Knowsley Hall FAM Trip: Where Narnia, Influence and History Collaborate

I’ve spoken before, in one of my previous blogs, about how networking opportunities are really important and recently I was privileged to be invited to attend a FAM trip to the stunning Knowsley Hall, by Guides for Brides. Alongside this I had also been asked to participate in an exclusive styled shoot and, needless to say, I jumped at the chance.

But what I found truly inspiring, was that it was more than just a venue visit and more than just a styled shoot; it was about collaboration, influence, and the curation of storytelling through social media as we all took to posting our different perspectives on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn etc. When creatives from all sectors of the wedding industry, and a venue full of grandeur, join forces it brings a magic that is a joy to share.

Influence and Collaboration, Collaboration and Influence

The FAM trip showcased exquisitely how an event such as this inspired us all. We weren’t a group of wedding planners alone. We were a group which included photographers, content creators, musicians, influencers and, me, an Independent Celebrant which will reach a much more diverse audience allowing Knowsley Hall to connect from different angles with many more potential clients, whether it was the way that the venue was styled by Hiden Floral Design or how it was captured through the lenses of Victoria and Kaysy  for the styled shoot. In inviting us all, Guides for Brides ensured the diverse and varied social media reach I previously mentioned, guaranteeing every attendee’s unique observation, which would resonate widely.

Knowsley Hall’s Story: A Real-Life Narnia

The earliest part of Knowsley Hall was built in 1500 by the 1^st Earl of Derby, Thomas Stanley. Since then various Earl’s of Derby have left their mark on the building and today it is an imposing house with a Georgian façade, Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors (if you are a history buff their site is worthy of a visit to read their story). The Hall is an exclusive use venue with 17 bedrooms available for up to 32 wedding guests, Lord Derby’s Suite is reserved as the honeymoon suite for the newlyweds.

Upon arrival we were shown to our rooms which took us back to another time and oozed of elegance and charm, the views from each of which were spectacular and the feeling was one of serenity and took your breath away.

On entering our rooms, we were greeted by a lovely welcome card from the 19^th Earl and Countess of Derby, and gifting from Fortnum and Mason for attendees, adding that personal touch of luxury that perfectly reflected the Hall’s grandeur. This lovely gesture was a fitting complement to the venue’s elegance. Exclusive gifts added a sense of appreciation and further demonstrated how thoughtful details can elevate an event experience for couples and guests alike, making them feel cherished.

After settling in, and returning back to the main living room we were joined by the Earl himself, sharing stories of Knowsley Hall and the estates history which spans 1000 years. As if that wasn’t enough to make us feel like royalty, we were also really fortunate to have our portraits taken by Ranald MacKechnie, portrait photographer to Queen Elizabeth II and we were then given a tour of the house and its myriad of different rooms and spaces which would be ideal for a Celebrant led ceremony and the rest of the days celebrations. The Hall’s many rooms, with the intricate detailing and ambiance offers endless ceremony options for something truly unforgettable.

Gin Mastery and Evening Elegance

As the sun set, and we changed into evening attire, we were ready for an experience that would spoil our senses. Setting the mood, Leo Strings quartet played enchanting music, and then came the cocktail-making class! “Walled Garden Gin” produced by Knowsley Hall was our canvas, and we had a blast adding flavours like Honey, Apricot and Vanilla, or Strawberry and Watermelon or Sour Cherry and a finishing flourish of garnishes such as orange or lemon slices, fresh mint leaves and dried herbs. This kind of experience is fun and interactive and makes an overnight stay feel like a true celebration.

After being led into the gorgeous dining room, (beautifully dressed by Kelly-Anne Weddings – and surrounded by the most fabulous art) and just before dinner Dr. Stephen Lloyd (Curator to Knowsley Hall) using the works of art on the walls, gave us a more in-depth talk, which piqued our interests even more. The stories and knowledge, from both the Earl earlier in the evening and Dr. Lloyd, showed us into the Narnia of Knowsley Hall’s heritage, bringing the venue to life in ways that were colourful and tangible. The history and art of Knowsley Hall makes it unique and gave us so much more to talk about, and share, and speaking to those that obviously have so much love for the Hall gave us an appreciation that we can – in turn – share with our couples who are looking for a venue such as this.

