Wonderful Cheshire Weddings

Category: Inspiration

Wonderful Winter Wedding Venues
After the year we’ve all had, planning almost seems like an out dated notion! That said, we can all still dream and now, more than ever we thought a little bit of winter magic is just what we need….
So, have you ever dreamt of a winter wedding? Your stunning venue covered in a blanket of snow, a lantern-lit reception and a roaring real fire?
Even in a ‘normal’ year the Spring and Summer months are often branded ‘silly season’, with venues booked up years in advance and the best suppliers in short supply. Enter 2021 – with thousands of weddings postponed and venues juggling to accommodate their re-scheduled couples, saying ‘I Do’ out of season has never made more sense and we think it’s a super-romantic option too. Dramatic natural light, a bit of faux fur and some hearty hygge style hospitality and you have the recipe for the most magical winter wedding ever.

We take a look at some of the region’s most breath-taking venues and see what they have to offer for your Wonderful Winter Wedding….
Iscoyd Park
A true winter wonderland, Iscoyd Park looks magical at this time of year. Privately owned and run by the same family who have lived there since 1843, it’s a stunning Georgian house with a very modern attitude. Situated on the Shropshire / North Wales border just a short drive from Chester, Iscoyd has been immaculately restored and boasts a range of charming spaces to say ‘I Do’ including the utterly magical St Mary’s Church for those who want a religious ceremony.
Wrenbury Hall
Wrenbury is simply made for a winter wedding. Stunning at any time of the year its magical, ethereal qualities really come into their own at Winter, so much so in fact, that owner Davinia Jones chose to host her own nuptials in December at the hall.
Steeped in history (parts of the hall date back over 400 years) and surrounded by gorgeous grounds, the hall is exclusively yours from start to finish. Beautiful accommodation and award-winning seasonal food completes the perfect picture here and Davinia and her attentive team really do treat every wedding as if it were their own.
Beeston Manor
Tucked away in the heart of the Ribble Valley this stunning converted Grade 2 listed hall and barn venue must be one the most magical winter wedding venues in the North. Lovingly converted by the Bikerstaffe family, this picture-postcard slice of Lancashire history stays true to its romantic location with breath-taking views across fields and ancient woodland and a host of cosy spaces for your seasonal celebration.
Delamere Manor
Utterly elegant whatever the season, Delamere simply oozes class. Its impressive Georgian façade, magical courtyard and elegant bedrooms are surrounded by stunning grounds with truly awe inspiring views sweeping away from the house, down to the lake and beyond.
The award-winning in-house caterers Cheeky Chilli and superb in-house team led by Cheshire wedding expert Dale Alexander complete the package for your utterly wonderful winter wedding to remember.
Tyn Dwr Hall
If a snow covered, tree lined driveway leading to a magical Tudor style hall is your idea of bliss then you HAVE to see Tyn Dwr Hall. Beautifully converted by its passionate owners and filled with wonderful design touches, Tyn Dwr combines countryside charm and contemporary style effortlessly. Close to the much-loved village of Llangollen the hall is wrapped by ancient woodland, with its own babbling brook and romantic waterfall feature and its magnificent fireplaces and light filled spaces really come into their own for a winter celebration.
Hawkstone Hall
An awe-inspiring country house with sweeping views of the Shropshire countryside, the recently refurbished Hawkstone Hall is one of the most exciting new wedding venues in the UK. Stunning spaces, uber-luxurious bedrooms, decedent food and the most magical bridal preparation space we have ever seen help make this place a true gem of a venue. The grounds are in a league of their own, with secret glens and glorious views all wrapped in the luxury you would expect from one of England’s most magnificent country estates.
Vale Country Club
Part of a dreamy working farm in the heart of the Vale of Clwyd your chances of a snowy wedding here are stacked in your favour. A family run business, the team go to great lengths to make your special day as wonderful as you’ve dreamt it to be. The rustic exposed oak beams, large inglenook fire place and traditional slate flooring create beautiful character and charm. The countryside setting is perfect for your Wedding photographs as the Clwydian Range creates a spectacular backdrop especially in the wonderful Welsh winter.
