Bridal Preparations in the Cristal Suite
On a beautiful morning in Aughton, Ormskirk, I had the honour to photograph Emma and Michael’s spring wedding at the stunning West Tower. This was not my first visit to this remarkable venue, and I was thrilled to capture another celebration there. You can read more about the venue on my West Tower page
My day started in the Cristal Suite, a hidden gem just a short walk behind the main building of West Tower. It was the perfect backdrop for this intimate gathering with its elegant décor and abundance of natural light. Emma, the bride, and her bridesmaids were getting their hair and makeup done. The room was buzzing and filled with excitement and I could sense the strong bond between Emma and her bridesmaids. Their laughter and shared stories created an amazing atmosphere of friendship in the room.
As the preparations continued, Emma received a thoughtful gift from her soon-to-be husband, Michael. As Emma unwrapped the present, her eyes filled with happy tears. It was a touching moment that I managed to capture through my camera lens.
Groom Prep in The Lodge
While the bride, Emma, was getting ready in the Cristal Suite, not far from the main building, the groom and his groomsmen were preparing for the day in one of the rooms at the back of the venue.
In the meantime, the West Tower staff were getting The Lodge ready for the boys to use in the last hour of the preparations. This wood cabin, situated in the woodland area is guaranteed to impress future grooms and their friends.
The Lodge offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From a spacious seating area and a TV to a games console and even an ice machine, The Lodge is the ultimate man cave.
The groom and his groomsmen headed there for the last hour of preparation to enjoy some downtime in the relaxed setting and enjoy a few chilled beverages from the beer fridge.
To add to the excitement, the groom received a few gifts from Emma. Among them was his favourite Scotch Whiskey, a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch to the morning preparations.
The Lodge not only provides a comfortable space for the groom and his party, but it also offers a convenient location as it’s not far from the main building. This means that the groom has no excuse for being late to his civil ceremony!
Final Touches in the Bridal Suite
For the final touches, Emma and her bridesmaids headed to the Bridal Suite in the main building. Once she put her wedding dress and veil on, it was time for her dad to appear for the traditional dad reveal, followed by her brother and the bridesmaids who couldn’t contain even more happy tears.
The Ceremony and Drinks Reception
As guests took their seats for the ceremony, the groom made his entrance followed by his groomsmen for support. They all carried hips flasks filled with Dutch courage.
The aisle was decorated with large flower displays made up of white peonies and eucalyptus leaves and the floor was covered with white carpet and candles.
In a flash, the couple was hitched! The rest of the day was just to party and have fun.
Guests made their way to the gardens and terrace for the drinks reception where The Wandering Wings Band provided great tunes.
This moment was also the perfect opportunity for the couple to have their group shots and portrait photos taken.
Natural and Relaxed Portraits
One of the things I love about West Tower is that it offers a variety of outdoor spaces where the bride and groom can take a stroll and create some authentic moments. With my camera in hand, I guided Emma and Michael towards the landscaped gardens, capturing candid shots of the couple. The light filtering through the clouded sky added a romantic touch to their portraits, and the relaxed atmosphere allowed them to truly be themselves.
But it wasn’t just the gardens that provided opportunities for beautiful portraits. We also went outside the venue, where Michael had other plans. He wanted to take some of his own snaps for social media, showcasing his excitement and happiness on his wedding day.
In addition to the traditional portraits, Emma and Michael wanted some fun and unique shots to reflect their personalities. They had bought orange smoke grenades and decided to set them off for some vibrant and energetic photos.
Throughout the day, I ensured that Emma and Michael felt comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. I believe that when couples are relaxed, their true personalities shine through, resulting in authentic portraits. The combination of the stunning West Tower grounds and the couple’s genuine connection allowed for beautiful and relaxed photographs that I’m sure they will cherish for a long time.
Wedding Breakfast and Speeches
The highlight of Emma and Michael’s wedding day at West Tower was undoubtedly the delicious three-course meal that followed their wedding ceremony.
Once the plates were cleared, it was time for the speeches. As tradition dictates, the father of the bride was the first to take the stage. With a mischievous look in his eye, he began his speech, which was full of funny anecdotes and witty remarks. He playfully roasted his daughter, sharing embarrassing childhood stories that had everyone in stitches.
As his speech reached its climax, the father of the bride ended with a mic drop moment – or at least, he pretended to. The guests cheered and applauded, thoroughly entertained.
Following the father of the bride, the groom and best man shared their speeches. To the bride’s embarrassment, the groom couldn’t help but demonstrate his latest party trick: the belly slap.
Sunset Portraits
One of the reasons I love photographing weddings at West Tower is the stunning panoramic view towards the west, which often provides the perfect setting for sunset portraits. I floated the possibility to the lovely couple of capturing some additional sunset photos which they were up for. With just a quick 5-minute break from the festivities, we were able to take advantage of the golden hour light and create some fantastic images.
Evening Reception
Shortly after the sunset, the evening guests made their way through the door and it was time to kick off the evening reception with the cutting of the cake shortly followed by the first dance.
Emma and Michael chose the Wandering Wings Band for their evening entertainment. The band took no time to get the party going.
About The Venue
West Tower is a stunning exclusive wedding venue located in the picturesque town of Ormskirk, in the heart of the North West. As a wedding photographer, I have had the pleasure of visiting West Tower several times before, and hopefully, many more times to come.
Upon arrival at West Tower, wedding guests are greeted by its impressive exterior with its grand architecture and alluring facade. This beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion gives a sense of romance and sophistication, making it the perfect setting for a wedding day to remember.
One of the main reasons couples choose West Tower as their wedding venue is its exclusivity. This hidden gem offers complete privacy and seclusion, allowing couples to enjoy their special day without any distractions. With its expansive grounds and breathtaking views, West Tower provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony or a romantic sunset photoshoot.
Inside, West Tower boasts a stunning ballroom, which can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger wedding parties. The space is beautifully decorated, with elegant chandeliers and luxurious furnishings and the wooden floor was recently renovated in the Ballroom.
The bridal suite at West Tower is equally impressive, providing the perfect haven for the bride and her bridal party to prepare and get ready for the big day.
West Tower also offers the convenience of having both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Whether couples prefer an intimate indoor ceremony or an outdoor celebration with their family and friends, this award-winning wedding venue has it all.
The dedicated wedding coordinator ensures that every detail of the wedding day is taken care of, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day. From the initial planning stages to the execution of the event, they work closely with the couple to bring their vision to life. West Tower takes pride in providing exceptional service and making each wedding day a truly unforgettable experience.
If you are interested in discussing your wedding photography needs or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
