A Relaxed Wedding at Bowland Tipis

There are some weddings where everything simply feels easy, and Thom and Mattie’s day at Bowland Tipis was exactly that.

Set amongst the woodland, Bowland Tipis provided the perfect backdrop for their relaxed boho-style wedding. It was one of those glorious summer days where everyone naturally wanted to spend as much time outdoors as possible, chatting, laughing and enjoying the sunshine.

One of the loveliest parts of the day was how much thought Thom and Mattie had put into making their guests feel comfortable. Their outdoor humanist ceremony was wonderfully relaxed. Guests were encouraged to move around if they needed to, stand up, or quietly look after little ones without worrying about disturbing the ceremony. It created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere and allowed everyone to simply enjoy the moment.

They met studying science at university, starting out as friends before realising there was perhaps a little more. The rest, as they say, is chemistry… and judging by the speeches, every science pun imaginable had to make an appearance!

Their ceremony was made even more personal as it was led by Mattie’s Aunt, who knows them both incredibly well. She shared wonderful stories from throughout their relationship, making everyone laugh and occasionally reach for a tissue.

Although this was their wedding celebration, Thom and Mattie had already quietly tied the knot during a small legal ceremony at Dunsop Bridge Church. I absolutely loved that they chose to walk down the aisle together at Bowland Tipis. It felt such a lovely reflection of their relationship—side by side from the very beginning of this new chapter.

The styling suited the venue beautifully. Thom and his groomsmen wore deep forest green, while the bridesmaids looked gorgeous in rich copper dresses that complemented the woodland surroundings perfectly. Mattie’s dress was stunning, with a beautiful lace design that gave the appearance of delicate macramé or crochet, adding to the relaxed boho feel of the day.

The flowers, created by Millie Davey Flowers, looked as though they’d just been gathered from a summer meadow. Arrangements of natural blooms filled small glass vases running the length of the long trestle tables, creating simple yet incredibly effective centrepieces.

As the afternoon drifted into evening, guests continued to enjoy being outside before heading inside to celebrate beneath the fairy lights and giant LOVE letters. A fantastic live band had everyone on the dance floor for the first dance before keeping the party going well into the evening.

This was my very first wedding at Bowland Tipis, and I have to say I absolutely loved photographing there. It has such a relaxed feel, surrounded by nature, making it perfect for couples wanting to celebrate in their own way rather than following tradition.

A big thank you also goes to Ray, who joined me as second photographer on the day. It’s always lovely having another pair of eyes to help capture all those little moments happening around the venue.

Congratulations once again, Thom and Mattie. Thank you for asking me to capture such a wonderfully relaxed, joyful day. I wish you both every happiness for your future together.

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When a wedding brings family and friends together from across the world, you know it’s going to be something special.

Andrew and Sherry travelled all the way from Qatar to celebrate their wedding at the beautiful Mitton Hall in the heart of the Ribble Valley, surrounded by just 19 of their closest family and dearest friends. It was one of those perfect summer days where the sunshine never seemed to leave, making it ideal for my very first outdoor ceremony at Mitton Hall.

The whole day had such an effortless elegance. Their colour palette of classic white and soft champagne suited the venue beautifully and created a timeless feel from start to finish.

What made the day even more special was hearing that Andrew had organised everything himself. Every little detail had been thoughtfully planned, leaving Sherry with just one job – to arrive, relax and be her beautiful self. I think every bride would appreciate that!

The gardens at Mitton Hall looked stunning in the sunshine, providing the perfect setting for their outdoor vows before everyone enjoyed drinks on the terrace and spent time together in the warm weather.

I was also lucky enough to be working alongside my other half, Ray Walmsley Films, which is always a pleasure. We know each other’s way of working so well that the day flows naturally, allowing us to capture all those genuine moments without ever feeling intrusive.

The atmosphere was made even more magical by the wonderful Bridgewater String Quartet, whose beautiful music filled the gardens throughout the drinks reception before guests were invited in for the wedding breakfast.

Sherry looked absolutely stunning. Her hair was beautifully styled by Ribble Valley Bridal Hair, with flawless make-up by Gemma Marie Makeup. Her bouquet of fresh white flowers, created by The Flower Girls in Whalley, was the perfect finishing touch.