Oh Me Oh My
For a very grown-up, city centre wedding with a difference, Oh Me Oh My is hard to beat. Groaning with twinkly lights, this former bank commands impressive views across the Three Graces to the Mersey and beyond and its magical Goodness Gracious terrace provides the perfect spot to wrap up warm and enjoy a glass of something warm whilst soaking up the majestic setting with your guests.
With food as unique as the surroundings and a host of talented suppliers on hand to turn your winter city wedding vision into reality, Oh Me Oh My oozes seasonal style at every turn
One of the most stunning winter wedding venues in the UK – Talhenbont Hall really does have it all…
Set in acres of incredible grounds and wrapped by ancient woodland, this picture perfect hall is romance personified. The main hall itself comes complete with roaring open fires, the most dreamy bedrooms and a cosy bar which is just prefect for pre-wedding tipples.
It’s quirky collection of outbuildings includes a delightful array of cottages for your guests to stay in and the jewel in the estates crown – the magnificent Coach House. The most perfect party space available, Talhenbont’s owners Paul & Alicia has transformed the old stable & coach house into an awe inspiring space. Stunning for ceremonies and just epic for evening receptions this place has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Location wise – think fairytale again. Nestled in the heart of the Llynn Peninsula just a few miles from Criccieth and Abersoch, you feel away from it all in your very own private estate, yet just a few miles away from gorgeous bars, beaches, woodland-walks and restaurants if you and your guests want to make the most of your winter escape!
December 18, 2023
Meet The Wedding Planner – Dale Alexander
We catch up with one of the region’s most celebrated Wedding & Events planner and find out what drives his super-creative approach to delivering exceptional events…
Detail driven, passionate and insanely creative, its no wonder Dale Alexander is one of the region’s most sought after wedding planners….
With a career spent working in five star venues, alongside some of the industry’s most acclaimed suppliers, Dale has planned and delivered hundreds of weddings – all unique and all totally unforgettable
When you first meet Dale you are struck by his fun, easy going manner. Full of smiles and brimming with enthusiasm, he just lives and breathes weddings. Hardly surprising then that he seems to stay in touch with all of his couples and counts many of them as personal friends.
We caught up with him , mid lockdown 2, in between his last two exciting assignments; two exquisite micro-weddings for couple’s who decided love could not wait!
So Dale tell us your story. How did you first get into weddings?
“I began my career as a Luxury Wedding Planner in the boutique 5 star hospitality industry and eventually gravitated towards exclusive, private wedding venues overseeing all their events and heading up the customer relations. Function. Over the years, I learnt a great deal about the principles of great customer service, planning and event management. I am incredibly passionate about planning and managing events – it’s what I do best and I can’t really see myself doing anything else!”

We know you plan all kinds of events but what do you love about weddings in particular?
“Everything! I love hearing the stories of how the couples met, getting to know them, understanding their vision and then making it happen. What could be more magical than helping couples celebrate the most important day of their lives? For me it’s all in the detail – I love nothing more than adding a few extra special Dale touches and then watching all the guests have the time of their lives and make wonderful memories.”
So what is your secret?
I think my number one secret weapon is the incredible suppliers I work with. Throughout my years in the industry I’ve had the privilege of working with some immensely talented professionals. The guys I work with are at the top of their game and from cakes to flowers, décor to lighting and everything in between their work is absolutely world class.
It also helps that I really love people! I think the instinct to organise and take care of people is something you are born with and each and every couple is special to me.
2020 has been a devastating year for couples and the wedding industry. What do you see for 2021?
Hopefully the industry will start to ease back into some kind of ‘new normal.’ I still see intimate events playing a huge part in the wedding scene for many months to come but lots of couples are adapting to this and realising you can still have the day of your dreams and maybe splash out on some extra luxuries with just your nearest and dearest in attendance.
I think intimate weddings followed by a big party or fabulous first anniversary bash will become even more popular and this really excites me – who doesn’t love planning two parties!
Dale has planned over one hundred weddings and events discreetly and considerately. For the not so discreet, some of Dale’s weddings and events have featured in ok! Magazine.
“I absolutely adore the events industry, especially seeing the faces of my clients when they see the result of all of our preparation. Many years of planning these special days have taught me how to pick out the very best suppliers and friends, helping to make the planning process seamless, unique and all importantly ~ stress free. Whether it’s a destination wedding or an event closer to home, I will work closely with you to build an event that you have always dreamed of having. Making the process fun, stress free and creative.”
