The Ivory Tower Preston

A Sneaky Wedding Celebration at The Ivory Tower – John & Claire’s Big Reveal in Preston

A Proper Surprise Party. John & Claire’s Wedding Reception at The Ivory Tower, Preston

So, picture this. John and Claire invite their closest friends and family to The Ivory Tower in Preston, telling everyone it’s an anniversary party. All the guests are enjoying themselves, the drinks are flowing, and everyone’s just chilling out. But then, a couple of hours in, they drop the bombshell they actually tied the knot two days earlier in a tiny, quiet registry office with just their kids and witnesses. That’s right, it wasn’t an anniversary celebration at all, it was their wedding reception, and we were all in on the secret. How brilliant is that?

As a Lancashire lass myself, I love a good surprise, and this one was done to perfection. And where better to pull off this cheeky celebration than The Ivory Tower? If you’re looking for somewhere in Preston that oozes history, charm, and character, then this place is the one. It’s nestled inside the Corn Exchange, a building that dates all the way back to 1824. A venue with such a rich history deserves a couple like John and Claire, who have their own story to tell especially since they first met here while studying at UCLan all those years ago.

The Ivory Tower: Where Past Meets Present

Okay, let’s talk about the venue for a sec, The Ivory Tower is a real gem. It’s part of Preston’s history, but it’s also got a modern edge. The red brick walls and Georgian windows give it all the old school vibes, while the stylish steel structure adds a bit of industrial flair. When you step in there, you can almost feel the stories it has to tell, and for John and Claire, it was the perfect backdrop for their big moment. It’s got that blend of class and charm, without feeling stuffy or too formal.

The Big Reveal: A Wedding with a Twist

John and Claire didn’t want a big, fussy wedding. They just wanted something simple and meaningful. A few days before the party, they got hitched at the registry office with just their witnesses and their two young kids. No fuss, no drama llama. But they were clever they told their guests it was just an anniversary party. Everyone was catching up, having a laugh, and then… BAM. They dropped the news that they were actually already married. A pretty solid way to keep things low-key and personal, right?

Photographing at The Ivory Tower

Now, as a wedding photographer in Preston, I’m lucky enough to see a lot of different weddings, but this one was a bit different. It wasn’t your typical “I do’s” and all the usual wedding photos you might expect. Instead, it was all about those raw, candid moments the laughs, the smiles, the gasps when the surprise was revealed. That’s what made it special. It was real, it was intimate, and it was fun.

The venue gave me a lot to work with, too. The combination of high ceilings, emerald green velvet drapes, and those lovely red brick walls made for some gorgeous photos. It felt easy and relaxed nothing too posed or forced. The whole vibe was laid-back, but still really beautiful, which is exactly how John and Claire wanted it. Their story is one of simplicity and real love, and I think the photos speak for themselves.

Why The Ivory Tower Works for Weddings

If you're on the hunt for a wedding venue in Preston, Leyland, or the North West, and you want somewhere that’s full of character but not too over-the-top, then The Ivory Tower is definitely worth checking out. It’s got that lovely mix of history, modern elegance, and a really relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a big bash or a more intimate do, this place ticks all the boxes.

Plus, I have to say, as a Lancashire wedding photographer, I’m all about venues that give me a bit of everything. The Ivory Tower’s got the best of both worlds, it’s got history, it’s got charm, and it’s got those lovely little touches that make a difference. It’s definitely one of my top recommendations for couples looking to tie the knot in Preston.

A Bit About The Corn Exchange’s History

For a bit of fun, let’s talk about the history of the Corn Exchange. Built in the early 1800s, this building has seen a fair bit of action. In fact, back in 1842, there was a tragic demonstration by cotton workers outside the building, which led to a confrontation with the military and the loss of four lives. In remembrance, a statue was put up outside the building, and it’s still there today.

But, as well as being steeped in industrial history, the Corn Exchange also has a rich cultural legacy – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac all performed here. Pretty amazing, right?

Planning Your Wedding at The Ivory Tower

If you’re thinking about getting married in Preston or anywhere in Lancashire, and you want somewhere with a bit of character (and a great backdrop for your wedding photos), The Ivory Tower should definitely be on your list. It’s a great mix of classic and modern, with just enough history to make it interesting. It’s one of those places that works for both big weddings and smaller, more intimate ones, like John and Claire’s surprise celebration.

John and Claire’s wedding reception was a perfect example of how you don’t need all the bells and whistles to have an amazing celebration. It was all about keeping things personal, real, and full of joy. I’m so happy I got to capture their day at The Ivory Tower, it’s not every day you get to be part of such a special and unexpected moment.

So, if you’re planning a wedding in Preston, Leyland, or anywhere in the North West, and want a venue that’s got history, character, and a relaxed vibe, check out The Ivory Tower. Trust me, it won’t disappoint.