Kat + Chris
My first big wedding of 2024! It feels SO, good to be back and kick starting the season early. I'm finding more and more often that couples are opting to steer away from Summer weddings, because they can make peace with the weather in Winter, and not only did Kat + Chris do that, but fully embraced it! Their February wedding at Manchester wedding venue, Styal Lodge, was inspired by their love of the slopes, and along with the venues already Alpine Lodge like appearance, they had a wintery, Apres Ski themed wedding, which definitely brought the class and party that Ski holidays bring.
Kat got ready in the Styal Lodge prep suite, with her bridesmaids, and had some beautiful soft light to set the scene as she stepped into her Jenny Packham gown - not just encrusted with intricate crystals and bead work, but also with a delicate flowing tulle cape, which suited both Kat and the theme perfectly. Meanwhile Chris, had an amazing dark green velvet dinner jacket, which matched the bridesmaids forest green gowns, and black tie.
Their ceremony was emotional and joyous, as Kat walked down the aisle to You Are My Sunshine, and throughout their service neither of them could keep a straight face. I love it when your emotions physically can't stay in, and manifest in giggles, especially during serious moments. After their ceremony we headed outside for some confetti - real dried petals, and some group shots, and then we got the golf buggy down to the lake for some portraits. As it started drizzling, we didn't want to be out for a particularly long time, and these images are a testament to how you can still get beautiful images in the rain, and how pre shoots really work to make you feel natural and relaxed during photos on your wedding day - Kat + Chris were total naturals, and knew exactly what I was envisioning for their photos, so we could work together quickly in the rain to keep them as dry as possible, and get them back to the party.
As they sat down for dinner, guests enjoyed a feasting style meal, and 5 speeches, including one from the bride herself, and an emotional surprise speech from Chris' son Alex. After dinner it was on to drinks and dancing, where the dancefloor went wild, as if we were really were in one of those chalets post ski run.
It was an absolute honour to be a part of this day, and I loved documenting it, start to finish. The perfect way to start my big 2024 weddings, and if this is how it's begun, I can't wait to see how it'll continue! Huge congratulations to this beautiful couple and new official family.
Venue - Styal Lodge
Dress - Jenny Packham