When Dale is not working as a Luxury Wedding Planner or organising these special events, you can usually find him in the countryside with his three fur babies; Delaney, Harry & Freya. He also has a strong passion for interior design and everything flowers!
“Please do say ‘hello’, if you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas ~ I would love to hear from you and work with you on this exciting and fun journey ahead. x”
To start your wedding journey, contact Dale and get ready to plan the day of your dreams!
CONTACT
DALE ALEXANDER EVENTS
07901 602803
info@dalealexanderevents.co.uk
www.dalealexanderevents.co.uk
May 24, 2021
2020 Wedding Trends You Need To Know About
Like everything, Wedding trends come and go. These days there is no such thing as a ‘traditional’ wedding with couples opting to personalise their big-day’s their way. Thankfully brides are no longer pigeon holed as classic or boho and guest no longer have to go through the summer attending identical weddings and eating chicken dinners.
The biggest trend of all right now is individuality with couples celebrating their own individual love stories in their own individual way….
Sustainable Weddings
From minimising travel miles and food waste to using recycled products and sourcing locally many couples are looking to reduce the environmental and ethical impact of their big days. Choosing to use recycled paper for your stationery and doing something meaningful like a charity donation instead of favours are all super-popular ways of keeping your big day green.
Veggie and Vegan Menus
Catering guru and owner of Cheeky Chilli Event Catering Kim Maher said a huge number of couples are now opting for a 100% veggie or vegan feast. ‘Street food style feasts and more casual options such as BBQ’s and grazing tables are super-popular now with couple’s wanting to eat the food they love rather than traditional wedding fayre. It’s not just a trend, it’s a definite shift in lifestyle.’
Go Wild
Its not just the straws in the post ceremony Bellini’s that are sustainable, more and more couples are seeking out sustainable blooms. From locally foraged, seasonal wildflowers and foliage to a hike in the use of dried flowers is all about getting your look whilst saving the planet.
Wedding Cake Creations
Forget icing you’d crack your teeth on and stodgy fruit cakes, these days wedding cakes are a work of art. Decorated in everything from gold leaf and edible flowers to metallic icing drips and lashings of buttercream they also need to taste as good as they look. Even Harry and Megan went off piste with their lemon and elderflower cake – delicious and modern, just like them.
Two Wedding Dresses
It might be your biggest clothing purchase ever but now it’s all about the dual dress reveal. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Billie Faiers and Ellie Goulding (who wore no less than 4 outfits on her big day) have made the two dress trend a staple. Changing onto a second dress or even jumpsuit for your reception allows you to really let your own personality and style shine.
Gender Mixed Wedding Parties
As most of our friendship groups are well and truly mixed these days there has been a massive growth in mixed gender bridal and groom parties. The rise of the ‘bridesman’ and ‘groomswoman’ is set to hit new heights in 2020.
Table Décor
Huge centrepieces are no more – it’s all about dramatic styling and personalisation. Couples want their wedding breakfast to look and feel like a high end restaurant experience with coloured cutlery, beautiful layered crockery and textured décor all making an appearance. Layering
Natural Locks
Call it the Meghan Markle effect but the overly ‘done’ do is most definitely out. Freshly washed tresses, natural waves and the un-done bun are what it’s all about this season so step away from the hairspray ladies.
Confetti Is So Last Year
If you must go with confetti is must be sustainable, so dried petals all the way. This year you will see less and less confetti with bubbles and fabulous ribbon wands taking over as the most Instagrammable post ceremony must-haves.
Statement Veils
If you are going down the veil route its all about going big or going home! Ever since Hilary Baldwin went bold with her ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ veil brides can’t get enough of personalised, cathedral length creations that really pack a punch.
February 22, 2020
NEW Epic Super-Spa Opens At Carden Park
Your pre-wedding and hen party pamper options just ramped up a level with the arrival of the all-new super-spa at Carden Park in Cheshire.
