AFFAIR A black-tie Located in their beloved Cheshire and close to where they met, Colshaw Hall was the dream venue for Bethany and Josh Images courtesy of Jess Yarwood Photography Although Bethany and Josh worked for the same company, they didn’t speak properly until they bumped into each other at the pub one Christmas Eve. They went on their first date a few weeks later and quickly realised they’d love each other forever. Christmas eve eight years later, to the day they met, Bethany returned home from a day out to find an aisle of petals and candles set up in their living room. “We had a very private, intimate proposal,” Bethany shares. “It was absolutely perfect in every way.” The couple had their hearts set on a countryside venue and Colshaw Hall being in their home county of Cheshire made it the perfect spot. “From the moment we visited, we knew we were going to get married there,” Bethany says. The date was set for 12th July, 2024. MONOCHROME MAGIC With plans for an elegant, black-tie affair underway the couple set about looking for styling elements to suit their black and white palette. The table plan and place names, complete with black bows, were simply and elegantly designed to suit, while one of the bride’s best friends baked a large heart-shaped cake, which she iced in black and white, and decorated with pearl detailing. Centrepieces featured white florals with hanging bauble tea lights. The bride’s bouquet featured white roses, white hydrangeas and eucalyptus. Meanwhile, the groom wore a buttonhole of hydrangea and orchid. The ceremony room was dressed by I Do Events Liverpool. “The setup was stunning,” Bethany remembers. “We had a large white florals on clear stands, with tall candles and petals along the side of the aisle.” THE PICTURE OF ELEGANCE Bethany always thought she’d go for a tight-fitting, fish-tail gown but when she tried on her dress, she surprised herself. The A-line silhouette with button detailing and low back didn’t fit the vision at all, but she immediately knew it was the one and loved how it made her feel like a princess. However, she still got to realise her vision in opting for a second, evening dress by Made With Love, beautifully embellished with a leg slit. Josh and his groomsmen wore tuxedos, while the bridesmaids were dressed in full-length, black, oneshoulder, fishtail, satin dresses by Australian brand Meshki. IT’S PARTY TIME! Violinist and pianist Craig Owen performed during the ceremony and reception. The couple also booked live singer Paddy Slater who comes highly recommended by them. “He got the party going before the meal was even finished!” Bethany shares. Later, Paddy was joined by a saxophonist, and they performed the newlyweds’ first dance song, Take Over The World by Courteeners. As the evening wore on the duo handed over to their DJ. MEMORABLE MOMENTS “Turning around and seeing my beautiful future wife walking down the aisle was my highlight,” Josh shares. After the ceremony, the two exchanged personal vows in one of the venue’s living rooms. “We were so happy we did this it meant we got to spend 15 minutes alone taking in the fact we’d just got married!” Bethany says. REAL WEDDINGS 17
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