Choosing the right caterer is a key part of your big day. Alongside ‘the dress’ and is he ‘the one’ it’s right up there as one of the most important decisions you will make.

From what type of catering you need to numbers, budgets and special dietary requirements – choosing the right caterer can be an absolute minefield. With that in mind we caught up with the multi-award winning and super-lovely events guru herself, Kim Maher, from Cheeky Chilli Catering & Events, to find out the do’s and don’ts when organising a fabulous feast…

‘The most important thing is to gather as much information as you can from your caterer,’ said Kim. ‘Ask lots of questions and ask around amongst family and friends as word of mouth recommendation is as good as it gets.’

‘I would always recommend asking the following before making any decisions about who to use for your big day.

I had my 5 amazing best friends as bridesmaids. We have all been friends since school but four of them live in Australia now so travelled back to join my other bestie Lucinda especially for our big day which was just magical. They all looked gorgeous in their beautiful sequinned gowns and our mazing make-up fairy Rachael Bottomley and her team worked wonders beautifying the whole bridal team, my Mum and my two sisters. My adorable niece Penny completed the line-up and did a wonderful as my flower girl.

The Boys

The boys looked dapper in their classic dark navy with brown tweed waistcoats and red accessories. The suits were hired from Cheshire Menswear which is part of Maria Modes in Macclesfield. Edi had two best men for the day, his friend Chris and Adam who had travelled back from New Zealand especially. He also had his two brothers Ian and Josh as ushers but it was their little boy George who stole the show as page boy for the day.

The Reception

“We could not have wished for a more perfect reception. It was just what we wanted,” said Becky. “With the sun shining, Delamere opened their outdoor bar and all the guests were able to chill on the magnificent terrace and enjoy the stunning views. Our singer Dougie Francis sang beautifully and the whole thing was just magical.”

‘We wanted real comfort food on the day and Cheeky Chilli did not disappoint. We started with delicious smoked haddock fish cakes followed by chicken breast served with Lancashire cheese mash, a chorizo crisp and red wine jus. It was so yummy! The dessert trio was big hit too – 3 all-time favourites, chocolate and salted caramel pot, Eton mess and sticky toffee pudding!’

The Photos

We knew from the moment we met Sam (Madeline Images / Samantha James Photography) that we would have a great day with her. George absolutely loved her and she was so relaxed. She got the best shots because she really put us at ease and we are so delighted with the end results.

As day turned into night guests were entertained by a string infusion and danced the night away under the twinkly lights of the courtyard before moving into the secret nightclub on site.

‘It was just perfect,’ said Becky. We wanted a simple, elegant day that was full of love and really got that in bucket loads. Can we do it again please?’

Nestled in a pretty, stone courtyard, in the heart of Wirral’s green-bank , LOST oozes rustic romance! With ancient stone walls, beamed ceilings & a wraparound mezzanine level, it’s a dreamy space to say ‘I Do’ and celebrate your love. Ideal for intimate, less formal celebrations, the emphasis here is on superb quality food and drinks, personal service and creating a day that is as individual as you. From traditional wedding breakfast type affairs, to full on celebrations, the space can be adapted to suit your vision and with event dates limited, the offering is both exclusive and totally unique.

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.

 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!

As we head towards the festive season, the team at Talhenbont Hall are excited to watch a whole new collection of love stories unfold as ‘engagement season’ begins!

A ‘Taittinger’ Toast From Talhenbont Hall

If you are planning on popping the question over the festive season (or if you’ve already got ‘a ring on it!) and are ready to embark on your magical planning journey, the truly lovely team at Talhenbont want to add a bit of extra sparkle to your celebrations.

If a wedding day at a truly magical country estate is at the top of your wish-list and you are recently engaged, drop the guys a line by clicking HERE  and book your own  (restrictions allowing) private 2 hour tour of the hall and the estate for you and your special someone.

For the first ten couples to book, the Talhenbont team will gift them a bottle of their in-house signature champagne, Taittinger and have it ready and waiting for you take home with you when you visit.

A Little Slice Of Welsh Heaven

A stunning country estate, steeped in history and set in acres of beautiful gardens and ancient woodland; we think a wedding at Talhenbont Hall is nothing less than magical.

Set in the heart of the stunning Lynn Peninsula, with wonderful countryside and beautiful beaches on our doorstep we are proud that Talhenbont Hall is now recognised as one of the most individual and luxurious wedding venues in North Wales.