Always a firm favourite on the ‘bride tribe’ bucket list, the new multi-million pound transformation has taken the spa from amazing to absolutely awe inspiring…
What Can You Expect…
The 4,500 sqm standalone spa is nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and is set within the 1,000-acre grounds of the privately owned, award-winning Carden Park Hotel and will offer superior service, world class facilities and a seamless spa experience. The indoor and outdoor spa facilities are amongst the most impressive in the UK and include two large vitality pools, an extensive thermal suite, a glamourous beauty lounge and a variety of soothing relaxation spaces.
The Spa at Carden also has one of the UK’s largest spa gardens offering an expansive multi-sensory experience of wellbeing with numerous thermal experiences and an all-weather Bollinger champagne bar. Developed to provide guests with a ‘nature reset’ whatever the weather, the extensive garden’s state-of-art features facilitate a journey to improved physical and mental well-being.
The Spa continues this flow of nature from the outside in, with its spacious interiors comprising warm earthly tones, feature living walls and contemporary statement furnishings that give a sophisticated but relaxing ambiance. The mood lit relaxation room complete with floor to ceiling windows offers unrivalled sweeping views over the Cheshire landscape, as does the elegant first floor restaurant.
Top-Class Treatments & Fabulous Facilities
The full range of face and body treatments have been designed by natural product house, Elemental Herbology and is based on the Five Element Theory in traditional Chinese Medicine, a belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony in order to achieve perfect equilibrium and even incorporates natural and freshly picked herbs from The Spa at Carden’s garden.
On the opening, Steve Ewing, Director of Spa at The Spa at Carden says “This is an incredibly exciting time for us and the end result has surpassed our expectations. The Spa at Carden is truly world-class bringing together the best facilities, new treatments and the highest level of service. We are now looking forward to welcoming guests from the North West and beyond and seeing them benefit from the enriching wellbeing experiences we have waiting for them.”
General Manager of Carden Park, Hamish Ferguson added “The arrival of the Spa at Carden is our biggest development yet and will firmly establish us as a world leading destination spa resort, fully complementing our other extensive leisure services. I am proud of the fantastic work all our staff and suppliers have undertaken to make the Spa at Carden truly magnificent.”
To find out about the full range of facilities or book your ultimate girlie pamper day, check out the website HERE and get ready to relax in style!
February 17, 2020
The Ultimate Maid-of-Honour Check List
6 Tips To Help You Be The Best Wing Woman EVER!
Being your best friend’s wing woman on her wedding day IS an honour and she’s chosen you for a reason – she knows you can keep calm in crisis, have her back at every turn and you two always have the best time when you’re together. When I got married, my Maid-of-Honour was the ultimate MOH and I couldn’t have gotten through the day without having her there. When that big day comes for your besty (and leading up to!), here are 6 top tips that my MOH did for me and that you’ll want to do yourself!
1. Be calm, be organised.
Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes things go missing or it rains on your big day (it did on mine!), of course it will all work out in the end, but as MOH you need to be your bride’s rock—stay calm throughout it all so you can help her calm down when necessary.
2. Feed your bride!
We all want that glass of bubbly when getting ready before the wedding, but no one wants a wobbly bride walking down the aisle – make sure your bride gets some food in her before she says her ‘I Do’ – whether that’s picking up some breakfast or making sure the venue you’re getting ready in prepares some nibbles to bring up to the room (along with the bubbly!), make sure she’s not getting married on an empty stomach.
3. Get out on the dance floor!
They’ve spent so much money on the music and the venue and the last thing any bride wants is no one dancing. Make sure you help her out by being the first one out there with your partner or friends, this will help get the rest of the guests up and dancing too!
4. Step up as photo assistant!
Make sure you know all the shots your bride wants from the photographer. The day goes so fast and your bride is getting her hair and makeup done and it’s up to you to make sure she gets everything she wants out of the day. Know the photo list in advance and make sure the photographer is getting all those shots! Trust me, she’ll thank you later.
5. Be there for the dress fitting!
My veil would have been a different colour than my dress, had I not had my MOH there for the fitting. Be there to support your bride and if you spot something that you know doesn’t seem right, let her know. She’s chosen you as her MOH for a reason!
And finally (or firstly!),
6. Throw the best hen do for your bride.
Not all brides want a crazy party. Make sure when planning the hen do that you’re doing what the BRIDE wants – you know her best after all! Whether it’s a weekend away, a night out, or a spa day, have an itinerary ready. Plan out the day and make it personal to her.
February 13, 2020