A Wonderful Wedding…
Newlyweds Darren and Emily Hill recall their memorable day at historic Samlesbury Hall. Photography: NikBryantPhotography.co.uk
When worldwide events organiser Emily Hill came to organise her own wedding, there was just one venue that ticked all the right boxes.
“I was born and brought up in this area and the venue that had everything on my wish-list was Samlesbury Hall,” recalls Emily, who lives in Manchester with her new husband Darren.
“We wanted to be able to get married at a venue that had character, that could offer superb food for the reception, somewhere that is easily accessible for guests coming from afar and that could offer accommodation.”
As Samlesbury Hall is famed for putting delicious local Lancashire produce on the menu, is close to the motorway network and has delightful luxury shepherd’s huts within the grounds, for modern, luxury glamping, Emily and Darren knew they had found their perfect venue.
“Darren’s family are from Wigan and Haydock and we had lots of friends coming from Manchester so the location was great in terms of accessibility – but the historic hall is also tucked out of the way in a lovely rural location so it was perfect!” adds Emily, who has been an international organiser of corporate events and exhibitions for 14 years, having worked in the US, Middle East, across Europe and all over the UK. Her career means she has a total understanding of the strategies and skills required to create a successful event, so she was delighted to meet Samlesbury Hall’s dedicated wedding organisers: “They were great as they were really open to ideas that were a little bit different.”
With everything finalised, the evening before the wedding Emily and her bridesmaids stayed at the hall’s lovely, refurbished Gatehouse – a two-bedroom cottage within the grounds.
“It was lovely, we celebrated with champagne and in the morning, we had breakfast delivered to the cottage,” recalls Emily, who had enlisted the help of a dog chaperone so that the couple’s beloved Sproodle Eddie could join them on the day.
When the time came, Emily and her bridesmaids made their way to the historic Whittaker Room, the hall’s original chapel which is just a stone’s throw away from the Gatehouse, where the romantic ceremony took place. This was followed by a reception in the Great Hall in the main building, where the huge central chandelier was decorated with lots of flowers and the room set out exactly how Emily and Darren had envisaged: “The team did everything they said they would. We had a band in the evening and they even set up a ‘green room’ for them with food. Flowers that were in the Whittaker Room for the ceremony were moved into the coffee lounge in the evening – the team really exceeded expectations.”
The wedding reception menu focused very much on artisan-led, Lancashire produce and in the evening guests enjoyed delicious pizzas from the hall’s traditional Italian pizza oven.
During the day Emily and Darren’s photographer took them out into the grounds to get some super shots of the newlyweds with the impressive hall and rose gardens as a photogenic backdrop.
Guests at the wedding who stayed overnight, took 20 of Samlesbury Hall’s delightful luxury shepherd’s huts within the grounds and the morning after, a large group gathered at the wonderful Heritage Café, where celebrations continued, the remnants of the wedding cake savoured and highlights of the wedding were shared.
“It really was a fantastic experience. We so enjoyed our day!” concludes Emily.
Rebecca Rigler, Samlesbury Hall’s Wedding Manager, adds: “It was our pleasure to take care of Emily and Darren on their very special day. We know everybody’s wedding is completely unique and it’s always brilliant to see our couples’ fantastic ideas come together. We wish them the best and hope they come and visit us often!”
Samlesbury Hall
Preston New Road
Samlesbury PR5 0UP
01254 812010
samlesburyhall.co.uk