This was followed by a delicious three course meal, prepared by the extremely talented chefs of the Hall and as we ate, we spoke about where we were, what we had heard and our gorgeous surroundings and the generosity we had experienced throughout the day. Our perspectives differing in relation to our individual roles but very much the same in that we wanted to show the Hall in its best light as it is such a gem of a venue. 

And, all the while, we listened to the dulcet tones of Holly Ellison who has an amazing voice. When we first heard her, we all thought it was a soundtrack playing in the background!

FAM Trip and Styled Shoot: There’s an Art to the Curation of Perfect Content

The thoughtful approach with which Katie, of Guides for Brides, planned this FAM trip gave us time and space to really experience the Hall in all its glory. We were able to fully engage with the venue and its team (whose attention to detail and customer service were exemplary), to capture content from our own perspectives and styles. 

On day two, it was styled shoot day and the venue took on a whole different life with each of us contributing our own unique vision. Our models for the day, Estelle and Younes, with Estelle in bridal wear and accessories provided by Along Came Eve Bridal which fit the venue perfectly, evoking days from Bridgerton right up to the present, and the addition of bagpiper, Robert Jordan who added an evocative layer of atmospheric sound and visual to the experience, totally enhancing the sense of occasion.

As an Independent Celebrant my interest lay in the many ceremony spaces which can be found in Knowsley Hall and it’s important to remember that we can conduct ceremonies anywhere, from the grand staircase for an intimate elopement in the centre of the house, to one of the rooms of grandeur with ornate ceiling, beautiful sconces on the walls and oak flooring and anything in-between. When it comes to one of our ceremonies there really is no room or place/indoors or outdoors, where we cannot conduct a ceremony. The only limit is the imagination and vision of the couples that we serve and, when I had finished participating in the styled shoot, John Hope, Alison Hargreaves and I went around the house taking photos of those spaces for further sharing.

Diverse Audiences

For us, for me, this wasn’t just about a site or venue visit. It was about being with other wedding professionals with different perspectives, different visions and, therefore different audiences. By bringing us together the trip allowed for content that would reach a diverse audience, resonating differently with each of them. It was an experience woven together by varied voices and viewpoints. Every post by the attendees added another layer to the Knowsley Hall story, creating a strong online presence that benefits the venue (and us) long after the trip and, as such, not only Knowsley Hall reaps the benefits but we do too. The diversity in reach therefore meant that the venue’s, and our stories were shared with audiences who might never have seen it otherwise. Guides for Brides curated the ideal group of people to tell Knowsley Hall’s story in a way that feels authentic, engaging, and inspiring for couples and event professionals alike.

Also experiencing this fantastic opportunity were a stellar cast from the wedding and events industry:

Venue	FAM Trip	Styled Shot
Knowsley Hall Bianca Godamune Megan Clarke Mike Hamilton	Alison Hargreaves and Katie Stout – Guides for Brides Lauren Goodman – Bluebird Creative Kelly Anne Page and Timothy Ward – Kelly Anne Wedding Planning Susie Evans – Luxury Weddings and Events Planner Soph Garcia – Get Garcia’d Suhani and Sunira – Pristine Events Hannah Rose – Hannah Rose Weddings Ranald MacKechnie and John Hope – By Appointment Weddings	Planner – Kelly Anne Weddings Photographer – Victoria Amrose Weddings Content Creator – Content By Kaysy Venue Styling, florals and stationery – Hiden Floral Design Bridal wear and accessories – Along Came Eve Bridal Hair and Makeup – Bridal By Artists Models – Estelle and Younes Bagpiper – Robert Jordan Cake – Cheshire Wedding Cakes Chairs – Lancashire Event Hire

Final Thoughts: Farewell, Until Next Time