We’ve mentioned before that we adore this couple, and it’s true.
When an award-winning Landscape Wedding Photographer attends The Ashes Exclusive Country House Barn Wedding Venue, this is what happens! AMAZING.
Mark Pugh had been looking forward to capturing Vicky and Neil’s wedding at The Ashes Exclusive Country House Barn Wedding Venue in Staffordshire for a long time.
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you will know that MP joined the couple earlier in the year for their preWED session at The Ashes, and it’s easy to see why they chose this secluded luxury venue for their wedding ceremony and reception.
On the day of their wedding, MP caught up with groom Neil and his Groomsmen at a nearby hotel in Leek, where they were enjoying a small beer to settle Neil’s nerves. After a brief photo-session next to the clock-tower in the town centre, we headed over to The Ashes Exclusive Country House Barn Wedding Venue.
The Ashes Exclusive Country House Barn Wedding Venue is available only on an ‘exclusive use’ basis, and boats a cottage for use by the bride and her party from 10:00am on the day of the wedding. MP then joined Vicky and her ladies as they were putting the finishing touches to their hair and make-up.
Vicky was then ready to put on her beautiful Justin Alexander gown, which was stunning!
With only a few minutes remaining until their ceremony, a piper stood in the courtyard to pipe Vicky, her mother, bridesmaids, and flower girls into The Ashes ceremony barn. Flanked by candles and their friends and family, Vicky took the long walk down the aisle with her mother to meet a tearful Neil. Their friends and family looked-on from both the ground floor and one of two large balconies.
After the ceremony was over, Mark Pugh photographed all of the guests before taking the wedding party into the formal gardens for portraits, utilising the main house, and the stunning, uninterrupted view of the Staffordshire countryside as backdrops.
Vicky and Neil are both deeply interested in design, and this was reflected in their unique wedding theme. Neil is a lighting designer, and Vicky is an interior designer.
They had burned the midnight oil to create a series of original pieces of artwork which adorned each window frame. On each table, there was a geometric shape made by the couple, and a booklet explaining the history of their favourite designers.
But there were more surprises in store. Each table was bought out a side of lamb and was asked to designate a ‘carver’ who was given an apron and chef’s hat. It was a nice touch, and brought a lot of laughter to the proceedings.
We must mention The Topiary Tree Florist who blew us away with their astonishing button holes inspired by the peacock lining of the men's suits and incorporating a Scottish and Liverpool twist.
Here, we present 100+ image previews on behalf of www.markpugh.com from Vicky and Neil’s beautiful wedding photography collection.
We have to admit, it has been a very difficult task to select these highlights.
As ever, enjoy.
About The Venue
The Ashes Exclusive Country House Barn Wedding Venue is an exclusive use wedding venue located in Staffordshire, United Kingdom. Set in 50 acres of rural countryside in the foothills of the Peak District National Park. The venue offers a totally private location for your wedding and is within easy reach of Cheshire and Derbyshire.
It’s easy to see why this venue won best wedding venue has won many prestigious awards.
THE TALENT INVOLVED
Award-winning Photographer: Mark Pugh www.markpugh.com (Entrepreneur/Owner of MP Media)
Wedding and Reception Venue: www.theashes-venue.co.uk
Florist:: The Topiary Tree thetopiarytreeflorist.co.uk | www.facebook.com/pages/The-Topiary-Tree-Florist/356270918374
Wedding Planner: Vicky, Neil (Bride/Groom) and the staff at www.theashes-venue.co.uk
Stationery / Wedding Invitations: Vicky & Neil (Bride/Groom) - invitation printed via Newspaper Club. www.newspaperclub.com
Table accessories: Vicky & Neil (Bride/Groom)
Dress Designer: Justin Alexander (8596) - Sheer Venice lace, sweetheart neckline, mermaid style skirt/train. www.justinalexanderbridal.com
Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Path - Liverpool. http://thebridalpath.wedding
Bride's Shoes: Elegant Steps - Liverpool. www.elegantsteps.co.uk
Hair Stylist: Steph Vogel (friend and wedding guest)
Makeup Artist: Katie Mathison (Bedazzled Beauty; friend and wedding guest). www.facebook.com/pages/Bedazzled-Beauty-Mobile-Beauty-Therapist/337828356294710
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Chi Chi London via House of Fraser. www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Groom's Formal Wear: Bespoke kilt tailored by House of Edgar (via Slaters). www.houseofedgar.com. Tweed jacket and waistcoat - Topman. http://www.topman.com
Groom's shoes: Loake tan brogue. www.loake.co.uk
Other groom clothing: Johnston (family tartan) tartan tie - Lochcarron. www.lochcarron.co.uk
Wedding rings from Goldsmiths. www.goldsmiths.co.uk
Caterers: Jenkinsons. www.jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk
Wedding Cake: Katy Buckman (bride's friend) of Tom Williams cakes of Liverpool. www.cakefactory.co.uk
Musician / DJ / Entertainers: Hip-shaker. www.hipshaker-band.co.uk