As a wedding photographer, one of the perks of the job is that I get to visit new venues every year. This was my 1st time at The Plough Inn and it did not disappoint. It’s a beautiful venue; a half-timbered, half Cheshire brick Inn which is 500 years old and set in the hamlet of Eaton, Cheshire. This original wedding venue also overlooks the Peak District National Park to give it some stunning views.
Although this was a new venue for me, the couple were familiar faces because I had photographed Gabriella’s best friend’s wedding a few years ago (Nicole and Carl at Sandhole Oak Barn). I obviously made a good impression on Gabriella as she then recommended me as the wedding photographer for her Sister’s wedding Dominique soon after! I love it when I’m recommended within friend and family groups – it’s a good opportunity to catch up with them all during the wedding celebrations.
With me booked as their wedding photographer, Gabriella and Michael found everything they needed in their Plough Inn Wedding:
- a great setting for their classic and timeless style wedding day
- perfect size for a small intimate wedding with their closest friends and family
- accommodation for guests who were travelling,
- and delicious food included in the venue cost.
I always enjoy a rustic barn wedding. It’s a great set up for a relaxed celebration.
Bridal Preparations at Home before a White Cab Arrival
The day began at Gabriella and Michael’s house in Stockport, where I joined the bride and her bridesmaids for the preparations where they were having their hair and make up whilst enjoying some champagne.
It wasn’t long before they had to leave for The Plough Inn. The bride and her bridesmaids arrived in a classic white cab from I Do Taxi, which was a fitting choice for the occasion. Before Gabriella made her grand entrance down the aisle, there was a heartwarming moment with her father in the reception area where he got to see his daughter in her sleek, stunning wedding dress from bridal shop Puure Bride.
The Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was intimate and took place under the wooden beams of the Old Oak Barn. This is an impactful space for weddings and apparently dates back as far as the 13th century! Not only that but it was transported from the Welsh hills to the village of Eaton during the late 20th century where it was restored to create the unique event venue space. The lighting – a mix of fairy lights and warming lamps really gave the room a perfect atmosphere.
The ceremony itself included some heartfelt vows from the bride and groom and one of the highlights for me was when Gabriella’s sister delivered a reading of Taylor Mali’s “Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog,” poem. It had some funny and touching lines which really stood out and made people smile.
The Drinks Reception, Speeches, and Wedding Breakfast
Following the ceremony, it was time for the drinks reception, speeches, and the much-anticipated wedding breakfast. The speeches were heartwarming and lighthearted, with Brian, Gabriella’s father, and Michael, the groom, sharing their love and, of course, gags.
But the real surprise came from Rachel and Jo, Michael’s sisters, who added their unique twist to the best man’s speech using a brilliant slideshow of embarrassing photos projected on a big screen to Michael’s horror and the wedding guests’ amusement.
The First Dance: Dancing to a Sky Full of Stars
The Old Oak Barn transformed for the evening reception and it was time for the first dance where Gabriella and Michael chose Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars” for their music. They wanted something that had a little slow moment at the start for just the two of them but the couple told me that neither of them particularly enjoy too much limelight so the song was also a great choice to encourage people onto the dance floor to join them.
If you’re after a friendly wedding photographer for your big day at the Plough Inn, then please get in touch! You can tell me about your wedding planning so far and we can discuss everything from my coverage options and style of wedding 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.
