Tom Pollock

Find me again!

noreply@blogger.com (Paul C) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:40:00 +0000

Yep. Another upcoming link to find me on: Find a Wedding Photographer

Getting listed in Photographer Directories

noreply@blogger.com (Paul C) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:02:00 +0000

Now it will be even easier to find me by Googling and getting my number from various photographer directories:

Wedding Photographers in Cheshire- I'm listed on WeddingPhotographersUK.com.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - AUTUMN 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:04:00 +0000

In September I was back as a Derbyshire wedding photographer for Julia & Paul's wedding at St Michael's & All Saints in Hathersage.

This is a very atmospheric church, in a beautiful setting with lovely grounds, and as an added bonus there is the Rev. Katie Tupling who makes the ceremony special in a religious yet bang up to date accessible way. Top marks the Rev Katie! If the ceremony was memorable to a heathen like me you've done well!

Julia and Paul are both admittedly a little camera shy and asked me to slant my style to a more reportage approach and this is reflected in the higher number of guest pictures than I might normally take. The layout of this particular church and grounds lends itself perfectly to this and I had a very productive time unobtrusively shooting away, while still finding the time to sneak a few family members around to the other side of the church for a few personal shots.

The Bow-Belles the string quartet who had played so beautifully at the church followed on at the Maynard at Grindleford where the Bride & Groom held their reception. The Bride's own words:

"We were really pleased with them. They are very conscientious and keen to offer advice about music choices, etc. I used the enquiry form on their website and they phoned me back to discuss my requirements on the same day. I corresponded with Janet Hall from the group, janethall@ntlworld.com and found her very helpful. Therefore I would highly recommend them. String Quartets are not cheap but you're paying for such expertise and they sound magical!"
High praise indeed.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - SUMMER 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0000

In July I returned to Heaton House Farm as Kelly and Ian's Cheshire wedding photographer.

Wow, how things have changed! The choice of facilities has more than doubled and there are more areas to shoot in.

I particularly like the inclusion of the pond, and when the new garden areas have had a chance to gain a little more maturity things will be even better still. If only all venue owners were as pro-active and forward thinking!

Kelly and Ian chose my new Moderna 10x10 album. This allows a lot of design flexibility at a very reasonable price and is a perfect choice for couples on a more restrictive budget. They also ordered two matching albums for their parents in the 8x8 version and these look particularly cute at their smaller scaled down size.

Summer certainly arrived in style for Bonnie & Nigel's Derbyshire wedding at Cressbrook Hall in August.

It was a lovely day for a wedding and the light showed off the magnificent gardens to full advantage.

We shot the getting ready pictures at the venue and this is always a good idea for making the most of a half day booking.

The ceremony was held outside under the eaves, and among the guests were Bride & Groom's two Jack Russells, resplendant with their red ribbons which perfectly matched the Bridesmaids dresses.

There was another four-legged guest, somewhat larger and possibly even more beautifully turned out, but this time it was a complete surprise to the bride.

Shortly after the ceremony the bridal party were ushered round to the drive at the front of Cressbrook Hall where to the Bride's astonishment her golden stallion awaited, saddled up and ready to go, complete with very bling sparkly hooves and flanks. The Bride & Groom are both keen equestrians and Nigel arranged this magical surprise. It made a perfect photo opportunity.

You wouldn't have known what season it was for Joanna & Ian's Lancashire wedding. They chose me as their Samlesbury Hall photographer.

We had sun, wind and torrential rain, all in the space of a few hours. The sun popped in and out like a yo-yo and the shower setting was on random.

This didn't in any way dampen the B&G's spirits, even when we did finally push our luck too far. The rain gods cried enough and organised a deluge of biblical proportions just as we were shooting the Bride & Groom shots in the gardens.

Luckily the trees on the estate are plentiful, but after ten minutes no-stop downpour I had to make a break for it to retrieve umbrellas. I was soaked through, and by the time I got back to the B&G Ian was also drenched, having chivalrously given his jacket to his new Bride so she could stay dry.

