Words: Jan Clarke Photography: alex davies

If you are planning a spring or summer wedding, there is probably no finer venue in which to hold your celebration than a beautiful Country House or Country House Hotel. Styling a Country House wedding is all about using classic elegant design with soft, pretty, romantic touches, so just how do we create the perfect look?

THE VENUE

The North West has more country houses perfect for this type of wedding than you can shake a stick at, but we chose to locate our photo shoot at Colshaw Hall, one of the newest wedding venues in Cheshire.

Dating back to 1903, this Grade II listed building mixes beautiful elegant grandeur with the intimacy needed for an exclusive wedding day. One benefit to choosing a country house for your big day is you’re almost always guaranteed there will be no other weddings on the premises to upstage your big day.

At Colshaw Hall the main part of the house features a stunning reception room called the Langford-Brook Room, the Dempster Room which is a dedicated formal dining room and, the Music Room which makes an ideal setting for classic family wedding ceremonies.

These rooms host up to 50 guests. However, The Peel Suite is an impressive wedding suite surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. It combines English grandeur with state of the art facilities and has a beautifully chic interior and stylish bar. Larger ceremonies can be conducted in the marquee attached to the wedding suite.

THE DRESS

Think exquisite, graceful femininity when it comes to your bridal gown. Opt for a gorgeous full skirted dress rather than a more slinky close fitting style. A delicate posy and sweet flowers in your hair will complete your look.

THE FLOWERS

Dress your venue with flowers in delicate pastel colours, again keeping everything soft and pretty but combine this with finishing touches which reflect the grandeur of your surroundings, such as candlesticks and glass tea light holders. You can even add a touch of glamour with crystal candelabras or a touch of bling!

THE CAKE

Keep the romantic, feminine feel by going for a fine cake with full on sugary coloured detailing and give it extra wow factor by dressing with more of your chosen flowers. This can be a real focal point of your wedding reception.

THE STATIONERY

Keep it simple, luxurious and classic. Use traditional colours and think Letterpress designs which will work really well.

FINALLY

A country house style wedding is the perfect chance to dress up in style, enjoy delightful surroundings and yet still have the pretty wedding, and the big dress, you dreamt of as a little girl.

CREDITS

With thanks to all the suppliers who contributed to this photo shoot:

Venue: Colshaw Hall, www.colshawhall.com

Photography: Alex Davies, www.alexdphotography.co.uk

Flowers (venue dressing and floral hair accessories): Springbank,www.springbankflowers.wordpress.com

Cake: www.cakesbybeth.co.uk

Wedding stationery: Emma Jo, www.emma-jo.co.uk

Wedding Dress: Caroline Castigliano, supplied by Lace Bridal Boutique, www.lacebridal.co.uk

Hair and Make-up: Danielle Horan, www.daniellehoranmakeup.co.uk