Shireburn Arms wedding. Anya and Paul

Anya and Paul’s spring wedding at the Shireburn Arms

It’s been a little while since I last photographed a wedding at the Shireburn and it was so good to be back. It’s one of those venues that’s perfect whatever the weather. The last time I was here it was winter and it looked beautiful and cosy. Today however - it was like full blown summer - except in April! The Shireburn arms has never looked more stunning in the gardens at the back and I was so happy for Anya and Paul, not just because it was their big day, but because I found out earlier in the day that Anya had never even been to a wedding at all! She was well and truly spoilt.

The getting ready bit

I was working with my good friend Toni Darcy for Anya and Pauls wedding. Toni is a top wedding photographer and it was great fun working with her, however today she was on filming duties. After we had spent a bit of time with the boys in the morning we headed to Anya and her bride squad at the family home. They were already in full swing when we arrived with her dad running the bridesmaids through a trial run of walking down the aisle and Anya laughing with her mum. Combine that with beautiful natural light spilling through the windows and it was perfect for natural photography.

More than anything, I love to photograph real moments at weddings - that’s what is important when you look back at your photo’s. You want to relive all the moments and feelings. I actually met Anya’s father Richard before Anya, whilst I was at a wedding fayre at Holmes mill (another of James Places venues) and he is just such a lovely man - end of. It is so clear how much his family means to him and that he will do anything for Anya and her sister Olivia. He mentioned that morning that emotions would likely be running high, and they did. It was one of the most joyful weddings I’ve been to and felt totally humbled by being there.

The legendary Andrew Froud at St Mary’s church, Clitheroe

I’ve said it before, but Andy Froud is the best vicar there is. He isn’t some stuffy intimidating bloke who takes everything far too seriously - he is part of the celebrations, and adds so much fun to the day. When Anya and her dad arrived at the church the nerves were kicking and like most brides she probably hadn’t eaten much that morning. Many vicars would hurry things along, but Andy instead hurried on down to the shop and ran back with a banana for her!! How amazing is that?

After a beautiful service full of laughter, a few tears, and an incredible performance from a relative who happens to be a Royal opera singer, it was on to the Shireburn arms through a tunnel of confetti and a brief stop on Cromwell’s bridge to take in the views.

Drinks reception, and speeches at the Shireburn Arms

As I mentioned earlier the gardens at the Shireburn looked particularly stunning today as the flowers and blossom trees bathed in the kind of sunshine that you normally expect in June, not April. Guests sipped cocktails and beers before heading in for the wedding breakfast.

The speeches were hilarious, and there was more than one occasion where Toni and myself couldn’t help but laugh along too - especially when the best man pulled out a text conversation he’d had printed from between himself and Paul when he first met Anya.

After an emotional tribute to lost loved ones it was back out into the evening sunlight for some relaxed photo’s in the nearby field before a game of ‘Mr and Mrs’ marked the start of the night time party

Dance floor mayhem!

Oh my did these guys know how to party. That dance floor got wild and I loved it! It is so good to see everyone on the floor having a great time, I love to photograph this and think it’s just as important to capture as the rest of the day

That’s it from me for now. Dave

Awesome suppliers

Film - Toni Darcy photography

Wedding dress - Amelia’s Clitheroe

Flowers - The flower shop Clitheroe

Make up - Bec & Co

Hair stylist - Kelly Hughes

Suits - Slaters Preston

Cake - Richard Morgan