A Swiss/English wedding at Peckforton Castle - Peckforton Cheshire Wedding Photographer

9 May

A newly married couple sit on the stone steps during their wedding at Peckforton Castle. They are smiling and talking animatedly.

Swiss Boy meets British Girl

When it comes to wedding planning, it’s fair to say that Emily and Marc were set on doing things their own way. They were planning a wedding while living apart - Marc in Switzerland, Emily in England - and across two languages. When you get to know them, that doesn’t seem too crazy.

They both took some time out to travel a few years ago, so they met on the other side of the world. When they returned to their respective homes, they stayed in touch, and after visiting each other, began a long distance relationship. They officially married months ago in a small ceremony, and in the name of fairness, decided to celebrate in style back in Cheshire after Emily moved to Switzerland.

This meant accommodating two languages. Honouring two cultures. Bringing two families (and everyone else invited) together in a celebration of who Emily and Marc are, and everything they’ve created together.

They wanted the day captured in a documentary style, with no direction, just photographing things as they really happened.

A black and white photograph of a newly-wed couple smiling in the Great Hall at Peckforton Castle. They are in the foreground, looking very happy as their friends in the background heckle them during couple portraits.

A Ceremony in Two Languages

Photograph of a couple during their wedding ceremony at Peckforton Castle. The couple are sitting on chairs while a little boy delivers their rings on a cushion to his dad, who is carrying out the ceremony.

From a photographer’s perspective, Peckforton Castle gives me so many opportunities to get creative. The natural light spills in from the windows on one side, which can give the photos a lovely tone. Sometimes it can be a bit dark, and there’s always the temptation to reach for the flashes, but I decided against it. It’s a personal choice, but I worry that using flash during a wedding ceremony could be a bit distraction. Instead I kept looking for good angles, moving around the space as discreetly as possible, and anticipating an emotional moment.

As they were already married, Emily and Marc asked two of their closest people to carry out a ceremony for them. Marc’s brother, Roger, did his half in Swiss German, while Emily’s friend, Carmel, entertained the English speakers. Together, they created something beautiful. Having a couple of readings and a blessing, as well as a traditional vow and ring exchange, gave their ceremony a traditional structure.

Photograph of a woman dabbing her eyes with a tissue during a wedding ceremony at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire

Photograph of a wedding ceremony in the Great Hall at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire. A man in a blue suit is reading while looking at the couple, who are seated on chairs in the foreground. Their guests watch from their seated position.

Confetti? Yep!

Paper confetti falls through the air at the end of a wedding ceremony at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire

Every scrap of confetti thrown at Peckforton has to be kept in the Great Hall. And it’s a big room. With a really high ceiling. Perfect for 10 or so confetti cannons!

Group Photos and Portraits

Like most couples, Emily and Marc wanted a few nice pictures together, and had a short list of group photos they wanted to take. They provided a short shot list that we could whizz through then get them back to their wedding reception. Peckforton is a large estate and has so many photogenic spots. I love the sandstone brick, so wanted to use the staircase leading up to some of the hotel rooms, and we were able to take all the group photos outside.

I was warned that at some point in the day Marc’s friends would approach me to ask for a really special photo - all 9 of them, who met when they were 9 years old, together for a photo.

And they had Ideas.

It turns out they do get Peaky Blinders in Switzerland.

Speeches

Giving speeches in two languages opened up so many comedy opportunities, and my favourite part about photographing a wedding at Peckforton Castle is just how well lit and comfortable the dining room is. It can be tricky to move between tables, but there was still loads of opportunity to get a great variety of shots.

A Spot of Golf?

Emily and Marc hired Crazy9 Golf to entertain their guests throughout the afternoon and evening. The lawn at the front of the castle is huge and totally flat, so it’s a great space for hiring outdoor entertainment. The golf itself provided plenty of opportunities for funny moments, as well as lovely compositions with the light coming over the walls.

Let’s finish with a Ceilidh

From 7pm the bar area became a huge dancefloor. Not wanting to have a traditional first dance, Emily and Marc opted for a ceilidh - a traditional Scottish dance with instructions given in real time by the caller. Think those group dances seen in things like Pride and Prejudice, but with more noise, energy, drinks and hilarity. Everyone swaps partners regularly, and they get faster as time goes on. A brilliant way to get everyone up and on their feet!