Carly and Ben's wedding at Rowton Castle

I first met Carly and Ben at a wedding fair at Peckforton Castle in 2009.  That summer they asked me to be their wedding photographer for their marriage at Rowton Castle the following year. 

Well, I have to give them 10 out of 10 for good taste.  Rowton Castle was a new venue to me, but from their description, not just of the look of the place, but of the friendliness and professionalism they were met with whenever they'd visited, I was looking forward to seeing the place for myself,  never mind the excitement of working there.

I arranged a visit a few months before the wedding date, as I always do.  I always visit a new venue or church before a wedding if at all possible.  There's simply too much going on on the wedding day itself to waste time looking for shots.  I like to arrive at a wedding with ideas in my head.  That way I can shoot more for a couple and adapt to the unexpected (such as rain - which is perhaps not always unexpected in Britain) much more quickly.  My visit confirmed all that Carly and Ben had told me.  The place was stunning; the staff were friendly and helpful; an air of professionalism shone.  I left knowing it was going to be a great day.

And so it proved to be. 

I arrived early to capture some shots of Carly and her bridesmaids, Kara and Stacy, getting ready in the bridal suite.  Kara, who runs her own hair and make-up business, was very busy getting everyone looking their best. 

A bridal portrait of Carly

Ben is a military man, and was dressed in full uniform.  Fantastic!

Here he is with his Best Man and brother, Sam

Being a military wedding there was, of course, a ceremonial Guard of Honour.  This was after the civil ceremony, as the couple came outside to the lawn to meet their guests.

Ben's dad, Frank, even supplied the meat for the wedding breakfast.  Well, he is a first class butcher, running Taylors of Sale. 

Kara and Stacy, the lovely bridesmaids.

And with the Guard of Honour

 It was a very hot day - the guys in their black wool uniforms suffered in the heat - but that meant a beautiful evening too.  Just look at the light on the castle - a perfect backdrop for this portrait of the happy couple.

The tree in front of the castle is both ancient and spectacular.  The last shot of the night had to feature it.

The full wedding can be viewed in the client of my website.