Rachel & Chris - An Intimate Early Winter Wedding at Brockhole Nature Reserve - Brockholes Wedding Photography

Controversially, I’m a BIG fan of a winter wedding…unpredictable weather so lower expectations than a June wedding where you hope for sun but can be sadly disappointed living in the North of England. Couples know what they’re getting into with a November/December wedding - and a brisk clear day is the ideal. Yesterday was (typically for English winter weddings) a bit of a mixed-bag, weather-wise - but the warmth and joy emanating off of the WONDERFUL Rachel & Chris and their very sweet family & friends could have powered a whole village. The very outdoorsy long-term couple were just so excited to celebrate their marriage in a BEAUTIFUL place with the people they loved most - a rather arctic breeze and a bit of rain didn’t put a bit of a damper on the festivities. It was fitting that when we initially met for their pre-wedding shoot last month we battled against a torrential downpour so today’s dry spells were a welcome relief - though I’m sure not even a blizzard could have stopped them from enjoying the wedding of their dreams.

It was my first time shooting a wedding at the breathtaking Brockholes Nature Reserve and I was certainly not disappointed. Brockholes is a relatively new 250-hectacre nature reserve (formerly a quarry) that is host to hundreds of species and their respective habitats from wetlands to woodlands run by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Weddings at Brockholes are hosted in the ‘floating village’ visitor's centre for a truly unique - and eco-friendly - wedding. Getting married at Brockholes means having an incredible wedding experience but also supporting the work of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, enabling them to continue their incredibly vital work. Avid cyclists and hikers, Brockholes was a very fitting wedding venue for Rachel and Chris. With rich winter florals by Petal & Twig set off by layers of handmade bunting and fairylights, Brockholes was dressed in artful elegance by beautiful bride Rachel who managed to even make the ties and handbags for the whole bridal party!

After an incredibly emotional ceremony featuring readings by the couple’s respective fathers, the merry bunch of guests relaxed into their gorgeous setting to the tunes of a fabulous string quartet…and were even treated to a truly spectacular murmuration of starlings just as dusk was setting in - it was as if it was ordered just for the happy couple. Following the wedding feast, we were treated to heartfelt speeches before sneaking outside for some quick shots amongst the lights..we walked back in just in time for a grand entrance, a very sweet first dance and when the DJ kicked in with a bit of Proud Mary, the party kicked off - there was a pretty serious dance party happening as I drove away!

I had such a special day with the new Mr. & Mrs. Clarke and cannot thank them enough for having me along to capture their gorgeous wedding day at such a spectacular wedding venue. Shout out to my amazing couple Jodie & Danny (from 2017!) who sang my praises and sent Rachel & Chris my way! I LOVED catching up with them and having a good giggle and reminisce! And to Tom and the Brockholes team for running an impeccable day, I feel honoured to have captured their last wedding of 2019…Here’s a sneak peek of what we got up to, enjoy! xx