I ran ahead to organise towels and managed to get a memorable picture of them coming inside with the wall of water pouring down behind them.

This was my first wedding at Samlesbury and I have to say that this venue has impressed me like no other on first appraisal. It has charm and atmosphere in equal measure. It is well maintained and has lovely grounds. Laid out the Great Hall had the feeling of a medieval banquet and the waiting staff were attentive but didn't rush you. Most importantly the wedding co-ordinator ensured that everything ran like clockwork and in an unobtrusive manner. If a period setting is your dream this may be the venue for you.

Claire & Tom are both keen photographers and wisely booked me as their Shrigley Hall photographer very early on, as do most couples who really value their wedding pictures. Just today as I write this blog I have had to turn away two enquiries for 2010 because I am already booked, and one at a fantastic venue that I could have translated into wonderful pictures.

As usual I arrived early at Claire's parents' house to shoot the getting ready pictures. Experience has taught me to allow plenty of time for the unexpected but on this occasion it wasn't necessary and everything fell into place perfectly.

Claire has natural good looks but I'd only seen her before without make-up and I wasn't prepared for the transformation when she finally put on her Ian Stewart dress. She looked wonderful. Getting in touch with my feminine side I think it is safe to say this was a dress for boys to appreciate as well as girls! Very romantic and very feminine.

Claire & Tom were married at St. Catherine's in Didsbury and held their reception at Shrigley Hall. This was another on-off day so we did all the group shots in the courtyard as soon as all the guests had booked in. Guys take note - look how the Groom and his mates all camp it up for their shots. Every one was a winner and a lot of fun. The Girls always have a giggle but often The Guys take a lot of coaxing.

As luck would have it the blustery showers curtailed the B&G outdoor photoshoot before we had finished. Shrigley Hall is wonderful inside however, and for me the single series of shots of Claire and Tom on the grand staircase makes up for ones we didn't manage to get done outside. Just look at that dress. (My feminine side again!)

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - SPRING 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:17:00 +0000

In April I had my first Crewe Hall wedding. This splendid Gothic country house hotel was the setting for Diane & James' reception and it is one I am really looking forward to re-visiting. it is tailor-made for photographers.

There are just so many fabulous backdrops to use that you run out of time before you get a chance to use a fraction of them. Wanted - a Bride & Groom with an hour to spend on their wedding pictures alone!

Because the interiors are so wonderful the weather is really of no consequence, and to fully do them justice I really could have done with a full day booking. Nevertheless I was very happy with Diane & James' pictures and look forward to designing their album which I know will look fabulous.

Diane looked stunning and the style her wedding dress was a perfect march for the architecture. Good co-ordination was evident everywhere. The roses in her bouquet matched the bridesmaids' rich blue dresses and the bridesmaids' sashes matched the Groom's tie. These little details make all the difference and are always very apparent in the album, lending the group shots in particular an air of stylish cohesion. Top marks Diane and her team!

The weather was of real consequence for Rachael & Andy's wedding in Liverpool and it rained non-stop all day. Bride's always worry about this possibility but no worries, just look at their album! Emotions are the most important ingredient in wedding photography. A good photographer will always be able to turn a disadvantage into an advantage, and bad weather won't spoil your wedding pictures.

At our pre-wed meet I had planned soaring wide angle shots outside the St. Nicholas Church and dramatic pictures on the Albert Docks but all these had to be shelved. Instead I came up trumps with the stylish interiors of The Hard Days Night Hotel where they held their reception.

This Beatles-themed boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Liverpool city centre and the accommodating staff were happy for me to commandeer the Alice in Wonderland over-sized couch and chair in the foyer to do the smaller group shots.

The lighting and colour schemes throughout the hotel are moody and theatrical, excellent for adding some drama to pictures, and the Bridal Suite also gave us some different photo opportunities. Of course it helps when you are photographing such an attractive couple. Rachael looked drop-dead gorgeous and Andy's no slouch in the looks department either!

