A classic Cheshire wedding with an Arabic twist or two…

We met Sophie, John, their parents and their coptic orthodox priest a month or so before the big day, which was a bit of a whirlwind meeting with a million things happening at once, so we already had the flavour of their wedding day! This would be Capesthorne Hall wedding photography with an added twist :)

Let the day begin!

Pete met up with the girls at Kingsley Lodge a luxury B&B boutique hotel styled home in Wilmslow, very much the Cheshire set location an absolutely stunning space by all accounts! Whilst I met up with the boys and pretty much the whole of the Egyptian contingent at Alderley Edge Hotel. John was incredibly happy that his shirt, tie suit combo worked together having only received the shirt the day before it was the first time he’d actually seen it all together! The excitement of the day ahead was definitely tangible with all Johns’ family and friends. Eventually we all left the hotel to reach Capesthorne just in time for John to chat with the registrars.

The wedding ceremonies

The drawing room was most certainly a fitting location for this classic wedding, with Sophie looking quite the classic bride in an absolutely amazing dress and cathedral length veil – John certainly looked smitten as she walked down the aisle. So legalities done, time for a quick slurp of water for the guests then a dash to the gorgeous chapel in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall. So as the vicar put it, this was a once in a lifetime unique event for this little chapel. We were recording history for sure – the first Coptic Orthodox wedding ceremony at Capesthorne Hall! As with a lot of ceremonies from other cultures the British reserve is not the order of the day, Pete had been instructed to get in close and record the action – when in Rome and all that! John and his family had even flown in the bishop from Egypt, who quite funnily had a wheelchair by ‘Angel Wings’ the perfect company for religious mobility equipment ;) The coptic ceremony lived up to it’s expectations of a visual and oral assault on the senses! All credit to Sophie’s sisters who had to stand the whole time (1hr30) holding heavy lit candles, now that’s dedication!

Finally time for a celebratory drink or two!

The grounds of Capesthorne Hall are absolutely perfect for wedding receptions. Mingling on the terrace, croquet on the lawn, a gentle stroll to walk off the canapés, peruse the artworks indoors, all very English stately home civilised :) All to be followed by delicious food in the best smelling room oozing with flowers from every angle, as is the way with Red Floral!! All rounded off by a cutting off the most magnificent cake unmistakably a creation by the talented Suzanne at The Frostery, just down the road from Pixie HQ – we should really nip in for some samples!!

Egypt comes to Cheshire

Led from the lawns the guests were again immersed in Egyptian culture with Zaffa drummers and dancers getting everyone involved, kicking off the evening celebrations in style! Later in the evening guests were again enjoying the Arabic vibe with a brilliant belly dancer performing too.

Well what a fantastic jam packed culture filled wedding, these guys pulled it off with whistles and bells! Here’s to the next Egyptian Orthodox wedding!!

Capesthorne Hall Wedding Photography