Family run by the lovely Alicia her partner Paul and their daughter Daisy, they treat every wedding like they are  planning their very own celebration and you can be assured of their utmost attention throughout your wedding journey.

A Mini-Destination Wedding With A Difference

One of the most stunning venues in North Wales, at Talehenbont Hall all weddings are exclusive. That means you don’t have to share the stunning surroundings with anyone other than your own guests. Depending on how long you wish to stay, you can create your own Chateau style wedding celebration across 3 days and accommodate up to 40 of your guests in the beautiful (and super-quirky) accommodation on site. Relax in the beautiful rooms, roam the grounds and enjoy both pre-and post-wedding celebrations with your nearest and dearest in your very own country estate.

Both huge skiing fans, their love of everything alpine was one of the things that turned them from childhood friends to full blown sweethearts so when Jack popped the question he did it in style!

‘We were on a ski holiday in my favourite place, Andorra,’ said Sophie. We had just skied to a stunning spot overlooking Canillo and he got down on one knee in front of both sets of parents who we were skiing with. I could not have wished for a more magical proposal. Having our parents there just made it extra special although I have to say I had a bit of trouble getting back down the mountain as my legs had gone to jelly!’

The Venue

The bride and groom both grew up close to Thornton Manor so for them it was the natural choice for a venue. ‘We have been to some amazing events at the Manor, ‘ commented Sophie, ‘And I wanted an elegant wedding in a memorable venue so it was the perfect choice for us’

As the manor was already decked out for Christmas with hundreds of fir trees dressed in twinkly lights the couple kept décor simple.

Sophie and her ‘team’ added simple glass holders with tea lights and natural greenery to compliment the elegant winter wonderland theme.

‘We did have a hint of ‘ski chic’ too,’ said Sophie, ‘With piste markers as table stands and our favourite ski resorts as table names – we had to get it in somewhere! We steered away from chair covers and additional décor though as we knew our glamorous guests would be decoration enough!’

The Dress

Sophie wore a beautiful Ronald Joyce gown from Tina Louise Brides. Cut in simple Mikado fabric with a very fine detailed beaded belt the fit and flare style perfectly complimented Sophie’s petite frame and as she put it, skimmed beautifully over her ‘Beyonce bum’!

The Bridesmaids

Her gorgeous bridesmaids Georgia, and Amy Elizabeth Richards wore stunning gold Sorella Vita Sequined dresses which added a real touch of festive sparkle to the day.

The Boys

The boys looked dapper in traditional tails which matched the muted winter elegance theme perfectly. Suits were hired from Munros Menswear in Birkenhead.

The Suppliers

Flowers – the wintry themed floral displays, bouquets and button holes were created by Sophie’s favourite florist Pure Floral Design. ‘Everything was just stunning,’ commented Sophie. ‘ Fresh seasonal eucalyptus, gorgeous roses and winter thistle to add texture meant the flowers looked perfect for our winter theme.

Food – Barretts Event Caterers were the caterers of choice for they event and they didn’t disappoint. ‘The caterers were absolutely impeccable,’ said Sophie. ‘Heather Barrett basically ran our whole day! She was amazing!’

Daytime guests were treated to a traditional wedding breakfast with a twist including delicious canapés and home baked breads with dipping oil followed by Roast Cheshire Belly Pork and Calvados sauce while the evening guests were treated to traditional fish-finger, bacon and sausage butties!

Photography / Videography – ‘We literally cannot praise or thank The McHendry’s enough,’ said Sophie. ‘Their editing was phenomenal and the captured every aspect of the day so beautifully. We both didn’t want loads of posed shots and they managed to get just the right mix. In other words we weren’t standing around smiling like Cheshire cats for hours!!’

The Night Time Bash

As day turned into night the full apres ski vibe came into play. The Wayfarers band got the party started but a bang and saxophonist Sax A Dan kept guests dancing the night away.

‘We wanted the night time to be a real party,’ said Sophie. ‘ Both of our families love a good party and when you add our crazy friends its was always going to be a night to remember.

So as the couple took their first whirl around the dance floor under a myriad of festoon lights Sophie and Jack knew that they had created the absolute perfect day and that the family links would carry on for generations to come…

Wonderful Wirral Weddings would like to thank Sophie and Jack, AKA Mr and Mrs Richards for sharing their wonderful day with all our readers. Here’s to lots more successful ski trips and many happy years to come!