In June I photographed another wedding at Tissington Hall near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Nicole & Alexander are both busy professionals working and living in Paris. They needed a photographer they could trust from a distance to deliver outstanding pictures and I was their man.

This is such a stylish venue, and so well run as well (very attentive staff I noticed). When I came for the pre-wed meet earlier in the season the tulips were out and the grounds were overrun with gardeners. It is hard to fault, and both the interiors and the formal gardens are beautifully maintained.

Nicole & Alexander were married at All Saints Church in Bakewell and were chauffeured in a silver (for a change) 1929 Rolls-Royce coupe which looked perfect in front of Tissington Hall. The elegance of the venue was matched by the elegance of the guests who literally came from all corners of Europe as well as America and Russia to celebrate this charming couple's happy union.

My brief was for a very natural and reportage approach with the minimum of interruption to spoil the flow of the day and this is reflected in the photography which has but one group shot. Of course there are formal shots of the Bride & Groom but we made these as natural-looking as possible. Their evident happiness was a joy to behold and you would never know that their pictures were in any way set up. This is another album I am really looking forward to designing.

Jacqui & Anthony's Derbyshire wedding was held at St James Church in Taxal and the reception at The Palace Hotel in Buxton. St James is tucked away deep in the countryside (a great starting point for walks) and always feels special. From there the drive (a superb 1927 Studebaker Dictator sedan from Avril's Cars) over the tops to Buxton is spectacular and gives the Bride & Groom a few minutes alone to savour the moment in true "Bonnie & Clyde" style.

The Palace has recently undergone a major refurbishment and was looking spic and span for the reception. I really like shooting here, not only because of The Palace Hotel itself, but also because of the variety of backdrops available, especially with the Pavillion Gardens just a stone's throw away.

Jacqui wore a fabulous fitted dress with a long train in a pale cafe au lait colour which flared out from the waist downwards, and with her dark hair and long veil she looked enticingly Spanish. Her Bridesmaids' dresses were in a darker coffee colour and the Gentlemen wore dark brown.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:56:00 +0000

It is not often you go away for a few days and are blown away by the accommodation and the location.

In March we rented a cottage in Pembrokeshire that is so good I just have to tell you about it.

The modern architect-designed Cowshed Barn near Marloes is secluded and has uninterrupted views across open fields to the sea beyond.

It is light and airy and has three double bedrooms (great beds with Egyptian cotton sheets), two bathrooms (the downstairs one is a full wet room with a power shower), a fully fitted German kitchen with all mod cons, and oak and terrazzo floors throughout, all with underfloor central heating. There's a TV, DVD player, and Music Centre with ceiling mounted speakers.

It is well maintained and everything is in good order, and I noticed the bedding and fluffy towels had been dry-cleaned which is why they were so soft. The underfloor central heating is wonderful to come home to if it's been cold and blustery out, making this a great all year round destination.

You don't need to bring anything and want for nothing. Absolute luxury. All this and situated in arguably the most stunning area for beaches and coastal walks in the UK. A real treat and highly recommended!

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Winter 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:08:00 +0000

A few venues worthy of mention have slipped the net so now I'll make amends!

Nicola and Joe were looking for a Lancashire wedding photographer for their wedding at the Holy Trinity church in Bardsley. The reception was held at the splendid Saddleworth Hotel in Delph. The well designed sloping gardens have a couple of unusual features which really help with more formal pictures and big group shots are a doddle on the steps up to the lawns.

The venue's owner is an unrepentant car nut and the unusual Rolls coupe pictured in the album is from his collection, all of which are available to the Bride and groom for hire.

The Groom, Bridesmaids and Ushers all wore brown which worked very well. And I never paid any attention to that tree when I arrived in daylight. It was dark when I left and the effect was unmissable and quite magical.

