Happy New Year

Well its always a strange feeling as I finish shooting our last wedding of 2011, I start to remember all the things that made this year special I suppose it's watching all the tv programmes that show the year that was. So as I look through the year on the blog so many memories come back.... the great venues,celebrations and not forgetting new friends. I think the high point has to be the awards, being awarded Professional Wedding Photographer of the year for the fourth year running was a huge honour, to be applauded by clients is what we work to achieve but to be applauded by your fellow professionals IS the ultimate goal and as the list of stories of poor wedding photography and couples left upset grows then it makes the late nights and missed family life all worth while when not only our clients are recommending our services but our industry and fellow professionals are asking "what's our secret".
We had the pleasure of shooting nearly 50 weddings this year (10 more than I said I would) with clients from all over the world, different styles from outdoor garden parties to grand banquets but all have been the same.... Fun!
So what of 2012, well already the wheels are turning, we have some great weddings in more new venues and more challenges & opportunities with our industry partners that really excite me (more info to follow in the new year) but most of all I am looking forward to taking my photography further & blogging more including "behind the scenes" showing how & why we do what we do in our new photo diary.
So goodbye to 2011... Hello to 2012 and a happy new year to you all.

Wedding Photography at The Grange Hotel, Grange.

Well it’s the time of year that everybody gets excited for Christmas but we had something different to get excited about, Carl & Lisa wedding at The Grange Hotel in Grange Over Sands in one of my favourite parts of the world the Lake District. Saying that we weren’t too excited as we left for the hotel… it snowed,& snowed & snowed at one point we thought we wouldn’t get there but as we approached Grange the snow disappeared & out came the sun and out it stayed for our time in the Lakes. Jane & I had the pleasure of spending the night before Carl & Lisa wedding at the hotel with their family and guests and what a friendly bunch. The ceremony was held at Cartmel Priory with a picturesque drive back to the hotel for mulled wine. Carl & Lisa along with their families had planned the wedding for two years and as the fun, laughter & tears of emotion filled the day I have to say it was worth the wait.

Thanks Carl & Lisa for your hospitality & a perfect day. D&J x
Wedding Photography in the Lake District by Classic Photography

More Nice Words.... Thank You

Norman & Joanna Hilsdon

Matt & Emma Drinkwater

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts, you dont know how important these comments are to us, they really do put a smile on our faces & a glow in our hearts. D&J x

Wedding Photography at Stanley House:Matthew & Rebecca

Matthew & Rebecca’s wedding date was special, why? They married at 11am on the 11th of November 2011, infact Rebecca walked up the aisle at 11mins past so that’s 11.11 on 11.11.11. The other thing that made their day memorable was the dress, WOW.
Their reception was at the chic Stanley House in Mellor, this is a fantastic venue for me I just love the contemporary look & feel of this venue and it make for amazing images.

Thanks to Matt & Rebecca for their hospitality & letting me have fun.
wedding photography at Stanley House by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Carden Park: Wayne & Angela

A beautiful Autumnal morning greeted Jane & I as we arrived at Angela’s early… very early to be precise for her bridal prep and I met Wayne at St Marys Church in the centre of Leigh ready for their 11am wedding. St Marys really dominates Leigh town centre and is an impressive setting for a wedding. The reception was at Carden Park, a place we seem to be photographing quite a lot, surrounded by golf courses & gorgeous gardens (think somebody is telling me to take up golf) it made a great backdrop for Wayne & Angela’s photographs.

