Sefton Park Palm House Wedding Photography
A Summer wedding at Sefton Park Palm House
Sefton Park Palm House is a jewel in Liverpool’s mighty crown. Liverpool has a lot of gems - hidden and otherwise - but the Palmhouse is an absolute diamond.
A Grade II listed Victorian conservatory, with glass domes rising high above the treetops, it is home to a botanical wonderland. And if you know me, you’ll know my love of house plants so I was in my absolute element surrounded by this historic collection of exotic palms, orchids and tropical plants.
Weddings at The Palm House, Sefton Park
Izzy and Theo met at uni, and their love story starts with slippers and The Beatles. No, not a cosy evening in listening to vinyls, but a night out at the student union bar. Theo absent mindedly left the house in his slippers - we’ve all been there, I’m sure I’m going to turn up to photograph a wedding in my Crocs one day! He bumped into Izzy and found he had the perfect conversation starter. They chatted for hours, even laughing off Izzy’s dislike of The Beatles!
After getting engaged down by the lake at Edge Hill University they embarked on some amazing adventures together - finishing teaching degrees, moving to China and adopting their beloved cats. After 12 years they wanted their day to reflect their love and happiness, as well as the incredible journey they’ve had so far. For Izzy, there was nowhere other than the Palm House to get married. She was born and brought up in Liverpool, and wanted to show off one of the most beautiful places in the city to their guests, lots of whom were travelling from overseas.
Liverpool city centre wedding photography
Their day began at Innside by Melia, a very cool designer hotel in the centre of the city. These two were so laidback, and their friends were so good at keeping everything relaxed and fun. I always say surround yourself by chilled out people on your wedding morning. You don’t want anyone who will cause additional stress or add to your nerves. I’m on hand too for any time checks, questions or “Oh my days…I’m about to get married, someone hand me a glass of fizz!” type moments.
The Palm House is beautiful inside and out, and those flowers and plants are so eye-catching, that very little else is actually needed when it comes to decor. Theo and Izzy added in some simple, pastel floral arrangements, a few personalised signs and colourful fans (much needed in the glasshouse, it gets warm in there!) just to make it their own, while still letting the venue speak for itself.
As Theo greeted their guests, Izzy was making her way over to the Palm House in a vintage car supplied by Keyhole Studios. Their ceremony was led by a close friend from Japan. I’m a big fan of Humanist ceremonies, or those conducted by someone close to you. They’re so personal and filled with warmth and humour. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Izzy and Theo said their personal vows to each other, but the next minute everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle ready to party!
The reception was a whirlwind of wild confetti moments, hugs, fizz, canapes and catching up with their loved ones. Birdie the Camper Van was there to provide photobooth fun as well as a very funky cocktail mini bar. Whiskey sours and strawberry margaritas were the drinks of the day and went down very well with everyone!
Quiet moments in Sefton Park
Just before the wedding breakfast I stole Izzy and Theo away for a bit of a breather and some time together. There’s no shortage of portrait backdrops around the Palm House - there’s 235 acres of parkland to explore! We kept things close to home though with a stroll around the back of the building, just so Izzy and Theo could get a little snuggly without being spotted by their guests!
With it being August we could make the most of the long, sunny evenings. After food, and before the dancing kicked off, we made our way out into the landscaped gardens to capture a few more golden hour portraits. This is always one of my favourite times of the day, all the formalities are over and couples feel so relaxed. We can have a giggle, you two get to cuddle up and I take some fab pictures for you.
Music is a big part of Izzy and Theo’s relationship, they’d loved sorting out all the tunes for their day and had booked an amazing band. The Different Lights soon got the party started and everyone hit the dance floor.
I’ll leave you with a top tip from Izzy and Theo - do this together! They found the most fun part of wedding planning was working together, creating a day that they’d both love. Any stressful moments, which are bound to happen, were made far easier by knowing they had each other.
If you are planning a Sefton Park Palm House Wedding, then I’d love to hear from. You can get in touch over on my contact page!