Both the outdoor ceremony and reception rooms were styled by Bliss Events by Katie, creating an elegant white setting that complemented Mitton Hall perfectly. Every detail felt stylish, timeless and beautifully considered.

And then there was the cake! Another classic design, lovingly created by What Katy Baked, which fitted the whole look of the day perfectly.

Mitton Hall really pulled out all the stops to make Andrew and Sherry’s wedding unforgettable. It was relaxed, elegant and filled with so much love and laughter exactly what an intimate wedding should be.

Andrew and Sherry, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful celebration. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together as your next adventure begins on your honeymoon xx

Wedding Dream Team

Venue: Mitton Hall, Ribble Valley

Videography: Ray Walmsley Films

Music: Bridgewater String Quartet

Hair: Ribble Valley Bridal Hair

Make-up: Gemma Marie Makeup

Flowers: The Flower Girls, Whalley

Venue Styling: Bliss Events by Katie

Cake: What Katy Baked

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When Barbara Anne and Mathew reached out to me all the way from Canada to ask if I was available to photograph their wedding blessing at St Ambrose Church, I was delighted.

The church holds a special place in the family’s hearts, as Mathew’s parents were married there too. We first chatted online, and it honestly felt as though we’d known each other for years.

Before the wedding day, we met in person over coffee at The Coffee Exchange to talk through their plans. I think we could have chatted all day, but there were still flowers from Ribble Valley Wedding Events and a cake from What Katy Baked to organise.

Little did Barbara Anne and Mathew know that Mathew’s mum had been secretly messaging me about a surprise vintage Rolls-Royce from Forest of Bowland Wedding Cars. The plan was for Barbara Anne to be collected from Mitton Hall, where she was getting ready, before being driven to the church where Mathew would be waiting.

After the service, I arranged with the chauffeur for us to take a scenic route through the Ribble Valley, stopping in Sawley for photographs before the couple returned to The Rum Fox for their private dining experience.

I have to say, this was perhaps one of the most emotional wedding ceremonies I have ever witnessed. The happy tears, the love in the room, and the warmth from everyone made it incredibly special.

One of the loveliest moments came from the local church community. Several members of the congregation came along to support this midweek wedding and even brought spare confetti to share. It made Barbara Anne and Mathew’s exit from the church feel even more magical and was such a wonderful reflection of the community spirit at St Ambrose.

As a Ribble Valley wedding photographer, I always like to visit locations beforehand, so I’d done a little recce a few days earlier to find the best spots for photographs. After taking a few portraits around the church grounds, they climbed into the vintage Rolls-Royce and headed to Sawley.

The riverside setting provided the perfect backdrop for relaxed couple portraits, with beautiful views across the countryside and towards Pendle Hill. It was the perfect setting for this intimate wedding celebration.

Before long, it was time to return to The Rum Fox. Ray and I joined the newlyweds for a quick glass of wine, captured a few photographs of the cake, and then left them to enjoy a quiet evening celebrating together.

Small weddings like this remind me that a wedding doesn’t need hundreds of guests to be meaningful. Sometimes all you need is the people you love, a beautiful setting, and a day that feels completely true to you. Whether that’s an intimate wedding blessing with just a handful of guests or a larger celebration surrounded by everyone you know. There really is no right or wrong way to celebrate your wedding day, whether in the Ribble Valley or further afield – it’s about creating a day that feels right for you.

Planning a small wedding, wedding blessing or midweek celebration in the Ribble Valley? My Bijou wedding photography package is perfect for couples who want beautiful photographs without full-day coverage. Get in touch to find out more.

The post A Beautiful Wedding Blessing at St Ambrose Church, Grindleton | Ribble Valley Wedding Photographer appeared first on Kirsten Platt.

As I look back through Bridget and Brendon’s wedding photographs, there is one conversation I keep coming back to.

During the wedding day, Brendon and I were chatting and he told me all about Bridget. At one point he simply smiled and said, “She’s magic.”

At the time, I thought it was such a lovely thing to say. After spending the day with them, surrounded by family, laughter, music and so much love, I completely understood what he meant.

