Naomi & David | Nunsmere Hall Wedding

Naomi and David have known each other since they were sixteen, so by the time they said their vows at Nunsmere Hall in September 2025, it had been a long time coming. Their day had everything I love: a big, happy bridal party, harvest colours in every room, and a couple who were more than happy to head off into the trees for their pictures.

Nunsmere Hall sits in the Cheshire countryside close to Delamere Forest, and for two people who would rather be up a mountain than anywhere else, it was a lovely fit. Here’s how their early autumn wedding unfolded.

Meet Naomi & David

These two go back a long way. They first met at sixteen, part of a group of friends who still go by the name of the Gang, but they only became a couple much, much later on. It’s lovely to photograph a wedding where so many of the guests have been part of the story from the very start, and the Gang were there in force, with their own group picture on the day.

Naomi and David describe themselves as outside people. They love mountain climbing and scrambling, and that love of the outdoors ran right through the way they planned their wedding.

The Proposal

The proposal happened on holiday in Cornwall, on a day out to St Michael’s Mount. “Whenever we go on holiday I bring home a rock from each venue,” Naomi told me. With the tide in and the two of them waiting for a boat back to the mainland, she realised she hadn’t picked up her rock for the day, so off they went to find one. “When I turned around David was down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes.”

The day didn’t stop there. They shared the boat back with twenty German tourists, walked the long journey home, and on the way helped out an old lady who had broken down with her two rescue greyhounds. In Naomi’s words, “It was an amazing but surreal day.”

Why They Chose Nunsmere Hall

“We are quite traditional people and we love the style of the venue and its private location, so close to Delamere Forest,” Naomi said. They also told me they were excited to see what pictures we could get in the grounds, which is always music to my ears.

It’s easy to see why it won them over. Inside, Nunsmere Hall feels like a grand country home, with wood panelling, tall windows, chandeliers and a sweeping staircase that’s made for a long dress. Outside, the gardens give way to trees and woodland paths, so you can be in the middle of the forest one minute and back at the front door the next.

Personal Touches

Naomi and David love the harvest festival time of year, so an early autumn date was key, and the decorations played a big part. Their aim was to bring the outside in. Tilly’s of Davenham were their venue dressers, and the ceremony room was filled with russet and gold autumn leaves.

The colours carried through everything. Naomi’s bouquet was full of deep reds, oranges and cream, the bridesmaids wore warm autumn shades, and David wore a green suit with an orange pocket square. My favourite touch of all? Naomi got ready in a pair of white lace-up boots under her dress. Very fitting for a couple who’d rather be out on the hills.

Getting married at Nunsmere Hall? I’d love to hear about your plans.

Bridal Preparations

With six bridesmaids to get ready, the morning started at seven o’clock in the hall, and the bridal suite was busy, bright and full of chatter. Hair and make-up went on around the room while Naomi laughed her way through the morning.

Once the boots were laced and the bouquet was in her hands, she was ready to go.

David and the Groomsmen

David got ready away from the hall, because the bridal party needed his room, and arrived with the groomsmen at eleven. We still made the most of it: a few details of his green suit and checked waistcoat, then the boys strolling up the tree-lined drive together.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was at one o’clock. Naomi and David had kept an outdoor ceremony as an option, but in the end it was held indoors, in a light, elegant room with chandeliers, white chairs and armfuls of autumn leaves at the front. Before it started, David turned round and took a selfie with the whole room, which set the tone perfectly.

It was a warm, smiley ceremony, and you can see on the guests’ faces how much it meant to everyone there. Afterwards I grabbed a quick picture of the two of them, just married and still beaming.

Drinks Reception at Nunsmere Hall

Straight after the ceremony came the hugs, and there were a lot of them. With just under sixty day guests, it felt like everyone wanted a moment with the newlyweds, and the wood-panelled hallway and lounge were full of happy reunions.

In between the hugs I borrowed the two of them by one of the tall windows, then we fitted in the family groups. To finish, everyone headed outside for a full group picture taken from above, with the red-brick hall behind them.

Back inside, the grand staircase was too good to ignore. Naomi’s dress spilled down the steps beautifully, and it’s a spot I’d recommend to any couple getting married here.

Couple Portraits at Nunsmere Hall

Naomi and David had told me they were excited to see what we could get in the grounds, so we made the most of them. We started in the gardens, where flowers and an old stone urn made a lovely foreground, then moved into the greenery for some closer, quieter pictures.

From there we followed a woodland path already scattered with autumn leaves. It felt like exactly the right setting for a couple who love being outdoors, and they spent most of it laughing at each other, which is exactly what I hope for.

We finished at the ivy-covered stone porch at the front of the hall, a classic Nunsmere Hall picture.

You can see more from this venue on my Nunsmere Hall wedding photographer page.

Love the night-time picture at the end of Naomi and David’s story? Here’s how I do twilight portraits.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

Guests were called through at three, and the speeches came before the meal, which I always love: everyone can relax and enjoy their food afterwards. There was plenty of laughter around the tables, and one speech read straight off a phone.

The tables carried on the autumn theme, and the cake sat among deep red and orange flowers. Food was served at four, and there was time for everyone to catch their breath before the evening guests arrived at seven.

The Evening Celebrations

With the evening guests in, numbers swelled to nearly ninety. Naomi and David cut the cake just after eight, then took to the black and white dance floor for their first dance under a starlit ceiling, with Disco Fish behind them.

After that, Disco Fish carried on the party, and Outrageous Fortunes Casino Hire brought casino tables for anyone who fancied a flutter between songs.

Before the night was over, I borrowed Naomi and David for a few minutes and took them out to the front of the hall. With the windows glowing behind them, it was the perfect way to finish their pictures.

Nunsmere Hall Wedding Suppliers

Naomi and David, thank you so much for having me along. From the white boots to the woodland walk, your day was so completely you, and I loved every minute of it. Here’s to many more adventures, and plenty more rocks for the collection.

Planning your own wedding? Get in touch and I’ll check whether I’m free on your date.