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

The post Beeston Manor Wedding Eleanor and Jack appeared first on Kirsten Platt.

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

The post Abbeywood Estate Wedding – Ed & Kristina | NorthWest Wedding Photography appeared first on Kirsten Platt.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Ribble Valley, Eight at Gazegill is a stunning new wedding venue that brings together the charm of nature, sustainability, and romance. A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of being part of a styled wedding shoot at this beautiful countryside location.

And guess what? We pulled it all together in just a few days!

With an incredible team of creative wedding suppliers, we brought a shared vision to life—boho chic meets barefoot romance. From flowing florals to relaxed styling, the shoot perfectly echoed the ethos of Eight at Gazegill: organic, natural, and deeply connected to the land.

The venue’s heritage wildflower meadow was the perfect backdrop. Though not quite in full bloom yet, you could already sense the magic it would hold—soon to be alive with bees and colour. As golden hour arrived, Mother Nature showed off, bathing everything in the most beautiful warm glow. It was one of those evenings photographers dream of!

After we wrapped, the team at Gazegill treated us to a delicious supper—sharing plates, artisan nibbles, and a glass (or two!) of bubbly. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, a reflection of everything this venue stands for.

Why Eight at Gazegill is Perfect for Your Wedding

If you’re searching for a sustainable wedding venue in the Ribble Valley, Eight at Gazegill offers something truly special. Their passion for the land, farm-to-fork food ethos, and breathtaking views make it ideal for couples who love nature, food, and a more meaningful celebration.

And the best part? I’ll be there for the Gazegill Wedding Fair on 6th, 7th, and 8th June, showcasing more of what this magical place can offer. Come say hello!

Planning your Ribble Valley wedding? Let’s chat! I’d love to be part of your story. You can browse my work at www.kirstenplatt.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @kirstenplattphotography.

Eight At Gazegill Wedding Fair

Come and Say Hello

I’ll be there Friday 6th June 5pm – 8pm – Saturday 7th June 10am – 4pm – Sunday 8th June 10am – 4pm. Here’s a few sneak peeks from last weekends wedding fair. Enjoy!

Styled Shoot – Thanks to all the suppliers that helped to make this happen

Venue – Eight at Gazegill – Kim and Vida
Dress – Sixpenny Bridal – Eleanor
Flowers – Emily the florist
Event Stylist – Bronte Bespoke Events
Stationery – Print for love
Model – Anita
Jewellery & Accessories. – Earth links bridal
Cake – What Katy Baked
Make-up – Ashleigh MUA
Hair – Kayleigh
Film – Ray Walmsley Films
Sail cloth tent – Cheshire Tents
Photography – Kirsten Platt
Sail cloth tent Florals – Leafy Couture

The post Styled Shoot at Eight at Gazegill – Boho Wedding Inspiration in the Heart of the Ribble Valley appeared first on Kirsten Platt.

Trace and Phil’s Holmes Mill Wedding

It’s all about family and friends for Trace and Phil – two families combined but their marriage.. Oh and many Grandchildren to keep everyone on their toes. A super day was had at their dream wedding venue Holmes Mill. All their hard work planning this special day certainly paid off… a party atmosphere from start to finish… I loved documenting every moment.
Here’s the photos from Trace and Phil’s special day enjoy.

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