Samlesbury Hall is a perfect winter wedding venue. Situated just outside of Preston, Lancashire, the hall was built way back in 1325 and is full of historic character (and apparently a few ghosts too!). Samlesbury Hall is full of beautiful fireplaces to snuggle up next to during the winter months, and the great hall is cosy & intimate - and it reminds me of Game of Thrones too which is an added bonus! 

I've known Heather & Andy for a while now & I had the pleasure of photographing them both previously for their engagement session which you can see here! Heather is a super creative & talented lady who creates leather-work & costumes (check out her instagram here) so I knew the venue was going to be dressed beautifully! 

The beginning to Heather & Andy's wedding day was very relaxed. The girls got ready at the cottage on-site and the guys did their finishing touches in Samlesbury Hall, meaning I could nip over and get a few groom-prep photos. The wedding ceremony was short but beautiful and there a tears all-round. After a quick drink by the fireplace, we all headed outside for some relaxed group photographs outside Samlesbury Hall. I then snuck Heather & Andy off for a few private photographs themselves - they were well practised thanks to their engagement session! And I couldn't resist taking some portraits inside the great hall whilst it was all lit up with fairy lights! 

Heather & Andy topped the evening off with some music from the fantastic Maplewood who made sure every guest was up on their feet for some ceilidh dancing. Thanks for having me at your wedding day Heather & Andy - it was magical!

A few words from Heather & Andy:

- How did you two meet?

We actually went to nursery and primary school together but were not especially close, and went separate ways at secondary school age. We reconnected by chance years later and found that we were great for each other!

- Describe the proposal!

We had a short holiday in Tenby, and Andy proposed after a hike to a hidden beach. It had been raining all day, but it cleared up to be bright and sunny for the proposal. After a "yes" and a few tears the heavens opened again!

- Describe one highlight from your wedding day

Having everyone together was definitely a highlight. It's rare we have all our friends and family together so there were lots of people who had never met, but everyone got on great and had a lovely day. Another point was the excitement waiting to walk down the aisle!

- What was your favourite detail you bought or made for your wedding day?

We loved the little glass candle holders dotted on the tables, they really brought a warmth to the room. I (Heather) made my hair pins and loved finally seeing Andy's suit - he'd kept it secret until the day like I had with my dress.

Wedding Team:

- Venue: Samlesbury Hall
- Bride's Outfit: Victoria Jane (Ronald Joyce sub-brand) bought at Blush Boutique in Uppermill
- Make Up: Emily at Sonara Parker
- Groom's Outfit: Crichton Bespoke (Chester)
- Cake: Aunt Sponge Cake
- Flowers: Call Me Flower in Hoghton
- Band: Maplewood (ceilidh band)
- Reception Decor/Props: Flowers by Call Me Flower, chair covers/bows by Simply Bows & Chair covers Lancashire, favours by The Bee Centre at Samlesbury Hall, everything else handmade.