Peter and I got engaged on my birthday in 2015 when he surprised me with an engagement ring. I was over the moon and our three children could not believe their dad had finally popped the question. We
wanted a venue that offered more than the standard reception room so
right from the start we knew it had to be something special. We spent many
hours online looking at different venues across the North West and Wales trying
to find the perfect setting.
This is when we
stumbled across The Park Hall Hotel in Chorley
completely by chance. We were blown away by the look of the Medieval
Banqueting Hall and quickly arranged to view. At our first viewing we were
shown around by co-ordinator Angela Keighley – there was no pressure at all and
because of her relaxed manner and great ideas it made the decision simple, we
booked our date shortly afterwards.
Most of our suppliers
were local and acquired with the help of Little White Books and the Great
Northern Wedding Show. This was where I met Mick Cookson, our photographer, his
work seemed on another
level compared to other wedding photographers we had looked at. The photographs
were a real big part
of the planning and Mick did not disappoint. He was friendly, and nothing was too much trouble on the day. To say we
are delighted with our photos would be an understatement. Even when Mick was
prepared to climb the bandstand to get ‘that shot’ in pitch black darkness
shows his commitment and eye for detail.
My makeup artist
Kerry Baker was also found at the same
event. I was apprehensive about my makeup, but Kerry put me at ease and
was superb on the day, not only with the makeup but assisting me into my dress and
making my mum and bridesmaids feel special, especially our eldest daughter
Briony.
Our theme for the day was a mix of Autumnal colours
with a Harry Potter influence; we’re both fans of the books, in fact it was
Peter who introduced me to them. I created some glass jar candle centrepieces
and we had wooden lanterns for the aisles, we also had a Harry Potter themed
seating plan which all suited the Medieval Banqueting Hall beautifully. Our
favours (which were fire whiskey for adults and every flavour jelly beans for
kids) went down a storm with all our guests.
Our florist, The Flowershop by Gill, created my vision
perfectly. I wanted a large bouquet, hand-tied with leaves and twigs to
compliment our theme. The team there went above and beyond to get me the
perfect roses, thistles and autumn leaves which
I absolutely adored and looked better than I imagined.
Our wedding cake was designed by Cakes by Beth and
what she did was pure magic. Using inspiration from Harry Potter we had our own
version of The Marauder’s Map, with locations close to our hearts on it, and
the Whomping Willow design inspired by The Black Family Tree, but with our
names on it instead. The cake was very personal to us as a family with lots of
beautiful touches.
Entertainment was provided by John Norcott. He kept
our guests singing along through our wedding breakfast. John managed to include
all the many songs that had a special meaning to both Peter and I.
Family and
friends commented on how relaxed and quickly our day went which is why I would advise couples to make sure you spend some time
together alone because the day speeds by so fast. Planning our wedding was both
a fantastic and challenging time – make
sure you allow plenty of time for your planning and above all else, do
what makes you happy.
Many
thanks to:
VENUE: Best Western Park Hall Hotel,
Park Hall Road, Charnock Richard, Chorley, Nr Preston,
Lancashire, PR7 5LP www.lavenderhotels.co.uk/park-hall
Suppliers:
Photographywww.mickcooksonphotography.co.uk
Wedding dress www.emmalouisebridal.co.uk
Bridesmaids
dresses www.onespecialday.net
Makeup www.kerrybakermua.com
Entertainment www.johnnorcott.co.uk
Suits by Slaters www.slaters.co.uk
Flowers www.flowershopbygill.co.uk
Wedding cake www.cakesbybeth.co.uk
Invitations and table plan www.karasdesigns.co.uk