The youngest wedding of the year award went to Amy and Ashley, with Amy also challenging for the biggest personality of the year award. What an exuberant and happy couple! Amy looked stunning and wore a beautifully detailed dress. The weather wasn't too kind but nothing could dampen their spirits.

The reception was held in the heart of the Peak District at the popular Royal Hotel in Hayfield. Amy and Ashley chose a Graphi album.

Laura & Richard were married at St Mary's Church in Levenshulme. This modern Catholic church has beautiful, bright stained glass and the layout of the church lends itself to photography. I was particularly happy with pictures I took at the church and the priest there was very accommodating. Laura looked gorgeous (and Richard didn't look too bad either!)

The Bride and Groom travelled to The Alma Lodge Hotel in Stockport in a Rolls-Royce but the rest of the bridal party came in the biggest stretched limo I have seen. I couldn't find the swimming pool but I'm sure there was one somewhere!

This was only a half day booking, though Laura and Richard offset this by wisely chose a GF Smith Reportage album. The larger pages and bigger variety of overlays associated with this album greatly enhance the overall pictorial impact. The Alma Lodge has benefited from a generous refurbishment though their website doesn't do it justice.

The Mere Golf & Country Club has a most attractive lakeside location and this was the setting for Nicola & Jason's August wedding.

The lake together with rolling views of the golf course itself make for stunning pictures.

Take a peek at their GF Smith Reportage album which shows how versatile the various overlay combinations can be.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Autumn 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:35:00 +0000

A couple of venues new to me and some old favourites.

Natalie and Ian were looking for a Cheshire wedding photographer to capture their nuptuals at The Cottons at Knutsford.

This is a venue new to me and one which poses a few more challenges than some, especially if shooting with a Graphi Book in mind.

Though this venue does not have expansive grounds it does have a star attraction in the form of a compact but perfectly formed pond featuring attractive decking and white balustrading.

The guests naturally congregated on the grassy slopes surrounding the water, and the evergreen shrubbery made a perfect backdrop for all the guest pictures Natalie and Ian asked me to take.

Of course not everyone wants a 'Big' wedding, whether they can afford it or not. Perhaps it's just not their style. Rebecca and Marcus wanted a simple get-together with family and close friends, having decided at last it was about time to tie the knot.

They chose The Windy Harbour Farm on the outskirts of Glossop as their venue and Tom Pollock as their Derbyshire wedding photographer.

This was a very personal wedding where no-one was trying to outdo anyone else, and there were happy children running around everywhere, except when the child entertainer was strutting her stuff. If this is the sort of wedding that would suit you this may be the venue for you.

Many of my bookings come from couples who live too far away to meet up beforehand. They see my pictures on the web and instinctively know I am the right photographer for them.

London based Emma and Matt were just such a couple. They wanted a modern, city feel for their wedding and chose the Manchester Town Hall for their wedding ceremony and Reception, followed by a rooftop barbeque at the uber-trendy Great John Street Hotel in Castlefield.

You'll love the beautiful Town Hall interiors which even a rainy day can't dull, and the bright red double decker bus used to ferry their guests to the GJS. Emma looked absolutely stunning wearing a classic, simple dress with a sweeping lace train. Her bouquet and hair were fabulous too. Have a look at their album and see if you don't agree. Altogether a very elegant and relaxed occasion.

Victoria and David were also looking for a Manchester wedding photographer to capture the Reception at the Manchester City Art Gallery following their wedding at St. Mary's in Marple Bridge.

After the ceremony Bride, Groom and guests adjourned to the excellent Midland Hotel to slake their parched thirsts and by the time they got to Manchester the Gallery was all theirs.

The classical elegance of the gallery is complemented by the dramatic new Glass Atrium where the Wedding Breakfast was held after guests enjoyed drinks and canapes whilst viewing the current Pre-Raphaelite exhibition. Nourishment for the eyes and mind as well as the body! The lighting in the Gallery is fantastic as well. Just look at the dramatic sweeping view looking down at the atrium from the top of the stairs.

