On Friday, 20th March 2026, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Carrie and Phil’s wedding day. Now, every single wedding at Hilltop Country House is super special, but Carrie and Phil’s day will be one we’ll cherish forever. As a team, we were super grateful that we had the opportunity to create a day that the beautiful couple had always dreamt of.
Gift a Wedding Charity
Just a few weeks prior to the wedding date, we got a call from the Gift of a Wedding charity asking if we had Friday, 20th March 2026, available. Luckily, we did! From this phone call onwards, we did everything we could to make Carrie and Phil’s wishes come true. Carrie and Phil had heard fabulous reviews about celebrations at Hilltop and loved the look of our venue online. And as their first choice of wedding venues, we were absolutely delighted.
Gift of a Wedding is a charity that organises weddings for those with a terminal or life-shortening illness. This is made happen by gifting wedding services, all suppliers who are involved in the day, from the wedding venue to flowers, to hair and makeup, to wedding cakes. Each supplier gives up their time and resources free of charge.
The story of Carrie & Phill
Carrie and Phil met at work and have been together for 15 years. After having their daughter in 2012, they got engaged but never married due to financial constraints and other obstacles.
In September 2025, Carrie was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer of the gallbladder, which was a massive shock at just 43 years old. She was told it was aggressive and life-limiting. Carrie knew that she wanted to cement her relationship with Phil, to have the same surname as Phil and her daughter and to make amazing memories.
Genuine warmth, joy & love!
From meeting them on their first visit to Hilltop, Carrie, Phil, and their family radiated happiness and warmth, and we instantly connected. They were blown away by all that the venue had to offer for their wedding, and we were blown away by their positivity and inspiring energy.
On the day, it was magical. It’s wonderful what the wedding community can do when we all come together for an incredible cause. Carrie’s story touched us all, and being part of it was truly uplifting. We’ll treasure the memories and moments shared with Carrie and Phil forever.
Carrie’s words
“I’ve got one word for this venue and its dedicated staff, AMAZING! My wedding day was perfect from start to finish, every detail was thought of, it was seamless. All staff were so kind and professional, nothing was too much trouble for them, thank you from the bottom of my heart Hilltop!”
The fabulous suppliers involved:
- Celebrant – Calluna Ceremonies
- Photography – ERS Photographic
- Videography – Aleksandrs Photography
- Cake – The Bake Box Cheshire
- Flowers – Flowers by Alison
- Paper Flowers – Cheshire Paper Flowers
- Makeup – Makeup by Danielle Barlow
- Hair – Hair and Makeup by Anneliese
- Chocolate Favours – Enjoy-Chocolate
- Singer – Lizzie Watts Music
- Venue Dresser – Decoupage Dreams
- Love Letters & Photobooth – The Added Extra
- Wedding Planner – Weddings by Holly Rose
Gift a Wedding
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