If you’re looking for a Colshaw Hall wedding photographer who loves capturing proper belly laughs, heartfelt moments, and some seriously good dance floor action, you’re in the right place. Lauren & Stu’s wedding at the beautiful Colshaw Hall in Cheshire had it all – elegance, emotion, and a full-on party vibe.
Colshaw Hall is always one of my favourite venues to photograph – a stunning country estate set in the Cheshire countryside, with loads of natural light and gorgeous spaces that make storytelling effortless. When I first chatted with Lauren & Stu about their black tie wedding at Colshaw Hall, I knew this one was going to be a good one. They wanted a relaxed day with a black tie twist – all the good stuff without the stiff formalities.
The Morning Vibes
I arrived at Colshaw bright and early, just as hair and makeup were kicking off. Lauren and her bridal party were already in full swing, helped along by Sarah Meredith Hair and Makeup, who did a cracking job keeping everyone chilled (and glam, obviously). There were eight bridesmaids buzzing around, loads of laughter, and the kind of chaos you can only get when you’re surrounded by your best girls and a very good playlist.
Lauren wore a stunning gown from Goldies Bridal in Pocklington – a perfect mix of classic and modern, with a zip and loop-back detail that fitted like a glove. The energy was infectious; you could feel how much love surrounded her. Meanwhile, Stu was getting ready nearby, looking sharp in a suit from Slaters. No nerves, just excitement – and a lot of banter with the lads.
The Wedding Ceremony at Colshaw Hall
The ceremony took place in Colshaw Hall’s gorgeous Stables ceremony space. One of the things Lauren & Stu were super clear about was wanting guests to put their phones away – and honestly, it made the moment so much more powerful. With no screens in the way, every single guest was present. Real emotion, no distractions.
Lauren was walked down the aisle by her mum, Elaine, and you could see how proud she was. The ceremony was full of laughs, tears, and a few misty-eyed glances from Stu that might have set off a few more in the crowd. Honestly, it was magic.
Drinks, Confetti & Big Smiles
After the ceremony, the confetti moment was next level. There’s nothing quite like a good confetti tunnel to get the party started! Colshaw Hall’s landscaped gardens gave us the perfect backdrop – and Lauren & Stu absolutely beamed the whole way through it.
We moved into the drinks reception, where the canapés flowed and the fizz kept coming. Barretts Catering were on top form (and thank you again for keeping me well fed – much appreciated!). The vibe was so chilled – everyone just enjoying the sunshine, catching up, and raising a few glasses to the happy couple.
Group Shots With a Side of Laughs
Lauren & Stu had prepped a brilliant list of group shots – enough to cover the essentials but not so many that it ate into the party time. Shout out to Gemma for being an absolute legend and rounding people up for me – group shots can be chaos, but not with Gemma on the job!
The bridal party were top-tier craic, up for a laugh and not afraid to be themselves. That’s the kind of energy I live for. The groomsmen were having the best time, and the bridesmaids looked incredible in soft pastel tones that worked beautifully with the flowers by Country Flowers. Everything tied together without feeling overly styled – just easy elegance.
Speeches with Feeling
Speeches took place during the meal, and what a line-up it was. From Lauren’s Mum kicking things off, to the bridesmaids and best man Sean absolutely nailing the laughs, it was a proper rollercoaster. Tears, laughter, a few cheeky roasts – and some beautiful words from Lauren & Stu that left not a dry eye in the house.
First Dance, Sparklers & Serious Dance Moves
Evening guests began arriving around 7pm and were greeted by the sounds of The Rolling Keys (booked through Jonny Ross Music). I’ve worked with these guys before and they never disappoint — the dance floor was packed from the first note.
First dance? Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé – fitting for two people who genuinely are just that together. That moment when the crowd joins in, singing along and swaying – goosebumps.
Later in the evening, we headed outside for sparklers. Always a bit of organised chaos, but absolutely worth it. The sparkler tunnel gave us a magical moment to round off the nigh,t before everyone headed back inside to really let loose on the dance floor.
Why I Loved This Wedding
Lauren & Stu were everything I love about wedding photography – A couple who trusted me to document the day as it unfolded, without forcing anything. They were present, they were joyful, and they were 100% themselves. That’s when the best photos happen – not in the posed shots, but in the hugs, the snorts of laughter, the shared glances across the room.
Being their Colshaw Hall wedding photographer was an absolute pleasure, and I left with sore feet, a full memory card, and a massive smile on my face.
If you’re planning your wedding at Colshaw Hall and looking for someone who’ll tell your story with honesty, humour, and a laid-back approach – I’m your guy. Let’s do this.
Get in touch here.
Colshaw Hall Wedding Supporting Cast – Suppliers
Venue: Colshaw Hall Country Estate
Hair & Makeup: Sarah Meredith Hair and Makeup
Florist: Country Flowers
Cake: Classic Cakes, Reddish
Catering: Barretts Catering
Lauren’s Dress: Goldies Bridal, Pocklington
Stu’s Suit: Slaters
Band: The Rolling Keys via Jonny Ross Music
Pianist: Vanessa Alliband
Decor: Floral Decor & Big Creative Events
Sweet Cart: Cheshire Sweet Cart