Your North West Wedding - Jun/Jul 2019 (Issue 56)

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY All the latest from around the North West PRETTY AS A PICTURE The Wedding Painter is a new company based in Ramsbottom neary Bury. Stuart Barkley, the owner, said: “It all began by chance. I worked in a craft shop and decided to paint a canvas on the building’s exterior. I posted a picture on the shop’s Facebook page and received a message from a lady asking me to paint at her nuptials. Four days later, I painted my first live wedding, and from that, The Wedding Painter was born. I enter the venue an hour or two before the happy couple, set up and faintly sketch out the room. After everyone has entered and settled down, I begin to paint. It’s a great talking point, and guests often come over to have a look and spot themselves.” Visit stuartbarkley.co.uk for more info. Nearlywed NEWS A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Innovative Photography by Kirsten Jane is celebrating 20 years of photography. Kirsten said, “I’ve loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember. I was a full-time teacher and used to photograph the children for the school brochures. I began to realise that teaching was getting in the way of my passion, so I turned my hobby into a business. Over the next few years, I photographed events including the Wigan International Film Festival and travelled around the world capturing weddings.” Kirsten celebrated with an exhibition at The Millennium Academy of Art (millenniumacademyofart.co.uk) , showcasing film and slides from the past 20 years. To find out more about Kirsten and see her work, visit kirstenjane.co.uk NEW AND IMPROVED Cartmel Racecourse in Grange-over-Sands recently invested a five-figure sum into improving its Louis Roederer restaurant. Located on the first floor of the grandstand, the space has a private balcony, panoramic views and can be hired for weddings. Steve Cooper, the racecourse director, said: “We have extended our hospitality offerings this year. We’ve heavily invested in the Louis Roederer restaurant, which for many years has been a favourite with companies wanting to treat their staff and clients. The new look is influenced by national hunt racing, and we hope it will be an inspiring environment in which our guests can enjoy a great day out.” For more information, visit cartmel-racecourse.co.uk Beech House Holidays in Cumbria has partnered with luxury sleepwear brand Look & Cover to create the ultimate hen party. The Girls Weekend Package includes a two-night stay for up to eight people in Beech House Holiday’s beautifully converted 18 th -century barn. There will be a bottle of prosecco on arrival, as well as a set of personalised monogrammed pyjamas for each guest. The company can organise tailored activities, including pilates, beauty therapies, horse riding, shooting, sailing and cycling. For more information, check out beechhouseholidays.co.uk and lookandcover.co.uk facebook.com/redsweetsphotography YOUR ESSENTIALS 9