In contrast Jenny and Mark's was a more 'country' wedding. The ceremony was held at the beautiful Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Old Brampton and the reception and wedding breakfast at The Rutland Arms Hotel.

These are both lovely settings and the Rutland Arms has the added bonus of having Bakewell's town gardens just over the road which were ideal for photography. It also the most amazing collection of antique clocks on display throughout the hotel.

Jenny made a fantastic job of designing the wedding invites herself with white doves as a central motif. This was carried through to Jenny and Mark releasing two doves in the park before we started taking the group shots, making for an unusual (and unrepeatable!) photo opportunity.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Summer 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:20:00 +0000

The summer season saw me photographing weddings in Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, North Wales and Yorkshire.

The Church of St. Mary-the-Virgin, Disley is over 450 years old and is a building of great beauty and immense charm. Jennifer and Chris tied the knot there in May and followed on with a reception at Shrigley Hall.

Shrigley Hall Hotel is a striking 19th century late Georgian Mansion echoing period charm. Set on the edge of the Peak District it is the very essence of an English Country House Hotel and has magnificent views over the Cheshire Plains.

The interiors are very grand and spacious, and as a photographer I am never at a loss for backgrounds if the weather turns nasty. See also Deborah & Stephen's Graphi Book for more pictures at this attractive venue.

At the end of May I returned to Cressbrook Hall in Derbyshire for Caroline and Philip's wedding. This was only a half day booking but it shows how much can be accomplished in the time.

Many of their friends are keen walkers who joined together and sang a couple of rousing songs after the vows had been exchanged which really brought the house down. The weather was fine which allowed the ceremony to be held in the open air in contrast to Sam and Steve's winter wedding in March.

Cressbrook also caters for grown-up children! They had fun in the lower garden while the Bride and Groom were having their pictures taken.

Dianna & Stephen needed a photographer in Cheshire and certainly had their album in mind when they chose Sandhole Barn for their summer wedding.

This is a stunning venue in an exclusive Cheshire location overlooking a private lake and because of it's versatility is one of my favourites.

We had lovely soft light all day, so much better for skin than bright sunlight and blue sky, (not that Dianna or Stephen needed any flattering!)

The getting ready pictures were taken at the excellent Yew Tree Apartments near-by. These apartments are spacious, light and airy, and perfect for photography. The fine weather allowed me to use all the facilities at Sandhole, and their pictures made a stunning Graphi Book. The best looking couple of the year?

Heaton House Farm in Ruston Spencer, between Macclesfield and Leek, has great views over three counties, and is fast becoming a very popular venue. Their ultra versatile "Barn" can be sub-divided into several rooms to accommodate from as few as 25 right up to 300 guests. These can also be independently themed.

They also have that magnificent tree!
Look at Holly and Alan's pictures and you will see what I mean!

Holly and Alan were married at St. Matthew's in Hayfield. I'm always on the lookout for different pictures so we stopped off at The Roaches en route to take some eye catching panoramics by the huge rocky outcrops.

Alice & Andre were looking for a photographer in Manchester and

are both keen photographers who knew exactly what they wanted. They let me know they were vetting plenty of other photographers but they finally chose me.

At our pre-wedding meeting I received the tightest and scariest brief I've ever had (including 24 page A4 booklet and laptop slideshow!) Be afraid, be very afraid! I like a challenge but I did wonder if I could satisfy all their expectations. I'm happy to say I did and received the longest thanks email I've ever received!
Alice's getting ready pictures were taken at
eleven didsbury park, a peaceful haven with a fantastic walled garden right in the heart of Didsbury village.

The service was held at the nearby St. James (great for pictures + brilliant acapella choir), which has the added bonus of the little park opposite, with the reception held in Alice and Andre's garden marquee afterwards.

Rebecca and Paul needed a Staffordshire wedding photographer to capture their Big Day at
Packington Moor Farm near Litchfield. This is an absolutely fantastic venue for a photographer. There are just so many backdrops around you are spoilt for choice!

