Merrydale // Melissa & Simon

Merrydale Manor is a stunning luxury Cheshire wedding venue. Melissa & Simon’s chosen location to host their wedding with the nearest and dearest.

Describe your wedding in three words

Relaxed, perfect and love-filled

Why you chose the date of wedding (did it have any meaning?)

M: I always wanted to get married in September for the chance of an Indian summer. Plus, it’s my favourite time of year.

Anything about how you met/proposal story

We met at university in 2009 but started dating in 2017 after a trip to Budapest. Simon recreated our trip as a day out in central London, but first got breakfast from our favourite greasy spoon. We visited a spa, had a tasting menu at a quirky French restaurant and finally went to the nearest pub. We went home, where his family had secretly decorated the house, and he proposed there.

Your inspiration/style/aspirations for the day

We wanted everyone to feel relaxed, comfortable and, most importantly, well fed. As a couple, sharing the experience with our closest friends and family was top priority.

Memorable/emotional/funny moment on the day

Jumping a fence ! (at the request of our fab photographer)
Reading our vows to each other was very special and emotional. Choosing a piano cover of Smash Mouth’s All Star really calmed any anxieties around the significance of the aisle

How did you discover me and why you chose me to photograph the day

Initially recommended through the venue, but loved the natural, laid-back and candid style of photography.

Wedding song?

Can’t take my eyes (off of you)

Any advice for couples planning their wedding?

Don’t stress about the little things / don’t over plan. The most cliche piece of advice, but the one that really started to overwhelm me as the date got closer.

Are you going on a honeymoon?

Yes ! We went to Crete straight after the wedding.

Anything else….

Thank you again Jess for working with us on our special day. We were truly spoiled to have you as our photographer and the photos are absolutely stunning. A little shoutout to Stefan, the Tall Toastmaster. Despite being separate entities, you both work really well as a team and put myself and Simon at complete ease.

REVIEW

“Couldn’t thank or recommend Jess enough for being our wedding photographer. We asked for candids and she delivered ! She put us both completely at ease and the photos are just beautiful. Thank you Jess!”