A WIRRAL wedding venue proved to be the perfect backdrop for an award-winning photograph.

Captured by Northwest photographer Joel Penn, this charming image was recently awarded a silver bar by the national Guild of Wedding Photographers and was taken at Thornton Manor.

The talented photographer, from Lancashire, captured this playful scene during a lavish wedding that took place at the exclusive country house. 

“Thornton Manor is a stunning venue for a wedding photographer - the grounds there are breath-taking,” said 40-year-old Joel.

“For me wedding photography is about capturing those special moments. On the day the venue was perfect, the weather was perfect and the bridesmaids were very excitable. I suggested a play in the grounds so that I could capture their high spirits.

“I was really pleased with the result and decided to enter the image to the guild.”

With more than 1,000 members the Guild of Photographers is recognised nationally by those in the industry and is made up of professional photographers committed to delivering the highest standards to their customers.

Joel, who was previously a Camera Operator based at Shepperton Film Studios in Middlesex, joined the guild in 2013 as his wedding photography business expanded.

“This was the first image that I had ever entered to the guild," he explained.

“So I was thrilled to be awarded a silver bar as their standards are very high.

“Now the pressure is on to make sure that the next image I submit is awarded a gold bar.”

Joel is back at Thornton Manor in May to photograph the wedding of locals Jennifer Guest and Andrew Webster.

He added: “I love this venue and I’m hoping it will provide me with another award-winning image.”