The getting ready pictures worked out brilliantly and were taken in one of the adjoining farm cottages, and the attractive courtyard is great for candid pictures after the ceremony.

The buzz was infectious, with that perfect mix of young and not so young guests that really makes a party swing.

This was a full day booking which always helps to produce a great album. A t

ruly beautiful bride and a handsome Groom, perfect weather, great guests and a wonderful venue equals a very happy photographer!

Quarry Bank Mill In Styal, Cheshire is full of historic home grown character and was the setting of choice for Melissa and Stephen for their August wedding.

Melissa looked stunning, with the bridesmaids' dresses styled to match the Bride's car, a clever touch which made for great pictures. It turned out to be a hot and sunny day and the magnificent gardens were in full bloom.

This versatile venue has plenty of room for a large guest list, and because it is so spread out you do need an efficient usher (or two!) to round all your guests up!

Melissa and Stephen chose a GF Smith Rhapsody Reportage album in Ivory.

Anna and Timothy were looking for a Derbyshire wedding photographer for their wedding at the Maynard Arms at Grindleford and they chose me.

Both Anna & Tim looked lovely and never stopped smiling all day, radiating love and happiness like a force-field. Thanks Anna & Tim, it was a real pleasure capturing your wedding. I think I have one of the best jobs in the world!

The Maynard has a light and airy oak panelled function room (great food!), with french doors opening out onto extensive and useful gardens. The soft evening light after the Wedding Breakfast was perfect for sun-kissed Bride and Groom shots.

I cannot recall ever mentioning a Catholic priest before but I must thank Fr. McMahon for conducting one of the warmest and most joyful wedding ceremony I have ever attended.

Caroline & Graham were married at St John's, Chorlton in the second week in August and had their reception at the Mere Court Hotel afterwards.

The Mere Court successfully marries a modern airy conservatory with period reception rooms oozing in old world charm. Lovely grounds too. The skies were cold and heavy with intermittent rain but this didn't dampen anyone's spirits.

Caroline wore a fabulous lace dress with a long veil and her natural elegance and grace shows in all her pictures.

Well landscaped grounds and gardens make such a difference to wedding photography and in this The Deanwater in Woodford, Cheshire is hard to beat.

They add timeless scale and style to images making a photographer's ideas that much easier to achieve. They also add a simplicity to images that really makes a beautiful dress stand out.

Look at Karen and Glyn's Graphi Book to see what I mean. I didn't have the luxury of a full day booking but I was as happy as Karen and Glyn were with the spread of pictures I conjured up for them.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Winter - Spring 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:28:00 +0000

My 2008 season started off early with bookings at two venues that were new to me. Both couples were looking for a photographer in Derbyshire and my friendly and unobtrusive approach won them over.

Eyam Hall would be called a Manoir in France and this is the perfect word to describe this charming and intimate period venue not far from Chatswoth House. The property has been owned by the Wright family for many generations and was perfect for Clare and Mark's mid-January wedding.

Clare got ready in the beautiful Tapestry bedroom with its four poster bed. We had lovely bright winter light which was great for both interior and exterior shots. Have a look at their album to see how good this venue is for smaller weddings.

Bramall Hall is a superb example of a 'Cheshire Black and White' timber framed manor house, with origins dating back to Medieval England. This was the perfect setting for Catherine and Lee's wedding on 1st March.

It may have been cold and wet outside but the warmth of the atmospheric Tudor interiors made up for that. The house overlooks 70 acres of beautiful parkland which has been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. I look forward to shooting a summer wedding at this attractive venue.

Samantha and Stephen were married at Cressbrook Hall, a hidden gem not far from Matlock and a venue new to me. I think it fair to say that Cressbrook Hall is grand in style but not overpowering in scale. It has lovely formal gardens which command stunning views across Monsal Head, with the added bonus of being one of the few venues where you can get married in the open air (weather permitting!)

