Swanley Meadows

Earlier this month, under the clearest blue sky we could’ve wished for, Swanley Meadows hosted its very first styled shoot - and what a surreal, joy-filled day it was. As a brand new tipi wedding venue in Cheshire, we wanted to bring together some of the industry’s most talented creatives to help us showcase the magic of the setting, the versatility of the space, and the possibilities for couples dreaming of a relaxed yet luxurious outdoor wedding.

With the help of Florence & Vera Events, who not only styled the shoot but pulled together the troops, everything came together like a dream. Two beautiful model couples – Lucy & Jack and The Levines - helped us tell two unique love stories across one incredible day.

Setting the scene

Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Swanley Meadows was in full bloom. It was a warm spring day - not a cloud in the sky - and the shade under the beech tree was perfect for the creative team to capture every magical moment. Our beautiful Kata tipis provided the perfect backdrop for the shoot, blending rustic elegance with our natural surroundings.

A personal highlight? Watching my little girl wander in, completely mesmerised by the bridal dresses from 130 Atelier and sparkling bridal headpieces by Glorious by Heidi. She even tried one on! I’ve been following Heidi for years on my personal account, and a trip to the Cinemac made me realise she was local too. Total bonus! To see her work sparkle in real life at Swanley was a bit of a full-circle moment.

Later, my daughter was spotted dancing joyfully with lovely Lucy - one of those spontaneous, heart-melting moments that can’t be staged. Add in the sunshine, the music, and Lola the boxer dog trotting around, and honestly, it just feltlike the kind of day you want to bottle up and keep forever.

The creative direction

The shoot was brought to life under the creative direction of Paul Waring Photo, whose eye for detail and editorial storytelling helped shape not only how the day looked, but how it felt. Paul guided the flow of the shoot to replicate a real wedding day with such intention and style, ensuring every scene had depth, meaning, and just the right amount of magic. His ability to unify the team around a shared vision, while capturing content for all contributors was nothing short of inspiring.

The dream team

It was a privilege to work alongside a team of such talented, kind, and hardworking people – all of whom I actively look forward to seeing again.

Captured by:

Paul Waring Photo – lead photographer & creative director
Rob Machon Weddings – videographer, drone master, and all-round legend (who also managed to entertain my kids at the same time!)
Love Stories Live – content creation wizard, always in the right place at the right time

Styled & designed with flair:

Florence & Vera Events – I don’t even know where to start with Kate. We’ve only known each other a few months, but I truly feel like she’s my business big sister. She’s creative, kind, calm under pressure, and somehow always one step ahead. I'm so lucky to have found someone on the same wavelength to work alongside.
T.ink – Helen was a last-minute addition to the team to style the main centrepiece – the beech tree - and I’m so glad she joined us. A fabulous, determined, strong-willed woman - and not at all deterred by a burgeoning bump!
Grown & Made – I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard of Grown & Made before launching Swanley. But then I discovered that the flowers were grown just a couple of miles down the road in Marton - and styled by the insanely talented Julia. YES PLEASE. To top it off, turns out I went to primary school with John. Small world!

Fashion & finishing touches:

130 Atelier – Bridal styling by Sophie made everything feel effortlessly elegant.
Salvage the Slay – Bee and Byron brought an amazing energy and their dress protectors are such a genius idea.
Glorious by Heidi – Headpieces and jewellery that genuinely made people stop in their tracks.
Whitfield & Ward – Jack’s tux looked incredible – total James Bond vibes!
Cheshire Make Up Co – Natural, flawless bridal glam by the very best.
Vicky M Hair – Styles that held up all day, despite the wind, and looked beautiful in every shot.
Inked Paper Company – Maya brought so much charm and craftsmanship to the details such as signs, table numbers and invitations.
Cakes by Bethany – Beth couldn’t be there on the day, but she delivered two exquisitely decorated four-tier wedding cakes. We’ve known each other for years, and it cracks me up that we’re now putting our Biology A-Levels to good use in the wedding industry (LOL).
Options Greathire – The glassware and tableware added the perfect finishing touches to the tablescapes.

Atmosphere, music & extras:

Spellbound Ceremonies – Katie crafted two deeply personal ceremonies. She even managed to make a pregnant Amy cry -in the best possible way.
Franchesqua Sings – I’ve been fan-girling Franchesqua since launching Swanley Meadows, and was totally honoured that she agreed to come along after receiving a slightly cringe voice note from me! Her voice gave us goosebumps.
Photo Booth Taxi – Honestly? I was giddy about this one. Pics in Michelle and Rob’s taxi were a must.
Copper Bar Co – What can I say about ‘Bar Man Jack’? He’s a treasure. Always cooking up a new venture, and such an asset to the Swanley Meadows team.
Hitched with Stevens – Confetti galore– from baskets to packets to cannons, so many moments!
Simply Bells – Their mini moon bell tent added such a dreamy touch.
Lightech – Lighting and power to make the space shine!
Cheshire Luxury Toilet Hire – The poshest port-a-loos you’ve ever seen, totally matching the rest of the vibe. Yes, it matters!

A day to remember

From emotional vows to confetti showers, spontaneous dances to childhood throwbacks, this day was about more than just a shoot. It was a celebration of collaboration, friendship, and creativity - a peek at what’s possible when great people come together in a beautiful space.

And the pizza? Genuinely the best we’ve ever had.

Explore tipi weddings at Swanley Meadows

Whether you’re newly engaged or just starting to explore wedding venues in Cheshire, Swanley Meadows is ready to welcome you

Let’s create a wedding day that’s as extraordinary as your love story.

With love
Jenny x

Founder, Swanley Meadows – Tipi Weddings & Events

Our first styled shoot at Swanley Meadows