Wedding Photography at Ashfield House: Jonathan & Andrea

Excited and Emotional... the best two words to describe Jonathan & Andrea's big day. Its always special to finally photograph the wedding of somebody who has been involved with other wedding we have shot as was the case here, Jonathan was an usher & Andrea bridesmaid for her brothers wedding Jane & I shot earlier in the year (David & Denise's Wedding) and as we arrived at Andrea's in the morning it was like meeting old friends, in fact thats how the whole day felt. Jonathan & Andrea day had everything they wished for, Andrea's horse & carraige, beautiful Weather, great atmosphere......
... oh and great photographers :-)

Wedding Photography at Nunsmere Hall : Robin & Melissa

When your given a gorgeous couple like Robin & Melissa, a beautiful venue like Nunsmere Hall and a great atmosphere then you have all the elements for a great wedding... oh the elements, nearly forgot that the rain showed up to frustrate my plans for photos EVERYWHERE. The gardens at Nunsmere Hall are fab for photos and it was frustrating that we couldn't get outside but then again I wouldn't have got the beautiful images that I shot inside.Nevermind the champagne flowed & with everybody in great spirits made for a superb wedding.

Wedding Photography at Kilhey Court: Matt & Emma

So… there you are planning your ‘autumn wedding’ warm suits,wraps etc then comes along a heatwave!!!!, can only be the English weather. Matt & Emma are the most relaxed people I have met & take everything in their stride, but on this day all will agree a few nerves were on show as Matt waited for Emma at the picturesque St Marys Church in Ecclestone Village. The reception was at Kilhey Court with guests adding to a great atmosphere and great speeches. Then to top everything a spectacular firework display really got the evening party started. A great day meeting up with 'The Parkers' and making a few new friends on the way.

Thanks to Matt & Emma for a great day, great hospitality & a WOW firework display

Wedding Photography at Mitton Hall: Russell & Helen

Russell & Helens Wedding was an emotional day... a very emotion day, and found us back at Mitton Hall in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. Mitton Hall is rapidly becoming one of our most popular venues (luckily its one of our favourite). I think my lasting memory of Russell & Helens wedding will be their attention to detail, everything was planned to the last detail & the weather also played its part.All in all a beautiful couple,a beautiful venue and a beautiful day.

Wedding Photography at Mitton Hall by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Whittlebury Hall:Mark & Rhiannon

Regular visitors to my blog will know just how much I love photographing weddings, it’s the people, the locations, the emotions and all the weddings Jane & I have photographed have been clients… until now.
I first met Mark really when I started in photography…. Er a few years ago when he worked at Spicer Hallfield who then supplied our albums & our friendship grew through the lows of Spicers demise & the highs of Mark now being a bigwig at Hasselblad (anybody,ANYBODY who loves photography will know Hasselblad, they are the Rolls Royce of cameras) and very much involved in my other love fashion photography. Rhiannon is one of the warmest, friendliest people I have had the pleasure to meet & dare I say Mark is a lucky man.
Mark & Rhiannons wedding was so special & to be so close to a wonderful couple on the start of a new journey was special.
The wedding was at the picturesque St Nicholas Church in Lillingstone Dayrell in Buckinghamshire ( this church has the most fantastic/crazy vicar ever) & on to Whittlebury Hall near Silverstone (it’s the hotel that the F1 teams stay at…its very posh).Meeting up with our friends from Hasselblad & some amazing photographers made the day (and evening) fly by.

Thanks Mark & Rhiannon & their families for making us so welcome & letting us be a part of their special day you both looked amazing. D&Jx

Wedding Photography at The Netherwood Hotel:Michael & Selma

I Love photographing Weddings, I LOVE photographing the Lake District, put the two together & for me you have something special. Michael & Selma were not happy with one beautiful location of the Netherwood Hotel in Grange Over Sands they wanted two with the gorgeous St Annes Church in Haverthwaite along with its friendly vicar.Selma looked stunning in her Ian Stuart dress (Michael scrubbed up aswell as we say in Wigan) & could have spent hour photographing them, but as we had a tight schedule I couldn't get carried away.I have said many time my favourite part of a wedding is the speeches & when Selma brother gave his speech on behalf of their Father it was from the heart & extra special all toped of with an hilarious Bestmans speech that kept both Jane & myself laughing all the way home