Again we enjoyed the bonus of warm, bright March sunshine which added an extra sparkle to this winter wedding. Sam and Steve chose a 10x10 album but this venue would look even better with the extra breadth afforded by the 12x10 album format.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Autumn and Winter 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Still with my Cheshire wedding photographer hat on I really enjoyed shooting Emma & Ian’s and later Sarah and Tony’s wedding at the Stanneylands Hotel.

The Stanneyland's attentive staff go out of their way to offer a very personal service in keeping with the atmospheric rooms and decor, and the evergreen gardens are good even in the winter months.

In 2008 a handsome new conservatory was added to the hotel.

A little closer to home I wear my Derbyshire wedding photographer hat and must mention two weddings.

Rachel and Graham were married at the popular Moorside Grange Hotel, Upper Disley iin bright November sunshine.

Rachel’s stunningly simple dress was perfectly complimented by a bouquet of roses in the deepest red and the pretty bridesmaids wore dresses to match.

Shrigley Hall near Macclesfield was the sumptuous venue for Deborah and Stephen’s Xmas wedding.

The rain started almost as soon as the ceremony finished but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and their pictures show how important it is to choose a venue with versatile interiors if you are planning a winter wedding.

There was entertainment for the children and Father Xmas made a guest appearance. Debbie looked gorgeous and wore an absolutely stunning lace and satin dress which was liberally encrusted with pearls and crystals.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Summer 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:51:00 +0000

The Killer Dress of the year award has to go to Joanne.

Look at her pictures and I'm sure you'll agree!

Joanne and Richard were wed at Hollin Hall in early May.

This is a beautiful 19th century Victorian house in Cheshire which manages to mix the old and the new very successfully, with classic period interiors and a bright, airy conservatory where your civil ceremony will be held.

Suzie and Andy celebrated their wedding at the Bridge Hotel in
Presbury on a warm sunny early summer's day.

This well run Cheshire venue is perfect on a sunny early summer’s day where the well planted gardens and versatile patios make taking informal people shots a breeze.

Suzie and Andy were as relaxed and friendly as their guests, and the Toastmaster (always well worth having) ensured that everything ran smoothly with minimum fuss. A memorably happy occasion.

The Bride and Groom with the Best Dressed Parents Award goes to Rachel and Julian who chose me as their wedding photographer in Lancashire.

Perhaps it was the sparkling weather but everyone seemed to make that extra effort. Rachel’s dress was perfectly complimented by her bridesmaids who wore aqua silk.

After the ceremony at the Monton Unitarian Church the reception was held at Egerton House near Bolton. The sunlight and the magnificent tiered gardens gave me with extra inspiration and provided many different backdrops for pictures of the Bride & Groom.

Next, two couples who were looking for a wedding photographer in Derbyshire who could work unobtrusively and deliver great shots, without taking over and bullying either them or their guests. Two weddings, two different approaches required. I was their solution.

Clare and Mark were getting married in a country church with an informal garden reception to follow. They wanted a very photojournalistic approach with the absolute minimum of posed pictures.

They chose the charming and quirky Chinley Independent Chapel for their nuptials. Afterwards young and old mixed happily together in the Bride’s father’s beautiful gardens to the cool sounds of saxophones playing sweetly in the warm afternoon sunlight. Both couples ordered lovely Graphi albums, with Clare and Mark being so happy with my photography their album contained a record 115 pictures! Lisa and Chris were being married by civil ceremony followed by a large reception at a grand hotel and wanted a more conventional mix of formal and informal pictures.

Lisa and Chris were being married by civil ceremony followed by a large reception at a grand hotel and wanted a more conventional mix of formal and informal pictures.

The classically elegant Palace Hotel in Buxton fulfilled Lisa and Chris’ dreams. This venue also has the added bonus of the Pavillion Gardens only a stone’s throw away, providing another versatile location for photography.

Sarah and Matt were looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire for their reception at Sandhole Oak Barn and I was their man.