The way they looked at each other, the way they laughed together and the way they celebrated this new chapter with the people they love most told me everything I needed to know.

Whether that’s an intimate wedding blessing with just a handful of guests or a larger celebration surrounded by everyone that’s special to you, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you as a couple.

For Bridget and Brendon, that meant bringing together family, friends, music and love for one unforgettable day at Hobbit Hill. And what a wonderful celebration it was.

The post Love, Laughter and Northern Soul at Hobbit Hill | Bridget & Brendon’s Wedding appeared first on Kirsten Platt.

Eleanor & Jack | Beeston Manor Wedding Photography

Eleanor and Jack were married on the 1st May at the beautiful Beeston Manor, exactly 10 years after their very first date — making their wedding day even more special.

Their day was also the very first outdoor ceremony at Beeston Manor, surrounded by the stunning Lancashire countryside and all their favourite people.

One of the loveliest moments of the day was the “flower nans” sprinkling petals down the aisle before the ceremony began. Eleanor’s Grandad also did a heartfelt reading, making the ceremony incredibly personal and emotional.

Afterwards, guests enjoyed Mrs Dowsons ice cream and delicious hors d’oeuvres in the sunshine after an amazing confetti throw the guests did such a good job!

Following family photos and fun bridal party portraits, we later took Eleanor and Jack away for some relaxed couple photographs around the grounds of Beeston Manor.

The speeches were the perfect mix of emotional and funny before the evening celebrations began with cake cutting, a choreographed first dance and an incredible party with The Hush Party wedding band.

It was such a joy to photograph this beautiful Beeston Manor wedding and capture so many relaxed, natural, fun and emotional moments throughout the day.
An extra bonus working with Ray Walmsley Films

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A beautiful September wedding set in the stunning grounds of Abbeywood Estate, absolutely bursting with flowers and colour. As a North West wedding photographer based near the Ribble Valley, I love travelling to venues like this across Cheshire and Lancashire – and this one was such a joy to capture.

We were so lucky with the weather, as Ed and Kristina’s ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by nature and their favourite people.

Let’s rewind to the morning…

Ray and I travelled down the night before, staying locally so we could be fresh and ready to capture both sides of the preparations. When I arrived with Kristina, hair, makeup, and champagne were already in full flow—there was such a lovely buzz in the room, full of laughter, excitement, and those special pre-wedding moments.

The bridal suite gave us the perfect calm space to photograph Kristina’s dress and all those beautiful little details before the day really began.

Meanwhile, the boys were exactly as you’d hope—super relaxed and (almost!) ready on time. Before long, they headed off to greet guests, and it was time for the main event…

Ed and Kristina’s ceremony was heartfelt and full of emotion—beautiful readings, meaningful vows, the exchange of rings, and of course, sealed with a kiss. They walked back down the aisle to cheers and smiles before heading straight into a joyful confetti throw.

The afternoon flowed effortlessly—guests mingling, delicious canapés, family photos, relaxed wedding party moments, and plenty of natural, candid images (with a few quiet moments just for the two of them too).

Then came speeches—full of laughter, stories, and a few emotional moments—followed by incredible food and that lovely relaxed atmosphere that makes a wedding feel truly special.

As the evening set in, we had sparklers, cake cutting, the first dance, and a live band to bring everything to life.

But my absolute favourite moment?

The girls’ hockey team taking to the dance floor and perfectly pulling off the iconic Dirty Dancing lift to “Time of My Life”. Not only did they lift their teammate (the bride!), but also the groom, the mother of the bride, and the father of the bride… and honestly—they nailed it every time! You’ll have to keep scrolling to see that one!

Mean while over with the boys

Here’s the link to see Rays video for some reason I’m unable to embed it –
Ed and Kristina’s Abbeywood Wedding

Planning Your Wedding in Lancashire, Cheshire or the Ribble Valley?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, natural wedding photographer in the North West, I’d love to hear all about your plans. Whether you’re getting married in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, or Cheshire, I’m always happy to travel for beautiful celebrations like this.

Venue Abbeywood Estate
Flowers Abbeywood Estate
Wedding Film Ray Walmsley Films
Hair by –  @charlottemedfordbridal
Makeup by – @makeup_katelouise

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