Wedding Photography at the Netherwood Hotel by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Farrington Lodge: Craig & Katie

there where two big wishes for this day.... one that Wigan Rugby Club would win the challenge cup & long time season ticket holders the Critchley family would be there to see this & mine was a day full of sun & joy, well as Katie had chosen her wedding to take place on the day of the challenge cup & in the morning the rain was torrential it looked like we would both be disappointed, but as Craig arrived at the gorgeous St Wilfrids Church in Standish out came the sun & out it stayed for photos in the gardens at Farrington Lodge in Leyland. Both Jane & I had a great time, not only photographing Craig & Katie but also their family & friends it was a great wedding.

ooh!! & yes Katie watched the rugby & Wigan won!!!!! and in the interest of happy families Craigs beloved Preston North End won aswell, Happy days :-)
Wedding Photography at Farrington Lodge by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Bartle Hall : Gary & Louise

This wedding holds the record for the closest bridal preparation ever... literally round the corner from our studio. This was going to be a day that the weather was going to play a big part & thankfully it did as Gary & Louise ceremony at Bartle Hall brought back a few memories of our own in the fact that their 3 children played a massive part of the day. Thanks really have to go to Gary & Louise who never stopped smiling all day.... even when I mentioned his speech :-)

wedding photography at Bartle Hall by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Mitton Hall: Neil & Kate

Its been quite a journey for Jane & I towards Neil & Kate’s wedding, they had been guests at so many wedding we had photographed and now it was their turn. The weather wasn’t really on our side but I have to say Kate never stopped smiling all day (leaving the biggest smile as she walked up the aisle with her proud Dad and saw Neil).
This wedding was really special for us with so many of our previous Bride & Grooms at this wedding it really was like photographing friends and add to that the fantastic surroundings of Mitton Hall (just aswell we love this venue, its turning into our second home) then we had all we need for fantastic images.

Thanks Neil & Kate, you where stars, thanks for some great images & memories D&Jx
Wedding Photography at Mitton Hall by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at West Tower: James & Laura

Another beautiful warm sunny day & we were shooting James & Laura's wedding at West Tower one of my favourite venues (just as well were seem to be at West Tower every other week). The ceremony took place at one of the most picturesque churches I have seen, Lathom Chapel on the estate of Lathom Hall. Surrounded by flowers & the Lancashire countryside it was a special venue & a very funny vicar keeping the packed church entertained.

Wedding Photography at West Tower by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Bolholt Country Hotel:Peter & Laura

Weather seems to be playing a big part in wedding plans & so it was as we looked to the sky for the rain.... and it didn't show, a sunny day for Pater & Lauras wedding in Bury, infact it was a gorgeous summers day.I think they both will agree they had a few nerves before the ceremony but as Laura walked up the aisle the look they gave each other was beautiful. This wedding was every bit as special as the royal wedding ...... including personalised teacups,mats,plates,T shirts & other various memorabilia.
Wedding photography in Manchester by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at West Tower: Stephen & Nicky

When I first met Stephen & Nicky and as they talked me through their dream wedding day & how it would run I thought to myself ‘ if half of what they had planned worked then this would be a wedding to remember’ well guess what EVERYTHING ran exactly as they wished. My brief was to photograph a wedding based on a vintage English garden party and as Stephen & Nicky arrived at West Tower in the most gorgeous MKii Jaguar (oh what a car) we where greeted by what can only be described as your dream vintage English Garden Party complete with band, games, picnic table, bunting…. So many things you didn’t know where to start. As guests enjoyed the party we slipped off for photos in a nearby cornfield where Stephen & Nicky’s love just shone, oh & regarding thinking of everything what about the shoes… will they get dirty … oh no!!! Nicky had organised some personalised Converse trainers!!! My god they thought of EVERYTHING!
One of my Highlights of the year was handing Stephen & Nicky a few props & saying ‘show me your personality’ WOW! What fun.

