple and their friends. It was an awesome way to spend a New Year’s Day and a huge thank you to Katie & Alex for having me with them!
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Now over to real bride Katie for a few special mentions: We loved our winter themed wedding on New Year’s Day 2012 at Peckforton Castle (specifically the Great Hall), Cheshire for both ceremony and reception.
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My dress was Lilly by Stephanie Allin (Steph made it to measure, she is amazing!). My shoes were by Rachel Simpson Shoes, and my gorgeous headband by Flo & Percy. The men’s suits were by Moss Bros and the bridesmaid dresses were all made by Rita, Alex’s mum – a very talented lady!
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Flowers & Centre Pieces were by Ian Lloyd at the Flower Shop, Wilmslow.
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Our invitations were Ivy Ellen but all our stationary on the day (place settings, table plan, table names etc) were designed and made by my very good old friend Cathy Holden, a very talented graphic design graduate! She did such a good job, I loved them. We spent 8 hours one night after work ruling and cutting and sticking the week before the wedding! We were dreaming about rulers!
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My top tip for other Brides Up North would be to get yourself organised. If you’re on a budget pick one special thing to work for and treat yourself on (mine was my dress) and good bridesmaids make the world go round!
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I have no regrets – everything went as planned and it was the best day ever!
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Congratulations Katie & Alex! 
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Are you newly wed? Don’t be shy! Contact me to share your Real Wedding with Brides Up North.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Lee Brown Photography
Lee Brown Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier, but this is not a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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