Sarah McDonnell Photography

Susannah and Will were married at Thornton Hall Hotel, which is a very popular venue  based on the Wirral. It was a warm day at the end of July, with the typically cloudy skies we’ve often experienced this summer. I’m not complaining though, as we didn’t get any rain! The wedding was on a Sunday, and had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. It was a very musical wedding including a string quartet, singer, and The Singing Piano Man. They were lucky enough to be able to hold the ceremony in the outside pagoda, and the musical entertainment made for a great atmosphere during the drinks reception. Thanks to Susannah and Will for a lovely day!

I always start with the details…pretty flowers!

Have never done this with a dress before…was very careful though!!

Susannah and her helpful bridesmaids.

Arrival of Will in gorgeous Rolls Royce.

Getting their priorities right.

Will looks very dashing here…

I love to grab informal family groups.

Who says men can’t multitask?!

Great hat. His dad’s wasn’t bad either!

I try and blend in so people don’t know I’m there!

Don’t normally get very excited about cars, but this was amazing.

Susannah was given away by her brother.

A very happy exit.

Always happy to let others capture the moment too!

Got to make the most of that car!!

Susannah looked so pretty.

Yes, I love the forest, flash lit shot.

Will and friends…nice and relaxed!

The Singing Piano Man in the background…

…and there are his piano hands!

Waiting for the big entrance…

Here we are!

Victoria and Steven held their wedding day at Thornton Hall Hotel, which is one of my favourite venues to work at. The bride and groom have the option of an outside ceremony (weather permitting!), and it makes a lovely setting for the ceremony, and also for the photographer. The skies were looking decidedly grey and ominous, but Victoria and Steven made the brave decision to go ahead outside! It was the right decision, as the weather held just fine for them. It was a wonderful day, and thanks go to Victoria and Steven. 

Steven looking fairly relaxed!

A very pretty Victoria getting ready.

She looks perfect!

Steven and his best man leading the way.

I love capturing the guests as naturally as possible.

Here comes the bride!

The first look.

The exit as husband and wife.

I try and catch reactions like this as much as possible!

What a lovely couple they make!

A kiss in the woodland.

A tiny, but special guest.

Getting ready for the speeches…

and all the lovely expressions for me to capture!

The first dance…

…on their own enjoying the moment…

…and then the guests join the party.

It’s really nice to sneak outside during the evening…

…and use some flash creatively. It wasn’t really twilight when this was taken!

Lyndsey & Andrew were married at the Thornton Hall Hotel on the Wirral. We had typical Cheshire summer weather including both pouring rain as well as some lovely sunny spells, so we ended up using both the inside and outside of the hotel for wedding photographs.

The wedding was held in the Pulford Suite at Thornton Hall, so the guests were able to relax in the adjoining private bar prior to the ceremony.

Lyndsey looked fantastic as you can see!

I loved the combination of pink and ivory flowers.

The ceremony was held indoors due to the changeable weather (a good job as it poured down during the ceremony), but we were able to do the group photographs outside afterwards.

After the wedding portraits and groups we had the wedding breakfast and speeches. I don’t usually photograph people eating (unless specifically requested), but it’s really nice to include the speeches in the wedding photography coverage.