Sandholes has only opened recently and is beautifully located, with a versatile decked area overlooking its own lake set in open countryside. I believe the barn itself originated from Wales. It has been lovingly restored, has a great dance area and the glazed wall overlooking the water bathes the interior in lovely natural light.

Ness Botanic Gardens is an absolute gem and was the venue of choice for Philippa and Mark’s wedding ceremony.

The reception was held at the stylish Heswall Golf Club I was their wedding photographer in Wirral.

So that I can make the best use of every venue I always I meet up with the B&G on site before their Big Day, and it really helps when the Bride and Groom choose locations as photogenic as these.

If your budget allows for a full day plus evening, the extra coverage will give an even fuller spread of pictures which will guarantee a the most complete album.

Rachael and Neil needed a wedding photographer in North Wales and the Oriel Plas Glyn-y-weddw Arts Centre and Gallery in Llanbedrog was the unusual location.

The beach close by and the extra long booking allowed me to shoot more of my sort of Bride and Groom pictures that shorter bookings often preclude.

I think you will be very impressed with their pictures which win them my GraphiStudio album of the year award. Email me if you
would like a sample Bridesmaid's book.

If you want a fairy tale wedding venue with interiors to match the grandeur of the exteriors then look no further than Peckforton Castle.

Tracie and Richard were looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire and Tom Pollock was their photographer of choice.

Tracie loves horses and unknown to the Bride the Groom’s sister arranged a magical carriage ride for the lucky couple which brought tears to the Bride’s eyes! Peckforton is top contender for the My Favourite Venue Award.

MY FAVOURITE WEDDINGS & VENUES - Spring 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Tom) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:38:00 +0000

2007 was a fantastic year, but how could I start without mentioning the two last weddings of 2006?

Ellen and John were the very last couple to be married at the Freemason’s Hall in Bridge Street, Manchester.

This charming building with its high vaulted ceiling, expansive marble floors and soaring pillars has unfortunately been sold to property developers. I hope they preserve these beautiful interiors.

Ellen was one of the most stylish brides of the year and looked stunning in a classically elegant Ian Stewart dress taking my Less Can Be More Award for 2006.

Hayley and Mark were married at the elegant Statham Lodge
Hotel in Lymm, Cheshire in late December.

A gorgeous Bride and a handsome Groom, a great venue with beautifully landscaped gardens which encircle the property, and good weather to boot. Mark was the captain of the Lancashire county cricket team and the whole side turned out to celebrate.

Perfect!

People often ask how far I am willing to travel.

Wedding photographer in North Wales - no problem!

Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire is a memorable venue, and one of my favourites. The stately rooms have huge bay windows which flood the interiors with natural light. The gardens are extensive and have secluded walks which all contribute to great pictures.

Debbie and Ian had a wonderful day in sunny spring weather. I really enjoyed photographing their wedding and their pictures made a wonderful GF Smith Reportage album.

Emma and Michael were looking for a wedding photographer in Wirral for their marriage at the Hillbark Hotel.

This has to be a top contender for the most stylish wedding venue in the North West.

The location is wonderful, the period interiors are beautiful and the attention to detail, even down to the food presentation, is unbeatable. The Hillbark offer a large hoice of wedding cars, from the latest Roller (champagne pink!) to a more subdued vintage Rolls-Royce.

I hope the next booking I get there will be for a full day so I have more time to take the rest of the pictures I have in mind!

If you want a wedding photographer in Cumbria then see Helen and Darryl’s pictures.

Water always makes a great backdrop and there’s plenty of it around Cumbria!

Helen and Darryl were married in early spring at St. Mary’s Church (beautiful inside with lovely light) on Walney Island. The reception was held at the excellent Grange Hotel. Helen did much of the organizing herself and her attention to detail was faultless.

The bright blue skies and stunning views made for a Graphi album I was so pleased with that I ordered a copy for myself to show to clients.