Thanks Stephen & Nicky for a memorable day, as much as I hate using cheesey words… your wedding rocked. Dx
Wedding Photography at West Tower by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Carden Park: Ross & Catherine

Ross & Catherines wedding took place at St Boniface Church in Bunbury in Cheshire & their reception at Carden Park & as we visited both locations it was clear why. Bunbury is your typical postcard English village & not one but two vicars who really where a joy to work with and very helpful. This was our first visit to Carden Park (the golfers that read this blog will know how famous in the golfing world this venue is) and as a wedding photographer you really are spoiled for choice, add to that a couple who are so ‘in love’ that Jane & I had a blast.
Thanks to Ross & Catherine for allowing us to be part of their day. Dx
Cheshire wedding photography by Classic Photography

Wedding Photography at Haigh Hall : Kevin & Jennifer

I don't know what memory of this fantastic wedding will stay with me longest, the warm welcome,the laughter... or Brian the cat, anyway another wedding at what is becoming our second home Haigh Hall. There is something about this venue that always impresses when you arrive & add to that constant laughter then it really is hard to believe that I call what I do a job. This was an easy wedding to photograph, Kevin & Jennifer are a joy & so are their family & friends & with her brothers girlfriend catching the bouquet hopefully we will meet again for a fun wedding????? :-)

Wedding Photography at Haigh Hall by Classic Photography

Belle Epoque Wedding of Simon & Elizabeth

This was our first visit to the 'uber chic' Belle Epoque in Knutsford & what a wedding we chose.It was (so far) the hottest day of the year which is a bit surreal as Simon (who is a cool photographer) & Elizabeth live in Norway and are probably more used to the weather we normally get but with a bit of snow thrown in for good luck.Anyway as we photographed guests chatting in the roof top gardens the sun shone & champagne flowed then it was time for the ceremony & this is when tradition took a back seat. Elizabeth was escorted up the aisle in a stunning dress by Simon looking equally as smart for a very emotion & personal ceremony then photo time. On a previous meeting I had found a really cool area for some shots so off we went stoping traffic & shoppers for some beautiful images.So for a first visit the Belle Epoque along with Simon & Elizabeth did us proud, cant wait for our next visit....

Belle Epoque Wedding Photography by Classic Photography

Peckforton Castle Weddings: Nadim & Hayley

When Nadim & Hayley walked out of the chapel as man & Wife there was a huge wave of happiness & Love, this wedding had been quite a challenge to organise not only with Hayley living in America & so many activities on the day... but then throw in a fire & possibly changing everything then you can understand why everybody was smiling. My aim was to provide photographs of a fairytale wedding with a quintessential English feel, after all the wedding was at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire (how much more English & fairytale can you get than a castle) & wow did we deliver. This was one of the most relaxed weddings I have shot with a real family feel to the day.

Thanks to Nadim & Hayley for a beautiful day with memories that will last forever & some gorgeous images. Dx
Check out our Facebook page to see a few more.

Wrightington Hotel Wedding Photography with Stuart & Suzanne

The weather forcast for Stuart & Suzanne’s Wedding was, shall we say not the best & as Stuart & the guests arrived in the rain it looked like it was to be a damp affair, but as the gorgeous Suzanne arrived out came the sun ‘Hurray!!!’
The Wedding Reception was at Wrightington Hotel & Country Club, another fave venue infact so nice the ‘infamous’ Classic Photography Christmas Party is held here.
One thing that always makes me smile is when clients comment on our facebook page & for so long Suzanne has commented on our previous weddings & now its her turn to be in the limelight, so for that reason this was an extra special day.

Oh, check out the hotel website... you may recognise some of the images:-)

David & Denise's Wedding at Haigh Hall,nr Wigan

This was one of those 'FUN' weddings from start to finish David arriving full of excitement & a new walking cane & ending with tears of laughter at the speeches. David & Denise are a fun couple & as the one liners flowed the day flew by. The reception was at Haigh Hall its so local to our home we can see it & is one of my face locations, great venue, very friendly staff & great food. I have to say the light was superb all day, the colour gorgeous, David & Denise are fantastic wedding organisers, or as David said Denise did a fantastic job. I had been looking forward to photographing this gorgeous couple ever since the pre wedding shoot a few weeks ago, and it didn't disappoint.

