A few weeks ago I hopped in the car and headed up the M6 to the stunning Forest of Bowland for Rose and Tom’s Inn at Whitewell wedding.
My hour or so spent driving north was nothing compared to Tom’s parents who flew in from Australia for their boy’s big day! They had spent many family holidays in Clitheroe and Tom had such fond memories of the area he couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else. Luckily Rose agreed – she fell in love with the Inn at Whitewell as soon as she set eyes on it – and they planned a super relaxed wedding in the countryside.
Weddings at The Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell is the perfect spot for a wedding – or to enjoy an ale or two following a hike! Surrounded by picture perfect countryside and with views stretching for miles I can see why it was such a hit with Rose and Tom.
Originally built as a manor house back in the 1300s it became an Inn around the 1700s and is now a hugely popular pub, hotel and wedding venue. I love how they’ve combined the rustic charm of the country pub with the wedding marquee, a blank canvas for couples meaning they can really put their own stamp on it. Tom and Rose, with the help of The Countryside Florist, had filled the marquee with cream florals and dark green foliage, it looked so good.
Following their church wedding ceremony Tom, Rose and their guests made their way over to the Inn’s gardens, as the newly weds happily chatted away to their family and friends I captured all the smiles and laughter. I love these moments at a wedding reception, there’s always hugs, giggles and lots of fizz and beer which keeps everyone happy!
Wedding photography in the Forest of Bowland
Whilst I’m primarily a documentary wedding photographer I do love stealing my couples away for a few moments during their wedding reception. It’s a great chance for them to enjoy some time together away from the crowd and that’s when I capture some beautiful portraits for them. Tom and Rose jumped into their wedding van (yes, really!) and we all drove up into the hills. We really wanted to make the most of the incredible fells and breathtaking scenery and soon found the perfect, secluded spot. Luckily the three of us are all big fans of walking and exploring the countryside but I kept in mind that Rose was in her (stunning!) Laure de Sagazan wedding dress and heels so didn’t want to have too big a trek! These two are so laid back and down to earth, they were just over the moon to be married and to be out enjoying the surroundings of the Inn at Whitewell, I think we could’ve spent hours out there but we had a party to get back to!
Back at the Inn at Whitewell it was time to crack on with the celebrations. Tom and Rose had planned an evening do with a difference. There were some confused faces when guests were handed headphones but soon everyone donned a pair and got themselves ready for a silent disco! If you’ve not had chance to experience one of these then where have you been?! Everyone wears a set of headphones and picks from a number of different channels, each set to a different playlist. You could be bopping along to the Spice Girls while next to you your Auntie Barbara is rocking out to Queen! It makes for great photos – and yes, I got my own set of headphones of course!
Tom and Rose had the fun filled, super chilled day they had been planning and I loved every minute. I can’t wait until I head back to the Inn at Whitewell for another wedding and in the meantime I’ll be taking my wife up there for some good food, excellent ale and a wander around the Forest!
Check out some other gorgeous weddings on the blog.
