I was recently back at Knowsley Hall for Jen and Phil’s wedding and it’s one of those stunning wedding venues which not only transports you back in time but also makes your jaw drop as you approach the building itself. The drive to the main entrance sets the tone as you cut through the 2,500 acres of the Knowsley estate before reaching the impressive double iron gates. It’s hard not to think of an appropriately epic sound track as you drive along.
It’s a huge walled estate and Knowsley hall itself was originally built in the 12th Century. There have obviously been a few Victorian and Edwardian additions since then as it has been passed through generations of families before becoming the elegant wedding venue it is today.
All of these changes, made throughout the centuries, have created impressive and grand spaces with original and historic features which give couples who choose to have a Knowsley Hall Wedding the perfect backdrop for their Wedding day.
Bridal Prep in the Music Room
The bridal preparations took place in the Music Room. This is huge space on the ground floor near the entrance with luxurious decor and high ceilings. Make up artists and hairdressers always enjoy the natural light coming through the large windows. It’s such a treat for a documentary wedding photographer like myself as well because I can focus on capturing the moments rather than having to constantly adjust lighting and camera exposure.
While Jen was having a bit of pampering in her Tom & Jerry pyjamas, I took myself to the other side of the building to meet Phil the groom and his groomsmen in one of the bedrooms. The boys were getting ready and enjoying a glass of Champagne before making their way down to the ceremony. We also had to quickly establish a naming system as they were four of us called Thomas in the room. We had a Tom, a T, a Thomas and I was just the French guy!
I was back in the music room in time for the makeup artist and hair stylist, Danielle Marouzet, who is also one of the recommended suppliers at Knowsley Hall, to put the finishing touches on Jen and her party before they all moved to the Derby room. Here, Jen put on her classic laced wedding dress from Wed2b and her super cool White Dr Martens.
The Ceremony
As far as backdrops for wedding photography go, the ceremony room is something special. The Stucco Ballroom has floor to ceiling windows at the front and back of the room. The walls and ceiling are also covered in gold-encrusted leaf detailing and ornate chandeliers. It’s a stunning backdrop for any bride or groom to make a grand entrance. Jen made hers accompanied by her proud brother. Despite the formal grandeur of the room, the ceremony itself was a relaxed event. When the registrar asked the compulsory question “Does anyone here present know of any reason…” a huge sigh of relief and laughter burst out in the room after the silence.
After the ceremony, the happy couple and their guests made their way to the front of the building for the requested whole group photo. Izzy, their dog made an appearance for a quick hello.
Drinks Reception and Portraits
The drinks reception and canapés were served on the terrace with views of the manicured gardens. In the meantime I whisked the couple away from the chaos for a walk around the breathtaking gardens to create some natural photos. The bride and groom had requested to include the stunning lake in the wedding photos and I was happy to run ahead around the pond to get The Shot!
Let Them Eat Cake
The wedding breakfast and speeches took place in State Dining Room. Another impressive space full of history thanks to the countless portraits filling the walls. After a delicious three-course meal and some entertaining words from the groom, bestman and father of the groom, we were back in the Stucco Ballroom for the evening reception. They had a tower of cupcakes for the official cake cutting and kicked off the party with a high energy track, Paradise from George Ezra.
Sunset Silhouette
Knowsley Hall is one of those venues with a good chance to add the sunset shots to the wedding photographs and Jen and Phil didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity. A quick walk outside the front iron gate and we took advantage of the golden hour.
Get in Touch
If you’re after your Knowsley Hall Wedding Photographer for your big day, then please get in touch! I’d love to hear about your wedding planning and we can discuss everything from my coverage options and style of natural photography to providing your wedding album. You can browse my website for further details on the services I offer to fit in with your perfect wedding.