Thanks to both of you for letting Jane & I be a part of your day & your hospitality. Dx

West Tower for Frank & Samantha's Wedding

Wedding photography at West Tower in Aughton is always a joy but this wedding was extra special.Samantha was Chief Bridesmaid for her sister Louise when she was married to Damien at West Tower so it was an extra honour when Frank & Samantha asked Jane and myself to photograph theirs (phew no pressure). This was a very emotional wedding, just how I like them, with Sam being escorted up the aisle by her Mum & a speech by Louise all in the gorgeous surroundings of West Tower & Frank & his Bestman & mates providing a good bit of banter.All in all a great day.

Thanks Frank & Samantha for a super day, your love made for some special images. Dx
Wedding Photography at West Tower by Classic Photography

John & Louise's Wedding at The Marriott, Worsley

Marriott Hotel in Worsley was the venue for John & Louise after their ceremony at Holy Trinity Church in Garswood Village.On the way we stopped of for photographs by the canal in Worsley in glorious sunshine. John & Louise are from Dublin and boy did we have a good craic.

Thanks to John,Louise and all the guests for a great day
wedding photography in Manchester by Classic Photography

Ian & Claire's Wedding at Haigh Hall

Well, first of all sorry for the lack of posting but to say it has been busy is an understatement, over the last 2 weeks we have shot 5 weddings,2 large commercial jobs, oh & been awarded the North West Master Photographer of the year... the highest award that a North West Professional Photographer can receive. Anyway back to the day Job, Ian & Claire's wedding was a real party afair, fun guests,laughter, train rides, & bands at our second home Haigh Hall. One of the best parts of my job is meeting up with our past (and future) Bride & Grooms at great weddings add in great company, a great couple & perfect lighting then you have one happy snapper.

John & Emma's Wedding at Mytton Fold

As a Lancashire wedding photographer photographing weddings all over the North West this was our first visit to Mytton Fold for Jane & I to photograph John & Emma's wedding. We first met Emma as a wedding coordinator at a different hotel (no pressure then) but today was her day,unfortunately due to the changeable weather the wedding had to transferred inside at the last minute but that didn't change anything of a fun & emotional wedding ending with secret waiters, singers disguised as waiters & the blast into song & get EVERYBODY in party mode.

Ian & Jane's Wedding at Haigh Hall

I have been a Wedding Photographer in Wigan for nearly 18 years now shooting nearly 1000 weddings but this is the first time I have been allowed to shoot a wedding at my local church, Wigan Parish Church. The history of the church really is the history of wigan, the motto ancient & loyal has is roots in this church. Ancient as the oldest royal charter in the country & loyal as we held out against the parliament forces in the English Civil war (infact the last stand was by royalist snipers on the top of the church spire) anyway history lesson over..... Ian & Jane's wedding was a real local & friendly do, and their hospitality was amazing a real joy to photograph & with the reception at the impressive Haigh Hall (fast becoming our second home) made for some great images.

More nice words.... Thank You

Bartle Hall Wedding of Ben & Nicola

Wedding Photography in Lancashire at one of my favourite churches, the impressive St Wilfrids in Standish Village then onto Bartle Hall in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. Ben & Nicola's wedding was fun & had a little of everything, laughter,tears & surprises (a VW camper that the couple holidayed in to take the bridesmaids to church) even the weather held out for long enough. A great day ended with some funny speeches. Ben & Nicola are a beautiful couple very much in love and a joy to photograph. All in all a great day

Check out our Facebook page for more of Ben & Nicolas wedding or just to keep updated.

Some nice words... Thank You

Phil & Sarah's Wedding at Ashfield House Hotel

Wedding Photography in Lancashire by Classic Photography
WOW the sun really shone for Phil & Sarahs big day & as regular blog watchers will know St Wilfrids is one of my fave churches to photograph weddings, so all in all I was a 'happy snapper'. Funniest part of the day was an American football game organised by Phil (Phil is mad about & plays NFL for a local team) some guests took the game .. er shall we say a little too serious :-)


Don't forget to LIKE Classic Photography on our Facebook page for upcoming weddings & stuff....

