Winter wonderland - a narnia wedding in Cheshire

Snow added the finishing touches to what became a magical Narnia-style wedding day for Gareth and Kayleigh

Gareth Hudson and Kayleigh Powell

Where: Ceremony and reception at Peckforton Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire

Photography: Lesley Meredith

From the first time we saw Peckforton Castle in an issue of Bride magazine we knew it was going to be our fairytale venue. It was everything we wanted our wedding to be and more. Little did we know that we were going to get an extra special sprinkling of magic on the actual day. The week leading up to the wedding was less than smooth with the weather causing chaos, a chipped tooth and a bridesmaid’s dress not fitting – things definitely came in threes!

On the morning I woke up at the castle to what looked like a scene out of a movie. There was snow – and lots of it – everywhere. After the rush of excitement from seeing the snow outside, me and my bridal party began to get ready and the nerves started to make an appearance, but I knew that all I had to do was walk down the aisle, lock eyes with my soulmate and he would make all those nerves quickly disappear.

After the ceremony we braved the below-zero temperatures and ventured into the forests that surrounded the castle with Lesley and Shaun Meredith for some amazing photographs in the crisp white snow. They went above and beyond to make sure they got the perfect shots for us to treasure forever. After the photographs in the snow we returned to the castle where our guests were seated in the Great Hall ready to start the celebrations.

The colour scheme for the day was warm peaches, creams and apricots – a perfect contrast to the freezing temperatures outside. Mat Hepplestone from Red Floral Architecture did an absolutely amazing job on the flower displays. He gave us the wow factor. Our guests couldn’t stop commenting on how spectacular they looked.

We had surprise singing waiters throughout the wedding breakfast. Everybody was dancing and singing away before the dance floor was even set up.

In the evening we had a band/DJ, 24 Hour Motown People, a candy buffet and chocolate fountain. Gareth and I took five minutes out to stop and look around. Every single person had made it to the castle in horrendous weather conditions. Family came from as far away as Australia to celebrate with us. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Our Narnia wedding was a day that we will remember for ever.

WHO DID WHAT

Photography: Lesley and Shaun Meredith, 01270 829191, www.lesleymeredith.co.uk

Venue: Peckforton Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire, 01829 262868, www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk

Dress: Lusan Mandongus, www.lusanmandongus.com

accessories: Crystal Crafts by Celine, Norden, Rochdale, Lancashire, 07736 929584, www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal-Crafts-by-Celine

Hair: Just Lisa Hair Design by Alex Duffy, Norden, 07854 091940

Make up: Tranquility Spa, Peckforton Castle, as above

Groom’s outfit: TM Lewin, Manchester, www.tmlewin.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Kevan Jon, www.kevanjon.com

Stationery: Crystal Crafts by Celine, as above

Flowers/Venue Dressing: Red Floral Architecture, Hyde, Cheshire, 07739 709400, www.redfloral.co.uk

Cake: Diva Designer Cakes, 01457 831460, www.divacakes.co.uk

EntertainMent: Band/DJ, 24 Hour Motown People, 07519 553889, www.24hrmotownpeople.co.uk; harpist Oona Linett, 01244 675830, www.oonalinnett.com; singing waiters, Actastic, 01704 880894, www.actastic.co.uk; candy buffet, It’s Fine and Candy, 07890 297391, www.itsfineandcandy.co.uk; chocolate fountain, Candy Buffets, 07899 756975, www.candy-buffets.co.uk

Lighting: Hipswing, 01270 759339, www.hipswing.co.uk