Kilhey Court Wedding with Dan & Julia

A gorgeous sunny day greeted Jane & I as we arrived at Julia’s house & one thing that always makes me smile as I arrive at a brides house is the feeling of anticipation, the feeling of excitement running thru the air. Dan & Julia are a beautiful couple & fun to be around & we had a blast in the stunning gardens at Kilhey Court Hotel shooting some fantastic images all topped of with a stunning sunset. A 10 piece band finished of the day with ALL of us on the dance floor, and yes I mean all (I really should learn I cant dance!!!!)
For more Wedding Photography in Lancashire images vist our Facebook Page, its the future.... honest!

Ashfield House wedding of John & Jay

Wedding photography at Ashfield House Hotel is always a joy with its light & airy rooms & gardens, not to mention its very local to me, infect so local we can see the venue from our house.John was very nervous but Jay was the picture of relaxed (though she may not admit it). The day started with heavy rain & ended with glorious sunshine. A great end to a great day.

to see more Lancashire Wedding Photography go to our Facebook Page & see some more of my fave images from our wedding journey

Mitton Hall for Rob & Rachael's Wedding

Wedding photography in Lancashire doesn't get much better than a warm summers day, a beautiful location as & the stunning Mitton Hall then add to that the gorgeous Robin & Rachael who where a joy to photograph. Jane arrived to a very calm house as Rachael was getting ready & I arrived at church to meet up with Rob, the bestman & Ushers full of laughter. St Leonards Chruch in Walton Le Dale is beautiful & has a very photographer friendly vicar (some vicars have had to endure photographers ruining the service & this causes a backlash to photographers like me who are very discreet during the service).
The welcome at Mitton Hall is always warm & accommodating & our time flew by ending with very funny & emotional speeches all giving a day full of memories for Rob & Rachael to take back to their home in Dubai.

'like' Classic Photography on our facebook page to get instant updates from this wedding or just to 'tag' yourself

Michael & Christina's Wedding at the chic Vincent Hotel, Southport

When you get a beautiful day, a Luxury Hotel & a gorgeous couple who want the extraordinary then all my boxes are ticked. Michael & Christina's wedding was held at Sefton Church then onto a photo tour of Southport ending at the Uber Chic Vincent Hotel.WOW!



Lancashire wedding photography

Ian & Jodie's Wedding at Ashfield House,Wigan

Our latest Wedding found Jane & I shooting at Ashfield House Hotel in Standish, this was a local wedding for us, infact so local we can see the venue from our house.A great day organised by two great girls from PPL Events & was a joy to shoot.



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Lancashire Wedding Photography

Wedding Photographer of the Year 2011

The North West Professional Photography Awards were held at the weekend, & we did rather well scooping The BIG award of Wedding Photographer of the Year and also being awarded Wedding Album of the Year & Studio Portrait Photographer of the Year.


Thanks have to go to all our clients in 2010 & here's to our 2011 clients & more success
Lancashire wedding photographer

Nice Words.....

Have a peek at their wedding{CLICK HERE}

The Greenall Family

Rowton Castle Wedding of Simon & Kathryn

If I was asked to say why I love shooting weddings then Simon & Kathryn’s wedding would be my reply,why, because it had everything I love about my job. It had a gorgeous bride & groom, a stunning venue, great lighting & lots of old friends whose weddings we have shot over the years & a few we are to shoot. (Kathryn had been a bridesmaid at a few of our previous weddings now it was her turn to be the star)
The stunning Rowton Castle in Shropshire was the venue after a lovely ceremony at Wem parish church ( we arrived just in time for the coffee morning at church… mmm coffee & biscuits)
This was our first visit to Rowton Castle & it’s a gorgeous background for wedding photography but then again as Simon & Kathryn never stopped smiling & are so in love then we really couldn’t go wrong.